XMOTION MAGAZINE

04 MARCH 2018

MAGAZINE URBAN BEATS III Extreme Festival TEAM Z7 What do a stunt rider, a surfer, a stable manager and wakeboarder have in common?

SANDSTORM Inflight Dubai I N T ERV I E W

MOHAMMED BALOOSHI

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MANAGING DIRECTOR

EDDIE RAYNER e.rayner@tpg-media.com MANAGING WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

WAYNE GRAY wayne@tpg-media.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

ROD MILLINGTON r.millington@tpg-media.com PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

EDITOR’S NOTE It has been another busy month for us here at XMotionMag, with a bunch of events going down despite the summer heat starting to take its toll.

With this in mind and the season drawing to a close, the next two issues will be bi-monthly, namely June-July and August-September. We will still be working hard behind the scenes however, as we will be completely revamping our website, getting it to be more user friendly and adding a lot of additional features and news. So while there may not be a new issue for next month, you can still stay up to date with a host of local and international content via the website.

We have some great features in this issue, starting with the Magenta Skateboards Dubai Tour and the Dynamics Sports Skate Contest that went down at the Bay Avenue Park. Coverage of the inaugural Pro Extreme Bikes, Skate, BMX and Inline contest held at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Park.

LAURA WOJCIECHOWSKI laura@tpg-media.com SALES MANAGER

LAURA COLLINDER l.collinder@tpg-media.com MEDIA CONSULTANT

STEFAN BESWICK stefan@tpg-media.com PRODUCTION MANAGER

CHERRI FAWZY cherri@tpg-media.com PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

VIDUSHI KEWLANI vidushi@tpg-media.com LEAD DESIGNER

DAN MURAD dan@tpg-media.com SWITCHBOARD

+971 4 349 4925 info@tpg-media.com www.xmotionmag.com

Our feature interviews this month are with the now 3x UAE Sportbike Champion, Lebanese ace Mahmoud Tannir as well as Kuwaiti BMX Star Mansour Al Safran, who graces our cover. We also stopped by the opening round of the 2017 National Wakeboarding Championships that took place at Al Forsan. Coverage of the first round of the Hard Enduro Series from Brazil, the Red Bull Minas Riders as well as the third edition of Ryan Sheckler’s brain child, Red Bull Hart Lines from Detroit, Michigan. Aloha Arabia’s summer Surfari’s have kicked off again and you can find out all about them on page 50. To cap things off, we have full event reports from round 8 and 9 of the F.I.M World Motocross Championship.

So stay tuned through www.xmotionmag.com for some exciting features and content over the summer, as we prepare and get ready to kick off the new season with a bang and remember to check out the awesome video content within the magazine where ever you see the “Press to Play” button.

Welcome to the 3rd issue of XMotionMag. Prepare to scroll through the world of action sports and find out “what drives you…”

This magazine is published by TPG Publishing LLC. All material is the copyright of TPG Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. This magazine is the property of TPG Publishing LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or part without written permission of the Managing Director of TPG Publishing LLC. While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of company or product reviews or comments, these have been based upon the true and honest opinion of the Editor at the time of going to press.

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COVE R

STORY

MOHAMMED BALOOSHI 66

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IN THIS ISSUE

18

URBAN BEATS III Extreme Festival

30

TEAM Z7 Wakeboarding with horses

46

SANDSTORM Inflight Dubai

58

MXGP Valkenswaard

INTERVIEWS

FEATURES

EVENTS

38 STEVEN DAULIACH

14 SIMPLE SESSION 17

34 INFLIGHT DUBAI SANDSTORM

50 ALAA DANDACHLI 68 MOHAMMED BALOOSHI

Action by Red Bull/XDubai 28 DARKFEST Big air MTB in South Africa.

30 PICKS OF THE MONTH Wayne and Ollys monthly picks.

Sandstorm competition by Inflight.

44 QATAR MXGP XMotion heads to Qatar MXGP. 66 INDONESIA MXGP XMotion heads to Indo MXGP.

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ALEX COLEBORN PERFORMS DURING URBAN BEATS FESTIVAL HELD AT THE BEACH, DUBAI. Wayne Gray

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EMIRATI OMEIR SAEED ON HIS WAY TO VICTORY AT THE OPENING ROUND OF THE 2017 NATIONAL. Wayne Gray

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MARCO WALTENSPIEL, AMY CHMELECKI AND MACO FUERST FLY WITH THEIR WINGSUITS OVER THE HEART ISLAND NEAR ZADAR, CROATIA. Wolfgang Lienbacher Redbull Content Pool

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WELCOME TO ‘ENDO-NESIA’.

ARMINAS JASIKONIS FOLLOWS JEREMY VAN HOOREBEEK INTO THE INDONESIAN DIRT. Wayne Gray

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Extreme Festival

The ultimate extreme and urban experience took place at The Beach, JBR over three days in front of thousands of screaming fans who lined the fences, awed at the daring performances by world renowned extreme athletes. The 3rd installment of the Urban Beats Festival was put together by Flow Events who do a brilliant job in showcasing top talent to the region. Add to that, graffiti artist Sya One to DJ Lobito on the decks, the whole weekend was an action packed sensory overload.

The lineup for Urban Beats 3 included Welsh BMX Champion James Jones who wowed the crowd with his insane variety of tricks and amplitude, he seems to go bigger and higher than anybody else and his “Cork 720’s” are a sight to behold.

Englishman Alex Coleborn is the Monster Energy athlete, member of the Total BMX team and has style for days and performs every trick effortlessly. Coleborn has a huge portfolio of tricks up his sleeve, from big air combos to really tech maneuvers which make him one of the top park riders in the world, evidenced by his appearance at the X-Games.

Inline Skate prodigy Julien Cudot from France took the show’s action to another level with his huge backflips and spins. Cudot has been winning championships since he was 10 years old and also has his own signature Inline Skate.

Alvaro Fernandez is a flatland BMX Star from Spain that is based here in the UAE (catch our feature interview with him on page 50) and has been competing since 2005 as well as performing in music videos and TV shows.

ALVARO FERNANDEZ

URBAN BEATS III

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JAMES JONES

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JULIEN CUDOT XM: Julien, this is your first time performing in Dubai? How do you like it?

JC: Yes, my first time ever in Dubai and I literally love and do not want to leave this place, I really appreciate the fact that everybody is nice to each other and very respectful, it’s so clean and fresh everywhere and if you want to party there is plenty of place to do it. THE BEACH Dubai is just amazing, I do hope I’ll be back again!

“ I started when I was 8 years old and I don’t know how I got [to where I am today], probably by just loving what I do so much.”

XM: You have been winning awards since age 10 when did you start? And how did you get to where you are today?

JC: Yeah, I won my first French championship in my category at 10 years old, and was world record holder for highest 720 on a vert ramp at ages 11 and 12. I turned pro at 13 by winning the amateur world championship in Dallas, Texas, and then won the Pro World Championship in Woodward West, California three years later at 16 years old.

I started when I was 8 years old and I don’t know how I got [to where I am today], probably by just loving what I do so much that I can’t be not good at it. After loving this the way that I do and blading everyday (and almost) all day. When the skatepark

Alongside these guys was 3x World Trials Champion Ben Savage, Scooter Champion Lewis Williams and champion Slackliner Mickey Wilson who performed high above the stage pulling off some insane tricks 10m up in the air.

To add to the already stacked lineup of action stars, was the Middle East Qualifiers for Outbreak Europe Breakdancing competition. The battle saw 32 crews dance off for the top prize of a trip to Slovakia for the World B-Boy Finals in July. The final saw a 2on2 battle between Hamza and Zilla versus the duo of Suicide and Kriman. With DJ Lobito getting the crowd and contestants hyped, it was Suicide and Kriman that eventually won the judges votes and will be heading to Slovakia to compete against the best in the world.

where I learnt to blade closed down, I started to improve myself a lot more due to moving on to other places and starting to hit the streets. I think I was starting to remain at the same level because I was always at the same skatepark.

XM: I see you have a line of signature skates for Trigger - in the Pro Skate Series - that’s super cool! How did that come about? Apart from Trigger - what other sponsors do you work with or want to mention?

JC: Hell yes! It came about a year ago and that is my first pro model, super juiced! It’s a French startup company which I have shares in. The guy who owns it from Paris has been working on it by himself, almost alone and it took a long time but we finally made it and won’t quit even if it’s really, really hard for a new company in blading, even

We caught up with Julien Cudot, Mickey Wilson

with a good ambassador. I was tired of supporting

and Alex Coleborn over the course of the weekend

the “big” blading brands which are more into

to get their take on Dubai, Urban Beats and life in

supporting themselves than the riders and the

general.

sport.

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BEN SAVAGE

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JULIEN CUDOT

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LEWIS WILLIAMS

XM: Apart from Inline, do you have other hobbies?

JC: I love everything about being in water, especially cliff diving! You can see me launching

Thankfully I got sponsored by HerculesWAE which

XM: You have some pretty impressive tricks,

is a brand of speakers for riders that are water

what’s your favourite?

and shock resistant and they are the first ever to

JC: If you’re talking about spin and flip I would say

concretely help me live my passion. Besides them,

the flatspin/backflip are the easiest and I feel so

I got a few clothes companies that give me shirts

comfortable performing those, but I love as well to

included “Hush Aggressive” from Indonesia and “All

go very hard doing world firsts, double backflips,

is possible” from France and a German skate shop

double corkscrew. Now I’m working on the double

XM: Finally, what drives you?

called Grindhouse.

flair, that no one did before on blades.

JC: The love homie

some double flips from 15 meters on my Instagram and Facebook @juliencudot. I love playing pool very much, trampoline, good movies that didn’t came out in the last 3 years, reading romans, and I like to cook as well :)

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MICKEY WILSON XM: Mickey, how did you get involved in slacklining and tell us a bit about your story?

MW: I stepped onto my first slackline when I was a freshman but hated it at first. I wasn’t a natural at it and I let my pride and frustrations win so I never slacklined much. That all changed at the end of sophomore year. I saw a slackliner on a line between two trees on campus. This guy wasn’t like my other friends who slacklined though. He was a BEAST! He stopped surfing and I thought he was finished, right then he busts out a backflip and at the same time his feet land back on the line, my jaw hits the ground.

I go up and say hello and he introduces himself as

This is special for me because it means I know the

most versatile slackliners. Then Red Bull got involved

exact moment I became a slacker.

in slacklining and started hosting highline trickline

Fast forward to 2011, I was getting really obsessed with slacklining. Josh invited me to the first ever USA national slackline championships. I drove there with

competitions but there were no safety tethers in their comps. Instead, they had a safety net or airbag underneath their lines.

him and got 2nd place! Lost to my slack idol, Mike

I became the winningest slackliner in Red Bull

Payton. Not bad. Gibbon Slacklines sponsored the

competitions. Three world championships and five

event and afterwards, offered me a sponsorship and

podiums [later]. No other slacker has more than

an opportunity to travel the country and work for

one red bull world title. Now I travel the world as a

them as a pro slackliner, doing shows, demos, clinics

performer and share my love of slacklining with the

and competitions. I had reached a major fork in the

world.

road. After finishing my master’s degree, I had to either pursue a professional career as a scientist or a slackliner.

In January of 2017, while out skiing, I saved a man’s life who was being strangled by his backpack strap after getting hung up on the chair lift when trying to

Josh. I ask him all about his slackline setup and how

The slacklife was calling and I picked up the phone.

unload. It made worldwide news in a day. I told my

I can get started. I have a quick go on his slackline

After a year of slacklining in the USA, I got into the

story to Good Morning America, The Today Show, as

and fall off a couple times usually after only a few

top 8 world rankings, and was invited to the world

well as Ellen DeGeneres. It was a huge affirmation

seconds on the line. I get his contact info and say I’ll

cup in Bregenz, Austria. I made a name for myself in

of all the skills I worked on for countless hours of

be in touch. I still have the email I sent to him.

the slackline world as a high liner as well as a trick

slackline training.

liner, making myself into one of the world’s best and

XM: You do a lot of tricks up there, and the MC even mentioned you invented some of your own… what are some of your favourite tricks? Do you have any other radical, out of this world tricks in the pipeline that we should look out for?

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MW: Skyfall is my favorite trick I’ve invented. It’s

XM: How have you enjoyed Dubai and the Urban

XM: What drives you?

a butt bounce to a backflip with a full twist and I

Beats event?

MW: Who’s to say if we get only one life? Whatever

land on my chest. I was the second person ever to

MW: It was absolutely incredible. World class

the case, I guarantee you only get one chance at

land the Luke Skywalker high line trick. Very fun but

athletes and world class people, world class crowd

each and every day you live. It’s not a video game.

very scary! Super satisfying when landed. “Sticky

on a world class beach. Aquafun water park, invited

No save points, no retries. There’s a saying that

Mickey” butt bounce was not invented by me but at

us for a free romp through their park and I had more

goes, “whatever you choose to be in life, be a good

this point it’s pretty much my trick and no one gets

fun than I can describe. The artwork was inspiring.

one”. I like instead, “whatever you do in life, always

higher than me with this

The slacklining was my favorite part though. My

do your best and try to be the best at what you do.

heart grew and melted every time I stepped onto

Even if you don’t become the best, that’s not what’s

that line. Thanks Flow Events, The Beach Dubai,

important. It’s the fact that you tried your best that

JBR, and the city of Dubai for yet another amazing,

really matters.”

XM: Growing up in Colorado, and coming from skiing background - have you managed to get over to Ski Dubai?

MW: Yes, I’m good friends with the Head Rigger

invaluable opportunity

and safety guy at Ski Dubai. He’s a skydiver and a

XM: For any aspiring slack liners – what would you

slackliner and we have been friends since we met

recommend, where would someone even start?

last year when I was over here three times in three

MW: Remember my story? I delayed my slacklife for

months for jobs with Flow Events. They’ve brought

almost two years because I was too easily frustrated.

me out to UAE for six performances since 2013.

It requires practice, dedication, focus and a desire to

XM: Apart from slacklining and skiing what other hobbies do you have?

be outside and learn something about the physical world as well as what’s in your soul. Don’t give up, slack on! Also, you can’t become a slackliner unless

MW: Skiing, backcountry skiing, skydiving,

you… wait for it… duh, buy a slackline! Gibbon UAE

whitewater kayaking, cross country mountain biking

has the world’s best brand, Gibbon available for

downhill skateboarding, hacky sack, poi, juggling,

purchase. Get a slackline and go get outside with

kendama, trampoline, inline skating, traveling,

some friends and have fun!

slacklifing, tutoring physics and math, reading

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“ When I first had the accident I was really cautious and aware of my injury and how it was going to affect my riding, but then once I had got over that I was determined to come back stronger than before as I was out for so long.”

