Nick De Wit Talks Red Bull X-Fighters SA

It is a dream come true for South Africa. Red Bull X-Fighters is finally here, and with its 2014 season finale happening at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For South Africa’s Nick De Wit, who will be competing in this monumental event, this is a highlight of his Freestyle Motocross career. We recently spent some time with Nick to talk about the event and his preparation leading up to it. See what the local hero had to say.

Red Bull X-Fighters is finally happening in South Africa. What comes to mind with the realisation of this thought?
We have been trying to get X-Fighters here for a couple of years now and its finally here. It’s the final round of the championship and its head to head between Josh (Sheehan) and Levi (Sherwood) so it’s going to be awesome, and being part of the event is an amazing feeling. Definitely a highlight of my career.

You have been on a new training programme leading up to this event. Take is through your training regime and how has it benefited you?
Training is a huge part in all sports now days and with Brandon Hinton from Pure Athlete Performance we have been working hard on imbalances in my body and a lot of core work. Over the years of riding I have picked up a few small injuries and that has made me favour different sides of my body. I have also done a lot of fitness work to be able to have a good ride on the gnarly Pretoria Track.

On the riding side of things, how often have you been riding and working on your tricks?
I have been putting a lot of time in on the bike practicing to make sure I am ready for the big day. There is a lot of pressure on me for the event so I want to go out there and have a good ride.

“I am expecting to go out there and have the best ride ever”

Have you been working on and new tricks? If so what?
I was working on a few new ones but I tore some ligaments in my hand about 3 weeks ago so that has set me back a bit and I am battling to do a few tricks now, but I will be ready for the event.

You have seen the setup for X-Fighters in Pretoria. What pros and cons will the course have regarding your riding style?
Well. I haven’t seen the finished track, Just the layout drawings so I’m not 100% sure, but what I have seen looks huge. They have a 6m high landing which is 2m higher than my practice landings so I think i will just go out in practice and take it as it comes.

How much will this course differ from other courses you’ve ridden around the world?
Every course is different so I can’t really say. It’s a totally new design and a cool location so I will let you know after practice.

What can you fans expect from you at X-Fighters?
Being the local guy here, I will go out and put on an awesome show for the fans and just have fun out there. All these guys have been competing on the whole circuit this year and this is my first one so I will give it my all.

What are you expecting from yourself at X-Fighters?
I am expecting to go out there and have the best ride ever.

How do you think this event will benefit the sport of FMX in South Africa and what do you think it will do for the future of the sport?
I think this event will give huge exposure to FMX in SA and I definitely think it will help grow our small sport. Hopefully people will see we are real athletes and respect what we do.

Which riders are you most excited to ride against?
I admire all the riders for competing in this huge comp but it will be awesome to ride with Josh and Levi.

What are you looking forward to most at X-Fighters?
Just riding the track and performing in front of the local crowd

What do you think fans can expect from an event of this magnitude?
I don’t think the fans realise the size and the effort that Red Bull has put into this event. They are going to be amazed at how awesome the event will be put together.

Any words for your sponsors and fans?
Yeah, I would like to thanks all my sponsors and fans for backing and supporting me and if it wasn’t for you guys I wouldn’t have been able to do what I have done in this sport. Thanks guys!