english version
6 - edito BY Patrick Guimez - photo peka devé
A year just ended to let brand new projects start !!! 2012 was full of emotions and the bmx is progressing in the right way with more and more events, new riders who are pushing to the limit the sport. The world changing so fast , we had to be worried about an evolution and naturally offer adequate projects to everybody needs. Internet being the main communication tool of this world with infos running so fast, we decided to create a version of your A.R.T BMX magazine fully downloadable and free !!!! You will find inside all the last news and reports with a monthly content now and in many countries. Don’t judge this evolution as a step back, cause the print version will still exist but we’ll treat bigger content and deep subjects for a way better quality. All the A.R.T crew will never thank you enough for your support and we wish that 2013 will be even better for any of us !! Enjoy this new year !
january 2013, the snow in paris... photo peka deve Cover : Ryan nyquist, 360 toboggan one hand, RedBull Skylines, Paris - photo Bereflex
8 - Mot-Ana show by Moana Moo-Caille - photo bereflex
Hi everybody, I want above all to share you my joy to integrate the ART family! The story goes back nearly two years, when Patrick Guimez gave me the honor to make my interview for the second issue of this new magazine. New? Not really ... ART is actually the logical and mature continuation of CREAM which was a ÂŤfreestyleÂť magazine and created in 1999 by the activist Alain Massabova, a flat pioneer in France. One thing that I was immediately pleased into the magazine was this artistic and lifestyle side that it gave to BMX and of course the fact that it was the first magazine since 2006 to treat about BMX Race.This is not new to see some Racing in ART, Joris Daudet and Laetitia Le-CorguillĂŠ to name a few, were also interviewed in the magazine.So I had retaken the habit to buy my little BMX magazine and then contribute to the war effort. Yes, BMX is a tiny world whose evolution depends solely on the efforts of a handful of enthusiasts who give the best of themselves to move it forward.
After the Olympics, I had the opportunity to take a break during some good months without any constraint of training or races,I was able to do a recap of the last few years before a fresh start to attack the tracks of the globe. So I took the opportunity to relax myself, ride trails, learn new tricks and participate at some contest. It was on one of those events that Patrick informed me of their desire to expand the Racing pages related and it is all natural that he proposed to me to take control of it. Therefore, It is very happy and excited that I join this team composed of renowned personalities and actors of the evolution of BMX and the world around. BMX gives me so much that I had to give him back. Our goal is to provide content that matches both the ridersand to his cultural universe. Based on the photo, ART tends to promote BMX and them professional riders who still starved for recognition. I hope that you will find in our pages the answer to your expectations and that we shall you to discover a contents faithful to our dear and loving discipline.
10 - programme photo C. vanhanja
12 14 16 20 22 24 30 34 38 50 54 60 64 Brett the mad dog
Rendez-vous Shopping Musique photo contest patocherie initiation BéDéMX my bike Tory Nyhaug Windy Osborn maddog accident LAURENT VENDITTELLI Jesse & Viki La cremerie
66 68 72 78 82 86 90 94 98 106 112 118 124
Bruno Hoffmann Stephane Royer Maxime Cassagne Fise Paris vibrations urbaines Circle of Balance vans Rebel jam RedBull Skylines LOD Serignan Quentin Caleyron Celso Galeano Nitro Circus oldschool jam
Extend a hand!
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Photo: PRETEXT FACTORY
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12 - rendez-vous
Fight The Winter Flatland Contest 3 / Germany / 2.02.2013 UK BMX Vibes / UK / 3.02.2013 Winter Flatland Jam 2 / USA / 9.03.2013 BMX War Jam 2013 / Costa Rica / 10.02.2013 Twenty-Four Down / UK / 15-16.02.2013 Alencon BMX Flatland Contest / France / 16.02.2013 Ticos Jam 10 / Costa Rica / 17.02.2013 Bmx Indoor Caen / France / 23.02.2013 USA BMX Winter Nationals / USA / 1-3.03.2013 FISE Xperience Marseille / France / 16-17.03.2013
BMX DAY 2013 / Poland / 24.03.2013 FISE Xperience Reims / France / 13-14.04.2013 Fise Costa Rica / Costa Rica / 13-14.04.2013 Simple Session 13 / Estonia / 16-17.04.2013 X Games Brazil / Brazil / 18-21.04.2013 UCI SX WC Manchester / UK / 19-20.04.2013 FISE Xperience Canet en Roussillon / France / 20-21.04.2013 Astrolabe 2013 / France / 27-28.04.2013 FISE 2013 / France / 5-12.05.2013 TrophĂŠe des Melons de Cavaillon / France / 24.08.2013
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16 - music PLAYLIST #0
A.R.T BMX will now offer you a monthly playlist of 30 songs to accompany you on the current month. This playlist concocted by Stefanger will always be eclectic, full of novelty that should flood the airwaves in the coming months. So you have a pool of songs to illustrate your next ride videos, trip, or just to listen quietly along your favorite trail or park! So turn up your Ipod volume and discover this February 2013 ART BMX playlist.
01 - Georgie Rose – Stranger http://soundcloud.com/georgierose/stranger A Young 18-year-old Englishwoman who blows a new wind on the traditional rock folk song with a disconcerting maturity. The feminine counterpart of Jack Bugg ! 02 - Blue Hawaii - Try To Be http://soundcloud.com/arbutus-records/blue-hawaii-try-to-be Montreal duet consiste of Raphaelle Standell-Preston and Alexander Cowan, Blue Hawaii will bring out its second album, “Untogether”, in May 2013. While waiting for it, let delude by the sound of the acoustic guitar and the sweet voice of the title “ Try to be “ 03 - Josef Salvat - This Life http://soundcloud.com/josef-salvat/josef-salvat-this-life A powerful and deep voice to dress a quality pop, associate to a dark but delicate rock. In brief an artist to watch in 2013, undoubtedly. 04 - Atoms For Peace - Judge Jury and Executioner http://soundcloud.com/j0erg/atoms-for-peace-judge-jury-and-executioner Atoms For Peace est ce que l’on appelle un “Supergroup” puisqu’il réunit des artistes issus de différentes formations. On y retrouve le bassiste des Red Hot, le producteur Nigel Godrich et vous aurez reconnu la voix de Thom Yorke le chanteur de Radiohead. Autant vous le dire on croirait justement écouter du radiohead période “Kid A” et c’est certainement pour ça que c’est bon !! 05 - Javelin – Nnormal http://soundcloud.com/luakabop/javelin-nnormal A Brooklyn Duet which releases its second album in March 2013. A well measured use of the autotune, for an electro downtempo track, with a complex structure. 06 - Charli XCX - You (Ha Ha Ha) http://soundcloud.com/charlixcx/charli-xcx-you-ha-ha-ha THE New HIT!! from the English electro Pop trash princess. The kind of title which stuck in your mind after 2 listening, and we hope to listen again and again on the radio!! (If only) 07 - A$AP Rocky - Like I’m Apart (feat. Florence Welch) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h4IG9hilmg The new miracle of the US rap is accompanied here with the powerful voice of the English singer Florence Welsh (Florence and the Machine) for a vocal battle with a very heavy beat on the background. 08 - Sir Sly – Gold http://soundcloud.com/sirsly/sir-sly-gold Sir Sly is a trio which have been buzzed quit a lot on indy blogs all over the web these last months. This track which announces the release of an EP soon is darker than the last ones but possesses a very catchy melody. You’ll judge! 09 - Ryan Hemsworth – Basedworld http://soundcloud.com/ryanhemsworth/basedworld The Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth has just delivered its new title “ Basedworld “, A Huge Track which seems to be designed for the soundtrack of an xtrem sport video. 2013 should be the year this artist’s going to explode, regarding to the amazing tracks he has release last year. (Especially its remix of Mikky Ekko) 10 - Dan Croll - From Nowhere http://soundcloud.com/dancrollmusic/dan-croll-single-from-nowhere This Young Artist of Liverpool with a typically English Pop voice composes a music at the middle way between Grizzly bear’s indie rock and Metronomy’s Weird Pop. In fact, it’s awesome!! 11 - Hands – Trouble http://soundcloud.com/bestfitmusic/hands-trouble This Los Angeles Band is made for those who like guitars which make dance. A thick bass and a catchy guitar make this title irresistible! Fans of Hot Chip and The Rapture, it’s for you! 12 - Junip - Line Of Fire http://soundcloud.com/junip/line-of-fire Aaaah sweden... Homeland of Abba and the sometimes too much sweetened pop. It’s also homeland of much more melancholic Folk band as Junip, the trio where officiates José Gonzalés one of the most fervent representing of the Folk song of the 2000s. Soft voices and delicate pop make of this ballad a moment of serenity and peace. 13 - Suede – Barriers http://soundcloud.com/consequenceofsound/suede-barriers Brett Anderson and Suède come back with a new single! The English rock band had not given any more sign of life since its last album in 2002! This romantic rock title announces release of a new entitled album “Bloodsport” who should go out in March. 14 - Sykes - Out Of Your Hands http://soundcloud.com/sykesband/sykes-out-of-your-hands Indie Pop Trio from the South of London which has just taken out its new three titles EP on wich you can find the track “Out of your hands” carried by the attractive stalk of voice of their singer. 15 - Night beds – Ramona http://soundcloud.com/mmmusic/night-beds-ramona Winston Yellen, the man behind so called Night Beds, is native of the Colorado and lives actually in Nashville. So it’s Useless to explain to you why his music is so marked with the sound of the old American Folk song! The title “Ramona” possess tones in the crossing of “Bon Iver” and “Kathleen Edwards”.
16 - Cold War Kids - Miracle Mile http://soundcloud.com/coldwarkids/miracle-mile Return of the Californians from Cold War Kids with the single Miracle Mile which strips!! The band follow its conquest of the Mainstream universe but don’t forget to release the howling noisy guitars. 17 - Local Natives - Heavy Feet http://soundcloud.com/local-natives/heavy-feet Their new Album “Hummingbird” released at the end of January is previoused by this soft melancholic track with a rhythmic which sounds like a running horse. Less pop than before, more Psyche folk but always so good! 18 - Asian She - 6:17 http://soundcloud.com/asianshe/02-6-17 A Band from Los Angeles which produces a music rather Dark with 90’s indie rock tones, but which sounds definetely very contemporary. A dark bass, a freaking out synth and a voice from beyond the grave will make that track haunts your brain. 19 - Telekinesis - Ghosts and Creatures http://soundcloud.com/mergerecords/telekinesis-ghosts-and Atmospheric, filled with feelings and melancholic are the words which qualify best the new track of the band of Seatle, “Telekinesis”. Their best track ever at this day!!! 20 - S O H N - The Wheel (MAU Remix) http://soundcloud.com/m-a-u/the-wheel-mau-remix SOHN is a Viennese Artist who lives in UK. He produces an ultra melancholic music in a spirit close to that of “Apparat”. It’s remixed here by a Portuguese artist named MAU, who embellished the original track by means of a rhythmic percussive and of sparkle synth which intensify the dramatic and melancholic aspect of the track. 21 - Tom Odell - Another Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwpMEbgC7DA Tom Odell is a young British composer/songwriter Who makes Pop Music and does it well!!! Piano and Folk tones on lively rhythms make that music irresistible. He has just win the Brit Awards Critics’ Choice 2013 what is rather of good omen for him because some of the previous winners became Stars (Adèle, Jessie J....) 22 - Monarchy - Disintegration (Mike Luck Remix) http://soundcloud.com/monarchysound/monarchy-disintegration-mike Well, with this tune I grant it to you, we are close to bad Taste! But this remix which sounds like the Kavinsky track “Roadgame” tempts to make a high-speed trip on the highway! 23 - Amtrac - How Can She (Original Mix) http://soundcloud.com/amtrac/amtrac-how-can-she-original An House Music Tune which sounds a few 90’s with its running bass and its old school sample of voice, but which sounds like a summer track and with this wintry weather, well that does not hurt!! 24 - Attaque - Blinded By The Moonlight http://soundcloud.com/attaque/blinded-by-the-moonlight Then that, that sounds as a good old tune of Chemical Brothers, but it is in fact one of their fellow countryman, the Englishman Dominic Attaque who produces this Massive track!!! The hollow voice is the one of South African “Petit noir” who comes to add his touch of blackness to the picture. 25 - Brodinski - Dance Like Machines http://soundcloud.com/user688819015-1/brodinski-dance-like-machines We do not introduce any more “Brodinski” the boss of the French label Bromance which releases awesome on awesome tunes for months. His new Track still uses formidable Techno tones but also comes out a certain Hip-hop spirit whom Brodinski is a strong supporter of. 26 - Jason Burns & Brent Still Life - Right Here http://soundcloud.com/symbolsrecordings/jason-burns-brent-still-life A completely representative track of the new crossing style between Pop Music and Underground current which we find a lot, among our English and Americans neighbors. Dubstep Tones, R’ N’B, pitched vocals, and unstoppable melodies!!!! The kind of thing which will make you feel on top. 27 - HeavyFeet - Dirty & Stinking ft. DRS http://soundcloud.com/heavyfeet/heavyfeet-ft-drs-dirty No artist of the whole world can’t sounds as the English artists make it!! Their flow mixed to their typicall London accent with an atomic bass in the background, makes that they will always be ahead regarding Bass Music!! “Heavy feet” does not break the rule with its dirty dubstep!! 28 - Sleepin’ Giantz – Mucky http://soundcloud.com/tru-thoughts/sleepin-giantz-mucky What to say?? Have a look to what I said for the previous track!!! In this case “Sleepin’ Giant” accelerates the tempo and it’s still good! Do You feel your hips begin to move??? 29 - Just Blaze x Baauer – Higher http://soundcloud.com/just-blaze/just-blaze-x-baauer-higher You wanted an even dirtier sound??? Some real Trap Music as make it the Yankees???? Well here you are served!! BAss and bass again, Hardcore synths, Jay Z’s samples every ten seconds, the apocalypse is not far on this tune where both producers united their strengths. 30 - Mindscape – Stardust http://soundcloud.com/d-n-b-30/mindscape-stardust How would say Bereflex (one photographer of your favorite magazine) BOOYAKAAA!!!!!!! Mindscape it’s Drum n’bass like only English people did it! That beats up and makes you jump everywhere!! If you are a fan of the kind, I recommend you the album “ Martian Chronicles “ released out on the “Commercial suicide” Record company. A 100% woobling LP
20 - photo contest
For this new edition, it’s the young photographer Antoine Petek who win this contest with this picture of an amateur rider in end-of-day, the sun being always of the part…
To be a part a the photo contest, send us 3 of your best pictures (HD) with every information : rider, photographer, spot... by email : info@artbmxmag.com
jordan thibeaux à magny les hameaux (78)
22 - patocherie by patrick guimez - photo ruben vigil
You ride bmx or you re just there to spit on the others ? Hi everyone, I wanted to wish you an happy new year with your friends and family. I wanted to talk about this new trend wich is bothering me more and more everyday , and even chocks me ; this exact reflex that people got by checking what the others are doing and of course for bad reasons. There s no sense to point people cause the list ll be for sure quite long, but it s just sad to realize how commonn it is now in our sport. How to explain that ? Maybe simply cause people got more crazy after hearing about the end of the world, a real need to to express negative things, people having nothing else to do or just a huge frustration ? I dont even know and between
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you and me , I don’t even want to understand. The only thing I could tell and maybe the only advice i could give, will be to invite those people to focus on themself and keep their energy for creative things making us more united instead of dividing us. I just can be proud for choosing bmx as my life and sport but sometimes I feel ashamed when I see people fighting on the web and of course trying to divide people with unnecessary conflicts. Never too late to change and take finally the good way, and never forgot why we decided one day to pu our ass on a bmx saddle : to share good moments !!!!! All the best for 2013 !
This new part of ART BMX wich will come back in every issue will be unfortunately only in french this time cause it needs so much time to make it in every single language but be sure that from the next issue you will have different languages. Thanks to Nicolas Curie for his amazing job and for bringing this new project to the mag !!
30 - my bike
Alain Massabova
photo CVH
Cadre/Frame : PiR custom 18”, CrMo 4130 HT, made in France (1,4 kg) Fourche/Fork : Ares Garuda 2011 Potence/Stem : Sequence Hook + titanium bolts Guidon/Handlebar : Odyssey Chase Gouin 8“ no backsweep Selle/Seat : Infinity Kevlar Pivotal + titanium bolt Bluesix Tige de selle/Seatpost : S&M pivotal silver Collier/Seat Clamp : Shadow Alfred Poignées/Grips : ODI Longneck pro flangeless Levier de frein/Brake lever : Eclat Swift + titanium bolt Frein/Brake : Diatech Hombre Fiesta + Odyssey Knarps Patins/Pads : Fly Zapatas + aluminium bolts Cable : Black Snake teflon Direction/Headset : Quamen Bouchon fourche/Fork cap : Tree bicycle Couronne/Sprocket : St Martin CDO 24T Chaine/Chain : Shimano Dura-Ace 10 Speed Pédales/Pedals : Mini plateforme plastique Pédalier/Crank : Profile Magnutitanium 145mm + titanium bolt Bluesix Axe pédalier/Spindle : Profile titanium GHD + Profile titanium bolts Boitier de pédalier/Bottom Bracket : spanish + plastique spacers Pegs : 059Brand Polypegs (plastique) clear Pneus/Tires : Panaracer HP406 20x1,75 Chambres à air/tubes : Schwalbe extra light AV7C Jantes/Rims : Alienation Deviant silver Moyeux avant/Front hub : KHE Greyhound + titanium bolts Diabolic Freecoaster : KHE Greyhound Flat + titanium bolts Diabolic Rayons/Spokes : USA Titanium + Alloy nipples Flatlandfuel Poids/Weigth : 7,5 kg Favourite parts ? The panaracer tyres are perfect ! Modification ? Anything that can be titanium is on my bike, lighter, short and compact. The frame is custom-made and it fits perfectly. A word on your bike ? The bike is certainly light but without compromising on riding, it’s still a bike for flatland with a handlebar and a seat for flat, even though it does not necessarily follow nowadays’ fashion...
34 - maxi best of - canada by moana moo caille - photos SDSHOT
Tory Nyhaug
Tory is simply the archetype of the really good pilot, so fast, so fluid, pro, good looking and of course nice guy that we meet during the world circuit ! Many things making this guy as one of the most talented rider of his generation ; 4 times AM world champion, he ended last year in the 4th position of the world at only 20 years old. We invite you to discover the “best-of“ of this young Canadian who for sure will make his name bigger and bigger for many years .
Top 5 riders who inspired you: As a young kid I always watched Transit race videos every night before I went to bed. The battles between Bubba, Kyle Bennett, and Randy Stumpfhauser were my favourite ones to watch. Those guys especially inspired me to keep pushing myself to be at that level. Top 5 riders you prefer to avoid: Nobody, I love competition more than anything and I love racing against fast guys. Top 5 riders you like to watch: No body in particular, but its cool to see guys put down fast laps or sick lines. Top 5 tracks ever rode: Chula Vista SX, South Africa SX 2011, Victoria Worlds 2007, and many other fun tracks in France.
Top 5 mates off the track: Jimmy Brown, Mischa Partridge, Connor Fields, Luis Brethauer, Martijn Jaspers, Twan Van Gendt, Masa Sampei, Moana Moo Caille, Sylvain Andre. Can’t pick 5 I got lots of brothers! Top 5 in the final for Rio 2016: Me (Of course ;)), Sam, Connor, Twan, Joris Top 5 songs you like to hear before a race: I don’t listen to much music before racing! Like to stay calm and go out and do my best. Top 5 toys you bring while traveling: Iphone, Macbook, Foam roller. All business toys
Top 5 destinations: South of France (favourite place to be), Vancouver, San Diego, Durban, Australia
Top 5 cutest girls on the track: Too many cute ones to name
Top 5 competitors for 2013: Fields, Willoughby, Willers, Strombergs, Van Gendt
Top 5 things you dislike in BMX: 7am Sunday morning warmups at ABA races!!! Also Dynamic warmups, Sprints in the rain and cold, losing organs, dumb crashes
38 - photo - USA by seb ronjon
Windy Osborn Born in California during the sixties, Windy published her first bmx photo when she was only 14 years old in the Bicycle Motocross News magazine.Then in 1976, while his brother RL started to be famous into the bmx community, her dad Bob created the BMX Action mag, followed in 1984 by Freestylin’ , two international references for the BMX world. Due to her passionate eye, Windy contributed to the success of both magazines and became essential. She’s known as one of the biggest BMX photographer from the oldschool time and her talent just received the honors by entering the famous BMX Hall Of Fame !
Dino
Martin
Tell us briefly the incredible adventure of the Osborn family in BMX world? After my parents divorce in 1968, my father fought in court for 5 years to gain custody of RL and I, and when he finally did, he suddenly became a single father of a 10 and 13 year old... and what to do? As a fireman on the Torrance Fire Department, he worked 3 out of 9 days, which allowed lots of time to have extracurricular hobbies, as well as spend time with his kids. Wanting mostly to keep us involved in something constructive, my father and brother all ready raced motocross, so we would go to the dirt bike races... mostly I would watch and they raced. Of course, we also attended the pro races at the Coliseum in LA, Saddleback and other great events. My father also worked on his own motorcycles, and taught RL how to maintain is motorcycle too... they were always in the garage working on their machines. My father welded, built cabinets, gardened, and was into photography. As it wasn’t always convenient to drive all the way out to the races, the kids in the neighborhoods began treating their Schwinn’s like motorcycles, by stripping down their bikes: changing the handlebars to a lower profile or motocross style with appropriate grips, swap out the seats, strip the bike of fenders and chain guards and all the pansy-garb, and of course, change to knobby tires. Then they could ride their bikes in the dirt fields and so they built little motocross tracks and jumps and wood ramps in the front yard with concrete blocks and plywood. ALL the kids in our neighborhood hung out at our house... of course, I had big interest in the scenery for most of those kids were BOYS. Anyways, as things progressed, there was a track up in Redondo that held BMX races, so we began going. My father contributed time by being the race starter, RL would race, and so I wouldn’t feel left out, my father let me shoot with his Minolta SLR. My father and RL actually tried to get me to race a couple times, so I tried racing on a sidehack with my trusty girlfriend Theresa Geenke... scared the shit out me, and I realized, being behind the camera was a perfectly safe place to stay!! After the first roll of tri-x I shot, my father said I had a good eye, and of course, I thought he was pulling my leg and trying to make me feel good. My dad was pretty serious about photography, so we had a darkroom in the house. He taught me everything, shooting, developing, printing B&W... and he made me read Ansel Adams’ Zone System... which for a 13-14-15 year old, is no easy read... but extremely scientific about working with black & white images. So we began attending the races on a regular basis. RL shares an early story about how the kids kept breaking the motocross bars they had on their bikes. There was a local Schwinn shop in Redondo Beach (California), owned by Pauline, and every time RL would bring in his broken bars she would complain and argue as to what “these kids were doing” and why they kept breaking their bars... it frustrated her and she fought the kids’ attempts in mimicking the motocross motorcycle racers... she saw no future in BMX. A year later, she ended up sponsoring RL and actually sending to the Schwinn factor where he had the pick of his choice in equipment, and where they picked his brain for information and advice about how to build better BMX bikes. RL was 9-10 at the time! As things progressed and we were attending races on a regular basis in Redondo, out in Sylmar with the NBA and at Yarnell... and there was Bicycle Motocross News, owned by Elaine Holt. My father and I contributed to the paper, my father writing and shooting, and me just shooting. As I took my first pics at 13, I was first published at 14, and became staff photographer soon after that. In 1976, Elaine offered to sell the newspaper, and my father was interested in buying it for her asking price of $7000, at the time of closing the purchase, she tripled the price to $21,000, and my father replied with “Well, for that price, I could start a magazine!” And literally, the rest is history! So in 1976, my father borrowed $10,000 from his sister, and launched Bicycle Motocross Action Magazine with the panning shot of Brian Lewis at Corona, on the cover... shot by myself. The magazine began as a bi-monthly publication and soon ended up monthly.