ALEX COLEBORN XM: Alex, this is your first trip to Dubai - what do you think of it here and how does it compare to other events?

AC: I love it here, it’s just a completely different lifestyle. To compare it to other events I have done this one is sick because you’re riding on the beach with all the massive buildings in the background.

XM: It was only 6 years after you got on a BMX

XM: It feels like there is immense pressure to get

that you were already competing at X Games! It’s

things right under the spotlight, you seem to get

remarkable how your career has progressed even

everything right with such ease…how do you cope

though you started quite late at 13. Is it natural

with this pressure?

talent or hard work that got you where you are

AC: I practice all the time anyway, so doing these

today?

tricks comes as second nature to me.

AC: I think it’s a bit of both really, you’ve obviously got to have a natural feel when riding a bike but for

XM: What’s your favorite trick to perform?

my career to have progressed how it has is mainly

AC: 720 barspin

down to the time and effort I put in when I am riding.

XM: Other than BMX what other hobbies do you have?

XM: You had a really bad injury, when you broke

AC: I don’t really have any other hobbies other than

your hip – do you feel this has made you more

BMX. So, when I am not riding I mainly spend my

cautious, or has it made you more determined to

time chilling out with my family and friends.

succeed?

AC: When I first had the accident I was really cautious and aware of my injury and how it was going to affect my riding, but then once I had got

XM:What’s in store for you in the future?

AC: Focusing on the contest season, and starting new projects.

over that I was determined to come back stronger

XM: What drives you?

than before as I was out for so long.

AC: Determination to keep progressing in this sport.

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ALEX COLEBORN

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TEAM Z7 What do a stunt rider, a surfer, a stable manager and a wakeboarder have in common? XMotion sat down with four of the inspirational masterminds behind the viral video to understand a bit more about how the stunt came to life and what it felt like to be hauled along one of Dubai’s pristine beaches by a horse! Who needs a boat anyway?

My belief is that the horse riders are possibly the bravest amongst the bunch, although that could just be down to my irrational fear of horses, I can’t say for sure.

We got in touch with Laura Arkle, one of the horse riders and the manager of Team Z7, an international showjumping, polo and riding stable founded by H.H Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and managed to arrange a meeting with a few of the team members that put this all together.

We meet the team at the Surf House Dubai, founded by Scott Chambers, the surfer in the video who was born in Sharjah and has pretty much single handedly developed the surf scene in Dubai as we know it. On arrival, we notice that Laura is very sweet and almost quiet compared to the rest of the rowdy bunch we are meeting, but after a few minutes we discover she is the one that pitched the crazy idea to the guys in the first place.

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“ It all started with a Whatsapp message” PJ

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Laura knew the stunt would be an easy sell to

creative vision of H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Rashid

The biggest issue the surfers and wakeboarders

Attila Kenyo, Team Z7’s professional stunt rider.

bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who shared the love for the

faced was initially getting going, being towed by

The crazy Hungarian is always keen on new, out of

idea, that it became a reality. Great efforts were

the horses. For the wakeboarders it wasn’t too

the box ideas – so after confirming the stunt was

put in by her entire team, inviting the team into her

difficult as they are strapped in and once over the

possible, she brought the idea forward to Scott and

beach palace and putting together the awesome

initial pull, it was fairly simple, the horses galloping

PJ Cutting, one of the wake boarders in the video,

footage.

along at speeds similar to that of wake boats. The

who grew up surfing in South Africa, moved to Dubai 15 years ago and is a partner in XtremeWake UAE.“It all started with a WhatsApp message” comments PJ

Laura and Atilla explain that the final shoot and stunt itself took about three hours in total, but they worked on it over three days. Atilla took the horses down to the beach before to familiarize them with

horse riders had a few more issues to deal with in controlling the horses on the uneven beach sand and the fact you can’t really see what’s coming up when charging through the water. One of the biggest issues was for Scott on the surfboard as the

“The whole experience was all very new, we had

the area, and to check the footing and space for

never done anything like this, where you’re being

the horses. The first and second days were easier

towed so close to the sand, so we were all just

on the horses because the water was quite shallow,

gauging how close we could get. PJ always likes to

but challenging on the wakeboarders and especially

push the limits” says Scott.

the surfer. The last day was probably the most

“We were really lucky to be able to work with

challenging for the horses and the easiest for the

these stunt horses, with water spraying around and

wakeboarders because the water was deeper, so

drones flying around them, they were completely

meant a lot more water to play with and get going.

unphased. Incredidible animals” said PJ.

With Scott, PJ and Laura being friends for so many years, it’s a wonder how they haven’t done anything like this in the past, but it was through the

fins kept digging into the sand in the shallow water, but with some help from the team to unweight the board at pull off, it was all good.

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“It does help when you have access to these 12 massive, beautiful horses” SCOTT

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OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TEAM PICTURED BELOW: Xavier Birot

Mark Shawyer

Claire Mitchell

Wakeboarding on the day. From Bordeaux France.

Wakeboarder on the day, from Australia.

Assistant Manager at Team Z7. Has lived in Dubai

moved to Dubai in 2012. Loves all action sports.

Restauranteur, has been in Dubai 8 years on and

for 11years

kitesurfing, surfing, snowboarding and wake

off. Loves action sports; surfing, wakeboarding

boarding.

snowboarding, BMX.

Eva Padilla Lara

Diego Lopez

Spanish show horse rider at Team Z7, from Spain

Spanish Show horse trainer at Team Z7 - from

she has worked in Dubai for the last 5 years.

Spain. He is an outstanding horseman and trainer. he has worked in Dubai for the last 6 years.

Moacyr Ramos is an ex professional bull rider and loves to think out of the box and helps keep the team organised.

The team were also joined by H.H Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and her sister Sheikha Maryam Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as Sheikha Latifa daughter of Sheikha Fatima. The girls really wanted to have a fun morning out and do something different and they all had an amazing time swimming in the sea with their horses.

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I N T E RV I E W

STEVEN DAULIACH 7x Jetski Pro Class World Champion, Team XBJ Racing Athlete, Founder of Searide Dubai. XMotionMag sits down with the Dubai based Frenchman to chat about racing, business and life in Dubai.

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STEVEN DAULIACH

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XM: First and foremost, huge congratulations on

XM: Obviously Dubai seems to be a perfect

JetSki place here to ride around Dubai coast. I got

the wedding. We love the new touch ‘Just married’

location for watersports. Do you see more

permission for it and was the first one to operate

on the back of the Ski. How has married life been

potential for growth with Jetski in Dubai?

JetSkis and Flyboards in Dubai. So far I have a good

treating you?

SD: It is one of the best place I’ve been for training

team behind me and we are happy to give this

SD: Thanks a lot! Yes it is funny to have it on my

and racing in winter time, summer is very hot for

opportunity to travelers and UAE citizens to be able

racing JetSki. I’m the most surprised this happened

the athletes and machines as with all outdoors

to experience what I like to do the most. It’s always

in such a short time but it’s a proud moment in my

activities here at that time. There is big potential

cool to have guests reviewing us on social media

personal life and I couldn’t ask for a better one to

for sure, we just need more dedicated areas with a

saying our activities were the best they’ve done

share my crazy lifestyle.

permanent track, storage and facilities to get more

during their stay.

