July 18, 2005

 
Rider Interview – Arturs Matisons
 

Name: Arturs Matisons       Age: 20     Race Class: Elite Men

Sponsors: Bombshell, Troy Lee Designs, Bollé, NKE6.0, Thomson, WLM Design, Fizik, NIKE, Shimano, Kenda, BMX Pix, Bomba, NIKE Cycling

Current ranking: looking for experience not points this year

Best Ranking: 2003 - All four UCI jerseys in one year (European Junior Champion 20inch, European Junior Champion 24inch, World Junior Champion 20inch, World Junior Champion 24inch)

 

You are originally from Latvia, what made you decide to move to the US?

made this decision in a heartbeat – one moment I was in Latvia, other I was in America. It was quick. But I can’t say that I knew what I am doing because I didn’t know for sure what to expect there. But I wanted some changes, something different, something new for me and my career, not all the same faces and races year to year.

 

How is racing going for you this year? Are you missing the European scene?

This year has been hardest year for me – that’s for sure! There is no mercy in tracks for rookies like me, so it was hard… But it was great experience. After a good lap you feel so good ‘cos you have to race against World Elite champions etc. Good feeling and it’s worth every training to get that feeling.

I missed European scene. Every year the level is higher and higher so I didn’t know what to expect when I got back in Europe last week, but I did ok, so I was reliefed. :)
 

Who would you say was a ‘rider to watch out for’ from your home country?

Latvia is a small country, but we have some really good BMX riders. And not just one. If I mention Maris Strombergs (European Junior Nr. 1 2005) and Ivo Lakucs (European Elite Nr. 2 2005) I think that says enough! :) We have some challenge class champions so you will hear about Latvia for sure! :)

 

What are your aims for the future? BMX still in there?

You never know what will happen next day. But I love to ride my bike… I will ride as long as I can, but not too long too. I know that I won’t be like e.g. Dale Holmes who is 34 now and still racing hard. I have nothing but respect for him, but that is not what I see myself in 15 years. I want to race very hard now when I am young and after that do something else. I study business, so I will start some business, I will have family and I want to travel. But what is for sure - I will have trails close to my house and I will ride (just ride) my BMX bike as long as I will be able to!
 

Do you aim to go to the Olympics?

That is every BMXer’s dream. Mine too. You never know, but I will be there. Even like a spectator, but I want to be there! :)

 

Strengths and weaknesses?

Maybe I am too calm in track. I don’t know. I have lost some races only because I didn’t race aggressive, but that is the way I am I guess. And that is my strength in the same time – I can ride more smooth.
 

Anything you would like to add?

I would like to Thank everybody who supports me – my family, friends, especially my girlfriend, my coach, team ONE Bicycles and ONE Bicycles USA, all the sponsors and all the fans!

 

Many Thanks Arturs for talking to us…

Thank YOU and I will see you at Worlds in Paris!!

 
 

BMXCHICK / ONE Bicycles
 
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