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Over the next 3 weeks there will be an overload of awesome BMX action happening in the city of Cape Town, and with as stack of local and international pro riders taking part in 3 various and different events. The more unique of these events and a first timer for South Africa is the Monster Energy – The Street Series.
Last week we got the chance to meet up with BMX rider Greg Illingworth, snap some shots of him practicing at the Brightwater park and interview him about the events, especially The Street Series. Unfortunately during the shoot with Greg miss-landed a big Wallride to Gap attempt and broke some bones in his foot. We wish Greg a speedy recovery and hope he’ll be back in time for The Street Series.
Cape Town is going to be a BMX frenzy during February with 3 big events happening and a bunch of international competitors out here to compete. How psyched are you?
I am unbelievably psyched! Ever since Ultimate X started I’ve had the idea of getting as many international riders to SA during that time as possible. To see it all happening now, and growing each year, is amazing.
What are you looking forward to most at Ultimate X and what will you be bringing to defend your title?
I’m looking forward to seeing all my BMX friends from around SA. It’s been a long time since we’ve all hung out together, that’s the best thing about contests… everyone comes together for a good time. I’ll be bringing some crutches but don’t tell the other riders. They’ll think it’s because of my broken foot but it’s actually a secret weapon, I’ll put it in their spokes as they ride past. That way I can eliminate all of the competition and then just drop in and win.
What are you looking forward to most at The night harvest and what will you be bringing to better your 5th place from last year?
I’m looking forward to the atmosphere! It was so rad last year. The location is amazing, the people support the event well and the night time aspect makes it feel like a party. They’ve built a new line for this year’s contest which I really like. I got the chance to test half the line out a few weeks ago and it feels really good. I’m really just hoping to be able to ride by then, it’s unlikely, but you never know.
A new one for SA is the Monster Energy Street Series. Give us some insight to this event and how it’s run?
The Street Series is a series of contests held in the streets of 5 major cities around the world. The concept sprung from the Dub Jams last year, where riders would just meet at a well known street spot, cruise around, and hand out some money to the guys riding well. Monster is going all out with the Street Series, the cities they’ve chosen are awesome. They’ll be making a video from all the rounds and releasing at the end of the year. The Come Up BMX website and Dig magazine are covering the entire series
How is this event different to other BMX events around the world?
Well first off this is the only contest where riders actually ride street. Most “street” contests are on parks imitating street. This is real.
What does it mean to you and to BMX in South Africa by having the 1st round of the Street Series here on home soil?
It’s a massive step towards one of my biggest goals, and that’s getting BMX in SA to the highest standard. It means BMX will get a lot of coverage around South Africa, which will hopefully inspire kids to ride and hep the general public understand what we do and hopefully they will be more accepting. It also means SA riders will get international coverage if they throw down.
“It’s all about how the spot suits your riding or how you can adapt your riding to that particular spot”
Which international riders will be competing and who do you think will throw down the biggest during the event?
Ben Lewis, Dan Lacey, Ed Zunda, Bruno Hoffman, Maxime Charveron, Matthias Dandois, Jack DUB, and Paul Ryan. All of these guys kill it, and they will be throwing down good shit.
What is your involvement with the SA leg of the Street Series and how did SA secure the event?
Monster Energy South Africa made it happen really, they approached Monster Energy Europe about hosting one of the rounds. At the same time, I was speaking to the Monster Europe guys about possibly ding one in SA. When Monster SA committed to the budget it was on! Clint Jacobs, James Brawn and I have been helping come up with the spots for the jam.
Give us some ideas of the obstacles that will feature in the Street Series?
It’ll be the natural street spots in Cape Town. Rails, ledges, stairs, banks etc.
Being on home soil, how much of an advantage do you think that brings you when you’re up against you competitors?
I don’t think it makes that much of a difference in this kind of thing really. It’s all about how the spot suits your riding or how you can adapt your riding to that particular spot.
What are your goals for the Street Series?
To be healthy and riding by then. If I am, then I hope to ride as hard as I can do a few things on the day that I’m really happy with.
Will you be competing in the other legs around the world?
I hope so, as soon as the exact dates and locations are announced for the other events I’ll try plan to be at as many of them as possible.
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