My Way

Greatest moment of your career?

That would have to be my MX1 World Championship overall victory in Japan, 2007. I was a factory Kawasaki rider at the time, my dad was there with me and the Scottish national anthem was played as I stood on top of the podium in front of the Kawasaki bosses. Knowing I was the best on that day, all the years of travelling, racing and training, together with all the effort from my family, delivered me that moment in Japan I believe I achieved greatness in my own personal way.

Toughest race ever?

The one that springs to mind is my first GP race win at Spain in 2005. I raced like there was someone on my tail from start to finish. I actually had an 11-second lead but I thought it was 0.1 for 35-plus minutes. I must’ve been tripping because I thought I could hear a bike behind me the entire race. My concentration levels were off the scale and I felt like a robot, reminding myself to breathe over each jump!

Long-term goal?

In motocross, my goal is to win races, ride in the zone and at a level that produces adrenalin in large doses. In life, I want to live happily, eat well, stay healthy, be active and explore.

Favourite track and why?

Desert Martin in Ireland. It has coarse sand, huge elevation changes, big jumps and natural terrain. I’ve raced there since I was a kid; its best days were in the 90s, and it’s a bit worn out now.

If you weren’t a racer, you would be?

I’d probably be a graphic designer. When I retire, I might try my hand at some business management for anything that interests me.

Arch-rival?

I have none. I view all my competitors equally.

Greatest inspiration?

Music. Music has always made me want to do things, whether it’s watching an old MX vid with a soundtrack and wanting to ride my bike, or going for a run with my iPod. Visually stimulating videos, or sports with good music make me want to get out there and try it. If the music is shit I’m not really interested.

Superstitions?

Anything that involves Karma.

Training methods?

Working out at Crossfit Byron Bay (@crossfit_byron_bay), mountain biking with the Giant All Mountain Cartel crew, running, ocean swimming, cycling and riding.

Goal for 2014?

To win the Australian MX Championship.

Off the Wall

Best all-time moto DVD/video?

Terrafirma 2. It was the breakthrough MX video. It was visionary, artistic, professional, had great music and Jeremy McGrath. Enough said!

Non-bike related hobbies?

DIY, mixing music, travelling and football (soccer).

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I was always terrible at taking advice. I can’t remember ever following anyone’s advice unless I was already thinking it!

Do you read your pit board?

Sometimes…

What do you drive?

VW T4 Transporter.

Favourite magazine?

All the Aussie MX ones!

What’s on the iPod?

Too much to list and nothing from the radio! I have an app on my phone called ‘Digitally Imported’ that throws out a fresh selection every day.

Best thing about the MX Nationals?

Track presentation, and the communication with the riders.

Who will win the 2014 AMA Motocross?

Only a fool would bet against Villopoto.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I’m getting pretty good on the slackline (tightrope).

First and Last

First bike?

A Malaguti 50.

First kiss?

It was at primary school, with a girl named Hillary when I was about 10 or 11. There was a lot of tongue and it was kinda sloppy!

First proper injury?

A smashed navicular in my right foot/ankle.

First time you got in a fight?

My first real fight was in high school. A bully was picking on my friend so I stepped in to help him out. I got a black eye from a headbutt.

First thing you do when you wake up?

Go back to sleep for another 10-30 minutes [laughs].

Last album/song you downloaded?

Jack Dixon; Lose Myself.

Last movie you watched?

Noah. It was quite shite.

Last holiday?

Thailand over Christmas and New Years. It involved a lot of dancing and eating great food.

Last big crash you had?

The second race at Broadford.

Last dinner you ate?

Chicken pasta with a cashew curry sauce.

Quickfire

Two 30-minute motos or three 20-minute motos?

2 x 30!

Monster, Red Bull, V or Rockstar?

Nudie Coconut water.

PC or Mac?

I still can’t decide, probably because I’m still running a PC. I’m sure when I get a Mac things will change, but I’m waiting for the perfect one to come out.

McDonalds or KFC?

KFC, Twister.

Europe or USA?

Europe.

Two-stroke or four-stroke?

I’m leaning back towards two-stroke! I love the smell as it reminds me of when I started racing.

MX Nationals or supercross?

Nationals all day long.

Blonde or brunette?

Brunette.