Interview: The Kevin and Logan Show

As the dust begins to settle on the 2013 race season in America, one team is left standing at the top more than any other. That team is KHS Factory Racing. Led by coach, fellow racer, and friend, Quentin Spaulding. He is the man responsible for keeping two of America's fastest racers consistently on the top of the box. Here's a glimpse at how the wonder-team of Logan Binggeli and Kevin Aiello operate the business of winning.

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Quinton Spaulding / Team Manger

What were the goals of the team going into the 2013 race season?
We wanted to make a strong podium appearance at every race we attended in the United States, and simply be dominant as a team. This would prove that our riders and the DH650B were dialed. I was hoping for better results at Fort Bill. We were however a little unlucky and not a 100% prepared. Next year we will erase that with a standout result at that track.

Are you happy with the results that the team has achieved so far?
I am very pleased with our results so far, yes. We can still do better, and we will, but at this point the results and coverage we have attained are satisfying.

What goes on behind the scenes to make all this happen? What's the hardest part of your job?
Well, management is management really, I am always looking for solutions to problems. The thing that stands out the most to me is continuously seeking to make our bikes faster. Managing strong personalities can also be very demanding; good chemistry and a family atmosphere are the most important factors in my opinion. If you don't have that you have nothing or very little to work with.

Where do you go from here?
There is only one place to go - TO THE TOP! We won't quit until we get there and it's in the record books forever.


Logan Binggeli

You've pretty much dominated every race you've entered in the USA for the last couple years. How much training and practice does it take to stay consistently on top?
Yeah, America has treated me well, and that has a lot to do with everything coming together with the team to training at home. Everything in the USA is a little easier for me because we have full support from KHS Factory Racing, more time to train and all the tools we need to win! Also I feel like the tracks in North America are better for me because I get to train on similar conditions year round.

What are your goals for next year? Do you plan on racing a full World Cup schedule in the future?
Goals next year are to dominate all North America races, and with some World Cups coming to the USA I really want to focus on getting a top 20 in those. But the main goal is racing in America. Step up internationally for World Champs and possibly some Euro cups AKA World Cups!


The majority of DH racers steer clear from the dangers of such events as Red Bull Rampage. Yet, last year you put down an amazing run, and made it down completely unscathed (into a 3rd place finish). Has the risk been worth the reward?
Yeah, I mean I'm a full blood racer. I always have been, growing up. But the Rampage is a great event for my style to showcase Big Mountain riding. It's a really crazy week of riding but its so much fun pushing your limits that it makes it worth it! But yeah, super dangerous, just got to stay super focused.

Has your life changed at all after achieving that result and getting that type of coverage on TV from a mainstream audience?
Yeah, it definitely pushed my career big time, but I just keep working hard and pushing harder for that top spot. I'm super grateful for all my family, friends and fans!



When does preparation start for the next Rampage, and how do you build up to riding such massive features?
Basically right after racing ends. I have World Champs in South Africa and the last National in Mammoth, CA, then right after that we will start working on freeride set up and focus on Rampage.

Do you have a favorite type of riding, or is it all about variety?
Honestly, I just like hitting big ass lines! Moto on MTB, that's what gets me going. And, racing tracks against that clock.



What's the best thing about having Kevin as your teammate?
Well, it's good to have someone to check lines and compare options in racing. We are always battling it out on the track so its a good speed check.

And, the worst?
Skimming in Laguna Beach. Yep, that's pretty bad!


If you didn't become a professional mountain bike racer, what would your next career choice be?
Golfer, rapper, surfer, or Duck Dynasty.

Do you have any good advice for someone who is hoping to make a successful career out of mountain biking?
Dream big and never give up. What you put into it is what you get out of it! And... have fun!


Kevin Aiello

You've been a solid performer on both the Pro GRT series and the Shimano Winter Series (1st overall) this year. How much work and preparation goes into competing in these events?
It takes a lot of work and preparation to get ready for the long season. I usually take a couple months off after Interbike to step out of the racing world and have some time to myself at home with family and friends. I ease back into it with a lot of base miles on the road and XC bike. By the time January comes around I'm usually back in the gym with my trainer 2-3 times a week while still riding and testing as much as possible. When the Shimano Winter series rolls around we're usually pretty fit and ready to see how we hold up against the competition. We tend to use the Winter series as a training tool to work out all the kinks before the big races start. It allows us to get into the race routine of showing up with proper food and supplements, taking the time to warm up and stretch before we practice, and being able to perform under race day conditions. There is also a lot of work put in from our team manager Quinton Spaulding when it comes to keeping things rolling in the right direction and keeping the riders in the right mindset. Once the season starts up we're usually working like a well oiled machine from the time we pack the rig up till the time we cross the finish line.

Every podium was either you or Logan in the top spots, and often times both. Even though you're on the same team, does it ever get competitive between you two?
Absolutely. We pretty much live together on the road for 6 months out of the year so we are constantly pushing each other during training and practice. But when it comes down to race day, if your not going for the win then you shouldn't be dropping in in the first place. So there is definitely some competitiveness between the two of us but we both know it only pushes us in the right direction and is mutually beneficial.



Do you guys share line choice or any course advantage that you might happen to spot?
Yes, we practice and do our track walks together most of the time. If one of us is having trouble in a section we're always open to helping each other out, and come Sunday, whoever performed better earned the top spot. We know we are a pretty tight knit program, and at the end of the day we want to put KHS on top.

Were there any tracks this year that were especially challenging?
All the tracks have been fun and challenging this year but I would have to say the most challenging track was Fort William, Scotland. With minimal practice and experience on the track I really struggled to get up to race speed by qualifying time.


What are your goals going into 2014?
My goals for 2014 are to start off strong at the Shimano Winter Series and hopefully defend my title there. After that I really want to focus on the big picture when it comes to the national circuit. I want to be more consistent with podium finishes at all National events and hopefully some wins, while keeping my health and fitness strong throughout. I'd also like to get a couple top 30 finishes at the World Cups we attend.

Besides mountain biking, what other sports are you interested in?

I spend most of my free time skim boarding and spear fishing with buddies. I also love getting out on the moto and doing some overnight trail rides.


If you hadn't become a professional mountain bike racer, what would your next career choice be?
Well if I didn't end up racing bikes I probably would have stuck to high school football and see where that went. But who knows! I love what I do and I can't think of many other things I'd like to spend my time doing.

What's the best thing about having Logan as your teammate?
I would have to say one of the best parts is having a teammate that I can constantly battle with. If your teammate is 20 spots ahead of you every race you tend to ease up and accept the fact your not as fast as they are. But Logan and myself have had a pretty good battle for the past few years and I think it has improved both of us.

And, the worst?
He cant sleep in a hotel room unless the thermostat is set as low as it goes.



You guys spend a lot of time on the road together, got any good travel stories you'd like to share?
Well, GPS and directions seem to be our biggest struggle. I think it was last year we followed directions to Crested Butte and ended up with the race truck and trailer on muddy jeep trails way up in the mountains during a pretty decent storm. After a few long hours and close calls nearly sliding off the side we rolled in safe and sound.

Are there any rules about farting in the R.V. or hotel room?
We pretty much flip a coin to see who gets stuck with Fant (KHS Filmer) in their room, and if you lose it's gonna be a long restless week.

What's the most random question you've ever been asked by Travis Fant? What was your answer?
Where to begin...hahaha.