Boom Boom Beaumont signs up for two years to Schwalbe, we asked him a few questions about the upcoming season.

Are you racing any downhill this year? Yes I am going to be racing most National Downhills, Caersws Cup and the odd other local race. Also I think I am doing the commentary for Freecaster again at the World Cups. Confirmed soon I hope…….Will are you reading this!!???

As reigning British 4x champ you will be required to wear the National jersey, what are your thoughts on that? Not one single rider or team manager is happy about this. The armbands that were used last year were a huge step forward as riders were happy to attend and fight for the National Championship. The organisers were happy that the riders were racing and the sponsors were happy at the prospect of having a National Champion riding on their equipment without the problems of logo placement on jerseys. It was a perfect solution. Now reverting back to the National jersey is a problem for everyone who has signed contracts with sponsors guaranteeing space on the jersey, which now is not possible…. I hope that the UCI are reading some of the names that are on the online petition.

We need this rule changed asap, not mid season. If skinsuits can be banned in our ‘cycle sport’ but not in others then the jersey rule can be relaxed and armbands can be used to help a sport that relies so heavily on its sponsors. At a time when there is a global recession, we desperately need to keep our sponsors happy.

How well do you think you’ll get on at World Cup 4x this year? My goal is to finish in the top 5 overall. I had 3 semi finals, 4 top 10 finishes, 2 crashes, a puncture and a bad race from myself in 2009. I want to get more consistency and make a few main finals in 2010. I know I can, and with only 6 rounds in 2010 a consistent year is gonna be what’s needed.

Are you still on Rocky Mountain? Yes, press release about that next week.

I should know, but how did you get the nickname “Boom Boom”?
Peter Graves, World Cup commentator in the 90’s gave it to me at the Japan Dual race in 1999 when I beat Shaun Palmer in the quarter finals. It has stuck ever since and now I think more people know me as Boom Boom than my real name. 2010 Fox Butt Patch attached for you!!!

How many gates do you do a day and what has your training involved over the Winter?

Gates have just started. We will be doing around 50 per day at the minute increasing to 100 nearer Houffalize.

Winter training has been: alot of Gym work to increase strength, loads of riding on my Trixter X Dream when there was snow and rain – , xc rides, road rides, bmx tracks and other sports like swimming, squash etc…

Read on for the Schwalbe Press release:

Scott Beaumont put pen to paper yesterday and signed a two year contract with Schwalbe Tyres. After weeks of talks, Bohle UK and ‘Boom Boom’ came to an agreement that will see the 4X specialist compete in 2010 and 2011 on Schwalbe tyres.

The current UK 4X National Champion and National 4X Series Champion, believes that Schwalbe tyres will really give him an advantage in the next couple of seasons:

‘I have been testing Schwalbe tyres for quite a while now and have been nothing but impressed with the grip, durability and performance they have given me on both 4X and Downhill bikes. Schwalbe has just delivered some 4X specific tyres to me and I think they are going to be the ticket for my World Cup campaign in 2010.

The enthusiasm of everyone at Bohle UK combined with the tyre technology that Schwalbe are providing me from the Head Office in Germany, will really give me an advantage.’

Chris Hearn, Marketing manager for Bohle UK, said:

‘I have been working with Scott for some weeks now and it is an absolute pleasure to have him on board and riding on Schwalbe.  Our technicians in Germany have been working really hard to develop a range of tyres to meet the needs of World Class racers such as Scott. A winning combination I am sure………………………………………..’

Scott ‘Boom Boom’ Beaumont will be competing in: World Cup Series, World Championships, European Championships, European 4X Series, National 4X Series, British Downhill Series and selected other grass roots events.

To find out more about:

Scott Beaumont visit: www.beaumontracing.com

Schwalbe in the UK visit: www.schwalbe.co.uk

Marshall Thomas photography: www.marshallthomasphotography.co.uk