Freestyle Motocross in Russia? Did you ever meet a russian rider and do you think there is a FMX scene over there? We talked to Alexey Kolesnikov during the Red Bull X-Fighters Exhibition Tour in the Russian Federation to find the answers about our questions. And he told us all about his progression and his plans for the future.

First of all, tell the guys out there some basics about you - where do you come from, how old are you and what is your mission in FMX?
Hello to everyone! I’m Alexey  Kolesnikov, 25 years old. I’m from Russia and I live in Kolomna which is 100 km from Moscow. At first I ride freestyle for my self, because I love this sport!



Almost every rider has a cool story how he started with MX. Do you also have one? How and when did you start riding MX bikes and what affected you to do FMX? I started riding MX in 1998 and my first my bike was a Kawasaki 80cc. I rode national competitions in MX. And also I took part at the National Enduro championship from 2002 till 2005! I won two bronze medals, one silver and one gold!

2005 I came into FMX, because I like the big jumps! Also every time I checked out the American and European FMX scene! And I told to myself: “Is there any reason why I shouldn’t start with FMX in Russia? So I was the first FMX rider in Russia! My friends, my dad and I started to build the first ramp!

Training is one of the most important bases of FMX. Do you have your own FMX compound and how do you train your tricks? Yes, I have a training compound! A couple of years ago we are started to build this it. And every year our park get a bigger and bigger! Now the park has two landings, one big for four ramps, another one standard for two ramps, 8 different ramps and a foam pit.

You are doing different kinds of Backflip Combo tricks. How do you like the 360  and is this trick on your to do list? Actually I can’t do the 360! But my plan is to focus more on the Flipwhip and Underflip!

You were touring with the Red Bull X-Fighters Exhibition Tour - is this right? How many events are you riding and where? Yeah! That’s right! This year I became a Red Bull rider. In this season we are have six stops: Omsk, Tumen, Moscow, Samara, Rostov, Volgograd. I think our tour is great for Russia, because the people who live too far away from Moscow, never saw freestyle in real!

Tell us something about the FMX scene in Russia. Are there a lot of contests and events and how is the situation with young newcomer riders? When I started with FMX my situation was not easy! Because I did not know anything about a plan of the normal ramps, the gaps etc. Right now in Russia there are 8 riders who live around Moscow. There are also some guys who try ride in other regions. After the last events a lot of guys called me and had some questions about freestyle motocross! It’s nice! Two years ago it started to get more popular and we have more shows. Freestyle is new for Russia. And every year I see more interest from sponsors and promoters of different events! And of course, I help the new riders to get better!

What are your plans for the upcoming season and the future? At first I want to keep on the great riding – hopefully take part at all events in Russia. I also want to work for some different backflip combos in the foam pit, because the last weeks I did not have time for it! In the end of the season I want to go in the USA for some training in the Red Bull compound!

What are you doing in your freetime except FMX? Relax! And also I like riding bicycles in summer and snowboarding in winter! When I have time I go in the gym or swimming! And of course, I like big parties with my friends!

Do you want to say something to your fans and friends? I want to say thanks a lot! For the support to my family, my friends and fans! It’s like one part of me! And it’s a great feeling that they stay with me everytime! Also a special thanks to all my sponsors for believing in me!

Okay, now our classical word association. Give me the first word that
pops into your head:

Right on thanx Alex and good luck for the future!