FMX Insider No.41: Rob Adelberg

Transmoto’s weekly web-exclusive column, the FMX Insider, penned by Ben Heidrich.

Long-time professional FMX rider, Rob Adelberg, has lately been doing Australia proud; riding in major international competitions and bringing home medals. Rob has always been a smooth cat on the bike with consistent big extensions on his up-rights and has a large bag of flip tricks. Rob has been a big part of the sport in Australia for a while now, featuring in Freerider MX magazines since the age of 14. He’s now progressing further into the sport – playing with new body varial tricks – and its paying off. I caught up with Rob to talk about his podium third place at the latest round of the 2015 Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour.

Ben: So how many X-Fighters events have you ridden over the years?
Rob: My first two X-Fighters, I was young and a little more reckless. I crashed out of my first two attempts at Fort Worth, Texas, in 2009 and then at London in 2010. Good results I have had in X-Fighters are second at Dubai in 2012, first at Glen Helen in 2013 and third at Athens in 2015.

How was Athens? You must be stoked to bring another medal home to Australia. 
My favourite event so far this year. A good mate came along and I got some different ideas from him on track and just enjoyed the whole weekend in Greece.

Was the competition stiff? What were you up against?
X-Fighters is always tough because it’s the top riders. I feel dialled with most of my tricks, though I just haven’t got a Flair or big quarter pipe tricks. I am really working on it to battle for that top spot.

What thoughts run through your mind before you start your run?
Mainly just visualising my run, going through it repetitively, some deep breathing (laughs) and then bam you’re off into it with a huge adrenaline rush that you have to tame down to make it to the end.

Did you take any cool new tricks to Athens? What bangers did you throw down in your run?
Cali Roll is a body varial I have been doing this year, but it was my first time sending it at X-Fighters. I still have some work to do on it but it’s getting pretty comfy.

What was it like riding on the insane Athens mine site course?
It was crazy. We blew out every morning we drove in there. The amount of marble and size of the excavation was insane. I was so lucky to ride there.

What’s your favourite X-Fighters event to date and why?
Athens mainly because I experienced it with a long-time friend and got on the podium.

In your eyes, what has been the most outrageous course design so far?
Glen Helen with big dirt hits, step-ups, step-downs and wall rides. Yep, awesome.

What is your favourite thing about X-Fighters? 
The quality of the event – how you are treated and accommodated for. They really look after us so we can perform at our best.

What’s next? Any up and coming events?
Yep, straight into Madrid in two and a half weeks. Got something new I’m working on and hopefully can bring it out in competition.