Brett Swanepoel talks Romaniacs

In just 2 weeks time, South Africa’s Brett Swanepoel will be in Romania competing in one of the gnarliest and hardest Enduro races known to man, the Red Bull Romaniacs. We caught up with the Proudly Bidvest Yamaha team rider to chat about his career, his preparation and the race itself. See what he had to say:

First off, give our readers some insight into who Brett Swanepoel is?
I’ve been riding since the age of 4 but just the odd weekend in the park, I did my first race mid 2007, I really enjoyed it and the following year I started doing junior nationals, that’s when I decided this is what I wanted to do. My dad got me into riding as he always had bikes and before I had a bike he would take me for small rides with him.

What made you decide on Enduro as your discipline of choice?
I started riding mainly in the bush. Friends of my dad invited us to come do a race for fun and it was an Enduro, I really enjoyed it and so I went on to do Enduro. I do the odd motocross race for training and because I enjoy it but Enduro is what I love.

What goes through your mind when you are out on the bike?
I feel it clears your mind, so normally its how much fun I’m having and how fortunate I am to have a family and to be apart of a awesome team like Proudly Bidvest Yamaha.

In your opinion, what are some of the best riding areas in South Africa?
South Africa has got so much awesome riding but KZN has to have the best, Hilton, Shongweni, Inanda and up here in Ballito where I stay, I have a good variety which helps me in my riding. Since Swaziland and Lesotho are surrounded by SA I consider them a part of SA, and they have some of the best riding in the world.

You finished in 2nd place at the 2014 Roof of Africa, how does that podium result compare to some of the other highlights of your career?
Coming 2nd in the 2014 Roof Of Africa was really big for me and my career, it helped get my name out there. The 2014 season ended well and what helped was joining the Proudly Bidvest Yamaha team and having the new YZ250FX at the Roof.

What did that finish do for you and your career?
It helped me a lot confidence-wise as I proved to myself how well I can do, as for my career it has made me more well known and has put my name up there.

How has the 2015 season been treating you and what are some of the races you can’t wait to get to?
It’s my first year doing national Offroads and they have gone really well. I am currently leading my class. The national Enduros have had their ups and downs but I’m training hard and been doing a lot of work with my team to get back up to the top. Otherwise I’ve just been enjoying my racing. I cant wait for Romaniacs and Roof this year as they are 2 events on the calendar that stand out. I’m still trying to get to ISDE so hopefully ill be going there too.

You’re riding Yamaha’s latest YZ250FX, how does the bike suit your riding style and how does it differ from other bikes you have ridden?
It’s a bike that’s an all rounder, it’s really awesome in the bush but also put it on the track and you wont be disappointed. I’m really happy with the bikes power and handling, it really isa weapon. We have done a lot of testing and I’m happy how everything is going, now it’s just up to me.

What are the main changes you made to the bike in order to make it work for you?
Mainly just setup and mapping. Hilton Hayward has got the suspension dialed in which has suited me well and then I’ve tested a few maps to get the power how I want it, and so far I couldn’t be happier.

You will be competing in Romaniacs this year. What are you looking forward to most at the race and where are you hoping to finish?
All I’ve heard and seen is how awesome the race is and how gnarly it is, so I’m really looking forward to racing overseas. I’m aiming for the highest position which any top rider going there is setting out to achieve but its my first year racing it so I don’t know what to expect.

How have you been preparing for Romaniacs and have you changed anything up from your normal training?
Yes, I’ve been making sure whenever I ride, I ride the hardest stuff possible because its better to over expect than under expect. Fitness-wise I’m training hard and also making sure I’m mentally prepared.

For the average rider, can you put Romaniacs into some kind of perspective?
From what I’ve heard and watched it’s crazy uphills and super steep downhills. If it rains, its very slippery so just prepare for the worst and you will be fine I guess.

What type of riding do you enjoy the most?
All riding is fun. It just depends from time to time which I prefer. Some days I love going to the MX track and having some fun but other times I love riding super technical stuff, especially when its raining. I’m like a duck in water.

What would you attribute your success thus far to?
My success has definitely been due to the continuous support and dedication from my mom, dad and sister who have gotten me through the good and bad times. My racing wouldn’t be possible without them.

Any shout-outs?
I want to really thank Proudly Bidvest Yamaha, Stanger Ford, JOAT Group, Greenstar Recycling Solutions, Pool Renovators, Motul, Metzler, Shoei, Acerbic, ProGrip, RK Chains, EBC Brake Pads, all my other sponsors, my friends and family. You guys make my riding possible.