FreestyleXtreme Magazine Issue 4 | Page 118

Words: Adam Simpson Pictures: Nathan Gallagher / Red Bull U NDER MY WING IS a concept that Red Bull has been running for a fair few years now, and it is something they do across a range of sports and disciplines. The idea is simple: select a world class Red Bull athlete at the top of their game and have them spend a day working and training with a collection of young, motivated newcomers who get advice, tips and demonstrations - all in a safe and fun environment. When it comes to freestyle motocross, that world class athlete is Switzerland’s Mat Rebeaud. Mat won the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour Championship in 2010, and is renowned as one of the most stylish and consistent riders out there. When it comes to freestyle motocross, that world class athlete is Switzerland’s Mat Rebeaud. Mat won the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour Championship in 2010, and is renowned as one of the most stylish and consistent riders out there. The event was held at a private FMX park located near London – the Scarry Compound. After a quick introduction, explanation of how the day would run, and the handing out of the Under my Wing printed jerseys, it was time to fire up the bikes. There was a huge mix of riders with ages ranging from nine to early twenties. All the riders had good basic motocross skills but the FMX abilities varied from those who had never hit a ramp before in their lives, to promising young FMX riders with some good basic tricks like Heel Clickers, Cordovas and No Foot Cans. Speaking with FMX park owner Robin Scarry about hosting the first FMX training day of its kind in the UK, he had this to say: “I felt pretty honoured really that Red Bull chose to hold the Under My Wing event at our property. It was cool that they felt it was right for what they were looking for and that it was up to Mat’s standards. It’s been so interesting to watch today. I can’t believe the amount of eager new faces that are down here jumping ramps for the first time. The standard and confidence of the riders is unbelievable – after just one day! This programme has got to help the sport, and anything that helps FMX in this country at the moment is a good thing. It’s pretty special for these kids to be able to ride with a big star like Mat.” u