We last interviewed Wade Bootes way back in '98 when he was flying the flag for Trek on a signature frame. It's seven years later, Wade is back in Australia doing his own thing for TeamWBR (Wade Bootes Racing) but still hitting up international BMX and MTB events with impressive results. We caught up with Wade to find out what he's up to.
bmxultra.com:
A lot has happened to you since we first interviewed you in '98. For starters
you are now living in Australia...how are things in Queensland?
Wade: Queensland is great... I have always wanted to live in
the area I am in now, since I was racing at Miami BMX track a few decades
ago. We have a great bunch of riders in the area from Roadies, Mountain
bikers, and BMXers... within 10 minutes I have the likes of "Tour
de France" rider Robbie McEwen, mountain bikers Nathan Rennie and
Katrina Miller, and BMX pro Julian Lim and a bunch more riders that we
all hang out with... Queensland is also a good spot for the V8 drivers
which we get to hang out with on their huge boats in the summer (David
Besnard, Paul Weel, Steve and Dick Johnson). The Gold Coast is great,
I would have to say it is one of the best places in the world that I have
been to.
bmxultra.com: How did you manage to hook up with V8 supercar
drivers?
Wade: I first met a few with Oakley Australia (Greg Murphy and
the Kelly brothers) as I was invited to some after parties at Indy and
I am friends with David Besnard's wife (Next door neighbour to Katrina
Miller when we all lived in Sydney). After hanging out a few times with
David motocross riding, camping etc we then started to meet up with other
Drivers at parties and weekend get togethers. Paul Weel and I trained
together on road bikes this summer in the early morning bunch rides before
he moved down to Melbourne at the start of the year. V8 drivers love the
water and they get out on their boats as much as they can. So us jet skiers
go tie up on their 40 -50 foot boats. Now thats the life.
bmxultra.com: What do they think of BMX?
Wade: They think BMX bikes are for little kids, and can't believe
that I have made a living out of riding a "kids" bike.
bmxultra.com: Have you got any of them out for a ride on a BMX
track?
Wade: I nearly got Paul out on the BMX bike at Nerang, but David
does some MTB riding while Paul does the road bike thing... but most of
them do motocross.
bmxultra.com: Sorry Wade, getting a little off track there...was
it a difficult decision to pack everything up in the US and head back
home?
Wade: Not really... I was only racing half a season with Mountain
bikes and this allowed me to come home for a few months at a time. Since
my late Mum was sick, I decided to purchase a nice home so that she would
be able to rest well in for her final months in a great climate. Since
then I have enjoyed living in Australia and don't really miss all the
hectic lifestyle over in LA.
bmxultra.com: Does that mean you in Aus for good now?
Wade: I think so, as I am all set up with my own family and it
is hard to travel as much as I used to, so I am planning to base myself
in Australia and race a limited race schedule from now on.
bmxultra.com: Your mother was a big part of what made you sucessful
in BMX. She was a big supporter of your racing thoughout the years. I
remember her being around when you were a grommit, and she helped you
get to the US right? Do you think you would have gone anywhere near as
far as you did without her?
Wade: My Mum always encourage me make the most of every opportunity..."if
you are going to do something, then do it right" she used to say.
I wanted to go to the US for one race and Mum talked me into trying to
stay for a season and give BMX a real shot. We planned everything out
and I had a budget of $2000 from when I landed in the States, and I managed
to turn that $2000 into a career that is still going strong after 12 years
(not a bad investment). Without my Mum pushing me to do my best, there
is no way on the earth I would be where I am today. Thank you Mum for
making me aim high.
bmxultra.com: Is it more difficult to get to the races you would
like to go to internationally now you are based in Aus?
Wade: For sure... without the 6 figure travel budget it is hard
to get around to all the international events I used to do. Now that I
am focussing more on BMX, I can focus on the main UCI events in Australia.
Then hopefully I can qualify for the National BMX team and get some assistance
to travel to the UCI supercross events and World Championship, so that
I can help Australia qualify in the top 5 countries in the world. This
way we can guarantee that 3 Australian Elite Men will go on to race at
the Olympic games in 2008.
bmxultra.com: How do you choose which races to compete at?
