team riders - rich townsend

• born: 1979
• home town: Royston, Hertfordshire
• bmx club: Royston Rockets
• biography: I started racing back in 1984. My Mum saw an advert in the local paper and I went to the track one week, and have been going to a track every week since then. I love the feeling of freedom that BMX gives; when its just you and your bike - you are in complete control even in a race when there are other riders around. My first bike was a Raleigh Burner 16 inch with yellow tyres. Thank god bikes have moved on since then, but if it was not for that bike I may never have found BMX.
  My goals are to improve on my ranking from last year. To enjoy my racing and feel that I have given my best in every race. I also want to help the other team riders reach there goals for the season too.
• bike spec:

  Frame	Pure Pro XXL
  Fork	Answer Scythe Pro
  Bars	S&M RV Bar
  Stem	Ciari Pro
  Headset	FSA Internal
  Grips	ODI Longneck Lock-on
  Lever	Shimano Deore
  Cable	Demolition Resist
  Brake	Shimano Deore V
  Seat	Revell Slim Seat
  Seat Post	Fly Racing Carbon
  Seat Clamp	Treck Quick Release
  Cranks	Shimano DXR
  Sprocket	Ciari Tetrad
  Chain	Izumi
  Hubs	Ciari Pro Cassette
  Spokes	Marwi Titanium
  Rim Front	Alienation Deviant
  Rim Rear	Alienation Runaway
  Tyres	IRC Siren
  Pedals	Shimano DX SPD

• favourite track:
  Peterborough because it has a good mix of everything that should be in a track. However I did prefer High Wycombe but that is a car park now so not so much fun!
• favourite rider:
  All time favourite is Christophe Leveque because he had it all: power and skills to die for!
• best ever race:
  Peterborough national about 2002 got 4th in Elite final.
• aims/goals for 2011:
  To enjoy my racing and do my best.
• where will you be in five years:
  Thats hard hopefully still racing and having fun.
• the rider you most want to beat:
  Alan Hill the wiley old fox.
• what do you do when your not on a BMX:
  I enjoy riding my Motor bike, Watching Moto GP, Riding my road bike, Being with my friends and family.
• best joke:
  Why do skodas have heated rear windows?
  To keep your hands warm when pushing it.
• quick-fire questions
• manual or jump? manual
• jacket potato or pasta? jacket potato
• hotel or trackside? trackside
• bath or shower? shower
• pants or boxershorts? boxers

photographer: Spencer Moret ©