Kieran Bennett

You are a relatively new face to the scene but after your win at the Oceania Championships, how has the competition treated you?

I have been racing most of the guys that were there for a couple of years now so nothing much has changed but I think they have realised I can be a threat at any time.

Where did you grow up and what is something interesting about your hometown?

I grew up in Nelson, New Zealand and I guess something interesting is it the exact center of the country is in Nelson.

What's a Kiwi?

A little fluffy bird that cant fly and only comes out at night, not much of a national icon really and to tell you the truth I have never even seen one!

Is it hard to get DH products in New Zealand considering so much of it has to be imported?

The mountainbike industry has grown massively over the past few years, you can basically get any DH parts over now. When I started racing back in 2002 only the top pro guys had trick bikes and all of the young guys started out on hardtails not like today when kids turn up to their first race on brand new top of the line bikes.

What are few trails that every mtber should ride in New Zealand?

Whakarewarewa forest in Rotorua for xc/trail riding and my local training course here in Nelson for DH.

What would you consider to be a successful 2008 season?

Placing top 20 at the World Champs, being consistent for the world cup season and staying injury free for once.

Word association:

• Marbles - fun
• My Space - addictive
• Aussie - dingos
• Juano - the boss
• California - mexicans
• Hillary Clinton - giving up