Wade: As racing is still my profession, I have to decide on which
races that will best give me exposure and prize money. Without the huge
sponsorship bonus program, I am chasing the Jeep series and the UCI BMX
series, as these are the shortest series with the biggest payout. It is
no good to me to race a Norba event any more as it cost me money to attend
and there is no prize money awarded. So with smart planning and commitment
to certain events, I am still able to be a professional in the sport of
cycling. With the limited race schedule, I am now able to conduct coaching
clinic and camps for BMX riders. Also run courses to accredit new coaches
which helps with the development of BMX in Australia.
bmxultra.com:
I think it's awesome that Australia can now boast that we have our own
frame manufacturer, it's been a while. I hope it encourages more people
into creating our own industry. Do you think that the Australian BMX culture,
which seems as simple as following the US trends, might change as our
own industry grows?
Wade: I hope so, Australia is leading the world in cycling and
it would be great to see Australia have more bicycle and product manufacturers
have a share of the bicycle industry.
bmxultra.com: Tell us about Percentage
Wade: Percentage has been around for a long time, at least 20
years... It was a guy who built bikes in his back yard for riders like,
David Hasler, Bill Dixon, Katrina Miller. Now they are back making frames
and also doing a clothing line.
bmxultra.com: How did you get involved with them?
Wade: I am good friends with one of the owners and it was perfect
timing for both of us to join together. They asked me to represent Percentage
Designs and help with future products. This partnership makes it even
better...easier for me to base myself in Australia and attend a limited
race schedule that I wanted. Percentage have a bunch of products coming
out which will soon be on the market at www.ozcrank.com
and exclusive dealers. Percentage also agreed that they would help support
my race team I am putting together here in Australia. We will soon be
announcing the Team Factory riders for the 2005/2006 race season. I am
excited that I have the opportunity to help some of the future BMX stars
in Australia with sponsorship support. All team information is on www.TeamWBR.com
bmxultra.com: What input did you have into the design of the
new percentage frame?
Wade: I gave the most important information which is the geometry
and input in how the bike should feel to ride.
bmxultra.com: What sizes will the Percentage frames be available
in?
Wade: The first run will be with 20", 21", and 21.5"
top tubes, a Pro crusier and a 4X frame. Then a run of smaller bike will
be made.
bmxultra.com: What colours will the frames be available in?
Wade: First order of BMX frames will be all white and 4X frames
Black.
bmxultra.com:
Why alloy?
Wade: You have a lot more options to design with alloy and it
gives you a much better feel when riding.
bmxultra.com: Will there be any cromo versions in the near future?
Wade: Maybe in the smaller sizes of bikes.
bmxultra.com: Why a CNC'd rear chainstay? Wouldn't it make it
a more expensive frame?
Wade: This was decided by the owner, I think it gives it a great
look and helps with the performance and the feel when accelerating.
bmxultra.com: It would be safe to say that over the years you
would have had the opportunity to experience a lot through BMX, what is
your fondest BMX racing memory?
Wade: I think the fondest memories come from the friends you
make in the sport. I remember traveling in a convoy to races with all
the pro guys and just having fun racing our bikes... Going on tour with
your team and uniting as a family. The friendship that is made over the
years with your mates and team mates are the things that I most cherish.
bmxultra.com: There aren't too many Aussies that had the chance
to ride the X-games or UCI downhill events. What was the experience like
for you?
Wade: I have raced the Winter X games and Summer X games. All
courses are crazy, but fun. It is like you are on a roller coaster and
you control the speed...by letting off your brakes. It is a rush... you
don't even have to pedal and sometimes having to tap on your brakes and
you are jumping 40' easily.
bmxultra.com: Why did you race for the USA at the '97 UCI world
championships in Canada?
Wade: For a few reasons.
1) I was not licensed through Australia at that time and I only had a
UCI licence with NBL.
2) I was then a permanent alien resident of the United States,
3) I firmly believe in supporting the ones that support you. I was getting
no assistence or help from BMX Australia or Cycling Australia back then
as I had achieved all that I had on my own back. I was getting paid by
American companies who were supporting me at the time, ABA, NBL (prize
money) and sponsorship deals from American bike companies. I only felt
it was fair to support a country that was supporting me during that time.