At age 11 your brother was racing BMX, with Greg Hill I believe, and he was part of the first ever “BMX test team” for “Bicycle Motocross News”. Do you have memories of that time? RL says that at age 12, he and Greg Hill owned their age group class, always one and two. RL says that he was racing like seven events a week, and after a year of that, burned out and quit. At around 13, when Bob Haro came to live with us, Bob knew how to do a curb endo, and RL and Haro began riding together. RL also says that some guy out of San Diego, John Swanigan knew a lot of tricks, he was like one of the original freestylers, but RL and Haro started riding together and making up new tricks and then started doing shows. I think one of their first shows was for the Bicycle Source, in Torrance. With your photos, many riders have become heroes and stars in the world. And you have inspired people like Spike Jonze, successful in the film industry. What is your feeling on that? The realization of affect of my photos didn’t hit me until many, many years later... like after Joe Kid on a Stingray came out. I went to the preview in Hollywood, and everybody just kept thanking me. Today on Facebook, I continue to get thank-yous. When I first began shooting, it took a long time to establish a credibility to be out on the tracks or on the ramps, for all the track officials looked at me as “some girl” out there in the way. Of course, I was never in the way... I was extremely intuitive to the g-forces of the guys racing a downhill track and then coming into a big-ass berm, which could easily be overshot. I was also very aware of the ebb and flow of the freestylers on the ramps, and the last thing I wanted was to get my camera or face smashed in. Of course, the only time I did get hit... someone caught it on film. After the magazines became more popular and powerful, I began throwing a little attitude with officials who still didn’t know who I was... “don’t you know, I’m with BMX Action!”. In those days, I enjoyed being able to be where ever I wanted to get the shot I wanted. I hated having to climb up on top of those huge ramps though... where everyone could look up my shorts, and most of the ramps didn’t have ladders to climb up the sides on. I also remember some of the illegal places the editors would take me for shoots... someone would have some hidden drainage pipe back in some field behind fence and I would have to climb fences, and go places where we could get caught or busted... the job had its hazards, but always with great entertainment along the ways. Back in the day, I did have the sense to appreciate my situation having my own luxury darkroom and endlessly funded budgets for darkroom and photographic equipment... I was no dummy. I also loved wearing shorts and t-shirts to work every day. But it wasn’t until after Joe Kid that I began to realize who much of an impact I had with my photography... and how it changed people’s lives for the better in many, many ways. And, is my honor, something I am very grateful for. You were the only female photographer in the industry of BMX, freestyle and skateboarding, a very masculine environment, and in 2012 you are inducted into the Hall Of Fame as “BMX Woman”. How did you manage to gain recognition and respect? And how do you live this wonderful reward after all these years? WINDY : It was most challenging being the only woman photographer in the industry, which of course, only drove me more to be the very best... I wanted to be better than everyone, and to prove that it was NOT a man’s world... it was MY world. And I wanted to prove that a woman could do just as good AND better... and honestly, at the time, I was just having a really good time. Traveling and watching these young boys do such incredible things... I wanted to communicate their talents and skills to the extreme, to show people how truly incredible they really were. The things I saw in my time, were incredible. Being inducted into Hall Of Fame is frosting on the cake, and an honor. I appreciate the acknowledgement and gratitude from those who I’ve photographed... and hope to NOT be a boring recipient of the award. While shooting, I don’t get a lot of flirtation for I think most of the boys were either afraid or intimidated by me... or maybe they just
josh
Pete Augustin
weren’t into me... who knows. Eddie Fiola and I were together for 3 years in the mid 80’s... so, of course, that kept me out of circulation. I feel like I was more of one of the guys, at the time. And over time, it just took my shooting great shots, to where people began to see that I was worthy. And in order to get those great shots, I had to step way outside my comfort zone as a girl... and I was extremely competitive, so I would do whatever it took to get that great shot. Today most of your magazines are easily downloadable on the web, what do you think of this perpetuation of the memory? I’m not surprised... the world of technology is incredible... the desire for people to remember this far beyond the past, is somewhat sensible, for we were the pioneers of the sport. We created the magazines that changed the industry... made it big, put it on the international map. Everything about the sport today, stems from our beginning creation. RL being the first freestyler or one of them... him and Bob Haro. I’m sure there were others, we just had the vehicle to get the word out and show others what we were discovering first hand. Early 2012 Osborn family was very “existing” in the French exhibition Beton Hurlant at National Sports Museum in Paris. What is your feeling on that? Did you keep objects from this period? While we were in the midst of the industry establishment and growth, I know I didn’t really think much of what was happening on the level of how the magazines would end up impacting kids worldwide. I knew the magazines had clout, and I knew that we were respected for the product we put out, however, I had no idea of the depth of life-changing power the magazines would have 20-30 years down the road. So, items saved from that period of time that I saved, I managed to stash a small amount of slides of my work, only because they were my fave images, covers and published work. I probably have several hundred slides, no where near what I shot throughout the life of the magazines. And if I hadn’t taken those, there would be no trace of my work. I never got a straight answer as to what happened to all the images from the magazines, I was in Carmel by then, when GO! shut down... was a new single mother and very distracted with my new life in Northern California, so I never found out about the details of that process. I know RL doesn’t have any of his historical belongings for he moved on with his life and family, raising two boys as well. I think my father got rid of whatever photography he had. When Joe Kid on a Sting-Ray came out, I think that was the beginning or realization that there were kids who did want to know about the history of the sport... and I think ever since, has become a craze, where all of us pioneers have a small window of opportunity to live out our recognition for contributing to the sport, what we did. My father and brother by far, had a much more valuable impact on the development of the sport, I just documented it, in my more creative fashion. The Beton Hurlant in Paris, is amazing... I am honored to get to be a part of that, and more important, I am thrilled that the sport gets that kind of recognition... pat yourself on the back for putting that thing together, I’m sure that was feat to accomplish. It’s very rewarding to know that BMX finally got into the Olympics... I remember the first time I saw an X Games on TV... I KNEW that that happened because of my family... not solely, but, if we hadn’t pushed BMX to the level we did, and if we hadn’t given freestyling it’s own magazine, who knows what could have happened. If the motorcycle guys hadn’t seen what the freestylers were doing, or the extreme BMX riders, like Mad Dog, in jumping, they never would be riding and tricking like they do in X Games today. This is a funny note, back to the beginning... when my father had wanted to do a BMX magazine, he initially didn’t consider doing a BMX magazine himself, except that he went to Hi-Torque Publications and pitched it to them. They published Motocross Action and Dirt Bike
Magazines, way back in the 70’s. I actually got a few of my ancient images published in Dirt Bike in 1978, of Thom Lund on the monoshock, and I think Billy Wouda and maybe Clinton... I don’t have a copy of that mag, so it’s a weak memory thing. Anyways, we were excited to show them that 20 inch bicycles were being treated like motorcycles, and kids were getting rad just like the big motocross stars. I think, at the time, they found it a novelty. So anyways, my father was at that point where he KNEW there needed to be a BMX magazine, and Hi-Torque had no interest whatsoever... so with Elaine Holt in offering to sell her paper... that’s why my father decided to do it himself. He knew nothing about publishing magazines... my father can do anything he wants... he’ll study and figure it out himself. He is a self-made success, truly. What are your thoughts on the amazing new school scene? From the videos I’ve seen of kids freestyling, I am blown away. They took what riders like RL and Fiola and Blyther and Hoffman and all those guys, who executed their tricks and style with vigor and skill, they took it to a level of ballet and ease... I cannot believe they way kids move with their bikes today. When you saw my brother do his tricks, you knew they were difficult and that it took hours and hours of practice to accomplish what they did. The new generation started with where the pioneers left off. I think it’s amazing and simply beautiful to watch. I know I’ve seen a couple videos that gave me that yearning to shoot the new generation, except, I am moving forward in a new direction. To go back and shoot like I did 30 years ago, would be kind of silly... except, I know in my heart, I could still get into it, and be really good. It’s the young-en’s time now.. mine has past. What are you doing these days I am sure everyone wants to know? I have to be honest and share that when Mike Carruth invited me to Rockford, IL to do the interview at the BMX Collector’s Gathering June 2010, and they asked detailed questions about my life... the reviews were shitty. None of those guys want to hear about a life of single mother, after being a famous industry photog... so I’ll cut to the exciting part, which was January this year, where I up and left California to rejoin with my father, to open a fine art photographic gallery. And you can leave it at that... the rest is left to destiny and hushed commentary. My brother owns his own carpet cleaning business and is very successful with that. He has two boys, Dylan and Cody, Dylan is 21 this year and Cody 18. Both will be attending USC this fall, in Southern California. RL maintains his beautiful family with wife Jenna of some 25 years plus of marriage. I am extremely proud of RL. I know he had a HUGE positive affect on kids worldwide, which he is extremely humble about. The beautiful thing is, in life we have opportunities. If one choses to seize the chance of a great opportunity, in that moment we can change our life, and very possibly, many others’ too, by working very hard at doing the very best we can. If that opportunity comes your way, do not pass it up... take it and do it the very best possible... you may be surprised as to what you leave behind. I myself, and I think I can speak for my brother as well... we had a lot of fun in those days, and we worked REALLY HARD TOO... I know my brother, very much more than myself. But today, as simple people, we still hold those accomplishments in our heart and soul and to know that we changed the world, a little tiny bit, for the better, is something we can take to the grave, and know we did good. Now that’s a life worth living, and I am grateful to hear from kids everyday, through Facebook, how they appreciated our efforts. Thank you very much Windy !
Matthew
Todd Anderson
Joe Johnson
Joe Johnson
All the greats
todd
Ceppie Maes
RON wilkerson, venice
50 - report - worldwide by trish bare grounds - intro patoche - photos C. VANHANJA
MadDog & Helmet Safety
MadDog, Brett Banasiewicz as everyone knows was a victim of a serious accident in September 2012 during a competition. Projected directly on the head, the young rider is fell in a coma even today he leads a fight relentlessly in order to get back on his bmx but also return to normal life. Read carefully this article written by someone devoted to the BMX, Trish Bare Grounds, and which supports brett everyday in his fight. Hoping that after reading this, you will become aware of the importance of wearing a helmet choice but especially the latter, by the purchase of a qualified product that can save your life and thereby limit serious damage in case of falls. Stay strong Brett !
double whip tail tap, bmx masters, cologne
In the past few years BMX has been taken to great heights, pushing boundaries no one would have believed even possible a few short years ago, and with this trend has come more serious life changing injuries, particularly to the head. More and more concussions, particularly concussions involving loss of consciousness, even coma as well as facial and skull fractures, are occurring among riders from novices to wellknown pros, most recently seen with the traumatic brain injury of Brett “Maddog” Banasiewicz. With these types of very serious injuries comes discussion of how to better protect the head of the rider so as not to result in permanent or long-lasting injury. The answer always comes back to wearing a good helmet. So, how do you know what a good helmet is? In the USA we have several organizations, namely the CPSC & ASTM, whose job it is to test and certify or reject a helmet based on well-developed safety standards. At this point in time neither have specific standards for bmx bikes, but they both have in place safety standards for bicycles and are looking to create more specific standards for the more intense needs of the bmx rider. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires that in order for a helmet to be sold or marketed as a bike helmet it must pass a range of impact tests set by the CPSC. In order for a helmet to pass these testing regulations the helmet must be constructed of a hard EBS foam lining the interior of the shell, unlike skateboard helmets which normally are only constructed of a soft foam interior lining. To better explain the difference the Athlete Recovery Fund (ARF) took 3 well known pro bmx riders, Brandon Dosch, Michael “Hucker” Clark, and Chad Kerley to a testing lab to show them the difference in safety of a certified vs a non-certified helmet http://vimeo.com/55624399 and all three were amazed at what they learned. Unfortunately most riders do not even realize there is a difference in protection between a skateboard and a bike helmet, they simply choose a helmet based on how it feels or how it looks, or in some cases don’t wear a helmet at all. In the past few years bmx has seen some of their best and well-known riders from Mike Aitken, Matt Beringer, Van Homan, TJ Lavin to most recently Brett “Maddog” Banasiewicz sustain serious injuries resulting in skull fractures and lengthy hospital stays, often lying unconscious for weeks at a time in Intensive Care Units. Each of these riders either were wearing no helmet at all (Mike, Matt & Van) or a soft shellsoft foam helmet (Brett & TJ) which offered them little to no protection at all, as seen in another video created by the Athlete Recovery Fund showing what happened to Brett’s helmet upon impact from his crash in August 2012 (http://bmx. transworld.net/1000160493/videos/video-arfs-helmet-comparison/).
