Kade Edwards. There’s a lot to be said about his talents. Only 21, and yet can turn his hand to pretty much every discipline there is. If it’s got two wheels, rest assured he can ride it, and ride it well. With some impressive career highlights so far, the former junior DH World Champion came away with ninth in Les Gets, his best elite finish to date. No easy feat in those conditions, on a track that provided a challenge even for the best.
There’s a possibility he’s spent more time on a bike than he has on his own two feet. Riding from a very young age, it takes a lot to keep him away from a bike. Announced as one of the riders who will be taking part in Red Bull Hardline next weekend, we took some time to chat about the past few months. From Les Gets to lockdown, here’s a glimpse into what’s been happening from the man himself.
I’m the type of guy that just wants to ride his bike as much as possible, but being with the team and having Red Bull supporting me has given me that extra drive to compete and win.
Kade Edwards
First off, nice work in Les Gets. Happy with your result?
Really happy – the weather played a massive part, it wasn’t great that the top boys got the rain, but I was really pleased with ninth.
What did you think of the track?
Insane, probably the best World Cup track I’ve ever raced on. Super fast, super techy, and it was really nice to have fans back. The team there did a great job.
Must have been great to see Tahnee take the win, especially all she’s been through with injury?
She was stoked, watching her as the results came in was special. She wasn’t feeling great beforehand so it was really really cool for her to take the win.
In terms of training and riding, what have the past 18 months been like for you with lockdown?
It’s been weird. Having the time at home has been useful to get my base training done, and the chance to ride my local area during last Summer was really cool, as normally we’re off around the world racing every weekend – but it’s time to get back to racing now!
Going back to getting sponsored by Red Bull, you genuinely had no idea that you were on their radar, what was it like when you heard the news?
I couldn’t believe it. I’ve gotten to know the Red Bull team quite a bit over the past few years, and I was with Tahnee when I found out. I genuinely thought they just wanted a catch up with Tahnee rather than speak to me!
What’s the Trek Factory Team dynamic like with Loris, Reece and Charlie? Do you guys go about racing differently? What’s a race weekend like for the team?
We’ve got such a good thing going on. Racing with those boys is sick. We egg each other on and it gets competitive, but in a supportive way. Loris and Reece have a nice rivalry, but I’m pretty chill and just enjoy riding my bike with them all.
So, Red Bull Hardline, how are you feeling about riding in the event this year?Â
The track looks really good, and I’m excited. I’m lucky enough to live nearby so have had a chance to see it being built and try out a couple of sectors. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone together as much as the racing though.
What are you looking forward to?
The metal kicker ramp is way bigger this year, so it’s gonna shake things up a bit. It’s probably about double the size, so am looking forward to riding that in anger!
On the flip side is there anything you’re worried about?
That same metal kicker! It’s changed so will be a new challenge. That and the step-down, but I’m sure it will be all good.Â
Are you aiming for a particular spot, or is your focus on something else?
I’m there to have fun. It’s a race, probably the toughest downhill race in the World, but my primary objective is to make sure I enjoy myself and push myself as much as I can. I’m gonna go for it but it’s just an honour to ride the track.
In terms of events, is there something you’ve not yet done that you’d love the chance to have a go at?
Red Bull Rampage – I’m sure that’s a popular answer, but that’s such an iconic event and so different to everything else out there.
Is winning important to you, or would you say being able to compete and ride in everything you currently do is more rewarding?
I’m the type of guy that just wants to ride his bike as much as possible, but being with the team and having Red Bull supporting me has given me that extra drive to compete and win. So can I say competing in everything, and trying to win everything haha?
What does the rest of 2021 look like for you?
Busy, very busy. After Red Bull Hardline we go to Maribor, and then I’m working hard to make the World’s team. After the World Champs, it’s back to the final World Cup rounds.
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