WC 4x racer Scott Beaumont recently announced he was riding for the newly formed Yeti Racing UK team.
Yetifan Andrew caught up with Scott and fired him a few questions.
Words: Andrew@yetifan
Photos:Charles Robertson
1) Hi Scott, welcome to the Yeti Tribe, You must be super stoked to be on YETI this year?
I really am so stoked to be on Yeti. Yeti have been such a strong force in 4X over the last few years, it feels great to be riding on one of the best 4X frames ever made. It was really important to me to continue working with Silverfish, so when it was announced that they were going to be the new distributors of Yeti here in the UK, we began talks straight away to make the change onto Yeti.
The Yeti Tribe is talked about by most other manufacturers. Most companies envy the following Yeti has and the support from Yeti riders is second to none, so it feels fantastic to become a member of the Tribe for the foreseeable future. I am looking forward to the Yeti Tribe festival in 2012 where I can meet other Yeti owners and go for a ride with them.
2) What does it mean for you to be riding some of the fastest bikes available?
As a pro rider, it feels fantastic to have the best frames available. There are no excuses. It is all down to me and the work I do away from races to get Yetis on top of the podium at as many races as I can. Yeti’s DJ frame has a proven track record in 4X and from my first few rides on it in this last week I know exactly why. That thing is fast! So stiff out of the gate, it just transfers power straight to the ground with zero flex. The bike feels great and I can’t wait to get the season started!
The SB-66 that I will be using for Enduro DH races speaks for itself. I will receive mine next week, so I haven’t even ridden one yet, however, every magazine test around the world is calling it one of the finest mountain bikes ever made. They are being tested in sun, rain and snow all around the world, but the feedback and comments on the bike, all say the same – amazing bike.
So between the DJ, 4X and SB66 frames, I have the best tools for the job, no question.
3) You already have a Yeti Super X BMX, will you be doing any BMX racing this year?
Yes the plan is to race a couple of nationals towards the end of the year. I still love BMX and I ride twice a week at Redditch and Birmingham BMX tracks. The Yeti Super X is, again, amazing! I’m so happy with it. It feels natural and easy to ride, which with the size of current BMX tracks, is a good thing! I’ve raced BMX since I was 4 years old and I’m certainly not finished with racing just yet!
4) You told me there is a 303 on the way to you, are you planning some DH racing action? Or is it just for fun/training purposes?
Yep, a 303 is on the way. I like to race every weekend and in between the 4X, Enduros and BMX I still want to race a couple of DH races. You’re right as well though. With 4X tracks being so rough these days, it is always great to ride DH in the weekdays as some training as well. Of course there will also be some photo-shoots throughout the year as well where I will ride the 303.
5) I was super sad to hear that the UCI dropped 4X at world cup level, but I know you have been working on a series with the 4X Alliance (http://www.euro4xseries.com/4x-alliance/) Can you tell us something about that please?
Well, we were all shocked and saddened by the UCI’s decision. There was no warning and the decision took everyone by surprise – including all the organisers of World Cup events. That is now water under the bridge. It was an opportunity that Chris Roberts and myself grabbed with both hands and we created the 4X ProTour – www.facebook.com/4xprotour (website on the way – www.4xprotour.com). It has been alot of work over the past 3 months, but we are now in a great position with full support from the riders, teams and most importantly the organisers. Our series will visit: Houffalize in Belgium, Szczawno Zdroj in Poland, Val Di Sole in Italy, Fort William here in the UK and a final round which we are looking to announce next week.
4X is one of the most exciting cycling disciplines in the World, but unfortunately has had some differing opinions and press in our industry media. Now that all the media restrictions will be lifted on the sport, we believe that the industry media will now have their hands untied with the sport and be able to really bring everyone the best action from every event.
6) What sort of stuff do you do to kick back and relax outside of bikes?
I love to just watch a good DVD at home. I like to play golf, meet up with friends at home and go for nice meals. Just normal stuff really. Although the perception that a pro rider has spare time, is pretty out of date now. Free time for me is a real premium, but I try to enjoy it when it comes along.
7) Where was the last place you rode? And what bike were you on?
Actually the last place I rode was at Redditch BMX track on Tuesday night. It was my first real go over some big jumps on the DJ and a great chance to do some gate practice under the floodlights. Dave Richardson also brought his DJ along for his first ride, so it was a pretty exciting night for us! I will be on the DJ again tomorrow at my final day of the British Cycling coaching course that I have completed over winter, then next week I can’t wait to give the 66 a run out. I am trying to ride most days at the moment. It’s like Christmas day has come around again!!
8 ) What other bikes will Yeti be supplying you with? Anything custom?
We have talked about all of my bikes during this interview. DJ, 4X, Super X BMX, SB-66 and a 303DH. Nothing custom planned. The frames are perfect right out of the box. Nothing will need to be tweaked at all. Again, just so happy to be riding for Yeti. Every frame on that list is so proven. It’s a great opportunity for me.
9) Did you ever have a regular job before bikes? If so what was it?
Yes, I had a job for 4 months, straight after college working for Sega computer games! My parents knew my hunger to try and make it as a pro rider, but they insisted that I stay at school till I was 18 to get some qualifications under my belt. Working for Sega wasn’t what I had planned on doing, but I really enjoyed it. I had always set my goals on being a pro rider though. I started racing at 4 years old and rode for my first team when I was 5 – Birmingham Wheels Factory Team. I had a great BMX career and was working with a view to moving to USA to create a pro BMX career. Then I was invited to the Bike Show in London in 1996 to take part in a demo event on my Kona Hardtail. I did the event and the bosses from Kona were there and from what they saw, offered me a pro ride there and then to race DH and Slalom – even though I was still racing a BMX full time. It was an amazing opportunity and I have not looked back since.
10) Thanks for taking the time to do this, now its time to plug all your awesome sponsors, please go ahead…
Cheers for such a nice welcome to the Yeti Tribe! Looking forward to being really involved at your events,
I have to thank Silverfish first. Darren, Pete, Sarah, Richie and everyone down there in the office (even Cleggy) for all their support over the last 6 years. They are a dream employer and I am stoked to be part of their close-knit family. Trixter, Fox Europe, Fox Suspension, Schwalbe, Formula, Sun Ringle, Fenwicks, Bikesoup, RapidRacerProducts, Oakley, Shimano, Exposure Lights, Race Face, E-13, SDG, ODI Grips, Mojo, Hope headsets, Park Tools.
A huge thank you to my parents and my Fiancé Holly for all their support. None of this would be possible without their help.
Finally a huge thanks to everyone who has stood at a race and cheered me on. I really appreciate your support.
See you all at the Yeti Tribe meet this summer.
Keep up to date with Scott:
www.twitter.com/beaumontracing and click follow
www.facebook.com/scottboomboombeaumont and click like
Keep up to date with Yeti Racing UK:
Finally the team website:
