SPOTLIGHT

ALEX AMATEUR PROFILE GUADAGNO

WHEN YOU THINK OF YOUNG QUEBEC RIDER ALEK GUADAGNO, HIS SMOOTH AND FAST RIDING STYLE IMMEDIATELY COMES TO MIND. ALEK COMES FROM A LONG LIST OF TALENTED QUEBEC RIDERS WHO HAVE DOMINATED CANADIAN MOTOCROSS FOR YEARS. AFTER YEARS OF TRYING, ALEK FINALLY ACHIEVED HIS DREAMS WHEN HE WON THE 65CC 7-9 CLASS LAST YEAR AT THE WALTON TRANSCAN. IT WAS A GREAT WEEK OF RACING FOR ALEK AND HIS FAMILY, AND THEY'RE BACK, LOOKING FOR MORE SUCCESS THIS YEAR. WE CAUGHT UP WITH ALEK TO SEE HOW HIS FIRST SEASON ON THE 85CC AND SUPERMINI BIKES IS GOING.

MXP: Hey Alek, how are things. The first question I want to ask you is, where do you call home? AG: Hey Chris! I'm good, thank you. My home is in Bromont, Quebec.

MXP: I've heard of Bromont. It sounds like a nice place. Since you live there, can you tell us the most exciting thing about Bromont? AG: In Bromont, we have a big mountain where we can ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. They also have a water park in the summer. It's super cool to go there!

MXP: How long have you been riding a dirt bike, and how did you get started? AG: I've been riding a dirt bike since I was 3 1/2 years old, and I got into the motocross world because of my dad. I actually started on a quad, and he bought me a Yamaha PW50 at the same time. So I would ride the PW and the quad at the same time.

MXP: Do you remember your first race and how it went? AG: Yes, my first race was at Franklin Motosport in Quebec, and I raced the PW50 4-6 class. From what I remember, it went well but not sure what my result was that weekend.

MXP: Do you have a favourite track in Quebec? AG: Yeah, I love the track where I train. SMX motocross in Saint-Pie (QC). They're constantly changing something on the track to make it different, and it's always rough. The track makes it great for training and allows me to work on many different racing skills.

MXP: Do you have anyone who trains you or gives you advice? AG: Yeah, like I said, I train at SMX motocross, and we had Jason Benny training us this year, and obviously, Jeremy McKie has always looked after me and given me advice. He's like a big brother to me. Also, we get to see Dylan Wright ride here most of the time, and he's awesome to watch. MXP: That's great that you get to ride and train with some really fast riders. Did you go south this past winter to ride, or did you stay close to home? AG: I went to Florida this winter three times and rode some different tracks. The last time I went, I was training with Brad at Club57, which is at WW Ranch near Jacksonville.

MXP: I've heard that Brad is a good trainer, so it's great that you got to spend some time there. Other than motocross, what other sports do you like? AG: I love basketball. Usually, after a good moto day, we usually go to the basketball court beside the track and play a couple of games with buddies! That is always fun!

MXP: I love playing basketball but am not very good at it. Okay, let's talk about 2021. What were some of the results that you were most proud of? AG: Last year was a good one as I achieved many goals. However, the one I'm most proud of is my Canadian Championship at the Walton TransCan in the 65cc 7-9 class.

MXP: That was a great week of riding, Alek. There is always a lot of pressure at Walton, and you handled it well. Heading into this season, what do you feel like you have to work on the most? AG: I have to work hard on my attitude sometimes, and I can't let the anger get to me, especially in the race (laughs). I need to try and stay focused at all times, but I've been getting a lot better, and we are working on it every day!

MXP: How is your summer of racing going so far? AG: As of now, my summer is going great! My 85cc races have been going well, and I'm improving on my Supermini every weekend! We've been racing the amateur days at the Triple Crown Series, and so far, they've been fun. MXP: Are you looking forward to the 2022 Walton TransCan, and do you like the track there? AG: Yes! I love the Walton TransCan, and I do like the track. It's probably one of my favourites in Canada. There is always great competition, good people, and an awesome track to race on! I'm super excited to head back there this year and try to bring home another Canadian Championship.

MXP: Although this sport is individual, you still need a good support system. Do your parents love racing as much as you do? AG: Yes, they do! My parents play a big role in my program. Without them, I definitely wouldn't be where I am now. They do a lot for me, and I will forever be grateful.

MXP: That's great! I always see your parents at the track cheering you on. Let's talk about school for a moment. What grade are you currently in and what is your favourite subject? AG: I just graduated 5th grade and heading into grade 6 after the summer! I don't know my favourite subject in school since I'm not a big fan of going to school. School days are long days! But if I had to choose a subject, it would probably be art. It's relaxing, and I like to draw.

MXP: Let's fast forward five years. Where do you see yourself in 2027? AG: Hopefully, in five years, I'll be on the verge of turning pro in the 250 class here in Canada.

MXP: How would your parents describe you in one word? AG: They would say that I am stubborn!

MXP: Thank you for doing this, Alek. Is there anyone or any sponsors you'd like to thank? AG: I would like to thank SMX Motocross, Gicleurs SG, Oakley Canada, Fox Racing Canada, Mathias Marine Sport, KTM Canada, Dirt Care, and MD Distribution.