Pagès is ready for 2014
By TMX Archives on 23rd Apr 14
Freestyle Motocross Thomas Pages
2013 X-Fighter world champion Thomas Pags is pushing the limits of freestyle motocross, and is in the hunt for a second title.
Thomas recently took time out from a hectic schedule to talk about his upcoming season.
What are your goals for the 2014 season?
Obviously fighting for the win of the Red Bull X-Fighter Wold Tour again is a goal of mine. It is a great thing to win this championship, but my main goal is to invent new tricks and to try to bring innovation to the sport.
How do you stay motivated to train for up to 4 hours a day, 6 days a week?
Its hard. Sometimes I dont know how to stay motivated because Im training for so long. When the weather is good, like it is now in France, I actually train seven days a week. I get my motivation from the fact that Im 29 years old and I dont know how much longer I can do this. Right now I just want to enjoy riding my bike as much as possible. The next event is in a month so I train to learn new tricks.
In your opinion, which essential skills does an X Fighter Champion need?
Its hard to say. Generally speaking, the judges tell you what to do. As a rider you have to stick to rules, else you cant win the competition. What I do is pushing the sport by taking risks and innovative riding. You cant do it by aiming for perfect runs or safe tricks. Its true, sometimes safe tricks get rewarded just as much as dangerous tricks. It depends on what the judges want, but for me taking risks is better.
How did you prepare yourself for the quest to become the second person in history to win the X Fighters twice?
I dont prepare myself for it. Honestly, Im not sure I can do that. Im trying new stuff and its really hard, so I make mistakes. If I can be consistent Im happy and if I can win the championship for a second time Ill go for a third time.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you this year?
When did you feel more pressure: last year when you were fighting for the title or now while defending the title?
The feeling is different for both scenarios. I always feel pressure. Last year I felt a lot of pressure, because I wanted to at least achieve getting the championship once in my life. Now I feel lots of pressure too. In Mexico the pressure was hard to handle for me. Everyone is watching me because they expect me to bring something new. I dont want to disappoint anyone. I want to ride well during the events: go hard, or go home.
How is Yamaha supporting you in your quest to defend your title in the 2014 season?
In 2010 Yamaha Motor France helped me a lot. I was not riding well and I was down. Yamaha supported me and helped me believe in myself. It was a huge help with both bike and the projects we have together. For example when I was in Mexico they sent me a mechanic because the bike was not working well because of the high altitude. Whats also important, Yamaha is the best bike to ride freestyle. The YZ250 is the only two-stroke in the industry. For me there is no way to switch bikes and go to a four-stroke.
Why is the YZ250 two-stroke so good for this sport?
I have always been riding a 250, it feels natural for me to ride them. Yamaha YZ250 is light while the 450 is a heavier bike 250cc. I believe that heavier bikes are not the best in freestyle. This sport is inspired by BMX and the bicycles that they use are light. Thats why I think lighter bikes are better.
What is the process that goes into developing a new trick?
It depends on the trick. If you are trying to come up with a different combo you have to change your movement. Its totally different if you want to create a new trick. Not only do you have to change your movement, but you also have to add imagination. Using a foam pitch, I usually start the process by training on my BMX bicycle, then on my 85cc, then my 125cc, and finally my 250 bike. I use different bikes, going from light to heavy.
Where does your inspiration for new tricks come from?
I always loved BMX, I used to do that before. BMX is an older sport so it has more tricks. Maybe we will catch up one day. I dont know when, maybe in 50 years. I also take inspiration from other riders, and my brother. He is crazy! We have the same motivation and ambitions, so with him it is easy to go fast.
Can you tell us anything about the new tricks that you have been working on?
It is impossible to tell you about tricks. If you want to see them watch the next Red Bull X-Fighters held in Osaka May 26.
You had the chance to ride Yamaha France GMT 94s YZF-R6 at a recent test. Please tell us something about that experience.
I really loved it. I dont often get the chance to ride on track, but its a good experience. For me it is a way to relieve pressure, except that now that Im starting taking more risks Im getting scared. The R6 goes really fast, I love it! I think it is good to do every type of motorsport. I want to do everything, because when you do everything you become better at what you do. I dont ride rally, but my own car is like a rally car. I dont use it to race, just to ride around my house and annoy my neighbours.
