What's it like being on the Santa Cruz Syndicate?
The Syndicate is a consortium that is focused on working hard, and playing even harder. We serious about racing and winning races but at the same time want to have fun while doing so. The Syndicate is a family that doesn't get to see each other too often, so whenever we all meet up we go "huge" as if we were having a family reunion.

What are your goals for 2010?
Win World Championships & World Cup Overall and remain injury free.

When did you begin cycling and why?
I first started in BMX at 4 yrs of age. I threw in the towel because it was too much hard work getting around the track. I moved over to motocross and raced for 11 yrs before my parents bought a bicycle shop. The bike shop took all my parent's time, so motocross went out the window and mountain biking was in... it was something I could do with my mates without parental control.

Who influenced you?
South African Motocross legend Greg Albertyn. I was big in to motocross growing up and at the time he was killing it. MTB I would have to say Nico and Peaty, both great riders but I loved the rivalry.

Have you suffered any serious injuries?
Probably 2007 was the worst; during the World Championships I broke my scapula and had an anterior dislocation of the same shoulder. I've also had a concussion, and a broken collarbone, but I tend not to dwell on this stuff. And more recently I had a motorcycle accident while in a training race preparing for the Roof of Africa Extreme Enduro. I broke my right collarbone and had compartment syndrome in my left quad.

What other sports do you do?
I still ride motocross and enduro, golf, surf and canoe. And now that SA is hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup I've started playing a little soccer. The last time I played soccer was 10 yrs ago at school.

What are your strongest qualities as a racer?
Consistency. Strength. Determination.

What are you doing to achieve these goals?
Smiling and having a good time

What are your current and future goals in life?
To do as much as I can in my chosen sport and be surrounded by family and friends with good health.

Describe your greatest cycling achievement to date:
World Downhill Champion 2003

Describe your worst race or cycling experience:
The World Championships in 2007. I knew I'd done all that was needed to win that race, the preparation, the training, and equipment. All I need to do was get down without an error. One small error cost me the lead and ending up breaking and dislocating my shoulder, on a track, and in circumstances, where I knew I was capable of winning.

Describe your favorite racecourse:
Arai Mountain in Japan. It had everything: Technical, high speed, jumps, and amazing fans.