May 26, 2007 (Calgary, AB) – I had an opportunity to do a quick interview with Ricky Federau after his return from Poland. Ricky placed 4th, 3rd, 1st and 4th in the four races he competed in at the Skoda Mtb Cup. The UCI points he earned puts him in 72nd position in the UCI standings.

Welcome back from Europe, I understand you were racing in Poland. How did that come about and what was the outcome?

Ricky Federau: Back in like February Marty Lazarski told me about doing some racing over there. It was a sweet idea, we would just base out of Krakow at Marty’s grandpa’s house and use his grandpa’s Honda Civic to get to races on the weekends so the level of racing would be high and the cost would be low. The outcome was good – everything just worked out real great. I am really glad Marty was there to translate cause no one over there speaks English. Marty’s grandpa was super cool and the little town we stayed in just outside of Krakow was real nice. The racing was hard and fast and a real big deal over there. Tons of people and full on TV coverage.

What was the level of the racing over there? How do you feel these races compare to U.S. races like Sea Otter?

RF: The level in Europe is always really high, the guys in the top 5 in Poland have finished in the top 10 at Euro World Cups and World Champs so the pace is fast. The courses are more geared to fitness, no real “riding skills” are needed – some of the guys were running rigid forks on their bikes. I needed some technical parts to get some gaps, so for me it was really hard. The race I won was more of a real mtb course where my BC riding skills came through. Super short courses like 3km with 10-14 laps are good for all the people that came to watch, and good for TV as well.

How would you rate your form after Poland? Are you fried or ready to roll?

RF: My form is good, I got a little sick on my way home but today I feel fine so it was just a quick head cold. I feel good, It’s so good to be home and getting some rest with English on the TV no more lip reading.

What is next on the program?

RF: The next big races I am doing are the Hardwood Hills Canada MTB Cup then the World MTB Cup in Quebec. I really can’t wait “˜til MSA (Mont St-Anne). I always ride well there and after last year I really want to have a good ride there.

Are these races your focus for the season or are there other races you are keying on?

RF: The MSA world cup is big for me, I also want to do well at Road Nationals later in July.

Do you see yourself doing any National team projects this year – are you keeping in touch with anyone in particular at CCA?

RF: Yeah the World Champs for sure then maybe the Pan Am Games in Brazil in July

How did you put together your race program for this season? How did the sponsorship happen to come together?

RF: Well I had to figure out something that would be inexpensive and have good fast racing so the Poland thing was really a good fit and it kind of sets up well for the WC in Canada and Nationals. As for my sponsors, well nothing with any trade team was happening and I had to kind of making a go at something. I went to Bruce Wenting and was asking for some contact info for some of the bike companies he deals with. Before you know it Trek was on board and then Atac wanted to do the clothing and Pinkbike.com and Ben Hardy. The bike that Wenting and I come up with is so light and fast. So once the ball got rolling it turned out to be great.

Where do you see yourself next year? Are you hoping to land a spot on a team or is the life of the privateer more to your liking?

RF: I don’t know, this year is going really good. I would have to see. I am really just focusing on this year and we will see what next year brings.

Would you consider a spot on a road team or is the dirt still the place to be?

RF: For this year and next year its the dirt, maybe after “˜08 – we will see. I am just loving the mtb bike right now!

Thanks for the time! All the best as the season progresses.