Interview: A New Year for Andrew Neethling

Name - Andrew Neethling
Age - 30
Home town - Somerset West, South Africa
Sponsors - Polygon UR, Rockstar Energy, Leatt Brace, 100 Percent, 2FO Shoes
Polygon UR Co sponsors - Kenda Tires, e*thirteen components, BOS Suspension, BOX Components, Spank Bikes, KMC Bicycle Chain, VP Components, RIDE 100%, Zéfal, Skyline Mountain Biking, CamelBak, ODI Grips


You've been riding mountain bikes for quite some time now. How and where did it all start?

Funnily enough, I actually did an XC race at home for some training, 2 weekends ago. It made me realize that it was where I did my first race some 17 years ago. My dad used to race road, XC and DH, well he likes to think DH, but it was when you just raced the same bike the next day for DH back then. He would tell me he liked jumping but the landing seemed to be the problem haha. Anyway, he would take us riding after his training rides on the weekends. This carried on for a bit, but soon we went to some of the little local races, trying XC and even DH. I played tons of different sports as a youngster and enjoyed it all. I did pretty well at quite a few, mainly hockey, rugby, cricket and tennis, but soon I didn't feel like going to practices, as I would rather be riding my bike.


When did you make the transition into racing, and would you say there was a specific big break that got your pro career going?

I didn't race BMX or moto at a young age, like most of the other downhillers. First racing I did was as a 13-year-old, and that was mountain biking. We travelled the country as a family, racing local and national events, all through my junior days. I went to Junior World Champs three times. My dad was a huge part in helping me get there. He knew I needed a bit more international experience if I had any chance of fulfilling my racing goals. So my last year as a junior, he took us to a European event before World Champs, then we went to World Champs in Austria, and then competed in the final WC of the season in France. I spent the next 3 years racing Norba's in the USA and some selected World Cups. This is where I would say I really learnt my craft. I had support for some expenses the first year on Global Racing and full expenses the next two years with Honda/Turner. I was still travelling and living on next to no budget. Just making it happen you know. Hitching rides if needed, eating 2-minute noodles, the works. I have a ton of people and teams to thank for help during this time! I grabbed some top 10's at World Cups in that 3rd year as an elite rider and managed to win a Norba ahead of Minnaar, Graves etc - in those days it was a pretty damn good series. That was a good turning point to get a factory ride and the rest is history as they say! I guess being from South Africa, I really had to prove myself versus maybe getting a ride off of potential.


With most racing happening overseas, how do you find living in South Africa and having to travel very long distances to get to these events?

Well, the off-season in South Africa is great. I can’t complain too much about that. It’s summer and amazing weather with great riding. I may not have full world cup style DH but it’s good to keep my skills sharp. Then when the season starts, it gets a bit tougher and it’s a sacrifice I have to make. It makes for lots of long-distance travelling, and often I need to spend a really long time away from home. Europe is not that bad as it’s on the same time zone and one can usually get there on an overnight flight. It makes me work harder and focus on racing when I am away I think.


Are there any other South African riders that stand out? What are they doing to get overseas?

Yes definitely. The racing at home and competition is really good. The guys like Stefan Garlicki, Johan Potgieter, Sam Bull, Tiaan Odendaal and my brother Jonty are super fast on SA tracks. The tough thing is when they head overseas. Courses are more technical, longer and the pressure increases. Our money does not go as far and it’s super expensive to get overseas. They are sacrificing a ton and paying for it out of their own pocket most of the time. I have been thinking about this lately. It really seems to be more difficult to make it as a PRO or get good factory support as an elite these days, unless you are picked up as a junior on these factory teams. It is not to say you can’t make it without racing World Cups as a junior but man it seems there is now more depth - it’s tough! For a SA youngster to get to World Cups as a junior, it is even more difficult than say a European or British rider. He is then on the back foot from the start.


You've found a new home with the UR team. How did the deal come about and how has 2015 with them been so far?

I had really been thinking how good it could be to have my brother along side me and helping on my bike. When it became clear that I would not stay with Giant for 2015, I started looking around. From the first chats with Cous Cous at Polygon UR, we spoke about my goals in racing currently, future racing plans and Jonty as my mechanic - we were both on the same page, so it went from there. Considering I changed pretty much everything on my bike, except pedals and grips, I felt we have got up to speed quickly and it has been fun with the team so far. We have a good vibe going and as clichéd as it sounds, our aim is to really enjoy the races this year. Results are always the main aim, but it can be easy to have a season go by, and not really take in how cool this opportunity is racing your bike around the world!


Not only a new frame but also a switch from SRAM/Rockshox to BOS among other new partners. How quickly have you adapted to the new Polygon Collosus?