What happened in both cases with Brett and TJ is that the helmet simply did not absorb enough of the impact and energy from hitting the ground at such a force and speed that it rendered them immediately unconscious because the brain absorbed the impact energy instead. As their helmets buckled (which hard foam would have prevented) it caused their brains to be bashed around inside their skulls causing traumatic brain injury at multiple sites within their brains. Both of these great riders had to relearn how to do many basic skills you & I take for granted in order to return to a normal life. Van Homan’s injury which was sustained while not wearing any helmet helped to lead the way to rule changes at X Games requiring helmets for ALL BMX disciplines following his serious head injury, thanks to a push by the Athlete Recovery Fund. Now, Brett Banasiewicz’s traumatic brain injury has taken it a step further thanks to another push by the Athlete Recovery Fund, requiring a properly fitted Certified Bike Helmets for all riders at X Games, Dew Tour & ASA World Tour events from this point forward. So don’t say you weren’t warned get your certified helmets now and ensure greater safety of the most important part of your body, your brain. As for Brett Banasiewicz, his traumatic brain injury kept him unconscious for 15 days, and then only minimally conscious for the next 6 weeks. Presently Brett is continuing to progress towards a full recovery, but it will be a long road to get there having to learn basic skills first, regaining strength & balance and hopefully eventually returning to his high level of athletic ability, but it will take time. A video of Brett’s progress when he was still minimally conscious was produced about 2 1⁄2 months ago by the Athlete Recovery Fund http://vimeo.com/52175343. Daily updates on Brett’s progress can be found on his Facebook Fan Page. As for Mike, Matt, Van & TJ, fortunately they have all returned to their lives and riding, but with a new found respect for what can change their lives in an instant. TJ Lavin has become a huge proponent not only of wearing a Certified Helmet, but anyone who rides in his yard these days better bring their full-face helmet or they won’t be riding. All of these riders crashed and sustained serious injuries doing tricks they do every day, not something new and crazy, but what they were comfortable with and felt like they could do in their sleep. They learned the hard way about proper helmets, learn from their experience and get a well-fitted, certified helmet before you ride, no matter how old you are or how much experience you think you have or whether you ride dirt, park, or street. Just do it so you can keep riding as far as your bike will take you.
huge flair , xgames 2012 superpark
54 - racinG - france by gérard garcia
Laurent Vendittelli If I had to describe my friend Lolo, I would simply say that he is a man with a big heart, devoted 100% to our sport. His professionalism makes him someone serious «maybe even a little too much sometimes» in all that he does, but always ready to face new challenges both in his work, his passions in his personal life, with good humor and a veritable encyclopedia of Bmx. Discover in this interview «OPEN FACE» our national Duke.
Hi Laurent, present yourself? Hello, Laurent Vendittelli, 39 years old, married, two children. I was born in Lyon and I work as a BMX instructor the Pernois BMX Club based in the Vaucluse. Huge fan of the sport as a whole, I am passionate about BMX since my early youth. I love life too, people, I’m just an enthusiast and I am interested in many things. It’s been a long time that you’re in BMX, tell us a little about your background? My parents were separated, I grew up in the south where my stepfather rode in MX, especially sidecar cross ... at that time the BMX landed, I bought a Yamaha BYZ501 and I finally chose this sport watching Bercy in 1984 on TV ... a real electric shock ... it was between 1983 and 1984. I rode in Carpentras with Antoine Tinlot (Kmikaz wear), but I was not registered in the club. I moved with my father in Lyon, and I was able to enter the BMX club of Lyon alongside very good riders (Levert, Gandin, Rey among others) ... as the club closed, I went to Rillieux with Thomas Allier and Carmine Falco, two legends of BMX World). It moved back to the south in 1992 and I mopped in different clubs like Avignon, Cavaillon, Les Angles, Tarascon and now Pernes. My background is very dense because I ride for 30 years now, I am coach, speaker, freelance writer, I was team manager, accesories dealer, webmaster, volunteer chairman, starter. Well... i’m doing so many things. So many hats? Yes, absolutely, I’m addicted to BMX, i’m interested in everything, life is short and I want to make the most ... my father taught me to be open and interested in everything, that’s what I do, even if he himself believes it taught me nothing ... For a few months I decided to calm down the game because I have two kids and a wife I want to keep. I’m still very active, but it boils down to my position of coach in Pernes, articles for BMX Racer and certainly some interventions speaker in the season ... recently I work for a BPJEPS, I train futur BMX coaches. Some people think I do too much, yes I admit it’s a lot of work, caps, but I also have an overview of my sport that allows me to make honest, weighed and finally thought decisions... I think. You spent a few years in Starlight (the French Bmx show pro team), what was your role on the Freestyle scene? Specifically, I have no role in the middle of the Freestyle because I do not mean anything, except that I did the best I could in the Starlight team. In 2003, this was particularly bad in Cavaillon, where I held a position as employee, then Gerard Garcia (the boss of Starlight) asked me to return to the team ... and I spent 10 years old with them. BMX demonstrations, this is a very original concept, because you are in contact with the «mass» and you try to give the best of yourself to leave a good memory for people and the idea that BMX is a serious and credible sports... People do not know in the BMX race and freestyle,that we are doing efforts over 20 years to give a credible image of our sport, often decried as dangerous and sport of kids ... For its part, Gerard has always done the best job he coul, he has a lot of merit, and he is sometimes criticized ... Although he is the first to help. With Starlight, I discovered my country, hundreds of different people, I am rich, and I thank GeGe for everything. My role was based on a simple trick: help Gérard in the different missions of the team, this means driving the truck for hours and hours... maintain equipment, assume stewardship, speak and ride on the demos, manage the
communication on websites and more, propose and manage projects for the clothing brand «Revolution clothing», initiate kids... and to conclude a lot of social work with some riders... lol... it’s Freestyle right? You like writing, I saw you doing articles in the new Race magazine, talk a bit about this job. I was contacted by Fabien Rolland, the editorial chief, thanks to a boost from Cyrille Lecointe (BMX2Day) who told him that in France there is only one guy who can write good articles on race ... I salute and thank him for it. «BMX Racer Magazine» is preparing his number 4, and I really hope that the mayonnaise will take... Otherwise, I have literary diploma, suddenly, the writing is still my field, without being a renowned writer, I know to stay at my place... In 1998, I sent a letter to J ‘Wel (BMX Up) to challenge pictures of guys with beer, smoking joints and especially those riders without helmets in his column ... At that time we were fighting in the clubs to improve the image of our sport to the town halls and progress on riders safety. He replied: «I do not know you, you’re a little old school and you just have to do your own magazine» ... what I did, and Generation BMX existed 5 years. It was not a magazine kiosk, but sold at the races with a stand (that was my dear and loving job), handmade (yes!) And mainly sold by subscription (about 500 at the time ...) . Thanks to this, I was «noticed» by many magazines and / or websites that have appealed to me to write articles or reports (BMX2DAY, BMX Mag, BMX Racing, BMX Air, France cyclist, Soul BMX Experience ...). With a little pretentious, I want to say that I am almost the only one to write articles on the circuit especially BMX and provide analysis of races, classes etc ... What I like anyway, it’s about MY discipline, on TV, on paper or on microphone ... whatever! You just join a Bmx club well known in the Vaucluse, what are your occupations, your club projects, etc ... ? In fact, I decided to leave Tarascon where I was president and coach for the position of full-time employee in Pernes. It is very difficult to say everything about my decision, because they are many ... I did like many people, a record of my life, of my personal and professional situation and I took my decision. It is true that this has surprised many people... I just summarized by saying that I gave 20 years of my life to others through my many activities, for once I thought about my family and myself... I was well received in Pernes, but I must say that I already knew a lot of people and riders cause it is in the same committee... I certainly know better the history of the club that a lot of people, because I put my BMX wheels several times in the 80s during the formation of the first track ... It’s also the track called «Pierre-Henri Sauze» who is a friend and a person whose I got a lot os respect, so I will do my best to continue what he printed there as well as Leopold Sube who provided leadership for 8 years. This is a very good club with good riders and huge potential, but there’s a lot of work, like any structure. My mission is simple: train pilots, manage the others educators, develop and / or maintain the club, helping organizations and participate in the maintenance of the site. Obviously, I have an opinion on the work of the track ... here is simple on paper, but it takes work ... and I love that work! What do you think of the Olympics Games and SX races? The Olympics represent what we hoped not even when I was young ... then seeing Beijing and London was fantastic for an enthusiast like me. I loved Beijing and I cried seeing Anne Caro and Titia on the TV, because it was a childhood dream to see our «pros» live on TV ... like football or F1
drivers. London, I didn’t watched the live ... I was in Lyon in family but I «peeked». So obviously, it confirmed what we felt in Beijing with over-mediatization, I did not find the same flavor as four years ago ... the speeches and comments on television and on the forums (L’Equipe. Fr, Le monde and other) places where the «mass» and the audience expressed detract me ... especially as I approached these opinions. I think it should not be a victim of our own success, the track in London was the best of the best for riders (their own opinion ... and mine too), but did not reflect the work of hundreds of volunteers who are working in clubs to give a good image of our sport, also advocating that this is not so dangerous ... We finally madeit clear to the world in 2008 that was 20 inches bikes are also adult bikes, now we must prove that our sport is not (too) dangerous despite replays on multiple crashes... and very random side in qualifying rounds although the system of five qualifying rounds, with first 2 qualified after 3 rounds were a good thing ... I just want to say that this is my workhorse for ages: BMX does not have an image of «accessibility», while any sport hopes to reach the «mass» is ... BMX offers an Olympic track that does not look that viewers can practice, unlike all other disciplines. It is the peculiarity of BMX, and we must also defend all that, because Supercross tracks are the result of 30 years of waiting by pro riders... and if it suits them is the most important, we must respect their wishes and expectations. I read a comment from Damien Godet complaining about «old school» opinion on the London track... obviously we’re OK for such tracks for pros and on the fact that Elite men annoy on tracks in France or elsewhere it is ... sorry, but it must also rely on the mass, on the work in all the clubs, youth, veterans ... we are a whole and each must have its place. If the BMX gives an image too negative, it is still us who will work like crazy in the clubs to «break» this image. I’d just share my dismay with French tracks, and my experience when I went to US:
«you get on track in the U.S., you’re wondering when you’ll be able to quickly get on your bike to ride ... then in France, you look at the track and you already poses thousand questions before getting on the bike because it is an incurable disease to want to do difficult and dangerous jump ... «. I think my sentence sums up exactly what I feel, and I’m not the only one to regularly discuss on social networks with lots of riders. To conclude on the subject and speaker for making the UCI World Cup in Fréjus, I think these tracks are suitable for our pros, do not fall into the excess is everything, especially when we see that guys have motocross injuriesbnow ... you might say that is the risk, we must not exaggerate. In your opionon, what may be the future of Racing ? I think the future of Racing is through wise decisions about clubs and organizations... even if they are beautiful events, I think the competitions outside of the tracks are too harsh for clubs and volunteers. Especially since we now live with clubs with more than 100 licensees (or 200), whereas 15 years ago, a club with 90 pilots this event was exceptional... Everything must be based I think on the development of structures. Here I just left a club where everything was in place, with multiple slots for all classes, 160 riders and everything was swept in a few days to return to a 90s system when clubs get 30 riders... this proves the lack of confidence and mastery of the subject, unfortunately this situation will go to a club again by the steps it has already taken in the past ... and the sport does not advance, instead it stagnates or recedes. So I think that the federation must make wise decisions ... imposing organizational forms, guidelines for teaching, technical decisions on tracks that reflect the evolution of our sport through its presence in Olympics but also the fragility that exists in clubs and committees, A binder such as «management, organization and devel-
