MEET THE ATHLETE: RUBEN CHADWICK

Fresh off Ruben Chadwick’s impressive 20th place finish at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, his first-ever overseas race, we check in with Beta’s rising star for this week’s Meet the Athlete. The likeable 25-year-old Queenslander shares insights into his racing journey, his recent achievements, and what lies ahead for him in the competitive world of hard enduro.

Give us your vital stats.
I’m Ruben Chadwick, 25 years old, from the western suburbs of Brisbane.

When did you start riding and when did you start competing?
My dad got me started on bikes from a very young age. He would often sit me on the front of a bike and double me around the yard at home. I think I was about four years old when I started riding a PW50 on my own. My first competition was a few years later in the 50cc minibike class at a trials event.

What has your most memorable achievement been so far in your racing career?
My most recent achievement, winning the 2023 Australian Hard Enduro Championship, will probably go down as one of the more memorable ones. I put a lot of hard work into that championship, and seeing the work get turned into results is very satisfying.

You’ve been riding for Beta Motorcycles Australia for a few years now. How have the bikes changed over this time?
My first Beta enduro bike was a 2018 RR300. I fell in love with the Italian machines and have seen the bikes getting refined and redesigned over the years for the better. My 2024 RR300 Racing is drastically different from my first Beta; it’s awesome to see how much they have improved across all aspects of the machine.

Congratulations again on winning the championship in 2023. What training and preparation did you do in the 2022/2023 off-season to prepare for the season ahead?
Off-season training is a combination of trying to stay consistent with both on- and off-the-bike workouts. I like to mix it up by riding other disciplines – like trials and motocross – but I feel a huge contributing factor to my 2023 success has been my off-bike fitness routine.

What is the new twin-spark RR300 Racing like to ride and compete on?
I’m loving the new 2024 RR300 Racing. The twin-spark head is super-cool and has been a great addition to the already strong 300 mill. The clean twin plug burn makes for very crisp and linear power.

What are you hoping to achieve this season?
This season, I want to try to get the national title again. The field is getting more and more competitive, so I’m sure it won’t come without a fight. I’m going to keep progressing my riding and look forward to where it takes me.

What tips do you have for those looking to enter the world of hard enduro?
Hard enduro racing isn’t as daunting as it might seem. Just go and have a crack, don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. At the end of the day, it’s just you and your bike against the terrain.