Michael Bias – Bike Check | Interview

May 2016

With a population of only 4.5 million, New Zealand punches way above its weight when it comes to Elite BMX Racing. Multiple World Champions, an Olympic medal and names like Marc Willers, Sarah Walker, Trent Jones, Matthew Cameron and Daniel Franks … it would be no easy task to make an impact and get selected to the National Team.

But that’s exactly what 21 year old,  Auckland native, Michael Bias has gone and done … it’s hard not to be impressed!

Bias will travel with the New Zealand team to Medellín, Colombia, this month to compete against the best in the world on what may just be the biggest, baddest Supercross track we have seen to date.

We wanted to find out more …

15: For a small country New Zealand produces a lot of world class riders, why do you think that is? What’s the local race scene like?

MB: Being a small country and the majority of younger riders all based in a close area they’re able to race each other a lot which pushes them along. Also I think the level of tracks in New Zealand helps our skills and gets us prepared for any of the tracks around the world.

 

15: You have been selected for the New Zealand Elite Team for the UCI Worlds in Colombia along with Sarah Walker, Matt Cameron, Daniel Franks and of course Trent Jones. You’ve got to be delighted with that? How did that selection process work?

MB: Yes, I am very happy with being selected to go to the World champs this year. I think the selection process goes off a  number of things … World rankings, UCI points and just results in general.

 

‘Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always wanted to compete against riders from all over the world … I can’t wait to compete at my first Elite World champs.’

 

15: What’s the difference/benefit to you as a selected team rider at events like the Worlds in terms of support?

MB: I get to race 🙂 I’m very lucky to have the support of my Parents and Club/Community to help me get to these events.

 

15: We assume you have been pouring over video of the Colombia track? It looks BIG and technical … what are your thoughts on it?

MB: I have only seen a few clips on social media of the national teams riding there earlier this year. Looks really nice and long which I like and also quite big like you said!

15: Besides Colombia what are your plans for 2016? Are we going to see you at any races over in Europe or America?

MB: Unfortunately I had an injury in January which put me out of the UCI World Cups in Manchester & Papendal but like you said I’ll be at the World Champs in Colombia during May and then maybe get to the final two World Cups in USA.

 

15: You did a few of the UCI Supercross rounds last year with your best result coming in Manchester, right? Is more of that series in your future plans?

MB: Correct, Manchester was my 2nd world cup and to make it to the quarter finals was awesome. The World Cups being the pinnacle of our sport in my eyes, it would be a dream to be racing every single one, year in year out.

 

15: Do you a preference for ‘regular’ tracks or the Supercross variety?

MB: I’m a bit in-between to be honest. I love jumping new lines down rhythm sections on regular tracks but then again there isn’t a better feeling than racing Supercross tracks against the best guys in the world!

 

15: Has Tokyo 2020 entered your peripheral vision yet?

MB: I like to focus on every day as it comes. There is always something to work on & learn so I’ll keep doing that and see where it takes me 🙂

BIKE CHECK:

Bottom Bracket: Hawk

Pedals: Shimano SL

Brake Caliper: Shimano XTR

Brake Leaver: Paul

Front Hub: Onyx 20mm

Rear Hub: Onyx Ultra … ‘best hub’s I’ve ridden’

Rims: Alienation

Tyres: Maxxis  20 x 1.75 / approx. 80-100psi … ‘depends on the corners’

Plate: Tangent

BIKE CHECK:

Frame: Pure XXXL

Forks: Speedline Matrix Carbon 20mm

Bars: BOX Maximus

Stem: Hope

Grips: Eastern

Headset: Speedline

Seat Post: Speedline

Cranks: Shimano DXR 175mm

Sprocket: Rennen  ( 47/17 )

Bottom Bracket: Hawk

Pedals: Shimano SL

Brake Caliper: Shimano XTR

Brake Leaver: Paul

Front Hub: Onyx 20mm

Rear Hub: Onyx Ultra … ‘best hub’s I’ve ridden’

Rims: Alienation

Tyres: Maxxis  20 x 1.75 / approx. 80-100psi … ‘depends on the corners’

Plate: Tangent

15: Any idea of the total weight?

MB: 8.3kg (18.3lbs)

 

15: Do you change gearing for different tracks or training?

MB: I tend to keep the same gearing for racing. Have played around with altering gearing for training in the past but lately I’ve been keeping it the same.

 

15: Clips or flats for pure fun riding?

MB: Uh I’d say clips. I do love flat pedals and ride them a lot but the most fun is when I get a straight faster than I’ve ever got it.

Follow Michael Bias on: Instagram | Facebook

Photos: Michael Bias | Biascle Photos | Trackside BMX Photos NZ