I felt very comfy from the first ride which can only be a positive thing. I had new motivation to ride and test which was great. Jonty and I rode a lot at home, before heading to NZ to test with the team. Polygon and the team have put a ton of development and testing into the new bike. I am super impressed with it and am learning more and more each day. I’m really enjoying the BOS suspension and know we will have a fast bike and be able to set it up well for all the varied courses this year.


You've decided to take on your first EWS race in Ireland soon. Will this be a serious shift in career or not yet.

Time will tell won’t it… but not just yet, I don’t think. Downhillers in general, tend to make fun of the word Enduro, but I like the concept. Riding around with your mates and shredding the downhills. We've been doing this for years. I know it’s going to be a tough race, as my training is still focused on DH but my fitness has always been good in general. I look forward to seeing how it all works and if I enjoy it.


You've got a personal bike park project that keeps you busy in the off season and between races, tell us more about that.

It has been a big passion project of mine at home. I have partnered up with friend and trail builder, Jan Van Schalkwyk to develop and help build a trail park/bike park right in my hometown in Somerset West. We are using our own funding. It is on the same mountain where I started riding, which is great. I want to get more people riding mountain bikes and enjoying the sport we all love. It is on private farmland going over three farms. Safety is also important in South Africa, and this being on private land is great. We are aiming to cater for all types of riding and skill levels. We have 4 different XC loops, Enduro and DH tracks, with 550m of elevation. It is a work in progress, trails take time to settle in, and we are still building and plan to be closer to 'officially' opening this December. We decided to mark it and let people ride in the meantime, as the more riders we can get even now the better and more we can build! Be sure to check out www.facebook.com/helderbergtrails for more info!


Your brother Jonty has also moved to the UR Team with you this year as your mechanic. What sort of role does he play in keeping your career moving forward?

Jonty plays a huge role now, and looking back, has already played a massive part in what I have achieved and can continue to achieve. He has been my main training and riding partner in the off-season. I have been travelling for 13 years so it can get old… this way he keeps it fun and motivates me. His role has changed a bit now with him helping with my bike. I like this as he has raced at the top level and can help me when I have doubts with bike setup and lines on course. He can help keep me relaxed, and we can go out there and really enjoy this awesome opportunity we have. People often don’t realize how your mood can affect things at the races, Jonty knows me so well, and can tell what’s going on in my head.


You're regarded as one of the most talented yet unlucky riders on the circuit. How do you stay motivated through it all?

Good question, maybe this is why I am still motivated and out there. I do believe you make your own luck, sometimes it really does not go your way and is out of your control though. Look, these mechanicals really hurt, especially when you’re riding well, and could have had a great result or podium. It has taught me a ton about myself and perseverance. Even last year, I had two flats and missed another race due to injury, out of a 7 race series, but in between that I qualified in the top five twice, and was very close to the podium. It is easy when the momentum is on your side going to the next race, though I am proud that I could forget about a bad race and perform well at the next one. Racing goes this way sometimes, and you need to keep plugging away. Maybe the racer at home can relate to this and gain motivation from me.


You've always been a media favourite regardless of results. How did this come about? Is it natural or did you realize it's a big part of the equation in addition to results?

I have always enjoyed jumping, and looked at style as important. Yes style can be natural but can always be improved. I did realize that race weekends would not always go my way. You can’t win them all they say so I want to add value to my sponsors as they invest a ton in me! I realized early on that sponsorship is a two way street. Results have always been my main focus but I constantly work on relationships and enjoy doing photo-shoots whenever I can. It's not just luck to get good media. It has taken years and years of work. Look, sometimes you get the shot first go, though it often takes the whole day to get the shot we need.


What's your all-time favourite DH track, and where have you made the best memories?

Schladming, Austria has to be the most fun race track to ride! Val Di Sole in Italy will always be special, as it was where I got my first podium. Whistler is where I enjoy visiting the most, just to ride with all my mates. I guess not just one place - you get the idea...


If you could shred with anyone for a day, who would it be and where?

Can’t only pick one geez... how about we pick 2? Brendan and my brother at Whistler. We're so busy racing and being serious in the season that when we get to Whistler we just head to the jump trails and have a laugh!! We get back to why we started riding, enjoying the sport with our buddies.


What are your plans for life after racing DH?

Wow, the million dollar question. Wish I had the exact answer. I know I will find it difficult to leave this industry. Bikes are a passion of mine, and I've met some amazing people along the way. Immediately after DH racing I want to look at racing other disciplines. I feel I have learnt a ton in my career and want to add to the MTB industry in some way in the future. I want to help grow MTB and get more people into riding. Things like product development, developing younger talent and even commentating come to mind. The trail centre at home is a start in this process. I have some MTB business opportunities coming up at home, I want to work on those, maybe they pull me away from racing full time but who knows. It is actually a very exciting time and I look forward to it! I’m open to suggestions haha.

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MENTIONS: @urteam / @andrewneethling / @POLYGON / @BOSsuspension

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Interviews Andrew Neethling