With the solo class soaring towards capacity, there’s one guy who’s definitely really excited to be back for this year and has been throwing down some whips in preparation for the biggest motorsport event in the UK. Robbie Maddison is an international stunt riding legend, and true to his word, he will be at the HydroGarden Weston Beach Race Powered by KTM on October 19-21.
A top 50 finisher last time out on his debut, this wheelie demon and all-around badass on a bike has managed to get some practice time in for this year’s race. Maddo has been recovering from surgery and injury over the last 12 months, but the 37-year-old world record holder, X-games medal holder, stunt rider and stunt double now knows what to expect when he rides down to the start gates of the Sunday race.
He can’t wait to line up with the 1,000 other competitors in a months’ time to do battle with the mammoth Weston Beach Race dune course.
“It’s taken a long time to get my body good. My back easily goes out of alignment and when it’s out I can’t ride at all. It’s at the point now where I’m out of pain and I’ve been riding without pain, which is good,” said Maddison.
“I hate to bite off more than I can chew, but obviously I’d like to think I can do better than last time. The top 20 would be awesome, it would be really good. I’ll say my goal is that. Actually, my goal is just to finish the race, not crash and have a great time really,” he admitted.
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To get closer to the ‘real Weston feel’ Maddison has been out on the practice tracks near his home in California when the water truck is out spraying fresh water on the dirt – the local riders must have wondered what he was doing! But having had no rain for months, and with few sandy areas to ride, nothing can replicate the sand and ruts of Weston-Super-Mare. Maddo just hopes that some bike time means he’s better prepared than previously and he’ll be receiving support again from KTM UK, who have already started work on his bike.
He’s looking forward to the race, and getting amongst the fans for the weekend – there will be plenty of signing sessions to see the Australian stunt legend.
“For sure (when I came before) it was bigger than I expected. We were lucky with the weather the year I was there (2016), so I’m praying that the weather will be good. The atmosphere was awesome, with so many dedicated motorcycle fans. It was great to be with everyone, and it’s a globally recognised event, so it felt special to be there. People come from a long way to do it, and it’s cool to be among hundreds of riders. It’s such a special event.”
“I’m definitely excited to race – I remember last time seeing motorcycles buried, deserted, stuck up to the handlebars. It’s a gruelling race, it’s hard for me to practice to that level so I’m just being mindful of the deep sand, and the technique that’s required, I’m just going to have to wait until I get there, but I’ll be focussing on my style and getting around”said Robbie.
Last time Maddison gave his absolute all. From sofa to Weston was a big, big ask (he hadn’t ridden at all before the event) and those that witnessed him cramping up and inability to walk along the promenade the evening after the event can definitely say he’s gone all in. He’s vowed to do the same again, but with some bike time under his belt who knows what this action-legend can achieve. There will definitely be some wheelies along the way that’s for sure!
Robbie’s race bike will be given away after the solo race on Sunday, so make sure you head down to the KTM Village on the weekend to get your entry in to be in a chance of winning Maddison’s beach race steed!
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