7-18-08 // Online Exclusive: The Kyle Strait Interview

Colin Meagher

Huh? How’s that?

“Simple,“ Kyle says matter-of-factly. “A true slopestyle comp has all elements of mountain biking to it. What’s missing in the Qashqai’s are big mountain riding skills and speed. I mean, it’s in the middle of a city, right? There’s no big drop that requires more big mountain biking skills.”

“A true slopestyle comp is not something a guy on a hard tail with dirt jump skills can win. You need to be a complete rider, not just a dirt jumper. And the Qashqai events with the smaller size of the venue favor guys with tech street skills and dirt jump skills.”

So what’s a true slopestyle comp?

Kyle shoots me a look that says, “Are you kidding me?” I shoot back a “humor me” look, followed by a “this is an interview, remember?” look.

He grins and answers with, “There’s only one now - Crankworx. Or two, I guess, with Crankworx Colorado. But if the Rampage comes back, then there’ll be three. Oh, and there’s Darren’s comp, too, so there are three or four. No way you win a comp like that on a hard tail; you need a dual suspension bike. And you need the trick skills, the big mountain riding, and the DH speed to win. The complete package.”

So what’s next for Kaotic Kyle? The kid who is the complete package? His return to racing on the World Cup scene has so far been a bit hit-or-miss, with the 24th place at Maribor his best showing, then 68th at Andorra and 31st at Ft. William.

A glance at the calendar dictates his next move. It’s the eve of the US Nationals at Mt. Snow, arguably one of the most revered DH tracks in the USA. And Kyle Strait is on the start list. He’ll readily admit to making a few mistakes at Andorra and Ft. Williams, mistakes that meant sub-par performances in his mind. 68th and 31st aren’t bad, but they’re not where he wants to be: faster.

With the US Championship on the line this Sunday, the question is, will he be faster than everyone else? Is he going to add US Downhill Champ to his list of accomplishments? To be honest, with his talent, anything is possible. And while a victory by Kyle would likely make the pure racers cringe, a win here would just emphasize how versatile and dedicated (and fast) a rider he is.

All I know is it’s good to see him back on the track, going fast. Back in the saddle again.

Colin Meagher

Colin Meagher

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