XM: You just came back from racing in Abu Dhabi

people involved into it.

this weekend, how was the race and how is the

XM: You’ve gone in a slightly different direction

championship going?

the past year into the tourism side of watersports

SD: It went great in the first half of the day with

with Searide Dubai. How has the past year been

a win in moto 1 but not so great in moto 2 with a

with the business?

DNF due to mechanical faillure. But i’m still leading

SD: After being on the racing scene for 18 years

the championship at this time with 2 races to go.

and having won everything in my sport several

My team XBJ racing is working hard to get the

times, it was time for me to start doing something

championship.

else. JetSki is what I know the most as I spend my whole life on it so I decide to propose having a

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STEVEN DAULIACH

XM: We’ve seen you frequently racing the Baja championships for quite some time now and at a good level! How much does the experience translate across to two wheels. Does it help to keep you on your toes for the Jetski races?

SD: Motocross and Baja are very new to me, I started it in 2015 as beginner and improved by riding with some great riders like you, Benjamin Melot, Sam Sunderland so I learned it the quick and hard way! They’re similar motorsports but two different activities to handle, the riding style XM: The life style under the sun in Dubai is quite

and the movement surface are quite far from each

a bit different than the fast pace world champs.

other. The guys at KTM UAE pushed me to enter the

How are you enjoying the lifestyle, obviously there

final round in 2016 and I got on the podium in my

is less pressure than the cut throat racing scene?

class. I was pretty surprised and happy with it. It

XM: What would your advice be for people

SD: Sun and beach has been where I spent most

actually didn’t help me at all as I fell quite often and

interested to get into the sport?

of my time since I became a racer as this is were

wasn’t in the best shape with few minors injuries

I would offer them to meet me or my team to give

Jetski is. The pressure is different, I have a small

that bothered me for my JetSki training program

them all the advise needed. It’s better to try it first

team of people giving there best to put everything

and racing, so I put a big gap now between the

to make sure you like it and you know about safety

together, day and night 7 days a weeks to be ready

two activities (Laughs). I couldn’t follow the whole

and regulations before getting involved. We are

on the racing day, and when your results are not

series as I also race Jetski on same days somtimes

going to have a stand up JetSki available also with

good it shows right away. At the end of the day

but it’s great fun, well organized and a good

lessons for people who want to try the experience.

if you are not first on the podium at the end on

atmosphere between racers.

the race you failed. You need to explain to your sponsors the reasons why the victory is not yours and the bonus isn’t going in your wallet. When you win you’re all good, you don’t have to prove anything (Laughs). Running a business is also pressure, what has changed for me is that I have to manage my team push them to do things in the best way possible and the way I want it to make sure we please our guests with a premium services and the best equipment.

XM: Your resume is pretty weighty now, multiple

XM: Where would you hope the sport to be taken

World, French, UAE, European Championships

in next few years locally and in the region?

and now moving more to the training school

SD: It would be nice to have more young blood

and lifestyle side, could you hang your helmet up

in the sport. For this we need a dedicated place

now and have you accomplished everything you

to create a good setup to go training everyday to

wanted to now or is there more on the radar.

make it attractive to everyone. JetSki is a great

SD: I have accomplished my dream in my sport

sport, it’s safe compared to some other motorsport

winning it all and several times in the pro class.

activities. We have it all, with a good championship

My goal now is to enjoy my life with people that

supported by governement, now we just need to

surrounded me, running my business and grow it

make it easier to access to any newcomers.

and still race on side as it is in my blood.

XM: We’ve been cycling and training a fair amount together. What is the schedule like training for high level Jetski racing?

SD: I had a full time personal trainer when I use to be a factory racer. Mainly training was based on cardio. 5 times a weeks, 3 hours sessions plus 3 to 4 times Jetski training weekly. I followed a very similar training schedule to the French Taekwondo team with leg renforcement with few variations becuase Taekwondo is 3 minute efforts and mine is between 15 to 20 minutes. I start road cycling to stay fit since I’m in Dubai as it is not that easy to access mountain biking and that’s one of my favorites.

“ AFTER BEING ON THE RACING SCENE FOR 18 YEARS AND HAVING WON EVERYTHING IN MY SPORT SEVERAL TIMES, IT WAS TIME FOR ME TO START DOING SOMETHING ELSE.”

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“ I’m so so happy! I didn’t think I would win because I have never done a competition like this before.”

SANDSTORM Inflight Dubai

Located off the E66 road to Al Ain, Inflight Dubai offer thrill-seekers the chance to skydive without having to leap from a plane. It boasts the world’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel according to the Guinness World Records, which measures 16.5ft across, 68ft in height, can host speeds of up to 175mph and boasts four electric motors. Sessions are available for beginner and experienced flyers alike and feature aid from instructors throughout.

The first Inflight Dubai SandStorm 4-way ‘scrambles’ event of 2017 saw competitors Zoe Edwards (GB), Paul Morgan (GB), Shona Morgan (GB) & Hinda Salih (MA) mark a convincing victory.

Despite never having competed as a team before, this combination of talented skydivers blew away all the other challengers with huge score of 75 points over 5 competitive rounds.

Scores were much tighter between 2nd and 3rd places who were trading places throughout the evening.

Second place eventually went to the team of Greg Chape (FR), Khalid Khoory (AE), Asher Jones (NZ) and Laszlo Csizmadia (NZ) who totaled an impressive 56 points.

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Finishing off the podium positions with 51 points were Hannah Winstanley (GB), Saoud Alharmoodi (AE), Gabor Molnar (HU) and Kim Myers (GB).

As a ‘scrambles’ event, competitors enter individually and then based on experience level, are placed into one of four pots. On the evening of the event, teams are then drawn by choosing team numbers from each of those pots.

The winning team took home a huge prize stash containing a brand new Casio G-Shock watch, a month-long membership to The Warehouse Gym, XDubai merchandise and huge discount offers from Inflight Dubai and Firnasfly jumpsuits.

A delighted Hinda Salih, who is also a Guinness World Record holder and experienced instructor for Inflight Dubai remarked “I’m so so happy! I didn’t think I would win because I have never done a competition like this before… but my team mates were amazing and helped me understand what I needed to do!”

This event was the first of four Inflight Dubai SandStorm events planned throughout 2017, with the next competition due to take place at the end of May. COMPETITORS CAN KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE NEWS FROM PAST AND FUTURE COMPETITIONS ON THE INFLIGHT DUBAI SANDSTORM WEBSITE: www.inflightdubaisandstorm.com

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ALAA DANDACHLI 27 year old Alaa (Capitano) Dandachli, originally from Lebanon has resided in Dubai for the past 15 years. ‘Capitano’ has made a name for himself in recent years on the beaches of Dubai.

We catch up with the fun loving Lebanese Kite-Boarder.

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XM: Capitano! It’s been quite a bit of time since we’ve caught up. You’ve been busy but it looks like you’ve been having a lot of fun as usual?

AD: I’m having a great time! Last summer I created ‘Kiteboarding Twist’ - an international kitesurfing event ‘ in Lebanon. It caused a massive buzz and had over 50 international participants. Now I’m focusing on Dubai since there is so many opportunities here to grow the kitesurfing sport.

