BMX Freestyle Flatland athletes are currently spending hours to perfect the tricks and style they plan to deliver at the UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
Come finals day, we expect to see what they’ve worked on for many months. Here’s where the reigning UCI World Champions – Aude Cassagne (FRA) and Moto Sasaki (JPN) – are, as they focus in on the big competition in August…
Aude Cassagne had a great 2022, becoming the French Champion in Montpellier, then UCI World Champion in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). And she’s looking to build for 2023…
How did it feel to win the UCI rainbow jersey in Abu Dhabi?
Aude Cassagne (AC): Well it was quite a good surprise. I wasn't expecting anything, and everything went well and I was happy to do a good run, this was my lucky day!
Is your jersey hanging up on the wall?
AC: Actually it is in a box because I'm moving, hahaha! But yes, it will hang on a wall soon, of course!
What’s your aim for this year’s UCI Cycling World Championships?
AC: I will do my best to do a good run, and I want to improve what I did last year… well, that's the plan!
Do the strong riders coming from Japan motivate you to learn more new tricks to stay competitive?
AC: Yes of course, I really think emulation is essential in sport, it's a great trigger to push yourself to progress! And Japan is well ahead in Flatland, so it's a huge source of motivation for me.
Describe your riding style in three words.
AC: Hmm, I would love it to be as flowing and technical as possible... But actually, the word that fits best to my current riding is... inconsistency.
Each run has 2 and a half minutes. Do you have a timer set up to see which tricks you can fit into your runs?
AC: No I don't... But I have to think seriously about it in a few days!
Do you get tips from anyone on putting together your contest run?
AC: Yes, I guess my brother is the man! But it's also a personal feeling about what I feel able to do with all other parameters, such as stress...
With a big crowd watching you ride, do you use that as motivation or does it make you nervous?
AC: It definitely makes me nervous, I guess the most difficult part in a run is focusing so much that you forget people are watching you!
Do you have any specific goals for Glasgow?
AC: Well of course I would love to win again, but this will be a real challenge, a strong level is coming, so let's see what happens. Good luck to everyone!
Moto Sasaki has been a key figure on the BMX Freestyle Flatland circuit for many years, and in 2022, led a Japanese clean sweep of the Men Elite Flatland medals at the 2022 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships.
There are so many good Flatland riders coming out of Japan. Can you explain that?
MS: Japanese riders all have a high level. Compared to the old days, the opportunities for competition have also changed. Legendary riders have a lot of tricks. I don't think that only riders who win are great riders.
With a lot of other cycling disciplines included in the UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow at the same time, are you looking forward to watching other disciplines?
MS: I'm very excited to be able to see so many different cycling events in the same place.
Who you think will be your biggest rivals in Glasgow?
MS: I think each rider has their own personality. The competition will decide the order, but all riders have tricks that they have been practicing for decades, so spectators can find their favourite riders!
Is a Japan 1, 2, 3 possible in Glasgow?
MS: Of course. There is a possibility that Japanese riders will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd. If you don't think too much and do your best run at that time, I think it will be a good memory even if you do not end up on the podium.