Biking is something most boys enjoy. But making it their life’s calling is something else and Aras Gibieza seems to be doing this well. Back in India on a tour, the European stunt riding champion vrooms through the air defying gravity and enthralling fans. Aras acknowledges his talent as reporters and journalists bombard him with questions.
Taking huge inspiration from Chris Pfeiffer, a street bike freestyle World Champion, and a fellow Red Bull biker, Aras says, “He is (Chris), to be honest, the one person who has always been an inspiration to me, and was the reason why I am pursuing my passion and playing around with my bike with ease.”
So how does he find the Indian crowd? “I've toured across the world, but no crowd enthralled me more than the Indian crowd. The atmosphere itself seems charged with excitement and energy, and I realise that this is why I do what I do,” he reveals. Gibieza believes that the Indian crowd is the best he has ever encountered.
With people cheering him on, he is inspired to work harder every day, with many a trick up his sleeve. The two-time champion has come to India on earlier occasions as well, but this was his maiden trip to Bengaluru, and he was already enjoying the cool weather and the wonderful young crowd.
“I follow a strict diet, eating healthy, hitting the gym, and concentrating on a practice regimen,” says the champ, also giving advice to young riders about what gear to buy, the right kind of armours, helmets and other accessories, “Practice in closed off spaces to be safe, if at all you are into this sport,” he suggested.
Commenting on how he has improved his performance, he said that he watched his own videos repeatedly, working on himself, and putting in equal amounts of hard work and utilising his talent to the fullest.
“I am very grateful to my girlfriend, because she has been the only constant support I’ve had all this time, even while I’m touring the world,” says the racer. Other than her, he idolises Chris Pfeiffer knowing that Chris will help him whenever he is in trouble. Planning on going back home soon, and attending the World Riding Championship in Poland is what’s on his mind now.
Emphasising on how India doesn’t have proper biking events and championships, the country needs a big step in tapping new talent and pushing India up in the biking sector like Redbull’s endeavours, he felt, adding “If Redbull finds talent, it will take you, and it will train you to be the best.” Now who wouldn’t want that?
