Have you ever though on going in Supercross direction?
We have this International Racing Riga, they organise an event in arena, like arena supercross. It wasn’t very large, but I think it’s nice for the show. You can have more friends there comparing to motocross. Also, I went to America 2 years ago, for training camp. Attended Supercross in Anaheim race there as well and it was really nice to watch. Seeing that all live was amazing. Maybe some day I will join as well. Will see.
Do you like any other motorsport?
I like MotoGP. Some riders are coming to MXGP as well. Couple years ago in MXGP only first 3 places had intense competition, but now you can see the top 10 being very close and competitive. The same thing is happening in MotoGP now. There are many Yamaha guys, which is nice.
Where were you usually training? What are the conditions for that here in Latvia?
In my hometown, there is a track. It was very popular 10 years ago. I also have many tracks around my house, private tracks. Guys know me and they allow me to race there. So that’s good for practicing. In other countries there are more riders comparing to Latvia. Usually when you go to the track you are almost alone. So you can do anything you want on that track and don’t be bothered by others.
How often do you train and do you have any restrictions when it comes to food?
Yeah, we train a lot, two times a day and I spend a lot of energy. My trainer always says – you have to eat what you want, what your body is asking for. Of course, if you want a burger, you can’t have that. Instead have something healthy, but what your body asks for. I try to stay healthy and not eat too much. Sometimes I enjoy a pizza when I am in Italy. Its like a Sunday food, but not too often. Eating healthy is part of the success.
So you cheat food would be pizza?
Yeah, in Italy its really good.
Where do you live right now?
I live near Milan, which is very close to my workshop. I have my own apartment. My Italian trainer lives close as well. We can manage everything. I spend most of my time in Italy.
What can you tell us about your teammates?
I have good relationships with my teammates. Deron, who is injured right now, and I have a very good relationship, he is a cool guy. Also the same with Maksim. He is injured right now too. Both are really cool guys. When we have free time we spend it together and have fun. Talk about girls and everything. Nick as well is a nice guy. I know him for 2 years, he was racing in European championships as well. We spent some time together, so we are texting and keeping in touch is always a nice thing. And with the team, they are so nice. And as you know with Italian people, they are always so kind and lovely. They also work really hard to keep my bike in best condition. Then its just me, who needs to make the best results. It’s always a teamwork.
What do you do outside of motocross world? Any hobbies?
Yeah, I love fishing. When I go home, I spend a lot of time with my best friend, who is here right now, he is watching me race. And we go fishing a lot when we have free time, which is really nice. Its really relaxing and you can clear your mind and calm yourself down.
If you were to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would prefer some warm weather, some water. Beach. Last year my mother brought me to Mexico during winter time. It was amazing. Like a paradise. I would like to go there back again.
Do you sing in shower?
Yes, sometimes. I have my speaker box in there. As I live alone in Italy, I put it on and enjoy the music.
Do you have a nickname?
Yeah, I do, but it’s not easy to translate from Latvian. Its from one cartoon – Rapunzel. Only the word is in Latvian – Salātlapiņš. I used to have long hair. We went to hotel, I had a hat. And when I took it off, my hair looked like Rapunzel’s hair.
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