XM: We saw you head over to RedBull Ragnarok in Norway, a lot different than our Dubai deserts!

You were impressively one of only 32 competitors to finish. How tough was the event?

AD: Yes it was a shock of a lifetime - going from 30 degrees to -11. It was my first time competing on snow and in the cold so it was a great challenge!

By the end of it I couldn’t feel my hands anymore (actually most of my body) It was tough because of the duration of the race - 5 full hours of snow kiting is hard. I was so happy to finish and it is an experience of a lifetime.

XM: How did you get into Kite Surfing?

AD: I have always loved the beach and when I saw the kite surfers for the first time I knew I had to try it. I went and bought the equipment and just started practicing. It was a complete disaster until I started watching kite surfing videos online and then went out to try and do it. It took a lot of trying, failing and then trying again. Practice does make perfect and I fell in love with the sport.

XM: Of course now we have spots like ‘Kite Beach’ and seen a lot happening in the sport. How have you seen Kite Surfing progress in Dubai?

AD: I am so happy to see a sport that I love grow and gain a bigger and bigger following. In the beginning it was a small group but with the support of the government and the creation of Kite Beach it has reached a much wider audience.

Lots of people now see it on the beach and want to learn. We are also lucky to have so many of the big names come to Dubai to promote the sport and show their ‘magic’ on the beach.

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ALAA DANDACHLI

“ I’M HAVING A GREAT TIME! LAST SUMMER I CREATED ‘KITEBOARDING TWIST’ - AN INTERNATIONAL KITESURFING EVENT ‘IN LEBANON.”

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ALAA DANDACHLI

XM: Where would you like to see the sport going

XM: What training is required at a good level of

XM: What do you have planned coming up in

in Dubai and Middle East region?

Kite Surfing.

2017?

AD: I would love for it to spread even more since it

AD: First step is learning how to swim and respect

AD: I will be launching an exciting new travel

is an amazing outdoor sport. It is hard to learn but

the ocean. Normally it will require 8-10 hours with

project soon where I will share my travel

once you get it, it is the best feeling in the world.

one of our instructors before you’re able to kite

experiences to inspire others to get out there and

surf. Some need less, some need more but at Kite

explore. It will be about kite surfing, surfing and

N’ Surf we always assess student before giving

everything in between.

XM: We’ve seen the progression of Kite N’ Surf, it looks like you guys have built a really good environment for Dubai Kite Surfing.

them the go ahead.

XM: How would you recommend people who are

AD: It is important for us that Kite N’Surf is a fun

XM: Skydive Dubai has been a big part of your

interested to get into the sport?

and safe environment to learn in and we have

program. It seems there is a mutual respect

AD: Just call Kite N’ Surf!

the best instructors teaching. But it is so much

between the two sports. How closely related is

more than that - it is a community for people who

Kite Surfing to Skydiving?

love the ocean, the beach and being active. It is a

AD: It is all about adrenaline! But fundamentally it

different kind of lifestyle.

is two very different sports.

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings had his best result of the season today when he scored second overall. The Dutch rider had fought his way through both races, where he didn’t have the starts he’d hoped for. In race 2 on his way to the front he

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy

battled with the former champions, Tim Gajser and

Van Horebeek scored his second podium of the

Romain Febvre passing both before catching Paulin

season today with 3rd overall. Van Horebeek had

in 2nd and though Herlings was close he wasn’t able

a great ride in race one where held of the hard

to make it past the Frenchman. Herlings during the

charges of Jeffrey Herlings and finished 2nd. In race

press conference said, “In MXGP it is like all out war

he finished 5th after battling for the top 3 most of

from the moment the gate drops until the finish flag

the race before falling on the last lap. In the press

and that’s something I’m not used to, but we will

conference Van Horebeek said: “It’s been a really

get there. We are getting the speed and I think there

good weekend…I think that the fans enjoyed our

is one thing left and that’s the starts. I felt like I was

racing and it’s a tough class, we have to fight for

close today, I was really close to the win and that’s

every position. I’m really happy to be on the podium

good.”

and be consistent every weekend.”

MXGP Valkenswaard

This past weekend belonged to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin who won the first Race after grabbing the important Fox Holeshot and leading the entire time. It was the first race victory for Paulin since Teutschental 2015. In race 2 Paulin finished second securing the overall, 2 years after doing the same here in 2015, it was the first Valkenswaard overall for Husqvarna in history.

Paulin in the press conference said, “Being back on the podium and on the first step feels really good, it has been over a year. It is great to be racing like fans were cheering for Jeffrey so hard and I felt the track was getting smaller, I was really pushing hard to keep him from passing me. I will have good memories from today!”

JEFFREY HERLINGS

this, the ride with Jeffrey was awesome! The Dutch

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GAUTIER PAULIN

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli had

It’s really tough actually, many guys are close

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff

a bad start in race 1, he was 14th on lap one. Cairoli

together, their speed is there, you really just have to

finished 9th overall in front of his home crowd.

consistently worked his forward over the first few

be focused 100%.”

The Dutch rider lives a mere 20 minutes from

laps before settling into 9th. For race 2 you could tell he wanted the win as he started with the Fox Holeshot and he returned to winning form. Cairoli finished 4th overall and continues to narrow the points gap, he is now 14 points behind in the championship.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser had a good weekend finishing 6-4 for 5th overall and though it wasn’t the dominant form like we’ve seen lately he holds on to the championship lead now nearly a third of the way through the season. Gajser in the press conference said: “I’m quite happy, the speed was there. I just made some small mistakes, in the first race I crashed and in the second one I didn’t have the best start.

Team HRC’s Evgeny Bobryshev was second for several laps in race 1 where he finished 4th and in race 2 he was in second, right in tow with Cairoli, the first 12 laps, but eventually dropped to 8th. His 6th overall and 31 points from the weekend have him 5th in the championship standings going into Latvia.

Team Suzuki World MXGP’s Arminas Jasikonis achieved his best result today when he went 5-6 for 7th overall. He excelled on the technical and rough circuit, Jasikonis will undoubtably gain confidence from the result and will look forward to the next round at his home GP in Latvia.

Valkenswaard. Coldenhoff was visibly at home on the track as he held off his hard charging team mate Cairoli he finished 8th in race 1 and 10th in race 2.

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“ I was really pushing hard to keep him from passing me. I will have good memories from today” GAUTIER PAULIN

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“ It was a race where I should have gone 1-1 so I’m disappointed.”