opment of a BMX club» should be done... and I’m OK for most of the following ideas: the development of the mass, stop to do everything for 50 Pros, promote cruiser and even younger, allow MTB bikes to ride on tracks or on the regional races, propose accessible track for everyone, classify tracks by difficulties and guide appropriate organizations, review the concept of DN with «agreements and / or clubs»... I find it appalling the difference in responsibilities between a club president and an agreement... We must also give back consideration to the elite ladies and reinforce the image that the BMX discipline is «parity» ... It is also necessary: not to prevent a guy to make a figure, stop yelling at an amateur rider because he did not follow the rules and close his mouth in front of an elite, because it is pro... thinking about new concepts as some do on qualifying systems in Drôme (5 motos then mixed with riders for all finals), stop doing rankings where appear only those who have made 5 races on 8, to rank regional clubs and not only that National Division clubs... but also keep the focus on our pros increase their price money and continue what has been committed to promoting them ... with DN clubs, and site 100% BMX Race implemented by the federation would be useful with historical photos, a page with all rules ... a kind of a bible. I made a paper 5 years ago that allowed to make an «inventory» of the BMX in France, freestyle and race ... this state of affairs would have made an assessment of our sport, it would be possible to assess the level of our structures, which direction we would take for our sport and oriented decisions ... the idea was accepted, but no action has been made in this direction.. I never got an answer. I think people are a bad idea, have prejudices on this simple idea that could helps the sport and all of us. SPIKE is your nickname, you had participated in several major events as speaker, the audience appreciates your voice and your comments, I also noticed that you know everything about everyone, awesome! My question is:
What is missing to the federation and clubs to become the official host? Firstly thank you for your point of view, it makes me happy, but is the result of two key elements: the work first, and then the passion I have for BMX. I coach, I was president, I coached the team Provence, I do camps, I am spectator in the stands and I am interested in my sport, I move to the races even if I am not speaker. I rideas much, so I can not say I have not been at the heart of the action, which is why I have great references in mind. Then, for me, it is the clubs who choose their speaker, it is not imposed (or almost, but whatever). Therefore, a management team has the choice to bring the speaker she wants! I’m quite a fan of this system because I am anti «monopoly», it takes everything to everyone, some like me, some do not, and it’s nice for people to hear another speaker that «Spike »! For the federation, I remember many words about me, especially around 2006 at the time of the TFBMX at Condat when he was told on the micro: «I think we really found our new speaker in France «... I’m still working on the races, but it depends on where they take place and actually it is clear that there is not necessarily a wish to change some things . This is to the federation and to responsible to respond to this question, I am called I go, I’m not called then I’m a spectator or not ... I just want to say I appreciate moderately to be the only speaker who is asked often to present a CV to comment a race and justify the choice of the organizers ... I think it’s a shame, because by 6 years in a row being speaker for the World Cup in Fréjus with the best rider in the world, I still wonder how you can ask me that! Especially we must not ask this to the others ... It would appear that there is a little «battle» between you and Mr Lemal, info, joker or intox? I’ll play the game once and for all, because I’m sick that people always ask me about this all the time, even worse when I’m not speaker and I’m staying in the tribunes...
With Michel, we have cordial relations but it is true that there some tensions. I decided to not play his game, I shaped my personality and my way. Most speakers repeat his words and expressions and I don’t ... well they don’t like it. One time I heard of «training» for the speakers (it dates from 2007ç) and I must admit that I very badly received this idea because I thought it was insolent and misplaced to propose these things to the federation... We both commented the European Championship together this year, he was correct because he was the conductor and we did the job .... This is also the best thing we have to do, that’s life, that’s work and we will not spend our lives on these topics because... it really fills me personally, I have something else to do. Your second nickname is»pony», can you develop? I would stay on a phrase that I learned during a camp in US with Seb Gauthier: «what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas» ... except, I left Starlight riders maintain the legend! What are your best and your worst memories in your career? Since I’m invested in BMX for 20 years now, I have many memories... good and bad, although the majority are good. Firstly, I have very bad memories of my injury, contrary would seem strange... even if in the end each time has been a blessing in disguise ... it allowed me to bounce, live other things, other situations not always pleasant, but have wrought my opinion and my character. Also, I lived very badly some situations in clubs where I was harmed physically, morally and in the depths of myself by dishonest, stupid and wicked people, causing resignation, financial worries, life upset ... while these people have a situation, family life but royally laugh of your life because they feel they have a power to be your «boss» ... At Les Angles and Cavaillon, I met people I could described as despicable as they have so abused of my kindness that I forgot to be ... vindictive but I do not forget the acts ... There is obviously great times, like demos with Starlight, parties, meals, places, meetings ... with hindsight, it was not always easy, but 10 years with Starlightcant
be forgotten and that make a man lol ... the demo at Bercy for the final of the Coupe de France of basketball in front of 14,000 people... it was something! The demos at the Roc d’Azur also in tuning shows... many good memories. In Racing, encounters with nice people, comely as Bernadette Sorgues Bonnet, Corinne Courtial at Les Angles before my troubles ... Wilfrid in Tarascon of course and then Dominique Chambolle, who passed away in February 2012. Doumé was like a father, you must know that I have experienced the fulfillment of all my dreams in BMX with him ... and that ... I did not even shared with my parents or other family members, outside my wife ... Obviously, the victories and defeats of my riders as a coach is responsible for all forms of his riders results... good times with the training with riders who give everything for you sometimes, when the goal is to do it for them first ... The UCI Supercross in Frejus were magical for me, to comment with Mike Redman was ... unique, I have no words. Chat with Khalen Young, Robinson, Day, Strombergs and others, it was great. And the atmosphere of the UCI SX must be lived from the inside, I found the flavor of Bercyi n the 80’s: riding, fun, tricks, atmosphere between coaches, riders, a big crownd, a U.S. speaker (as with the Duke at the good old days) ... what about the Massilia in Marseille, Bordeaux this year with Nathalie in the center of the city, even a simple promo was the scene of great memories with invested riders, some fun events... I love BMX anyway, my memories are a set of all ... One last word to thank people? The list is super long ... a crazy thing ... so I will limit to the most important who are my parents, my parents in-laws, my wife and children, because it is the basis of life, family. Then a thought to all those who helped me and allow me to exist in the BMX clubs, managers, riders, magazines, websites, friends, partners training, sponsors, students, teachers ... anyone who read this interview and I have crossed, helped, you are appreciated ... thank you to all and thank you to the life, to this beautiful life that we neglect every day around the world ... And thank you to ART for the interview.
60 - report - worldwide by alain massabova - photos C. vanhanja
The Flat Kings
6 years after the FlatKings book, a testimonials of the best flatlanders of the world, we return to the flat values by giving voice to the legends. Each issue of ART BMX will highlight flatlanders that write the story of this discipline with their riding or their involvement in the community. To begin this promising series, nothing better than two famous riders: Viki Gomez the unbeatable and unwavering competitor and Jesse Puente, the original, a freestyler since ever and creator of most of the main tricks of today. Both have a common point : the love of flat !
Flatland is simply pure Art on wheels! It’s the most artistic expression ever on a bicycle. It’s a personal fight, a way to find yourself! It’s a daily challenge where progression is the only source of energy. It’s fun and sometimes frustration. You need a lot passion, dedication and love to do it! It’s a small world where originality is the key to success like in any other art! It means freedom and also slavery, because once you are really into it, you just can’t escape. It’s the ultimate tool to set your soul free. It’s your reason to live! It’s what’s makes you feel special and unique! It s my experience, and the way I enjoy life! Viki
To me it’s everything. I can ride all day and night if I have a good place to ride, music, or Bmx friends. It’s an infinite non stop spark of energy through the inspiration of trying new or old balance points that are very fun to master or invent. It’s an adrenalin rush that keeps me addicted even when my body says to stop and rest. All of a sudden something I thought was never possible happens, and I’m automatically breathing on time to push the physical capabilities to the extreme... It’s incredible! It’s believing in yourself when nobody else does. It’s doing it just to do it; no trophies or money can take the feeling of real freestyle Flatland. Some hardcore riders can spend years working on tricks that may or may not ever be done, or have been done once but are so difficult to master it keeps us excited even though we are hurt and can’t walk or wake up because we are in so much pain. This is the life of Flatlanders. We don’t give up easy. We think anything is possible and life is most enjoyable when on Flat ground doing crazy tricks. Good things come to those who create. That’s what flatland is to me. Jesse
64 - shop - france by Alain massabova - photo bereflex
La Cremerie BMX Pro Shop If you go to Paris, you definitely go to La Cremerie, the only BMX shop in the capital. The two invicible Florian and Nico, are waiting for you to put the world to rights, to tinker, to have a drink and even to sell you a bike. The Cremerie’s countertop is waiting for you for always most insane adventures and gossip about the history of BMX. They know pretty well the business and give us some secrets by providing advice not to be taken lightly...
Tell us the story of the shop? When the shop Kustom Kulture closed its doors for good, we took over it. We had a local under the offices of Cream BMX with the cream of the Parisian scene who supported us, so we embarked on the adventure of a BMX shop ... BMX is a good business? No! If we really wanted to do good business we would have opened a sex shop or a fitness center, opening a bmx shop is primarily a story of passion, I mean for us, for others, I do not know... Is it better to make a VPC shop instead of a real shop? It is better to work at the Post Office! A real shop is still better. Being in contact with the customer directly so he could see the products and it can also be a meeting place with other bmx riders, or to organize a small session, it was like this when I was younger. Does the distribution in France suit you? Is there a life besides Frenchy? It is sure that there is not enough distributors but I understand them since it’s really a sad period for the BMX at the moment. And what about the fact that the shops are all distributors (Unleaded, Eastreet, Crime...), is that disturb you? It’s good but it’s not the same business. This is to the detriment of the BMX world. They fuck the business. They explode margins, made so heavy promos... I can understand that they do it but it’s not cool for other shops and therefore for BMX in general. If all the shops make distribution (especially to themselves), that’s because it’s the solution, is that the future of shops? Are you going to do such a thing? It is not easy to make good distribution. You have to find the right brand which is going to take off, you have to find investment, stock. And if you mess it up, you’re screwed. And the market changes so quickly. Every 3 months, the brands change. Trends come and go too quickly. You must be careful not to do anything ... And Paris? How is the Parisian scene? This is one of the worst! Here it only works with marketing and fashion style.
Paris is the fashion capital isn’t it? Yes, but I still regret the sessions with 10 guys riding toward a skatepark and everyone rolling for real. Today, we arrive at 10 and there are only 3 who ride while others make comments on Facebook! And then what is the future of La Cremerie? We put the fire in it and made a scam insurance? The future of the shop? For the moment, we do not think too much about it. We try to hold on, we pass the winter and we’ll see. The market is actually so bad, it’s hard to see the future ... Do you want to open to scooters? We had thought about it, but no! We sold Fixy because it’s the same brand and distributor than the BMX, but the scooter, no. What message you want to adress? I want to say « Paris, move your ass! » A bit more identity, more character, more edgy, wake up! A few times ago, we filled our Backpacks and left for adventure, it was really riding. Now, there are too many clans but not unity and solidarity, it kills bmx! Here, before shaking your hand, they look at your bike. And if you didn’t make a big whip, They forget you. And if you have the misfortune to move you ass, to organize a jam or a contest, They spit in your face! They criticize you and do not even come to a local event. Instead of being supportive and move forward together, we shot ourselves. It is the Parisian attitude. Those guys should respect a litlle bit much the BMX, not only for the image or to show off because it’s trendy or something else. The BMX culture must be really respected. These guys should remember the riders who were there before and those who made the BMX Who do you want to thank? ART of course, but also Soul, Figuré all the old ones, Armens, John Petit, José, Bones and their indestructible grandpa crew, Lotfi, Fred (mairette), Raviere, Toto caca, all the crew of la courbe bleue, our little shlomo sommier, Time2Ride, the guys from EGP, the Bercy crew and all the riders who support us and never give up.
