The fastest Kiwi in the Oceanias Downhill was none other than Kieran Bennett riding for Foes and Fox. Kieran has been around on Vorb since he was a wee ticker in 2002 and it's been great to see him achieve such a fantastic result.
So we got Walking Frame (Kieran's coach) to do a bit of an interview and see if we can unlock the secrets that turn a grom into a top racer.
WF: OK I guess we should start with the simple profile stuff?
KB: Er yeah ok
2002 - Grom |
Name: Kieran Bennett
Age: 18
Lives: Nelson, NZ
Fav food: Butter chicken, oh and BK when I’m in the North Island
Music: Iron Maiden
WF: Oh God you are an 80’s throw back!
Rider’s that rock: Sam Hill, Nathan Rennie
WF: So you’re into the Aussies?
KB: Well they’re really fast and my favourite riders, oh and Sabrina Joinier for the women.
WF: So final round of the 2006 Nats at Rotorua last weekend, how’d it go?
KB: Um, ahh good, I was kinda coming into it not sure how’d I go. Was pretty unsure of how’d I’d do, I just wanted to put together a good run. Yeah, it all worked out...
WF: And that was the Oceania round with the Aussies, Fabien and Sanchez, Oh I mean Cedric?
KB: Yeah, I was pretty stoked to be standing on the podium with them.
WF: How’d it feel riding with the top rider’s in the world?
KB: I didn’t really do any riding them just focused on my own runs.
WF: Which was your favourite course from this series?
KB: Definitely my home track in Nelson.
WF: Hell, fastest Kiwi in the pro-elite at the final that must have felt pretty good?
KB: Um, yeah, definitely I was hoping for a good race run to get enough points to get a higher placing in the series. I wasn’t quite expecting that higher place
WF: Awesome
KB: Pretty much
WF: I’m guessing a few people have helped you out this year?
KB: Sure have; Mark from the Bike Fix has been awesome, Foes Bikes, Fox Forks, Animal watches, Troy-Lee, Utopia optics, Maxxis, Mum and Dad
WF: err and...
KB: Oh yeah and this old guy, hahaha, You, for coaching me for the past few years.
WF: Haha, just as well, no intervals for you this week!
2006 - Racer |
WF: So is there time for anything else outside bikes?
KB: I don’t know what I do outside of bikes...
WF: Haha, I’m your coach and I know, come on...
KB: Well there is MX which I’ve started recently and cars, I don’t really have time for much else
WF: What’s next for 2006?
KB: Have a rest then do some training until I head overseas. I’d like to do some BMX racing before going to 2006 NORBA series...
WF: OOOhhh, do you have a ride for the NORBA season?
KB: Now that would be telling, and you know anyway...
WF: Choice KBizzle, you’ve had a wicked season. This is a bit cheesy with your coach interviewing you!
KB: Hahaha, yeah
WF: Good luck with the upcoming NORBA season and the Worlds. |