TONY CAIROLI

In the MX2 class Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s

of today, both races I started between 10th and 15th

Pauls Jonass completed the perfect weekend again

and I had to make a lot of passes, I’m happy that

this season going pole in Saturday’s qualifying race

I did. Especially in the second moto I did all that I

and following it up with 2 race wins. He achieved

could, to beat Pauls you need to be there on the

the race wins after two good starts including the

start to battle him. I think we can look forward, I’m

FOX Holeshot in race 1 and leading the field every

pretty positive now.”

time the finish line was crossed. Jonass in the press conference said: “I felt pretty good all weekend, we made some improvements since yesterday and just kept improving all weekend with the bike. I enjoyed the track today…it was nice to ride, in the second race I got a good start, pulled a gap then just cruised around for the win. I really enjoy riding here and to go home with a 1-1 is good. The next GP is my home GP and I’m really looking forward to it.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Brent Van doninck reached the podium today which is something that has evaded him in the past. Van doninck had a fifth in race one and a 3rd in race 2 which was good for 3rd overall. He had a bad start in race 1 and he had to push hard to get to the well deserved 5th while in race 2, his better start helped him to get near the back of Seewer but the physical demands took hold as he wasn’t able to find the

Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer finished 19th

extra energy needed to get past #91 Suzuki. Van

in qualifying yesterday and responded well to the

doninck in the press conference said, “I was coming

MXGP OVERALL TOP TEN

challenge today of 19th gate pick. Seewer was in

close to Seewer but he had another gear and I was

7th in race and 5th in race 2’s first lap, both races

quite tired…I knew I was on the podium and I didn’t

1. Gautier Paulin, 47 points.;

he made passes getting himself to 4th and 2nd for

want to throw it away with a crash or something. I’m

2. Jeffrey Herlings, 40 p.;

2nd overall on his 4th podium this season. In the

happy, I’m looking forward to Latvia and I just want

press conference Seewer said, “I made the best out

to keep the consistency like I’m doing now.”

3. Jeremy Van Horebeek, 38 p.; 4. Antonio Cairoli, 37 p.; 5. Tim Gajser, 33 p.; 6. Evgeny Bobryshev, 31 p.; 7. Arminas Jasikonis, 30 p.; 8. Romain Febvre, 25 p.; 9. Glenn Coldenhoff, 24 p.; 10. Maximilian Nagl, 21 p.

MXGP CHAMPIONSHIP TOP TEN 1. Tim Gajser (HON) 234 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (KTM) 220 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (HUS) 192 p.; 4. Jeremy Van Horebeek (YAM) 182 p.; 5. Evgeny Bobryshev (HON) 176 p.; 6. Clement Desalle (KAW) 172 p.; 7. Romain Febvre (YAM) 131 p.; 8. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 124 p.; 9. Arnaud Tonus (YAM) 120 p.; 10. Maximilian Nagl (HUS) 116 p.

ANTONIO CAIROLI

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“ I’m really happy to be on the podium and be consistent every weekend.”

JEREMY VAN HOREBEEK

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“ In the second race I got a good start, pulled a gap then just cruised around for the win.”

PAULS JONASS

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Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s

there. Paturel 7th and 9th in today’s races were

Thomas Kjer Olsen looked comfortable on the bike

enough for the 6th overall and he is 5th in the

and the track all weekend but went down in race 1

championship standings 69 points off the leader.

before completing the first lap while trying to make a pass. This mistake set him in 30th the first time across the finish, he would impressively climb his way back to 9th by the finish. The 9th combined with 4th in the second race resulted in 4th overall and he also 4th in the championship standings.

HSF Logistics Motorsport’s Calvin Vlaanderen finished out the top 5 overall today in 5th at what is his home GP after a 6th in race 1 and 7th in race 2.

Suzuki World MX2’s Hunter Lawerence had a breakthrough performance in race 2 finishing fifth, that together with the Australian’s 10th in race one got him a 6th overall.

The consistent #33 LRT KTM of Julien Lieber had his first major issue of the season when he had to pull out of race 2 with a mechanical issue. The Belgian howover still took 9th overall thanks to his season best second in race one. Lieber remains third

Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Benoit Paturel

in the championship points standings and he will

is really struggling with starts and it is a shame

continue to pursue his first win at the next round on

because if he was in the front during the early

the again soft soil of Latvia.

stages of racing he almost certainly would stay

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MX2 OVERALL TOP TEN

MX2 CHAMPIONSHIP TOP TEN

1. Pauls Jonass, 50 points;

1. Pauls Jonass (KTM), 242 points;

2. Jeremy Seewer, 40 p.;

2. Jeremy Seewer (SUZ), 223 p.;

3. Brent Van Doninck, 36 p.;

3. Julien Lieber (KTM), 197 p.;

4. Thomas Kjer Olsen, 30 p.;

4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (HUS), 188 p.;

5. Calvin Vlaanderen, 29 p.;

5. Benoit Paturel (YAM), 173 p.;

6. Hunter Lawrence, 27 p.;

6. Brent Van doninck (YAM), 159 p.;

7. Benoit Paturel), 26 p.;

7. Thomas Covington (HUS), 133 p.;

8. Petar Petrov, 22 p.;

8. Vsevolod Brylyakov (KAW), 123 p.;

9. Julien Lieber, 22 p.;

9. Jorge Prado Garcia (KTM), 121 p.;

10. Thomas Covington, 20 p.

10. Michele Cervellin (HON), 109 p.

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MOHAMMED BALOOSHI Multiple time Arab National Champion, RedBull athlete, Cross Country Rally rider and now the winner of the Emirates Desert Championship MOTO category. XMotion sits down with Mohammed Balooshi to chat about his career, his recent championship win and what the future holds for the likeable Emirati.

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MOHAMMED BALOOSHI

Multiple time Arab National Champion, RedBull

when its going good you cream everything (laughs)

athlete, Cross Country Rally rider and now the

The team worked really hard through pre-season

winner of the Emirates Desert Championship MOTO

and the summer! Not that we don’t always work

category. XMotion sits down with Mohammed

hard, but I think with the injury I had, I was a lot

Balooshi to chat about his career, his recent

more focused. To win three categories, The Moto

championship win and what the future holds for

Overall, the Veterans class and the Team Overall

the likeable Emirati.

title, I think God was really generous to me on that

XM: First off, congratulations on being crowned the Emirates Desert Championship Moto Overall champion. After being runner up in the previous

day and my thanks go to God first of all. This year the team really came together, the positive energy from everyone was really special.

two campaigns, it must be a nice weight off your

The KTM UAE pit crew did an awesome job all

shoulders to finally claim the top step of the

season and for sure we cannot do this without

podium?

them.

MB: Thank you, yes for sure it’s a weight off my shoulders. To win on the 3rd attempt, it’s difficult to put into words. I was very emotional coming through the final section of the lap, I knew then that I had it. I could see the guys behind me and as long as nothing happened to the bike, I had it. It was really emotional but I had to keep it together, crossing the line was unbelievable. You couldn’t have scripted it better after finishing runner up to Jake Shipton two years ago and Ross Runnalls last year, to finally get the win I’m really really happy.

XM: You returned from a pretty severe injury, sustained at the Qatar Sealine Cross Country Rally in April last year, tell us a little bit about the injury and the rehabilitation process.` MB: Yeah it was a bad one, up there with the worst injuries I have had throughout my career. I broke my tibia and fibula and had a severe concussion. I was not so worried about the leg, my main concern was my head because I didn’t feel good for quite some time. You can say the injury did more good than harm for me, because up to that point I had

XM: You had a really consistent year, on the

not even had one month away from racing in over

podium in each of the five rounds and taking the

three years, with doing all the local races, GCC races

win in the final event when all the pressure was

and international races. It was a good rest for me to

on.

really focus on the rehab and come back stronger.

MB: That was my game plan, to try and be on the podium at every round. Bajas can be fast and dangerous and you never know what can happen.

My main aim was to stay healthy throughout the series but at the same time push enough as to not get left too far behind. I pushed when it was necessary. I was lucky not to have any incidents or close calls, I didn’t take any chances. Finishing 3rd at the first round I knew I was in a good spot and could gauge the rest of my season. To win the final round was like a fairytale. To win under that pressure was special.

