Meet the Newest Member of Redemption Racing-Nathan Bles

By Olivia Goheen

Introducing Nathan Bles!

Recently signed to ride for the Canadian based Redemption Racing pro motocross team, the native of Bayfield, Ont., is currently ranked No. 10 in the country. Nathan Bles started riding on his farm at the age of three and began racing competitively at ten. The beginning of Nathan’s racing journey didn’t start out with winning results but his transformation occurred when he was 15. This is when he began taking racing a little more seriously and started gaining podium finishes. Those results have now followed him to the MX-1 Pro class allowing many top ten accomplishments in his rookie year of 2014.

After a great summer last year where he finished tenth overall in the MX1 class. Nathan Bles has been given a great opportunity with the Redemption Racing Team for 2015.

The humble 22-year-old understands the definition of dedication as he still maintained a full-time job at a local farm during the 2014 race season. Working full-time while being a professional athlete has enlightened Nathan to be obliged for the support he received during that year. Additionally, this represents that he can manage life accordingly, support himself financially and still demonstrate results on the track. His hard work, focus and commitment to racing were definitely noted by his current team. Nathan is incredibly thankful to be supported by a team that will allow him to focus strictly on racing in the forthcoming year.

“Last year I had to work while I was racing,” says Bles. “I would work all the way up to Friday and then drive up to the race on Saturday, sign up and race Sunday. That was a big eye opener, but with that you learn with opportunities you respect it more and take it more seriously.”

Accompanied by a new team, Nathan now has the opportunity to head south for three months to train. The Redemption Racing team will occupy Club MX, located in South Carolina. This training facility has riding, fitness and meal programs that cater to an athlete’s specific needs. Nathan is looking forward to having a strategic program set to ensure positive results for the upcoming season.

“It is going to be strict but I feel like there is going to be some results,” he explains.
Not only is Nathan Bles a pro motocross racer, he is also a pro enduro rider. This style of racing consists of long hours, difficult obstacles and lots of stamina. Having a hybrid riding style mixed with motocross, enduro riding has allowed him to excel in racing. Nathan was crowned the East Coast Enduro Champion in 2013. He also represented Canada at the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) race in Argentina back in late 2014. The ISDE acts as an Olympic event for enduro riders from all over the world. Unfortunately his time was cut short at the ISDE due to mechanical issues halfway through a race.

With another season under his belt, Nathan has been working hard during the off-season and plans to head south soon to begin training for the opening round of the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals in Kamloops.

“What I have brought from enduro to motocross is probably patience,” Nathan says. “You have to be patient; you can’t just charge into stuff, you have to be smart. I’ve learnt to slow down, be smart and look around before making a pass. It has made me a smarter rider and more of a thinker. I’d like to think that it is what helped me get where I am right now.”

When you don’t see Nathan ripping on the track, you can catch him on his road bike, at the gym or watching movies at home with his family. With an optimistic mindset for the 2015 season and a new team behind him, motocross fans should look forward to watching the up-and-coming rider. Heading into 2015, Nathan has set goals for himself and possesses a positive attitude to succeed. “I really have a good team behind me. I’m really looking forward to getting the results that are in my goals and being in the top five.” When the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals kick off in Kamloops in late May, be sure to cheer on the No. 10 of Nathan Bles.