FMX: Freestyle Kings In China

The Australian-based Freestyle Kings (FK) FMX team is back in China and ready for a long haul. 15 riders will spend the next four months riding the FK truck set-up inside a massive circus tent/stadium in Zhuhai. While spending the last few weeks rehearsing and training, the boys have been settling into the Chinese lifestyle and enjoying what the culture has to offer. The team had their first official show last week, so I called up FK team owner, Josh Hannah, and freestyle riders, Jake Holloway and Adam Grope, for a chat.

Josh Hannah

Ben: Josh, how does it feel to have your vision of such a huge international FMX performance finally come to life in China?
Josh: It’s a massive weight lifted off my shoulders, that’s for sure. It’s an awesome feeling. I have a lot of people depending on me because the boys quit their jobs to come ride for Freestyle Kings full-time, so I’m glad I was able to pull it off. Dealing with the language barrier is hard enough and this was six months of constantly flying back and forth from Australia to China for meetings, site inspections and having to fix the ramps I was given (laughs). Importing 18 dirt bikes and arranging work Visas for 15 athletes was a lot of work, also, but I got it done. I’m lucky to have my brother, Ben, working for me and running my shows back home in Australia. He’s helping me in China, too, and I couldn’t do any of this without him.

How did the opening night go? I heard it was a red carpet event.
Opening night was just how I pictured it. The boys had the opportunity to walk down the red carpet for their first time in front of a sold out crowd of 6000 spectators. The media was insane because we have a great following over here now. As for the riding and the show itself, the boys killed it, nailing every trick with the show flowing great. It was definitely a proud night for me. As of right now, we have now nailed 7/7 shows.

Jake Holloway

Ben: What’s it like riding and performing in another country? Do you get nervous?
Jake: It’s pretty cool to be in another country riding and it’s all new for me as this is my first experience like this. The nerves were there at the start but it’s a safe set-up and we have all had rehearsals. It’s just about show time and I’m excited as!

You have a pretty big group of riders over there, so what do you get up to in your down time?
Yeah, we have 15 of us here; some are old friends and some are new. We have been exploring the villages here, and the markets, and we definitely take in all the views and culture.

What are the locals like? Are they stoked on your deal?
The locals are stoked on us. We always have a laugh and try to learn their language so as to spin a yarn or two (laughs). I don’t think they have seen or witnessed anything like it. They lose their minds and are so happy to have us here performing.

Adam Grope

Ben: You’ve spent a bit of time over there now, so have you and the rest of the team settled into the place well?
Adam: Yeah, for sure. It took a few days to get used to the place but now getting around is relatively easy. We’re in a good area which is all pretty newly developed. The people here are really friendly and are used to tourists so there’s always someone who knows enough english to help out. We’ve got our regular spots that we shop and eat at and know we’re not eating dog or cat (laughs).

How have you found the FMX set-up inside the circus tent?
The circus looks like a big tent from outside but it’s actually a big stadium. Getting used to the run-in and after the down-ramp through the tunnels took a bit but now it’s second nature. It’s one of the best and safest portables I’ve ever jumped and it’s fun being so close to a big crowd.

Are you enjoying the culture and have you picked up any of the language?
I’ve definitely enjoyed seeing a different culture over here, and nah, we don’t stand a chance being able to learn the language properly! I basically know enough Chinese to direct a taxi or order some food, so most of the time there’s a lot of improvising involved to explain something. We are definitely having some fun with the language barrier, though.

Have you got any crazy stories to tell, on or off the bike?
Nah, we’re in bed by 8pm every night, sadly!