4) Finally, it would have been much easier for me to race for Australia
if they had given me a jersey to race with in the first place.
bmxultra.com: Do you think a national ranking works better as
a single weekend or a national series? Why?
Wade: I like a National Series. This shows the most consistant
rider for the year and eliminates any lucky breaks that some riders get
in a 1 final National title. That said I think that World and Olympic
games should be only the 1 event to decide a Champion.
bmxultra.com:
Do you think there would be any advantage in BMXAustralia extending the
UCI points series so that all classes are involved? Would it effect the
level of racing?
Wade: Firstly BMX Australia have to follow rules that are passed
down from the UCI. If the UCI rounds were open to all ages... I am not
sure it would effect the top end of the racing level, but it would for
sure make for more riders in a class. I do like the idea of the challenge
classes of 13-16 open and Junior Elite 17-18. This helps develop riders
to perform at a level that is required later on as an Elite rider. Give
the riders the understanding of winning at that level of competition,
instead of throwing them in the deep end.
bmxultra.com: If there was anything in Australian BMX that you
could change what would it be?
Wade: There is a lot that BMX Autralia has to do to catch up
with some of the other National and cycling organizations in the world,
and I believe they realize this and they are trying to fix a few problems.
Hopefully now with more funding towards BMX, a better high performance
program will be put in place to cater for all National Team and Squad
members than has been in the past. Politics will soon have to go and more
black and white answers need to be put in place. With BMX now an Olympic
sport, a proper selection process needs to be put in place that all riders
and coaches can follow and understand. It has to be clear and all possibilities
have to be covered to where there are no excuses for mistakes, mess ups
or favouritsm. A good DVD to watch is the "Road to Athens".
It is about the USA MTB cycling team traveling the world chasing points
just to make the team.
bmxultra.com: You have expressed interest in the backyard race
we plan to hold in January. What is it about such a race that would motivate
you to want to compete knowing that you still have 3 days of racing in
the 4 days following the event?
Wade: It is more for the fun factor... it will be a relaxed race
that I can attend due to being in the area.
bmxultra.com: Prize money hasn't even been discussed as an incentive
for the backyard event, and you mentioned earlier that prize money helps
you decide which races to attend. What was it that initially sparked your
interest?
Wade: The initiative of BMXUltra helping promote and put on events
for BMX. I would be in the area and it all comes back to supporting the
people that support us. Also I am usually good with slalom/time trail
events.
bmxultra.com: Ok enough about me...If you could make the call
of clips or platforms which would you choose?
Wade: Hmmm either... I am not fussed... but clips do help with
your performance and control at a high level of competition.
bmxultra.com: We have seen a fair bit of MTB technology cross
over into BMX, like suspension forks, gears, disc brakes, monocoque frames,
clipless pedals, and so on. It seems that the only thing that survived
any more than a fad was clipless pedals...is there anything else in MTB
that hasn't been used in BMX yet that you think might apply well to BMX?
Wade: Hmmm, I think it has nearly all been tried now... Some
stuff works some stuff doesn't.
bmxultra.com:
How are things going with TeamWBR?
Wade: TeamWBR's Going good... Just sending out letters to the
riders that have been asked to join the Factory Team and Support Team.
So soon everyone will see who is on the team through the TeamWBR.com website.
bmxultra.com: Who are the TeamWBR sponsors?
Wade: TeamWBR is proudly supported by Percentage Designs, One
Ring, Volkswagen Australia, Hogs Breath Cafe, Velocity Wheels, Investco
Merchant Bankers, ATI, Hayes Brakes, Fox Shox, IRC, Cane Creek, BSC, QuikShade,
Bell Helmets, Truvativ chain guide, Funn, Nike Cycling, Shimano, Sockguy
and www.TeamWBR.com.
bmxultra.com: How were you able to select the TeamWBR riders?