Nico gardien du temple
66 - trip - germany by Will Lemay
Bruno Hoffman back to Berlin
Bruno Hoffmann moved to Berlin for two months to discover endless new spots to session in the city. We spoke to him about his “Back to Berlin Streets” edits and learn more about the rough style of the city, and what he got up to there. After leaving Berlin as a child Hoffman harbored a dream: an apartment in the centre of the city leaving him free to ride. These edits follow him and his friends on their adventures in the city as they discover a series of exciting spots to session,whilst Mayol filmed the action. How did you get the idea for your project ? I came to me that we never found the right time ride in Berlin. Maybe Mellow Park and at the playgrounds, but otherwise not really ... The idea was so obvious. So Berlin has a special meaning for you, because you were born there? We lived there for two months only. Still, I’ve always liked the city very much and I never had the chance to visit for longer than a weekend, I really wanted to spend a longer time there and check out what it had to offer What was the project about for you? The city has so much to offer that I had the urge to take the capital of Germany in one go and see it all. Sure it was great, a sweet apartment in the middle of the city, so I could always invite friends. It menat we coudl head out every day discover new places and just ride. That was absolutely amazing and a great experience! So who dropped by to ride with you? Well, the list is long ... and foremost, my good friends Mario, Kicza, Slayer, and Janek Lantschner, but my brother and his crew from Siegen. Matthias Dandois and Anthony Perrin came all the way from France. There were too many people to list, but in the film you will see who else was there.
So Berlin has a lot to offer when it comes to BMX spots? Oh yes, because Berlin has a lot of great spots. Although not necessarily in the center, rather in the suburbs. That was a bit annoying to always have to go out ... In the end it was worth it though, especially exploring the architecture of the eastern parts - if only for the chance to ride rails, rails, and more Rails! Can you compare it with Barcelona? No, not really, to be honest. The cities are absolutely different and so is the particular vibe. Spot wise Barcelona certain has some incredible places, but Berlin can compete well. As for other cities I see London now not as the next BMX hotspot - just because everything is so far apart, but the city still has its own charm and I love the rough style there! What were your three best street spots in Berlin? This is difficult to say, after two months I ended up traveling to a different spot every day! But in Marzahn, everything was absolutely sick! We went to so many cool spots, making it impossible for me to pick just three ... Sorry! Travelling you must stay in a lot of hotel, what difference did it make to have your own apartment? I felt after just a few days at home, that was great. We could chill out when we wanted and it meant we could go out in the city and party which was a blast, though it made it difficult to give up the apartment when the project was over. Did you do all your own chores too? Ha Ha. Yes, I did ! Since the apartment was on the 7th floor was, it was too annoying to go down for each snack, so we just bought stuff once a week so we could cook after riding and just chill. Your final words on the project? I’m really looking forward to, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
bruno, wall ride
Matthias, bunny bus
68 - face - canada by Luis Elías Benavides - Photos by Devyn Griffith and Eli Horn
Stephane Royer Stephane, could you please introduce yourself? Stephane Royer, Canadian, pro flatland rider from BC. and Founder/Designer/Screenprinter/Janitor of Sidual Apparel & Sidual Screenprinting. Just a few of the hats I wear… haha
One of the things I really love about writing for this magazine is that I get to interview people I’ve always looked up to. Stephane is one of them without a doubt. His super original crazy front wheel links stood out every time I watched the Diversion 3 video. I got to know this dude through Facebook, and let me tell you that he’s a super nice guy that loves what he does. He immediately accepted when I asked him if he would like to be interviewed for ART magazine, so here we go boys and girls…
What have you been up to lately? Can you tell us about your new clothing company? Mmmm… Facebook, Insatgram, twitter, printing clothing, designing, waiting for the winter to be over and REPEAT….haha…My day starts at 4:30am in the studio everyday while my wife and kids are sleeping. When the rascals get up I come into the house to help for a few hours before school. Then I’m back in the studio once again. The stellar part is that the studio is on our property, so zero commuting, which is super sweet! Sidual has been around for about 8 years, which is right around the time I quit riding. I stayed low key in the BMX world for many years and buried myself in Sidual, learning my craft and regrouping my life. Sidual is one of the most progressive screenprinting and apparel companies in Western Canada, delivering state of the art processes to our clients. I’m constantly moving forward with new printing techniques and the most current trends to keep things fresh. All the Sidual gear and our clients gear is printed by yours truly. Sidual isn’t just an independent streetwear brand. We’re also a design studio with a full service screenprinting shop, which is a huge part of Sidual’s success. I just upgraded our shop last year with an automatic press that can print 500 garments an hour, sooo sweet! I specialize in custom oversize prints with discharge and waterbased inks for those killer soft to the hand garments. Most shops stay away from waterbased and discharge inks. We are far from being your average local print shop. The Sidual clothing brand side of my company is a project of passion for creating designs & screenprinting. What’s the meaning of Sidual? Pretty simple concept actually…Visual manifesting. Everyone does this every day, consciously or unconsciously it’s the law of attraction, what you want to create into your life. I just happened to share mine onto shirts through screenprinting and design. Who is in charge of the graphic designs at Sidual? I’m in charge of the graphic design since it involves my wallet….haha….The graphic design side of Sidual is a collaboration between all the artists and myself. We brain storm ideas and manifest the designs from there. At one point I had about 11 different artists on board, including myself. One the artist I worked with the most was Eli Horn. Between Eli and I, we came up with the branding for Sidual. Eli is a well grounded dude with mad skills. I have a lot of respect for Eli as an artist and friend. Do you see any connection of your clothing company with flatland? If so, in which way? The connection between Sidual and Flatland is about creativity and pushing my personal limits which is how I rode. My riding career, if you want to call it that, was based on creating an original concept of riding. Pretty much every trick out there has been done, but with that said… A new era emerged in the late 90’s and the platform was wide open for how you put your combos together. This concept gained momentum not only in the flatland scene but throughout BMX. Since this movement began, there’s been a shit load of riders pushing their personal limits in a similar way and you can still see it today. Some of the guys out there today are making riding look organic, it’s amazing to watch. I really wanted to find something that would give me the same drive and freedom to create as I have done in the past through riding. After designing my Roland industry pegs, which I sold mostly in Japan, I took some of the money I made and designed a few shirts to promote my Roland pegs. Somehow my thirst to create was being manifested through learning screenprinting and graphic design. My obsession to be good at this craft grew so much I was consumed, and Roland Industry eventually turned into Sidual. Let’s just say my obsession grew so big I’ve been living in my studio in front of my press printing 24/7. After all these years I’m ready to ride again and mix my passions to create.
How often do you ride nowadays? I ride when I can to be honest. Riding right now isn’t happening; it’s full on winter out here. Canada is a cold F’n place..haha. Most of my time is still spent doing production and designing for Sidual and for my clients since I do a lot of custom printing for other companies too. After all these years, I’m just starting to find some balance between my business and my home life. Now that I’m happily married to the raddest girl and we have 2 amazing kids, Isla and Bodhi. My life isn’t just about working around the clock like my bachelor days, but hanging with my wife Devyn and the kids. Now that I have this new found balance happening, I will be able to spend more time riding. I read somewhere on Facebook that, recently, your shirts have traveled more than you have. What was the last jam or contest you attended? K.O.G in Japan in 2004. Concerning your riding, you had a very unique style that involved many cross-handed and cross-footed switches. Do you still keep that style of tricks? I never really had a style. I think my last combos everyone remembers since they were the last things I’ve done to date. It took me a long time to learn those last combos due to major injuries on both my wrists. Prior to these combos there was no cross-arm action. Every combo I’ve ever done never had a set style in mind other than making my combos as hard as hell and difficult to emulate. Now that I’m mentally ready to ride again I’m starting fresh with a clean slate to create new shit. No point in kicking a dead horse, I’ll just get bored. Now that I am an old man haha..I have this whole other perspective on riding. It’s hard to explain, but some of you young guns will understand when you get there. It’s a pretty rad feeling.
How important is originality for you? It’s not so much about being original, for me it’s about pushing myself to the ultimate limit of my abilities. This is the same concept I apply to Sidual. I love progression no matter what art medium you work in. Flatland to me is more like art than a sport. When was the last time that someone filmed your riding? Last two videos I did were filmed in California by Bobby Carter and Chad Johnston back in 2003 I believe. Mad respect for those guys. They both documented the flatland scene with their own style. I grew up watching Chad’s videos and it was an honor to be in one before this web edit era began. Can we expect a new edit in the near future? Yep. Do you have any message for all the riders out there? I really want to say big thanks to all the riders out there, it’s pretty amazing all the positive feedback and support I’ve received over the years, even after being out of the scene for so long. If you want to stay in touch with what I’m up to these days, follow @sidual on instagram. Do you have extra comments or shout-outs? Big shout out to my wife Devyn and my kids. Their constant support always motivates me to be better, much love. Shout out to my buddy Darcy from Macneil, Jon from Inkparkco, Eli Horn from Fivethousand Fingers, Travis Collier from Clou Studio, and Amahl Abdul-Khaliq from AF THE NAYSAYER . I wish all of you lived in my town; you’re such rad people to have as friends.
Christ Rio
73 - PhotO - france
Maxime Cassagne Maxime Cassagne, from Toulouse, I’m 24 years old and currently completing my Master at Montpellier’s Business School. As it’s a work and study programme, I work as an industrial buyer in RTE. Bmx has always been a part of my life since I’m a flat rider for 10 years now, with several cuts related to my life. It was during a one-year trip in Argentina that I started in photography, learning by myself. Being a keen amateur 2 years ago, I moved recently a step further becoming a freelancer thanks to some interesting proposals. Since the virus has bitten me, my view of the world completely changed and I used photography as a real outlet.
Matthieu, Toulouse
L’homme à la mobylette
TOULOUSE
Loulou smoking
Joris on pedals
Joris, Locomotive handlebar, Paris
regard au Maroc
78 - event - france by jc pieri - photos C. vanhanja
FISE Paris
daniel dhers
jack clark
FISE has decided to strike a blow with the Paris edition. Scheduled the day after RedBull Skylines they took the opportunity to work closely with them in order to invite some quality riders to participate on these two events. So most of the riders of RedBull Slykines were there at the FISE step in Paris which took place on the famous mini ramp that is every year in Montpellier. Other riders came for this mini ramp such as Declan Brooks and Jack Clark from UK
who did some technical tricks. The rather unexpected arrival of the australian rider Martin Logan trend of the moment. Logan never left his country before so it was a big challenge. FISE succeed to make him come and Logan didn’t left empty-handed because indeed he won the first place by doing some tricks increasingly dangerous and always a height higher than the other, such as a 900 flatspin.
jack clark
Anthony jeanjean
Nicolas Bautista Fakie bar spin
LA CRÉMERIE
w w w.lacremeriebmxproshop.com
82 - event - france by Patoche - photos JP lale
Vibrations Urbaines
mike miller in his best exercise : style !!!!
