Royal Distributing and Marin Bikes Presents 20 Fast Questions With Jeremy Medaglia

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 … Jeremy 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.

MXP: Hey Jeremy, to start off can you tell us your hometown.

My hometown is Kemptville, Ontario

What is something unique about Kemptville?

I wouldn’t say there’s too much unique about it besides the fact that it is home and where my family and I live. That’s good enough for me!

How old were you when you first fell in love with dirt bikes?

I can’t really put a number on that one. I would say probably when I was 13-years-old, and my parents said that it was time to choose between hockey or racing, so I’ll go with that.

What is your first memory of riding?

I remember my Dad got me started in the sod fields and we rode around for hours.

How did your first race go?

At my first race I showed up at SDL with my LEM 50cc, it was calling for rain so my Dad, being the wild man he is, packed my three-wheeler as well. Well, the track ended up damn near being swamped and I didn’t even want to go out. But my Dad reinsured me that this three-wheeler would float across the mud and as usual he was right. There was a split start for the 4-6 year old 50cc class and 7-8 year old 50cc class. My brother won the older group and I took that three-wheeler to the top spot in the 4-6 class.

That’s awesome, Dad’s always seem to know everything. Did you have a favourite track growing up?

It was definitely the Sand Del Lee track, I would count down the days until it was time to race there.

What do you do to mix up your training regime to make it less of a grind?

I can’t say that I do much to make it much different than the basics. I like the grind when it’s go time. I just try put in the work and carry on.

What’s the best advice you could give to any amateur rider wanting to turn pro?

I think the best thing to do is just be patient; I see so many kids rushing through classes these days. Once you turn pro, there’s no going back so take your time getting there. Especially in Canada, there are very few rides available, so make sure you’re making a statement when you move up.

Do you have any pre-race rituals that help you relax and focus?

I just like having my friends up with me in the rig while I’m getting ready to go. Depending where the race is, different friends of mine can make it out, so I like to keep it light and just enjoy the day.

What’s your favourite sport besides motocross and do you get the opportunity to partake in it?

I love to play hockey and yes I play as much as I can in the winter. My friend and I actually started our own pick up league this past winter and we had a blast.

What surprised you the most about pro racing?

I would say how much goes into being good and winning races consistently. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t think it was going to be easy, but getting race wins and overalls takes a lot of work.

What have you had to work on the most since turning pro?

I think just enjoying the moment more. It’s easy to get caught up in everything and not enjoy the experiences. I have learned that more and more lately and it’s made things better.

What is your best result so far in the pro class?

I’ve had a handful of moto and overall wins, those mean a lot to me.

What do you think you do really well on a dirt bike?

My starts always seem to be good, but I would say being able to keep the pace for the whole moto is one of my strongest points.

What is your favourite national track?

Definitely Ulverton, that place is awesome; the hills, the start, the flow, everything about that track is good.

What training tool could you not live without?

My lap timer without a doubt. I don’t have a practice mechanic so I rely on it.

Who has been your biggest rival in the past few years?

I have had a few over the years depending on the class, but if I had to pick one I would say Kaven Benoit. We’ve had lots of good races in the past.

Yes, you two have battled pretty hard. What type of music do you listen to?

Well, channels 2, 36, 44 and 51 are my XM presets (laughs).

What is your favourite city to visit?

Good question, I love going to Kamloops and Calgary. Kamloops is super nice; it has great scenery, and has a good vibe to it. Calgary is very unique with its track location being so close to the city. I always look forward to those two rounds the most in the West.

Final question Jeremy, in 20 years, how would you like to be remembered?

I’d like to be remembered as a hard working rider that didn’t put up with garbage on and off the track.