Interview and photos by Virgil Knapp

The news is finally out - Tyler Medaglia is now part of the strongest team in Canadian history. Blackfoot Yamaha Red Bull Fox Racing has brought Tyler in to be alongside MX2 teammate Kyle Beaton. Yes, he will be riding MX2 in 2010. It is safe to say that he is pretty excited about his new team and looking forward to the 2010 season. MXP’s Virgil Knapp got the scoop on how it all came about.

Blackfoot Yamaha Red Bull Fox Racing welcomes Tyler Medaglia to their team. They are hoping is aggressive style and mental toughness will help bring them back to the top of the MX2 class alongside Kyle Beaton

MXP- First off, let me say congratulations! We just received word that you signed with Blackfoot for '10. Is this true?

T.M - Thank you! Yes it is true. I will be joining the Blackfoot Yamaha team for the 2010 season, and I am very excited about it.

MXP- How did the deal come together?

T.M - I got a call from Dean Thompson after practicing at home just following the Sand Del Lee national, and basically had set up a meeting after Walton and it took off from there.

MXP- Is it true you will be riding the 250F? If so, why did you drop back down?

T.M - Yes I will be riding the new YZ250F. I think it will be a good match because I have spent the last two seasons on a 450 and it made me a more mature and stronger rider. Considering that I'm 150 lbs, I feel I’m the perfect weight for a MX2 bike.

MXP- How did you leave off with OTSFF Suzuki?

T.M - I left OTSFF on good terms. I have appreciated everything Andre Laurin, Steve Simms, Derek Farthing, Brad Ewen and the rest of the team have done for me; I definitely would not be where I am today If it wasn't for the OTSFF crew.

MXP - You’ve been on Suzuki since you turned Pro. What was the main reason you made this switch?

T.M – Well, I think it’s just time for a change for me. It’s going to be all new and I feel it’s going to re-spark the fire under my ass to push and motivate me to win some races, and push for a championship.

In 2007 Medaglia took third overall in the MX2 title aboard a OTSFF Suzuki. Can this new move to blue and back to MX2 all add up to a Championship for Tyler and Blackfoot?

MXP- We all know about your deal with West 49. Will you be able to keep them and any of your other personal sponsors?

T.M - That is still in the works. I would really like to keep my personal sponsors. I’ve been with DC for the last 3 years and have a good relationship with WEST49. I really like their push with MX right now; trying to make our sport grow and being a part of that means a lot. I hope it will work out.

MXP-It's no secret that Blackfoot has the most powerful team in Canadian motocross. Do you think with all that support you can deliver them a MX2 title?

T.M - They’re going to give me all the tools and I’m going to do everything in my power to win.

MXP- It's still early to tell, but from what you know, who will be your biggest competition next year?

T.M - There’s a good five guys that seemed fast in MX2 this year that I'm sure will be fast next year, but I can say that there might be some bitter weeks of practice in between rounds at home lol.

MXP- You recently competed in the MX of Nations in Italy for Team Canada. What was that experience like?

T.M - It didn't go as well as planned. I had a weird little get off that kept me sidelined, but it was an honour to be picked again. I knew we had a shot of doing well, it’s just the way racing goes sometimes.

MXP- In your opinion, what does team Canada need to do to show better results in the future?

T.M – It is coming. Our racing and riders are constantly getting better. It’s not an easy race. With good gate pick and a little better consistency we can do it. We have the ability. I think in 2010 being in Colorado, it’s going to be a good year for Canada.

Tyler spent three years under the tent of OTSFF Rockstar Suzuki. In those three years he placed third in MX2 in 2007, third in MX1 in 2008 and an overall victory at Gopher Dunes. This past year was a bit of a struggle but he still managed a top 5 in the overall standings in MX1 action. Tyler says he would not have been able to do any of this without the OTSFF Team behind him.

MXP- We saw some photos of you from a go-kart race on the Friday. Was that an all moto event?

T.M - Yeah, it was cool. One rider and a press person from a certain country raced (Cairolli, Reed, Leok, Rattray, Coppins, Searle ...). My teammate, Dawn, was sick and couldn't make it, but I still ended up with the overall fastest lap time and got away with a cool Red Bull karting jersey!

MXP- Any final words and who would you like to thank?

T.M - I would like to thank Blackfoot for the warm welcome and I’m looking forward to working with all the new sponsors, Blackfoot, Yamaha, Red Bull, Fox, Oakley, SSS Suspension, Renthal, Dr.D . Also my family, friends and fans for all the support! Thanks.