15 years !!!! who is able today to say that he s organizing an event for 15 years in a roll ? Not a lot, or nobody , but all the vibrations urbaines crew is those kind of people and did a great job by organizing a great festival. First under pressure cause redbull skyline event was happening on the same week end, and finally one of the best edition ever. All the organizing crew put so much efforts to make this 15th edition a success . Starting by a brand new spot for the dirt course giving more space and naturally bigger jumps, a big skatepark with some new ramps, an oldschool show with beautiful bikes and last but not least, the all in party including the flat comp plus the strat (flat mixed with street) wich makes now this comp as a best seller.
quentin dupont fly over the quarter, invert flair
Despite a quite bad weather, all disciplines happened and we can say that this event is from far one of the best to reveal new killers !! Even after all those years Pessac city is welcoming riders from all other europe, shreding and puting fire in the bellegrave area. What else if that we expect a 16th edition with maybe a bit more sun and of course the same atmosphere from the riders who proved one more time that bmx is simply a big family only asking for party and fun !!! A big thank one more time to the organizing crew making all this possible and we wish them a future comp even more wild.
86 - event - japan by Alain massabova - photos Jason Halayko
Circle of Balance
Dominik, scoot and Jean-William
VIKI represent the real flatland
Terry balboa adams
Ucchie, the back wheel killer
Red Bull Circle of Balance, Kyoto, Japan For the 4th edition, RedBull organized the biggest competition of flatland. Composed by 16 top riders, this tournament had to be in the flat country : Japan. Huge structure, enormous budget, big communication : RedBull really got the means to showcase the flat. It is the only sponsor that put a lot into flat, we can only respect and thanks. Of course, it must happened in the land of the rising sun, Japan count the biggest number of flatlanders but it also allows us to travel and discover new cities as Tokyo (ancient capital city of Japan) and his very attractive culture. 16 riders and 5 judges representative of every corner of the world find themselves there for an unprecedented show. Even if some riders weren’t riding and that some were missings such as Jesse or Pete, the favourite ones (Ucchi, Moto, Hiro, Viki..) did the job! The result is unanimous, even if the list of invited riders is debatable (the organizer is not a flatlander)!
Hiro style, the highlight of the contest
For the second time, Viki won the trophy, a well-deserved victory. Let’s talk about the competition : even if we saw the video a million time (as https://vimeo.com/50969107), we are never tired of seeing the battle between Hiro against Ucchi which is without doubts the best moment of this tournament. The craziest and improbable spinnings of Ucchi against Hiro’s whips, what a battle! It wasn’t easy at all to judge the two guys. Of course Moto, Matthias, Dub, Adam, Dominik,Tery did some crazy tricks too. Viki stands out with a risky run in final (2 kickflips) smooth and perfectly controled. That’s a Viki! Congratulation also to the speaker Scott who set the tone and once again did an unforgettable spectacle. The atmosphere was insane on this september 8, 2012. The whole world was turned toward Tokyo for this Circle of Balance. The webcast live on the net, commented by Effraim was incredible. And as Scott Obrien says, it is the flatland that won that day !
90 - event - spain by patoche - photos Fernando Marmolejo
Rebel Jam
kevin peraza killing it with a 360 unlookback
Rebel Jam which for a long time mark the minds so much the level of riding is insane, happened in october 2012 at Tossa De Mar Eurocamp of Axel Jurgens. Again, hundreds of riders came from all over the world to participate at this event which the concept is unique because his mode of judgement bring together differents criterias that reward each category. What to say, except that we have assisted to a great contest under the appearence
insanity all weekend but this double flip no hand from andy buckworth was just a bomb !!!
of holiday and all of that in an idyllic place. Lots of riders expected dirt to be more consequent but it changed nothing to the show and good mood. Rebel Jam remains one of the biggest event in the world and we expect impatiently the 2013 edition that will be, we are sure about it, a success !!
94 - event - france by jc pieri - photos C. vanhanja
RedBull Skylines
daniel dhers, 360 invert
deep 360 tail whip from young shreder daniel sandovalÂ
rob darden still on top with this huge unlookbackÂ
We all know RedBull as a compagny ready to everything to organize events crazier ones after the others. On November 2nd 2012, took place RedBull Skylines a bmx event at Grand Palais of Paris which has reunited 24 of the best riders in the world. To name a few, Dennis Ennarson (USA), Daniel Dhers (VEN), Michael Beran (SZE), Ryan Taylor (UK), Pat Casey (USA), Daniel Sandoval (USA)... They did the trip to ride this huge skatepark just built for this occasion. More than 5 000 spectators attend to this show with training during all the day and competition from 7.30pm. The quality and the originality of the skatepark allowed all the riders to bloom better in their riding and to give to us a quality show. With John Petit and Darryl Nau at the microphone the crazy atmosphere was pre-
denis ennarson, 360 cancan one fooT
dictable. Drew bezanson, Gary Goung or also Dennis Ennarson and Ben Hennon did lots of very original transfers. New tricks as back flip bike flip from Zack Warden or also a 360 no foot cancan to tailwhip from Daniel Dhers. A very large number of nationalities were presented during this event, and of course french people were there. Maxime Charveron for example did some massives transfers that he has the secret, Kevin Kalkoff always here to bring his special style and the very new Anthony Jeanjean who is only 14 years old knew how to do the show with his riding very aerial and technical. After more than 3hours of spectacle, Ryan Nyquist ends in first place before Dennis Ennarson and Daniel Dhers in the huge Grand Palais of Paris.
98 - event - france by patoche - photos manu sanz & patoche
Lords of Dirt Serignan
dj mike rock kept rocking all week end with heavy sound
big drop to enter the course
mike clark always in happy mode
deep 360 from mimi granieri
the hucker
jed Mildon
Le Saumon 360 bikeflip - photo manu sanz
Lords of dirt tour 2nd stop - Sérignan Lords of dirt crew came to organise the second stop of the tour in the new urban park of serignan this last september. This new playground dedicated to the extreme sports addicts had to welcome an international event and it was just natural to make it happen after vincent massardier’ s family asked for it. What to tell about the massardier family if that they just represent motivation itself ; real people not afraid one second to push their limits to make a porject like this happening. This second stop was simply amazing , first cause of the list of international riders from all over the world and all ready to bring back the victory home. With the precious help of all the local crew we had the chance to give a good comfort to all the riders and of course a great atmosphere by organizing parties every night animated with dj MPC stef but also mike rock that every body knows now for rocking the place each time.
vincent massardier always taking good care of the spot
alejandro caro flew other the line to end up with a huge flip 360
Mix all this with some rock bands doing ACDC covers and playing naked and to close the last party with LADY KILL, the band that lords of dirt follows since the first year and leaded by julien dupré who not happy to play insanely good , is also a great dirt rider. Itl l be unecessary to write every single action from this long and busy week end based on good vibes . One more time the dirt discipline earned some stripes and we ll never thank enough the riders who always shred and follow us since day one and make lords of dirt a unic event. The lords of dirt ll be back in 2013 for sure with bigger jumps for sure and a level wich is already touching the roof !! We wish you all a nice ride and thank you for being so faithful with us , and of course one more time we wanted to thank the massardier family and all their crew who made the lords of dirt a big success.
bad ankle for desmond but a good support
one of the happiest person in the world, brian hunt !!!
104 - Photo - FRANCE
HUCKER BY manu sanz, lords of dirt, Serignan
106 - racing - france by moana moo caille - photos bereflex
Quentin Caleyron
Quentin Caleyron is one of the pilot we re used to see for years on the international scene but not specially for grabing each time the podium. But he showed his talent and his physical qualities and proved in the end that we had to count on him for 2012. Job done cause after two great qualifications into the world cup finals, the man himself got his selection for the London Olympic games . Even if his way to the success was one of the hardest you could get , with injuries many years in roll. But , cause of his strong mind and an unbreakable motivation, Quentin always came back to his best level , where many of us ll have quit. Meeting with a force of nature hidden behind his « bodybuilder » appearance, one of the most humble and nice guy. “Golgoth Quentin”
Presentation Quentin Caleyron, Aix-en-Provence, 24 years old, 13 years of riding, sponsors GTbicycles, Vendetta, Probikeshop, 100%, Maxxis, X-king Quentin, you’ve made big impression in 2012, how was your season? In march, I made a trip with friends to the U.S. to finish by the World Cup in Chula Vista with a very disappointing result for the Olympic season oppening! Then the competitions are quickly chained with the World Cup in Norway (4th), the World Cup in Holland (8th), the pre-Olympic training in London and ending by the World Championships in Birmingham (UK) where I fall in semis. Little disappointed because I was in great shape. Then I learned my selection by a press release of the DTN, it was a great relief for me. The second phase of the season could begin, the Olympic preparation. You participated at the Olympics Games in August, tell us more about this wonderful experience. The Olympic preparation lasted about two months. The camp took place between Aix-en-Provence, our training base, and Eagle Center UCI World. We left 4 days before the start of the race. We started with reconnaissance on foot. During two days we had practice sessions. And the race was held in three days. I felt comfortable from the beginning, pretty quiet. I made a time-trial correct (9th). The pressure was rising at the competition days. As many know, I stop at half final. A big disappointment at first, as a sacrifice for me to stop here at the foot of the final. My family and friends have been a great help to relativize. That will remain etched in my memory of the London Olympics, it is this excess. Firstly, there is the «shopping center» that serves as a cafeteria open 24/24h, the Olympic Village, which is a kind of city. The atmosphere in the French building. The closing ceremony where we were cheered by thousands of people. Meet people that I would’nt think to see in real but just on my TV. The party in London with friends...
olympic french team
If you have the chance to remake it, what would you change or what would you do more to get a medal? I would work my goals, which were perhaps not sufficiently focused on the race but more about participation and I would leave France a little earlier. You’ve been injured several seasons, what were your strengths to always come back? In effect for three years now I have struggled to get out of these injuries. Among other things, ligaments, two shoulder operation and a hernia. Excluding less serious injuries. It was a very difficult time for me. I asked to myself many questions. I think the main strength of my character to come back from all that, has been my determination and my passion for this sport. I have such fun on my bike that I wonder if I could find it elsewhere. It’s not just in race also I practice a lot of discipline (race, skatepark, trail, road, DH and I let myself be tempted by flatland but it’s really hard). You’re from St Etienne as many great riders such as Florent Boutte, David Gibert or Greg Moreira. In what ways have they influenced you? I started in a small club of the Loire and then I went to Saint-Etienne to follow a sport-study. Rubbing high level riders was a chance for me. I was just dreaming: the manuals of Florent, Nothing of David, Greg’s style. I was more fortunate to be driven by Florent who taught me a lot. I think that in life there is an element of luck, just take it at the right time. Redbull held a competition in Berlin in total gap with what is done as regard of event. Made for the pleasure of riders above all, the general mood was far from the pressure of the World Cup and its constraints. Do you think competitions should take this direction more casual and fun? I think it may be an evolution of the sport. A springboard for media coverage of the
BMX race which here takes an aspect cooler and televisual with tricks, big jumps and rock & roll. I don’t think, it would be good to take the World Cup this format. I think it is possible with a parallel tour. Why not a return to X-games. In any case I really had a perfect week there. Good atmosphere, track was simply magical. Organization was on the top. I really enjoyed myself. I’m looking forward to next year, I would miss it for nothing on earth. We know you also love put your wheels on skate parks, what is your vision of BMX? For me BMX is a family, we ride all on the same bike. I’m for mixing. I advise everyone to change a little of discipline, in addition to be fun, we progress very fast. Sometimes guys come from Peynier’s trail to ride on our track, I think it’s great, and in addition they manage! If you had to make a recommendation to your sponsors, competitors, supporters, club or BMX in general, what would it be? I
would like to give advice to young riders and their parents: ride your bike to have fun, even if you are disappointed after a bad performance, a competitor that keeps us stuck in a corner ... Never forget why you are riding. It applies to everyone, at any level, even if I know it is not always easy. You’ll turn 25 soon, what are your plans for the longer term? My next long-term goal are the next Olympic Games in order to achieve the ultimate goal, a beautiful medal. Maybe make a few seasons in the U.S. between. Otherwise I’m studying mechanical engineering general, why not building bikes in the future! Last word: Thanks to my girlfriend and my family for their support, all my friends, coaches (Fab Vettoretti and Arnaud Hays), supporters of the Saint-Etienne club and more particularly to Adrien Moreira. To my sponsors, without them I could not continue. Thank you to people who believe in me and my abilities.
