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Having dominated the South African Motocross race series’, it was time for Tristan Purdon to shift focus in order to live out his racing dream – competing internationally and ultimately in the MXGP. This opportunity came by way of the Gabriel SS24 KTM Team, who Purdon now races for full-time in the MXGB (British Motocross Championship) and select MXGP races.
We caught up with the talented export to get some insight on this exciting opportunity and what comes along with it.
Full name: Tristan Purdon
Age: 26
Hometown: Cathcart, Eastern Cape
Years racing: 18
Sponsors: Red Bull, Gabriel SS24 KTM, Site Sealants, Dyce Carries LTD
Now racing internationally, give us some insight into your setup that side?
The workshop is based in Portsmouth, so I stay in a little village called Grayshott, about a 30 minute drive away and an hour away from London. There aren’t a lot of great tracks nearby, or at least that I know of. I haven’t really had much of a chance to find the local practice tracks as we’re always on the go with a busy racing season. Otherwise, I spend a lot of time up north in Scotland for my training.
What has been the biggest adjustment for you when you compare racing at home to the racing over there?
I say it over and over and over again, the intensity is insane. There’s a massive difference when considering the amount of riders that line up on the gate with you, their skill levels, the track conditions, and the racing time. Speed, fitness, roughness, it’s all upped, and all of it together adds a lot to the intensity to the racing.
How have you had to adapt your training programme?
A lot more endurance training rather than strength training, if you have the endurance to see out the race, everything else falls together. Also been focussing a lot on my nutrition, which isn’t something I focused on heavily before. I’ve noticed a huge difference now that I’m fuelling my body with more organic things. Gone down a pants size or two as well [laughs].
Take us through your average week preparing for a race?
If it’s for a local race, I try and ride at least once to make sure the bike is dialled ahead of the weekend, and also try have an enjoyable time riding to set me up in a positive frame of mind going into the race. When prepping for the MXGP’s, it looks a little different, a lot of the time is spent travelling through Europe to get to the races.
What have been some of the highlights of your career that side so far?
I scored my best overall a couple of weeks ago at the MXGB, which was a 5th overall. I’m excited to climb that ladder and keep the constancy going. Also being able to get myself on the scoreboard at the Spanish MXGP was something I was smiling about. Seeing the progress I’m making and the room for more progress is always good to see too.
How would you best sum up the tracks compared to what you have ridden and raced at home?
We’re definitely spoilt with the smooth tracks at home, the tracks in the UK get brutal and your body takes a beating. The MXGP tracks, are also super rough, but you really need to think hard about line choices, some sections you’re spoilt for choice and others you have to search for a line to ride.
What goals have you set for yourself for the rest of the season?
The goal is always to win, that’s why we do this sport, but realistically I’d really like to end the season with at least one podium in the MXGB and end up in the top 5 overall in the championship. For the MXGP’s, the goal is always to score some points!
Tell us more about the team you are riding for and how they have helped your progression?
The Gabriel SS24 KTM team is a newer team in the MXGB and MXGP paddock, so we’re all learning as we go. The team is managed by Shaun Simpson, ex MXGP rider. I feel really lucky to have his guidance and advice. When the team deal came along and they offered me the opportunity to do some MXGP rounds, it was a no brainer. The only way to improve my riding, is to be riding with the best in the world.
Also riding for Red Bull, how does the brand attribute to your success as an athlete?
I think being a part of the Red Bull family is every athlete’s dream, the support and opportunities they offer their athletes are endless. I don’t think I would be able to make this UK dream happen if I didn’t have their support behind me. They’ve made the whole transition to the international scene a lot easier.
Do you have any plans to race some home races this year and if so, which ones?
Will keep that as a surprise, but see you all soon!
Where do you see yourself and your career in five years’ time?
It’s hard to say, but hopefully in the MXGP paddock full time!
Any shout-outs?
A huge shoutout to my wife, for all she’s sacrificed to keep the dream alive. Of course all my family back home, and everyone else that supports me. A special thanks to the guys over at Site Sealants and Dyce Carriers for making me feel so at home and all they do behind the scenes too!
Photos by Samo Vidic / Red Bull Content Pool, JHMX Official and TP Co. Media.
