Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
ROYAL DISTRIBUTING, Canada’s Powersports Leader & MARIN BIKES, both proud supporters of Canadian Motocross are pleased to bring you another edition of 20 FAST QUESTIONS!
This Week We Feature … Tyler Medaglia
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ROYAL DISTRIBUTING & MARIN BIKES are hoping this new feature of “20 FAST QUESTIONS” will help us all get to know more about the top MX STARS who are now preparing to do battle for the first gate drop of the 2016 EDITION of CMRC’s ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MOTOCROSS NATIONALS.
On the track Tyler is one of the most focused and intense riders we’ve ever seen. Off the track though, he’s one of the most outgoing riders in the paddock. Photo by James Lissimore
MXP: Hey Tyler, what is your hometown?
TM: My family and I live in Brookfield, Nova Scotia.
What is something unique thing about your hometown?
It’s a pretty tight knit community with a collection of very competitive people. It also has two motocross tracks just outside town.
Would you like to retire there?
Absolutely, I love it out there. Having said that, I would like a winter home in Tallahassee, Florida too.
How old were you when you first fell in love with dirt bikes?
I think I was about 4 or 5. It has now evolved into a love/hate relationship.
That’s a great way to put it. What was your first riding memory?
Riding in the trails behind my parent’s house with my friend Jason. We looked like hood rats with tore up gear, and bikes with missing parts and no front fenders.
Like most of today’s pro riders, Tyler started riding at a very young age. Here he goes for some big air on his KX65.
When was your first race and what was the result?
TM: My first race was at Sand Del Lee on a Z50. That day I got beat by David Sanders who was riding a PW50. We would battle it out for years to come after that.
You have two awesome little kids. Will you let them race if they want to?
Only if they want to. Part of me says no, but I can’t deny them of something they love and show passion for.
What was your favourite track growing up?
I had two, Sand Del Lee was my stomping grounds but I also loved Frozen Ocean. It was a track in upstate New York.
What do you personally do to mix up your training regime to make it less of a grind?
Nothing! I don’t feel as though it’s a grind, it’s my job and I enjoy the training. Although switching to a 350 this year has helped on days when the practice tracks are blown out. To be in good enough shape for a ten round series doesn’t necessitate a grind of a training regime. I apologize to the kids with people who have convinced them that they are “on that grind.”
What’s the best advice you could give to an amateur rider wanting to turn pro?
I would say to ride as much as you can, race as much as you can, and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Sounds like great advice Tyler. Do you have any personal pre-race rituals that help you relax and focus?
I do a short yoga routine before bed and in the morning. Other than that I feel like I’m the most relaxed when Heidi and/or the kids are at the race.
Tyler had a great season in 2015 on his brand new Husqvarna and finished with a 5th overall in the MX1 class. Photo by James Lissimore
What is your favourite sport besides motocross and do you get the opportunity to partake in it?
Definitely road cycling, and yes, I get to take part in it almost to the point where it is getting ridiculous and starting to annoy people. I race competitively during the spring and fall away from moto any chance I get.
When you turned pro, what surprised you the most about pro racing?
How tough it is mentally.
What things have you had to work on the most since turning pro?
The mental side takes a lot of focus and it’s still a constant battle. Speed and fitness has been there for years. Being in a positive, performance ready mental state takes years to perfect. Also, keeping arm pump in check is tough as a pro when the pressure is on and you’re holding on for dear life.
What is your best result so far in the pro class?
Winning in both the MX1 and MX2 classes, and back to back MX2 championships were very special.
What do you think you do really well on a dirt bike?
I feel I am good in long ruts and being in the right gear, and I seem to be really good at wheelies.
Among wheelies and riding long ruts, Tyler is also one of the best starters this Country has ever seen. Photo by James Lissimore
What is your favourite Canadian National track?
Well, this year it’s going to be Pleasant Valley for sure. In recent years I’ve performed well in Kamloops so that counts for something.
What type of music do you like?
Early 2000s punk is my favourite, but at the moment I’m into electronic DJs.
You’ve done a lot of traveling in your career, what is your favourite city to visit?
I really like Kamloops, there is a lot of fun stuff to do out there. Squamish is another fun place, it has some great cafes and unreal mountain biking.
Final question Tyler, in 20 years, how would you like to be remembered in this sport?
I’d like to be remembered as a true professional and a good champion.