112 - Photo - Paraguay
Celso Galeano Hello, my name is Celso Galeano, I’m a flatlander, 25 years old, and I live in Asuncion, Paraguay. I started in the world of photography two years ago. To me, this is a way to combine the art of photography with BMX, capturing the best tricks that the riders get in the most suitable places for a good picture. It is a way to support the riders that are in the environment of BMX, who see their years of effort reflected in a good photo. The BMX environment in Paraguay is what I aim more personally with my blog Koty Flat. I hope you like the pictures of the riders in our country.
Edgard Illanes
Cristian de Maya
Josue Guzman
Erwin Perez
Richard Ojeda
Lucas Hermosilla
Jazz
Walter Cardales
Celso is one of the riders from South America who really loves BMX. He organizes events, takes good photos of the riders, and he even made a flatland calendar with some of his best shots. When you meet a guy like him, the best thing you can do is give credit for his enormous contribution to the sport... Luis Elias
Walter Cardales
Josue Guzman 2
118 - event - UK by christian vanhanja
Nitro Circus
do you know what is madness ?
Over the past few years Travis Pastrana created a show that is probably the closest modern incarnation of what Buffalo Bill wild wide west was in the beginning of the last Century. Like Buffalo Bill he is the American living legend driving a stunting show around the world to present the very best of action sport stunts… in a way. Even if the show respects the codes of circus, with flying clowns jumping with all kind of stupid devices, it is mainly the occasion to see a lot of good ridding. In BMX it is even hard to keep a record on all the tricks as everything happen so fast that your brain is not prepared for that. Even if the landing is a kind of resi, you will witness a craisy amount of very high level such as Pastrana’s Cousin « Special Greg » landing a specialflip, or Andy Buckworth, Chad Kagy, Matt Whiatt and the others sending triple back. Of course you will also get some double front no hand, and plenty other ridiculously risked moves. Of course there will be no technical street-like nose manual or hangfive to half-cab,
but you will get to see people jumping a megaramp wit almost any contraption equipped with wheels including a supermarket Caddie, a pink plastic Barbie kid’s car and a bodyboard with wheels... Does it reflect the realm of core underground BMX scene ? Not a second ! It’s just a very entertaining show where you bring your non-BMX friend to eat popcorn watching a show, just like you will do at a baseball game or a monster truck jam. And the key is there, this event doesn’t pretend to be anything else. When you see how the kids in the crowd just get hysteric at each flip, I’ll pu the few penny in my pocket on the fact that this show is going to create more new riders than all of the underground jams of the year. And at the end isn’t that the most important for our sport? A lot of fresh blood in the skate park ! If that show does that on top of entertaining people, and push the kids to ride a BMX instead of a scooter or a pair of roller blade, I’m a 100% good with it !
ben wallace and his signature 3 downside whip
Travis pastrana interview For most of the people Travis is a Motocross legend that spend his time doing goofy video for fun and helping other people to hurt themselves. Travis is a little more than that… First of all, he is a competitor, a competitor but also a true and wise business guy ! Everything he touch turn either in gold or silver, maybe this is coming after claiming so much victory… He is a great rally racer, still a very decent motocross racer, and if he wanted, I think he could still be on the top place in FMX contest. But this is not what we care about the more… the fact is that Travis is a true BMX fan and a very consistent BMX rider. And like he said : “ I ride Bmx for fun but also because it helps me to do some workout on the pump track and figure out some new tricks before I try them on a dirt bike.” The fact is that Travis has a private BMX super park and a mega ramp jump Built by Nate Wessel in his yard… He bet 100$ that his cousin “Special Greg”, the inventor of the “special flip” in bmx could place in the top 3 at the XGames within the next two years. He also have a specially designed angled reception resi quarter to learn how to air on a bmx faster and safer. Also he is a Long time friend and fan of Mat Hoffman. He once send a testx message to Mat : “You coming to Vegas this weekend? Because Lyn-Z and I need tattoos from our hero and it’s our bachelor/bachelorette party and Dew and NASCAR and supercross weekend”. Now , him and his wife Lyn-Z have the same signature Mat Hoffman tattoo an unframed happy face with two x’s for eyes on theire ankle. Hoffman calls the now-signature tattoo “Live life to die happy.” As we got the opportunity to talk to him very briefly at the Nitro Circus live in Birmingham we asked him a few question about him. I guess we don’t really need to present you, so what is 199 for you? 199 is my amateur number, I got it at chaparral at my first day Am, it was in October 1999 so 10-99, chop the 0 and there you go “199 “. So it has nothing to do with you having 199 lives like cats have 9 lives ? Travis Pastrana : Ha Ha Ha! 199 lives was a kind of thing that came latter based on that number... You are very dedicated in everything you do, in this show you ask other people the same dedication, do you feel you are sometime pushing them over the top ? The great thing with Nitro-circus tour is that everybody we have onboard is the exact same mentality . No matter if they are a contraptionist or a scooter n BMX, Moto, skater, etc , they all understand the risk, and they are all very good at what they do… and they now that if they are going for something and they know what the consequence is then it is worth it
Tricks invented : • Cliffhanger • Backflip La-z boy (Lazy boy) • Flintstone • Rodeo • Backflip Seatgrab • Superflip • Super Indian flip • Barspin backflip • Backflip Tsunami • Double Backflip • Le Toilet Paper Roll = TP7 Broken bones : 60 travis himself, he’s all about action sport !!
You have riden a lot of contest in your life, how do you compare the pressure of a contest and the pressure of a show like nitro? Oh man, for me the pressure of a contest is always great because you know you can’t mess up , but Nitro-circus live is different, we combine the hardest tricks with everybody’s hardest trick… you might be doing a back flip superman seat grab , and along you are upside down, the guy beside you is doing a backflip no foot cancan . And his feet could connect with your feet ,you are watching you, you are watching him, you are watching the guy on the other side, you have to trust everyone for your life , and they have to trust you, so it is a very different dynamic. You feel a lot more support a lot more energy, when you crash at a contest you feel horrible, when you crash here while you are standing up you usually have someone yelling “Hey, come one man, lets get back up and lets go again”… It’s just such a good feeling of support that you never feel in racing, you feel more free to freestyle in action sport. Is it like Mat Hoffman, that you have punished your body so much that now it is a limiting factor to your progression or just it wont heal as good anymore? Mat Hoffman is my all-time hero…. He is the guy who, even if there was no money at all, even if there was no one who could beat him, would push the limit with no other reason that pushing himself and the sport to the next level, always trying to go higher and bigger. For me this is what I always wanted to do, I mean it gets very difficult, we had this conversation with Mat , saying : “Imagine if we were where we are now but with the body we had 15 years ago…. But now I’m definitively very fragile, and I’ve got a lot of stuff that have fused, and it is pretty much the same with all the motocross guys… And it is a vicious circle because every injury you are trying to ease make other injury easier to injure something else. So… do I still want to be out there ? Hell yeah! Does it suck to be on the side line? It is so hard not to contribute, and not be a part of it, you miss that camaraderie, the respect level is still there, but is the respect for someone who’s hurt, who is sick , and you are still competing, and still showing, and that is amazing. So yeah, it’s disappointing, but I feel It’s just such a cool group that I’m just proud to be part of it. You are also a Rally car racer, and last summer at the Xgames you asked Sebastien Loeb to come, because you wanted to compete against the best rally driver on the planet… unfortunately it didn’t went the way you wanted, being a French guy, I cant resist to ask you : are you looking forward to race him this year ? Honestly I cant wait, You know, I feel summer Xgames, and specially summer Xgames in L.A. , I really feel like this is my event, and Sebastian is just a way better driver than I am, but we where able to qualify faster than he was because he broke his car on the second lap of a 4 lap qualification and jumped to far but hey , I’ll take it ! that put us in first place at the first turn with the lead, and we just got cleaned out by someone who missed his start. That was definitely the first time I said the F… world in front of National TV, but I was really upset… for me it just meant so much to be there, and to put myself in such an opportunity … and then the next weekend we wont the GRC and I was like, hey great, but Sebastien is not there…. So who cares…
124 - oldschool - france by Franck Belliot - photos JP lale
Oldschool Vibrations December 7th, 2011, inauguration of the exhibition «Béton Hurlant» concocted for the BMX part by Seb Ronjon. Throughout the show, talking with friends, the boss of the VU, Olivier Morineau tells us about his project for 15th anniversary of the Urban Vibrations in Pessac. Saturday, November 3rd, 2012, after dozens of phone calls, e-mail exchange for the past few months, the big day has come. Departure for Pessac to meet mates and set up the exhibition prepared by the inevitable Seb Ronjon, Stéphane «Shogun» Meneau, Olivier Morineau and myself. Once there, my friends from the “Pelles Usées” crew are already there to give a hand with the V.U. Team. Installation of bikes, signs, displays and posters under the watchful eye of Seb with breaks for coffee and food and everything is ready. Our exhibition does not look bad at all, thanks to all those who traveled from all over France. GT, Haro, Hutch, Kuwahara, MBK, Skyway, Redline, all the pioneer trademarks of BMX Freestyle are represented. A framework and a helmet of the Condor Mat Hoffman himself shows off in a glass case with parts, helmets and other «vintage» outfits. All afternoon, a curious and admiring public visit the exhibition while in parallel, our old school riders train for a little demo for the All In Party in the evening. 21h, it’s time, with Bruno «Pépé» Peyrichoux at the microphone, the show begins with the encouragement of an enthusiastic audience. Jean «Kaptain Blix» Somsois
surprised everyone for his return on his 1986 Haro, he has not lost his skills and remains a showman. Amazing, I feel like being in Bercy 20 years earlier. Big emotion. Stéphane «Bones» Vervins, Stéphane «Shogun» Meneau, Manu Massabova, François «Crepeman» Desgain, Olivier Quéméras, Xavier Fortenbach, Vincent Bernard, and even Pepe, who pass the mic to me, run the show . Infinity roll, frame drop, decade, catapult, pedal picker, surfer, cherry picker, funky chicken and even the legendary Vander Roll, anything goes ... After 30 min of more or less pulled tricks, but always in good mood, the show ends with the applause of a captivated audience. That was an awesome demo and OS riders had so much fun as well. We make place for the Pro Flat contest thinking about what we could do all together in the future. Big Up to Morineau Olivier and his team, a big thank to the City of Pessac and to all riders / exhibitors who came to participate to the festivities. Arnaud DHUMEZ, Arnaud «TCD» PLADYS, Bruno «Pépé» PEYRICHOUX, Franck BELLIOT, François «Crepeman» DESGAIN, Jean «Kaptain Blix» SOMSOIS, Jean-Louis «Phoenix» BOMMER, José «Jiji» HENNEQUIN, Manu MASSABOVA, Olivier QUEMERAS, Olivier VARMA, Peter «Pete» BEAUDEL, Seb «Satoorne» RONJON, Stéphane «Shogun» MENEAU, Stéphane «Bones» VERVINS, Vincent BERNARD, Vincent «Papa» GARREAU, Xavier «Bmx Xav» FORTENBACH and those I may have forgotten...
steph The Bones, strech low nower
126 - SHOP
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128 - TEAM
A.R.T. BMX WEBZINE #0 February 2013 publishing Paris BMX School # Siret 535 226 401 00011
126 rue de Turenne 75003 Paris France www.artbmxmag.com info@artbmxmag.com
PUBLISHER Alain Massabova alain@artbmxmag.com Tel +33 611 171 826 EDITOR Patrick Guimez pat@artbmxmag.com
Nico badet by Manu Sanz
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TEAM Manu Sanz JC Pieri Peka Devé Chase Gouin Yasuyuki Takeo Seb Ronjon Fransk Belliot Chris Dietchy Nicolas Curie
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Guests Gérard Garcia Will Lemay JP Lale Fernando Marmolejo Jason Halayko Devyn Griffith Eli Horn Trish Bare Grounds Ruben Vigil