XM: You looked really fit this season throughout both the Motocross and Baja series. Do you feel you were much better prepared coming into the start of the season than you have been in the past?

MB: I think it surprised a lot of people that I was able to come into the season so fit, even from the first round. Some people had thought that after my injury that I wouldn’t be back in time or be able to contend for any championships. I burned a lot of calories, did a lot of kilometers, lifted a lot of weights and I am happy it all paid off. I am 37 years

XM: Your team, Balooshi Racing also claimed the

old now, but I feel like I’m still in my early twenties.

Moto Team title, some more icing on the cake.

I have a good work ethic, a positive mindset and I

MB: It’s funny you know, when you don’t win in

believe in myself.

one class, it seems you come short everywhere, but

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MOHAMMED BALOOSHI

XM: You competed in the Dubai International Baja

XM: You have also done your fair share of Cross

XM: You had a great ride at the ADDC last year,

at the beginning of March. It must be great for

Country Rallies in the past. Obviously starting

with a really strong 4th place finish amongst the

you to see the UAE Motorsport holding prestigious

close to home with the Abu Dhabi Desert

world’s elite rally riders.

events such as the FIM International Baja Series,

Challenge and the Qatar Sealine Rally, are you

MB: Last year’s Desert Challenge was very special.

adding to a long list of World class racing events

planning to do any other rounds of the World

I worked extremely hard leading up to it and was

held in the Emirates.

Championship this year?

really happy to finish amongst the top factory

MB: Yes, I will do the full championship this year. In

riders. My main goal was to not lose by too much

MB: I think that ATCUAE is doing an amazing job,

2015, I did the full series and I was ranked 6th in the

time and I was a lot closer than in the past. Now

to bring another World Championship event to

world that year. It was great for me to be the first

I have a good platform to build on that. It is

the UAE is really good. I am really proud of the

Arab to even finish in the top 10. Last year the plan

definitely one of the toughest rallies, but I did my

UAE and the people that organise these events.

was the same, but due to my injury in Qatar I didn’t

homework and to finish fourth I was really happy.

Its not like the UAE isn’t on the map, but in

compete in the full series. I will also hopefully

terms of motorsport we need some more of this

compete in three rounds of the Baja World Cup. I

attention. It was good to finish in 2nd place there, a

am really looking forward to the year ahead and

positive result leading up to the Abu Dhabi Desert

achieving my goals.

Challenge. As soon as they announced it, it was one of my main priorities to do it, for sure it is up there with the Desert Challenge.

XM: ADDC took place at the beginning of April.

How was your training and preparation going in this year?

MB: I was definitely mentally stronger than last year and had prepared well. Getting ready for our local season helped a lot. I felt fitter than in previous years. I ended up 7th overall, the first Arab across the line and first of the non-factory supported riders. It was a good result after being off the rally bike since Qatar last year, so I’m happy.

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XM: Obviously, the biggest and toughest off road

XM: You have an awesome facility down at the

XM: You have also been competing in a number of

race in the world is the Dakar Rally. You competed

Jebel Ali motocross track, coaching and training

other racing series around the GCC. How did the

in 2012, is the goal to get back to the Dakar again?

riders of all ages and skill levels through your

season go for you?

MB: Hopefully I can get back to Dakar, I personally

MX-Academy. Tell us a bit more a bit more about it.

MB: Yeah it was a really good season for me. The

would love to do it again. For now the focus is the

MB: I am really passionate about coaching. When I

Qatar Baja series has recently started again and I

Cross Country World Championship and the Baja

started the sport, there was no place to learn how

am currently 2nd in that series. I won the series in

World Cup and then we will see. For sure I would

to ride. I started later on as an adult whereas most

Kuwait and also in the Bahrain championship and

love to go back and finish and to represent the

of the riders start when they are small kids. I was

I finished 2nd in MX2 class and Veterans class in

UAE.

helped a lot by the late Georges Jobes, a multi

Dubai championship. I worked really hard this year,

time World Motocross Champion for 9 years and he

if you have your priorities in place, good things can

really taught me good technique. I needed to open

happen.

XM: Also, a really nice moment for UAE motorsports to have your friend, Dubai based Sam Sunderland win the Dakar this year. You know just how hard the Dakar can be, so it’s really something special that he won it.

MB: We were all rooting for him and cheering for him. I think it’s really good for the sport in the UAE, I know he is from England, but we think of him as one of our own, it’s a great achievement. What he has done is far greater than the win itself, he has inspired so many people by what he has achieved.

I have known him for a long time and to see all the bad luck he had at previous Dakar’s, to finish it for the first time this year and to win it, it’s just amazing.

MX-Academy so people like me have somewhere to go. We really go into the details you know, it’s not just hiring a bike. It’s about understanding what you’re doing, learning the correct techniques.

I’m really proud of what we have achieved with MX-Academy.

XM: Thanks for chatting with us and congratulations on a superb season of racing.

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KARMA GRIP AED 1,299.00 Available from: Cafe Rider Combine the Karma Grip Handle with the Karma Stabilizer1 to capture breathtaking shake-free video with your GoPro. Enjoy professional, cinema-quality footage whether you’re hiking, biking or chasing your kids through the park. Works with GoPro body mounts to capture amazing perspectives only a GoPro can. 2 Built-in camera controls let you power on and off, change modes, start and stop recording, and add HiLight Tags on the fly.

xmotionmag ISSUE #4

www.xmotionmag.com

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SEVENFRIDAY M2/01 AED 5,600.00 Available from: Cafe Rider This SEVENFRIDAY M-Series watch features a stainless steel case with

SUNDAY AM PLUS ROSS 20.5 2016 BIKE

black PVD treatment and a polished stainless steel identification plate. The

from AED 1,979.00 Available from: dynamicsonline.ae

M2/01 has a stainless steel animation ring with sandblasted black PVD finish while the interface is comprised of

FRAME: 20.5 TT, Chromoly Down

SEAT: Odyssey BOSS, Aaron Ross

6 black and rhodium layers with red

Tube and Dropouts

Signature, Tripod

highlights. As with all SEVENFRIDAY

FORK: 2PC Chromoly Steerer Tube

PEDALS: Odyssey Twisted PC

M-Series watches the 3 customised

and Dropouts,

RIMS: Sunday Lightning Rim 36H

discs reading hours, minutes and

Welded Pre-Load Bolt

TIRES: Odyssey OEM Chase Hawk

seconds are powered by a Miyota 8215

GRIPS: Odyssey BOSS, Aaron Ross

Signature, 20 x 2.4 (F&R)

engine.

Signature

PENNY LONGBOARD 36” COMPLETE - RASTA from AED 795.00 Available from: Surf House Dubai - Rasta Pintail shaped longboard deck - Classic waffle top non-slip deck - Premium Abec 9 v-channel stainless steel bearings - 83A wheels for a smooth and fast ride - Brand new secret composite plastic formula for

PIVOT NAISH KITE

added strength and flex control - 1 year manufacturing warranty

FOX V3 CREO HELMET from AED 1,800.00 Available from: SRG Motorsports

AED 3,900.00 Available from: Surf House Dubai

- MIPS Equipped

Predictable power development, direct bar feel,

(Multi-Directional Impact Protection System)

intuitive steering and plenty of “sheet-in-and-go”

- Shell - Multiple composite technology

are just a few characteristics that make the Pivot

construction

one of the most sought-after kites on the market.