Wade: At the Australian Championships, the Percentage brand was
on display and this is when we had announced that TeamWBR was looking
for riders for the 2005/2006 race season. The riders were able to fill
out an application form (or online at www.ozcrank.com)
to join TeamWBR Factory team and also have a chance to be on the Percentage/TeamWBR
support Team. This is were we have selected our team members from and
the application process was very successful.
bmxultra.com: When will you announce the TeamWBR riders? Who
are they? If you are still not ready to tell us, any hints?
Wade: Soon all riders will be announce on the TeamWBR.com website.
We are still waiting on a few products to arrive before I can deck out
the Factory Riders.
bmxultra.com: Can people join the TeamWBR grass roots team at
any time?
Wade: TeamWBR has been created to offer riders a sponsorship
support program, which they may never get in the sport of BMX. I have
been given alot from BMX racing in the past and this is my way of giving
something back. If I am able to help out riders with some support, then
I am more than happy to do so.
bmxultra.com: Will the percentage frames be Wade Bootes signature
frames?
Wade: No. Percentage may do a limited run for a signature frame
later on, but in the mean time you can purchase the same bike I use through
www.ozcrank.com very
soon.
bmxultra.com: How much longer do you think you will be racing
BMX?
Wade: I will be happy to retire from BMX after I have completed
the main event at the 2008 Olympic games. As long as I am a main event
contender and still winning races in any cycling discipline there is no
point for me to stop racing. I have been given a lot of advice in the
past... if you stop racing before your time is up, you can not turn back
the clock.
bmxultra.com: Do you think you will be more competitive on the
MTB as you get older?
Wade: Seems like the MTB age is higher at this time but I am
sure the age will keep going up now in BMX due to the Olympics... Bas
De Bever is 35/36 Lopes, King and Carter (33-35ish) and all still going
strong in the MTB World. Age is just a number... if you have the support
and dedication, an athlete can continue as long as his or her heart is
in it. I am only 31.
bmxultra.com: If Australia gets to send 2 female and 3 male
riders to the Olympics, who do you think they will be?
Wade: Hmmm, that's tough... it is basically 3 years to go. If
I see a selection criteria I will be able to answer that one a little
easier, but as of right now I am not sure how the team will be selected.
All I know is that a winning run only last for so long... it will be critial
to be winning at the right time. A lot can happen in 3 years. But I am
sure Australia will pick a team with experience.
bmxultra.com: Do you still have any of your old school gear
from back in the day?
Wade: Yeah, I have a set of each sponsors gear from when I have
been in the States, even my Crisp gear that I went over there with.
bmxultra.com: Still have the Cobra and race gear?
Wade: No, I only have old pictures of the Cobra gear, that's
2 decades ago...lol
bmxultra.com: Which up and coming riders from Aus would you
pick as champions of the future?
Wade: There are a lot of talented BMX riders out there right
now... and all of them can reach the top with proper guidence and training.
Hopefully most of them will be on TeamWBR.
bmxultra.com: Do you have any advice for riders who want to
follow in your footsteps?
Wade: Invest your time and money wisely, if you are going to
make cycling your career then make it your profession.
bmxultra.com:
How do you compare the quality of Pro BMX in Australia to anywhere else
in the world?
Wade: A few years back I would say it was below average, but
now we are having semi finals that are like main events... this is great
to see as the level of competition has been growing in Australia and there
is more than 1 person that can win at any event.
bmxultra.com: Do you think you will have much involvement with
BMX once you stop racing?
Wade: I would like to. With having a Level 3 coaching accreditation
I would like to be able to pass on my experiences with other up and coming
BMX riders and coaches. With BMX now in the Olympics, this will only help
my situation towards being involved in BMX after racing.
bmxultra.com: Thanks for the interview, is there anyone you would
like to thank before we finish up?
Wade: I would like to thank all my supporters and sponsors
for their support over all the years, as without you guys I would not
be where I am today. Cheers.
TeamWBR is proudly supported by: Percentage Designs, One Ring, Volkswagen Australia, Hogs Breath Cafe, Velocity Wheels, Investco Merchant Bankers, ATI, Hayes Brakes, Fox Shox, IRC, Cane Creek, BSC, QuikShade, Bell Helmets, Truvativ chain guide, Nike Cycling, Shimano, Sockguy and www.TeamWBR.com.