Interview, Videos and Photos with BMX Racer Sifiso Nhlapo

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Earlier this week two videos of BMX Racing Pro Sifiso “Skizo” Nhlapo were released, one of Sifiso talking about his 2013 season and another from a Red Bull shoot with Craig Kolesky where Sifiso was taken out of his comfort zone.

Now leaving for California to start his 2013 campaign, we decided to catch up with the champ and talk to him about the videos, the year ahead and being based in California.

Check out the interview, videos as well as the awesome photos from the shoot right here:

In your video you talk about the frustration of 2013 and what you’re looking forward to in 2013. Tell us what your first step is to reaching your goals this year?
The first step to reaching my goals this year I believe is being healthy and staying focused throughout the season. It’s a long season and those two things with make everything fall into place.

What was it like shooting with Crag Kolesky in CT and on the downhill MTB type course?
It was awesome and very different to what I’m used to. I really enjoyed the natural part of the shoot, being in nature and being out of my comfort zone.

You are leaving shortly to go live at your place in California. When is the first major race and how long will you be in the states for?
My first competition is a USA National at the beginning of March. I will be in California for most of the year, basing myself there as it’s the best place to be to pursue a professional BMX Racing career.

What series are you most excited to race and why?
I must say the Supercross Series as it’s the most competitive series out there. All the world’s best racers take part in this series and its consistency that wins the overall Supercross title.

What does your training regime consist of during the season?
Mostly gym, sprint and track sessions. My gym work in season is mostly explosive and fast and my track sessions are mostly technique and track speed maintenance.

What’s the vibe like in the states? Explain what a racing weekend is like over there?
The vibe is pretty chilled most of the year, most of the pros are familiar with each other so its chilled. Things only start getting a little tense closer to the title chase depending who it’s between.

Are there any specific tracks that are your favourite and why?
I enjoy the Supercross tracks because the tracks always challenging and it keep you on your feet.

Who do you think is going to be your main competition this year?
I think everyone is a competitor till the first race is done because as of now we all don’t know where we stand coming into the new season.

Besides New Zealand for the 2013 World BMX Championships, what other countries will you be racing in during 2013?
Argentina, Holland, England, Canada, USA and Germany

You have some big sponsors including Red Bull and MTN, how do they help out while you’re overseas?
They pretty much help put my programme for the year together. Its pretty expensive travelling back and forth all year so they help me base myself overseas and take care of some of my expenses.