Evan Turpen

As the world of MTB continues to be infused with young talent, Evan Turpen has certainly impressed with his silky smooth style and seemingly endless potential. ET chats with us about the expectations he puts on himself as one MTB’s young rippers.

This is your second pro season and you have had opportunities to ride with some of the top riders in MTB. What about the pro level has made the biggest impression on you?

The first World Cup of the season, it’s just such a high level and makes me feel like a beginner again because everyone takes it so seriously. All the guys are so fast which makes me want to take my riding even more seriously than before.

How much have you changed the way you prepare before racing in the pro class?

I have actually been a lot more relaxed and I take really good care of my bikes. If you go to the gate nervous it won’t help. Training wise, I went from doing a lot XC as a JR to training in specific types of riding like DH. Recently I think I need to return to the old fitness regimen. I think I have developed the skills to compete but I lack a some fitness so I will be focusing on that for 2007.

Do you like your hair that way?

Yeah it’s shorter.

Tell us why you think so many solid riders come out of the Santa Cruz area?

I guess it’s the environment we get to ride in. We have great weather. Even in the witner you can ride despite the rain. There are tons of guys to ride with who are fast and tons of bike shops. It’s just an all around good environment for mountain biking.

Would you rather watch Girls Gone Wild or Hypnosis?

Hypnosis. I‘d rather see girls in real life.

What goals did you set out for yourself this season?

Do the best I can at every race and have a good series finish with NORBA. I also want to make the US team and travel to New Zealand. I have been top 5 in all the US events but I crashed at the World Cup in Mt. Saint Anne. I think a good result at the nationals can help my odds.

Where do you think MTB will be in 20 years?

Hopefully gear boxes and great suspension. I think overall reliability will be awesome too.

If there was no MTB what do think you would be doing?

Probably ride moto if my parents would let me. Something with speed that is for sure. I gotta be fast.

WORD ASSOCIATION WITH ET

• Whistler Sweet
• Internets What? Internets?
• NORBA Slow
• World Cup Awesome
• Technical things There is no word in my mind for technical things.
• Geico Gecko G’day mate!