Getting to Know Mark Scott

MARK SCOTT

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Mark Scott's transition from up-and-coming DH racer to that of a professional enduro racer on a factory team didn't happen overnight, but his ability to stylishly throw a bike around certainly got him noticed from the get-go. Rolling into this season is a little different for 'that Scottish guy who can throw a mean whip' as Mark is now a real danger man and capable of threatening the sports upper echelon and the seasoned podium contenders we all know. After taking second place at the Andes Pacifico event earlier this year and with a new team behind him, Mark's season has already started on the right footing and is poised for his best year yet...



Who is Mark Scott?
A 22-year old enduro racer that loves a good wheelie.


Where are you from and where do you live?
I’m from Edinburgh and live about 15-minutes outside of the city.


Who do you ride for?
I ride for Santa Cruz Bicycles, SRAM, RockShox, Fox Head Europe, Maxxis Tyres, Camelbak, Crankbrothers, Anvl components, Smith Optics, Five Ten and E13 Components.




Where are you happiest?
Probably on a big road trip over a few races and through a few different countries - I always have a good time with the lads there.


What’s been your favourite race venue?
Last year, probably Ireland. Such a cool atmosphere there and we had some big crowds come out too! Can’t imagine how much different it would be if it was wet... Whistler is always an epic time too, without a doubt.


Where are your favourite trails?
So many great trails, and all over the place too! If I had to narrow it down to one in particular; Slovenia stands out – there’s a lot of epic stuff there. I wanna go back soon! But then Squamish, British Columbia is right up there too. My favourites always change!




What are your strengths?
Anything technical. I love the challenging stuff and especially when everyone starts moaning about it. It’s cool to hit gnarly lines on the little bike; it can get pretty scary sometimes. I’ve learned to love the combination of physical and technical trails, which is pretty much most EWS races. It works out well too ha-ha!


What are your weaknesses?
Junk food... I used to be fat a couple of years ago!


What’s been your worst crash over the years?
2010 World Champs in MSA. It was my first day of practice and I over jumped the classic hip-step down in the open under the lift and rag-doll’d the hardest I ever have… A broken wrist was the outcome of that crash and as a junior, and representing my country, I was more than gutted.




What’s been your luckiest escape?
Probably making the move from DH to Enduro ha-ha! I was a bit fed up of racing DH and then when this fresh style of racing came along, I was well into it and it motivated me a lot too. I’ve never looked back since! It’s cool at an EWS - so much more chilled than a World Cup, but the racing is still world level; I really enjoy it.


Which bike from over the years, conjures up the best memories?
My old Morewood Izumu. I won almost every UK title on that bike. From British, Welsh, Midlands to NPS champ and joint Scottish champ overall! A big year for me when I was only 14 on that bike! I was lucky my dad supported me to travel to all those races too… I remember seeing a lot of the M6 (motorway) that year as well, ha-ha!


What bikes are you riding right now?
Right now, I'm on a Santa Cruz Bronson and a Stigmata, but I've got a couple more coming soon!




Who’s your favourite rider?
There’s been many over the years, but probably Josh Bryceland if I had to pick one. So much natural ability on a bike!


Who or what inspires you?
It changes a lot, but anyone at the top of their sport and having a good time doing it.


What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?
There isn’t too much right now that I do away from bikes to be honest… Maybe I need to find something? I don’t even have an MX bike anymore as it was stolen a couple of years ago.




What are you listening to right now?
The Craig David comeback has got me listening to the old skool garage classics albums right now, ha-ha!


What’s your favourite movie?
Layer Cake.


What’s your favourite non-bike website?
Does Instagram count? Loving having a good browse on there before bed...




What’s your favourite motto or saying?
I saw a good one the other day, from one of those inspirational Instagram pages that usually suck. It said, "live as if it were impossible to fail".


What grinds your gears?
A long Scottish winter is always up there thanks to that standard wind and rain combo… It gets pretty boring after a month or so. Character building though, right?


What makes you happy?
Tearing it up on a big ride/laps with the lads and we're all buzzing off each other!




If you weren’t a pro mountain biker, what would you be doing?
No idea! Hate to think about that, probably in a mountain of debt at Uni and still being fat.


If you were in charge of the sport, what changes would you make?
Less detachable chin pieces.




When you hang up your racing shoes, how do you want to be remembered?
I’ll be chuffed if anyone remembers me! Hopefully for winning a few races and always having a good time doing it.


What does the future hold for Mark Scott?
Hopefully some EWS podiums and plenty of bike riding all over the world... I hope!

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MENTIONS: @SramMedia / @foxheadeurope / @Maxxis / @crankbrothers / @SmithOptics / @FiveTen / @aspectmediauk / @suspended-productions

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Interviews Getting To Know Mark Scott