10 for 10 - #9 Sam Blenkinsop
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Age: 26
Nationality: New Zealand
2014 rank: 9th
Experience: 8 years elite
Current Team: Norco Factory Racing
Imagine a shark riding a bike... an angry shark. That's as close as you can get to visualizing Sam Blenkisop race a bicycle without actually seeing him tearing turns to shreds in the flesh. Blenki's 'oh-so-loose' signature style and aggression saw him through to the top steps at Mont St Anne and Windham, and so nearly conquer the Cairns jungle, stomping the qualifying in the slop. Seven years since his first WC win and that victory on the steeps of Schladming remains his last, but we're no-less inclined to believe we are about to witness some of the most flat-out and raw bicycle racing the World has seen from the Kiwi destroyer in the coming months. Expect to see him thrashing the pedals through the air and straight onto the podium just about every single time.
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PB: 1: Where and how have you been spending your off-season?
 | Just been spending most of my time at home in Christchurch and I had a bit of time off the bike for a few months to try have some fun. I enjoy hanging out with my girlfriend and friends, travelling around NZ finding new things to do. My favorite thing to do in the off-season is to head out with a couple of mates fishing. We launch the boat off the beach and we go a few kms out to catch some snapper and blue cod or anything that hooks - Blenki |
PB: 2. What was the highlight of your 2014 season and why was it so significant to you?
| It would have to be getting on the box at Mont Sainte Anne as it has always been a good track for me. In the past I always had something go wrong racing the finals, so it was good to get it this past year! - Blenki |
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PB: 3. Was there a moment or period you considered to be your season ‘low’ and for what reason?
| Getting a flat in my race run in Fort Bill. I did not receive points for that race which was so disappointing because it wrecked my season for the overall - Blenki |
PB: 4. Are there changes you are looking to make to your approach mentally or physically for 2015?
| Mentally; stay focused and just have fun on my bike. Physically; stick to my training schedule, sleep and eat well - Blenki |
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PB: 5. How have you split your time between ‘on’ and ‘off’ the big bike training?
| Generally I do a gym workout most mornings followed by an XC ride in the afternoon. I try and get one or days of the week doing DH. I don't always follow this, it just depends what my training schedule is. My gym workouts vary day to day. Some days I do upper body, other days I do lower, and it changes week in week out. - Blenki |
PB: 6. When inspiration has run low lately, to whom or what have you turned to kick your motivation levels up a gear?
| I don't get low because look at what we do... We get to travel the world, racing our bikes. If your motivation is low you shouldn't be doing it - Blenki |
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PB: 7. What bit of kit are you looking forward to using most at the races?
| I'm looking forward to using the Fox suspension. They have some awesome new products coming out too and I'm stoked to be working with them again - Blenki |
PB: 8. Which rider do you see as the biggest threat to the 2015 title?
| Loic Bruni - Blenki |
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PB: 9. Which race or single moment of the coming season are you most excited for?
| I think the first race in Lourdes because it's the first time you know if the work you've put in has paid off through the off season - Blenki |
PB:10. Complete the sentence: ‘I won’t be racing a single World Cup without....'
| Killer B... my Norco Aurum - Blenki |
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MENTIONS: @norcobicycles / @raceface / @foxracingshox / @BellBikeHelmets / @FiveTen
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1. What's your craziest alcohol related story?
2. Have you ever caught your balls in your zipper? If so what was your reaction?
3. What's your favourite piece of WC gossip going into the season?
4. What are your thoughts on pit bitches?
Not . . . "PB:10. Complete the sentence: ‘I won’t be racing a single World Cup without....'
Killer B... my Norco Aurum - Blenki"
We would all be extremely impressed if he raced the whole of the Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup Series without a f**king bike!
1. Which Red Bull athlete would you like to finger most? (Male or Female, no haters here)
2. In your opinion which mountain bike product is the biggest load of shit ever? (we all know its 650b!)
3. On a scale of 1 to 10 how much does your accent work on the ladies?
4. Who's the biggest tit on the WC circuit?
5. Do you ever get tired of always having to promote bikes/kit when in fact they're actually balls?
6. Do your eyebrows have magical powers?
7. Like many others, have you boned Tahnee Seagraves? (Based on rumours!)
8. Which one of the following items would you take to a deserted island and why? Pack of bubble gum, a table leg or a picture of a young David Hasselhoff?
9. Boobs or ass?
10. Would you rather shag a hot babe with the face of Mr. Bean or a guy with the face of Kate Upton?
www.vitalmtb.com/videos/features/RADLIBS-Luke-Strobel,21513/sspomer,2
Ill admit, im of an older generation,but DH related questions are more interesting to me than rambling nonsense from someone with no apparent moral compass and quit possibly drunk,and/or high.
(Some of this is sarcasm,but not really)
@farmer57 and scary1 Go home!
PB: 6. When inspiration has run low lately, to whom or what have you turned to kick your motivation levels up a gear?
I don't get low because look at what we do... We get to travel the world, racing our bikes. If your motivation is low you shouldn't be doing it - Blenki
To be competitive, it's all about aerobic fitness and anaerobic strength.