INTERVIEW: MARCUS PHELPS
22 May 2013

By Laren van der Westhuizen

MX SA: You have established yourself firmly now as one of SA's hopefuls to fill the shoes left by Tyla Rattray and Grant Langston. What makes you such a talent?
MP:
It's not really talent its more self-belief, and if you believe in yourself the results will follow.

MX SA: When did you know that you were going to be a top rider?
MP:
In the 50cc Pro class I started to get the occasional podium finish. Once you get a taste of the podium then you want more and more.

MX SA: You raced overseas in 2012 and did really well. You are planning to go again this year, what races are you planning to do?
MP:
The first event is a Rebdull event in England, the second is one of the Dutch National rounds, and the third is an event called Masterkids in France.

MX SA: Why did you choose these races?
MP:
My father chose the Redbull event because we want to see how I compare to the riders I raced against last year to make sure their level is not increasing faster than mine, Then we chose a leg of the Dutch national series because I want to ride against some of the best sand riders in the world, and Masterkids because then I get the chance to ride against other Riders from all over Europe.

MX SA: How are you expecting to do at these races?
MP:
I want to come home with three podium finishes, I will be racing on three new tracks so let's see what happens.

MX SA: Who will be helping you over there?
MP:
My sponsor Intertherm will be funding the majority of the trip and I have been saving my pocket money for the trip as well.

MX SA: If you do well, then what? Full time 2014?
MP:
I'm still a bit young so maybe in 2015, but you never know what might happen.

MX SA: Tell us about your family and how they have helped get you where you are.
MP:
We are a Motocross family 100%. My parents really support myself and my other two brothers, Nicholas and Sebastian. We all pull together and work on raceday to achieve good results.

MX SA: Is racing in Europe a far off dream for most people, or do you think anyone can go?
MP:
Anyone can do it. SA riders are very talented and well respected in Europe and SA has proven itself time and time again over the years.

MX SA: How are you preparing for your overseas campaign?
MP:
At the moment I am just doing my regular amount of training and riding but from next week I will increase the training and riding.

MX SA: What are your goals in SA for the rest of 2013?
MP:
Win the SA national series and the Gauteng regional series, and have no injuries.

MX SA: Do you have a facebook page or twitter that people can follow whilst you racing overseas?
MP:
Yes, My website is marcusphelps.co and I am on twitter @MarcusPhelpsMX.


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