Getting to Know: Kirill Benderoni, Russia's Freerider
Who is Kirill Benderoni?
Just an average guy who loves riding bikes and exploring the world.
Where are you from and where do you live?
I’m from Russia and I live in Moscow.
What are your strengths?
Well, I can spend the whole night in a freight train wagon to explore some new riding areas.
What are your weaknesses?
Street riding. I’m one of the worst street riders the world has ever seen.
What’s been your worst crash over the years?
I remember flipping a small stepdown, landing on my face and being knocked out for maybe five minutes. It happened ten years ago, and yes, I was wearing a full-face helmet.
Where are your favorite trails?
Not too far from my home.
What bikes are you riding right now?
I’m riding a hardtail built by Experimental Bikes and my old Bergamont Straitline fully. I should get a new big bike pretty soon though.
What is the biggest challenge about being a freerider in Russia?
One of the main problems here is the lack of riders. It’s always hard to find company to travel with or helpers for building stuff.
Any big projects or trips planned for the rest of this year?
I definitely have some plans, but I’d like to talk about things when they’ve already happened.
You received a wildcard invite to Rampage in 2013. Would you like to go again?
Those times were hard. I had lots of technical problems with my bike, and I wasn’t really ready for an event like Rampage. Yes, it would be cool to try again before I get too old for that.
Who’s your favorite rider?
I like watching those who can go fast and high on any line. Larry Edgar might be a good example.
What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?
Making music, hitch-hiking and all kinds of travelling.
Who or what inspires you?
Time flies pretty fast, and you’re getting older every day. I think that’s a good inspiration for doing anything.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I’d work until 2 or 3p.m., then I would go riding until the evening, and then I’d probably spend some time with my girlfriend. Nothing too special.
What’s your favorite non-bike website?
Youtube.com
What’s your favorite motto or saying?
I like this one:
‘Listen to the mustn’t's, child, listen to the don’ts,
Listen to the shouldn't's, the impossibles, the won’ts,
Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me –
Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.’ – Shel Silverstein.
What grinds your gears?
People acting like they’re too cool.
If you weren’t a pro mountain biker, what would you be doing?
I’ve never been a pro mountain biker. Maybe I can still become one some day, who knows?
Where do you think the future of freeride is headed?
Well, it’s obviously getting closer to skiing and moto freeriding. And this is the right way to go, I think.
How do you want to be remembered?
First of all, as a nice and kind-hearted person. Everything else is not that important.
What does the future hold for Kirill Benderoni?
I hope to get a little better in mountain biking.
www.vitalmtb.com/news/news/Kirill-Benderoni-On-His-Rampage-Experience,664
He's an absolute animal on a bike, and for that alone he has my respect.
@YTindustries
Anyway, it was cool to see what he's been up to. It would be awesome for him to hook up with fest series.
Josh Benders distant Russian relative??
Anyone?