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Fabien Barel - 2007 season interview
September 05,2007
Fabien Barel, the french rider who already won 2 World Championships (2004,4005), today is answering the questions, inclusively for our readers. As You probably know, Fabien is one of the top 10 world downhill mountain bikers, and most of You could see him in some bike movies, like Earthed or NWD series. It`s almost the end of 2007 season, there`s one race in Maribor and something we are all waiting for - Fort William :)
Enjoy the talk with Fabien:
DH: Maybe you`ll tell us about your feelings and opinions about races in this season? I heard it was tough especially in Champery. How was it, I mean tracks, weather, competition? Are you happy with your results? How do you feel phisically and mentally at the end of 2007 World Cup season??
FB: Season has been good with lots of tracks diversity and lots of challengers. I got back after last year's injury to be back at the top which I did progressively along the season. Start 24th in the world cup and 5th now. I just won Crankworx on the front of top riders, a big satisfaction before Fort Williams. Unfortunately, I broke my foot training after the event, so I am not sure about riding Fort William yet ??? Future will tell us ;-)
DH: What about your foot and ribs? Is this the same foot that you have problems in 2006? You were probably angry that you couldn`t finish last year`s racing season. I hope that situation wouldn`t happen again and we will see you on the track in Maribor and in Scotland of course!!!
FB: I am trying my best. I am doing lots of therapy to be back for the Worlds. And I wish that it won't be the same scenario.
DH: Could you tell me when and why did you start your DH journey, what`s your history, what inspires you to do that and what`s your favorite part of it?
FB: I simply start racing at the Rac in Peille. And I had the opportunity to met someone from Sunn Bicycle who was impress about my skills and decided to add me into this program to become a World Cup Rider. I spent 4 years in this program until my junior World Champ title and start riding World Cups. It has been a fantastic career with lots of fun and good moment. I wish this to everyone !
DH: What do you think about Nico`s comeback on DH scene, is it good for racing? We all agree that he is a phenomenon. Are you afraid of compete against him or you will be supporting each other? Maybe you heard some opinions from other riders about that?
FB: It is great for the sport. He has a big name and he is the person with the most titles and victories. It is
always great fun challenge to race against him.
DH: Could you tell us something about your present ride and equipment, any changes, any improvements? Do you try to slim your bike and reduce the weight (lighter components)?
FB: We are always working on the bike with new technologies and improvement. It is important on our sport and a permanent effort.
DH: You are rather quiet, good-tempered person, not showman-dh-star, your consequence in training and achieving goals, your results speak for you. What is true face of FB?
FB: My true Face is not as strict as people think. I am very focus on the races but out of it and it is all about fun and pleasure in life. It is too short to not enjoy ;-)
DH: Where do you practice and how it looks like?
FB: I practice a lot in Nice Area, very Rocky and technical tracks and mostly dry conditions.
DH: I noticed distressing trend in not wearing protection gear during races, I`m talking about elbow protection, lighter knee protectors. Is it good, because kids look at this and think: "Hmmm...if he`s riding without them and he`s ok, I`ll be safe too..." As a pro rider what could you say?
FB: I always wear my back elbow, knee protection and Helmet, while downhilling. I do freeride some time without top protection. I believe that it is not a good example for kid. We need to explain that it is a fun but dangerous sport and protections are needed ...
DH: Have you got any unpleasant moments or situations that irritated you in your racing career till now, I mean not well-wishing people, not fair and spiteful opinions about you and your riding, for example disqualification in 2002, your triumph over Steve Peat in 2004 World Championships?
FB: There is always moment things and oment that irritates you but overall you forget those and give only the good souvenirs. But 2002 was a hard one...
DH: As a experienced rider, what do you think about future of DH racing, what`s your opinion about freeride movement and other aspects of extreme bike riding? Have you seen it as a olimpic discipline? Maybe BMX racing is first sign of this direction?
FB: I don't think so. There is a too important mechanical part in DH to be at the Olympics. I believe that MTB is a new and growing sport and that free ride is one of direction for the sport.
DH: OK, that`s it so far. Thank you for the interview, I wish you quick recover and all the best in next two races of WC, good luck in Maribor and Fort William!! :)
FB: Thanks a Lot, I will do my best ;-)interivew: Tomek Stefaniak (www.4fr.pl)
  
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