Last week, mountain biking legend Shaums March took on Whistler mountain with 199 other competitors. The two-time Masters World Champion and one of the sport’s greatest coaches, gives us his expert view on getting down a mountain in one piece.
How did you get started in mountain biking?
I guess at the start I inherited my brother’s MTB as my BMX Frame was broke and it wasn’t long till I was hooked on the big wheels and front suspension.
Which is better: Downhill or Freeride?
I think they go together, while Freeriding is just having fun, DHing for me.
As a teacher, what’s your best tip for someone who’s new to the sport?
I’d have to say it’s keeping their eyes scanning ahead and maintain the right body position.
Do you find that teaching someone helps improve your own riding?
YES 100%
Who is your hero?
Travis Pastrana
How does taking on Whistler solo compare with taking on Whistler with 199 other riders?
Taking on Whistler Solo is a simple focus on what your doing, having 199 others to worry about and wonder when and how they’re going to F up your run is a whole thing.
Blake Jorgenson/Red Bull Photofiles
What makes this event unique?
From the peak, the mass start, men and women together, the length of the course and the strategy to get the lead and hold the lead.
How has the mountain biking scene changed since you started riding?
The mainstream public were scared of mountain biking and now with coaching and camps it’s coming back to being a safe, fun, healthy sport again.
Are the standards now higher?
Yes, for all aspects
Is there generally a good camaraderie among riders?
Yes which is nice to see the Freeriders, DH, four cross and dual slalom racers respecting each others’ disciplines.
What’s your proudest achievement in the sport?
There are a few and each one has had its day in the light for me: winning the 98’ National, my comeback after a partially amputated left leg, finishing 4th in the only National I did that year at Vermont, coming back the next year to the World Cup races and finishing 13th, which made me the fastest North American in the world Championships in over 10 years. Then there is the Red Bull Rampage where I finished fourth – “Small but it was a big deal for me!” And now, with two kids, a wife and as a business owner, to become two-time Master World Champion is amazing.
I have some great stories to tell the kids but I think there is one moment that will stand out for ever. 1997 was quite a year: I’d got sponsored to go out and have fun showing off the bikes and who I was. I was competing in the National at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania and I’d got knocked out early, so I was watching from the announcers’ booth. Freerider that I am, I was eyeing up a transfer jump I had spotted from the booth. I thought about how you could complete and, of course, I told the guys. But then one of them called me out on it. I was shocked because he was not only calling me out in front of the group we were with but on the loud speaker, too. Then they started pumping this jump up to the crowd for after the race – so I had to do it. It was a 45 x 10 foot transfer that was jumping across a turn, over the fencing and then bringing me back to earth lower down on the course. I rode it out and made an almost clean landing – less one crank arm that snapped off as I landed. I still have people who saw that jump and ask me about it to this day.
Do you have any pre-comp rituals or superstitions?
Nothing other than not choosing to race until the last minute.
When you’re not riding, what do you drive?
A few things: KTM 525 supermoto, E-350 Diesel Van and a quad cab 4x4 dodge truck.
Who is your biggest rival?
Sam Hill although I have yet to go head to head with him.
What’s the strangest thing a fan has ever asked you to sign?
A bottle of wine.
Where is the best place for mountain biking?
Outside my back door (Squamish, BC).
What other sports do you enjoy?
Moto, truck racing, BMX, logging, sledding, being shot at by the police.
Which movie star would play you in a biopic of your life?
Vin Diesel, Wesley Snipes or, if all else fails, Cuba Gooding Jr.
What’s next for Shaums March?
I'd better start writing my autobiography so that movie can be made. In the meantime, I'm going to continue my quest to make MMR “Madmarchracing” the panicle of mountain bike coaching and certifications in the industry.
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