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