- Fit - 3 shell and 4 EPS sizes for a precise fit

Adapting to a wide variety of wind and wave

- Protection - Dual density EPS liner

conditions, this kite features a medium aspect ratio

- Comfort - Dri Lex® comfort liner

for substantial low-end power, easy jumping and great upwind performance. Easy-handling, wellrounded and incredibly versatile, it’s clear to see how the Pivot has become the all-around choice for everyone, everywhere.

- Venting - 14 intake and 4 exhaust vents from AED 795.00

- Certification - Exceeds ECE22.05 and DOT certifications - Matte/Gloss finish

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EVENTS

DIRECTORY

Extreme Sports Expo The Extreme Sports Expo gathers together extreme, action, outdoor and adventure companies and communities for a two-day event in Dubai.

Organised alongside four co-located events, the Dubai International Bucycle Exhibition, Dubai Motorbike Festival, One Breath – freediving and speardiving expo and Photography Expo Dubai, the two day event promises to be packed full of exciting exhibitors, shows and competitions to keep our visitors busy.

Mountain Biking & Cycling Equipment/Dealers Probike Al Barsha 1 Dubai +971 43255705 www.probike.ae

When: 12th – 13th January Where: Dubai World Trade Centre Contact: www.extremesportsexpo.me

Rage Shop Al Ghuriar Centre: +971 42948634 MOE: +971 43413388 Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 24437617 Dubai Mall: +971 44341549 www.rage-shop.com

Al Yousuf Motors Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai +971 43390621 www.aym.ae/yamaha

Revolution Cycles Shop G05, Apex Atrium, Motor City Dubai +971 43697441 www.rxdxb.com

KTM Exit 42, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai +971 43468999 www.ktm.com

Ride Bike Shop Sheikh Zayed Road: +971 43395602 Mirdif City Centre: +971 42840038 Al Seef Village Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 26337172 www.ridebikeshop.com

Liberty Kawaski Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai Direct: +971 4501442, +971 45019412 or +971 43419341 www.libertykawaski.com

Liberty Kawasaki Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai Direct: +971 4501442, +971 45019412 or +971 43419341 www.libertykawaski.com MOTOCROSS & ATV’S DEALERS

Super Sports Run Race 3 Beat your time at the Super Sports Run Race 3, social to advanced runners, all are in on the action.

When: 12th January Where: Meydan, The Track Contact: events@supersportsuae.com Liwa Cycling Challenge 2018 The Liwa Cycling Challenge is a community cycling event, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The 104KM, 84K and 40K option will see riders traverse the most picturesque terrain in the Empty Quarter of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

When: 12 January Where: Moreeb Dune Contact: www.premieronline.com JLL Triathlon Series 2017/2018 – Race 2 Now in its 5th year, the JLL Triathlon Series is a season favourite amongst new and old Triathletes. Featuring Sprint and Super-Sprint Distances and the Legendary Post Race Breakfast from Jebel Ali Golf Resort Hotel.

When: 13 January 2018 Where: Dubai Contact: www.premieronline.com Urban-Ultra BIG Stinker 2018 Are you ready for a bit of a climb? Choose from a 15k, 30k or 45k ultra distance. The Urban-Ultra BIG Stinker is run up and over a beautiful mountain (540m) ascent and descent per 15k loop in Ras Al Khaimah.

When: 19th January 2018 Where: Rak Al Khaimah Contact: www.premieronline.com

The Cycle Hub Motor City Dubai +971 505528872 or +971 44256555 www.thecyclehub.com Trek Bicycle Store Seih Al Salam, Al Qudra Road, Dubai +971 48327377 Shop #5, Reema’s Building Al Quz 1, Exit 46/47.

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai +971 43211132 www.trekbikes.ae Wolfi’s Bike Shop Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai +971 43394453 www.wbs.ae GENERAL SPORTS EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTORS

SST Super Sprint Triathlon 3 short races in one event mixing up the swim, cycle and run. Intense workout improving speed and stamina.

When: 20th January 2018 Where: Rashid School for Boy’s Contact: events@supersportsuae.com

Sport in Life Distribution Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Khor Dubai +971 42896001 or +971 42896002 info@sportinlife.ae, www.sportinlife.ae JET SKI DEALERS

6th Reebok Wadi Bih Run 2018 – 2 & 3 February This edition marks 26 years since John Gregory, led a total of 80 hardy souls running in relay teams from RAK adjacent the Arabian Gulf through the dramatic Wadi Bih before climbing to over 1000m and descending to Dibba via a dramatic narrow gorge to the stunning trajectory of the moutnaints with the Gulg of Oman. The high mountains and rugged wild terrain give the event a unique flavor and make it one of the most popular sporting events in the region. Register by 01.02.2018 to beat the Taxman!

When: 2nd -3rd February 2018 Where: Dibba Contact: register.wadibih.com Spartan Women’s Sprint The first ladies-only Spartan race in the Middle East and Africa region covering a 5km and 20-obstacle course.

When: 16th December 2017 Where: Jebel Ali Race Course Contact: www.spartanarabia.com

Al Masaood Marine Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai +971 43468000 www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai +971 43390621 www.aym.ae/yamaha Japan Marine General Trading Liberty Building, Al Garhoud Road Dubai +971 44426395 uday@japanmarine.jp www.japanmarine.co

Polaris UAE (atv’s) Ras Al Khor, Nad al Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex Dubai +971 42896100 M4, Sector 13, 10th Street, Mussafah Industrial Abu Dhabi +971 26441478 www.polarisuae.com Sebsports Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai +971 43393399 www.sebsports.com MOTORCYCLING DISTRIBUTORS AND DEALERS Al Yousuf Motors Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai +971 43390621 www.aym.ae/yamaha

Polaris UAE (atv’s) Ras Al Khor, Nad al Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex Dubai +971 42896100 M4, Sector 13, 10th Street, Mussafah Industrial Abu Dhabi +971 26441478 www.polarisuae.com Al Forsan International Sports Resort Abu Dhabi +971 25568555 www.alforsan.com Dubai Autodrome Dubai +971 43678700 www.dubaiautodrome.com STAND UP PADDLING, KITE & SURFING, WAKEBOARDING EQUIPMENT Al Boom Marine Abu Dhabi & Dubai +971 4289458 www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai +971 4346800 www.masaoodmarine.com Kitesurf Dubai Kitesurf Beach Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah 3 Dubai +971 505586190 www.kitesurfdubai.ae Surf Dubai Umm Suqeim Dubai +971 505043020 www.surfingdubai.com Surf School Arabia +971 556010997 www.surfschoolarabia.com

Ducati Al Salam Street Abu Dhabi +971 24918593 www.ducati.ae

Al Forsan International Sports Resort Abu Dhabi +971 25568555 www.alforsan.com

Duseja General Trading Co. LLC Warehouse No: B3, Al Quoz Ind Area #3 Umm Suqeim Road next to Max Garage Diagonally opposite Lulu Hypermarket Al Barsha +971 43476712 www.dusejamoto.com

Dukite Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim Dubai +971 507586992 www.dukite.com

Harley-Davidson Mussafah 4, Street 10 Abu Dhabi +971 25540667 hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com Liberty Kawaski Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai Direct: +971 4501442, +971 45019412 or +971 43419341 www.libertykawaski.com