Name: Tom Haugen
Age: 29
Hometown: Minneapolis, USA.

You've been on Free Agent for a couple of years now, how was that change from the GT days?
Tom: There is no emphasis on me having to do shows with Free Agent. They just want me at as many events as possible. I have a much better exchange of communication with Free Agent as well and they really value my opinions.

Do you still do a lot of shows?
Tom: When I can. With the hectic contest schedule it can be hard to find the time, but if I'm not busy I'm always willing to do them.

What sort of things does your bike sponsor ask you to do?

Tom: Ride their bike at contests, demos, and try to promote as possible in every way possible.

What bike are you riding?
Tom: The Free Agent Crown Imperial.

Do you have a spare bike for a different type of riding?
Tom: Yeah, I have a flatland bike, too. It's a Dyno Slammer.

You've been doing vert/street contests/shows for LG in the previous years, have they helped you get around?
Tom: LG have held events in unconventional places (i.e. China, Korea, Moscow, etc) and I've been fortunate to attend almost all of them. It's been a great experience and a lot of fun. I always look forward to those contests.

Do you work on new tricks for the new contests that are coming up?
Tom: I'm always working on something new. I've just recently learned double whips on vert and am still figuring out the mechanics of that one. I also just learned 360 double whips on box jumps.

How do you see vert riding develop from this point?
Tom: Unfortunately, since few people ride it, it's not progressing as quickly as park or street. But the few guys that are pushing it are getting ridiculous. I was at Woodward recently and saw about 20 things I never even considered possible by the residents there.

Do you believe more riders should try out riding vert?
Tom: I think everyone should try everything- vert, street, dirt, flatland. There is more to riding than just narrowing yourself to one discipline.

 What size is your favorite vert ramp?
Tom: 13.5 is a good size. it feels too big at first, but when you get used to it, it's perfect.

Is it hard to adapt to all the different sizes of vert ramps?
Tom: You just have to figure out the timing really. The first few runs are a little awkward, but after awhile it doesn't feel much different.

Who is fun to ride with?
Tom: I ride mostly with Dave Brumlow and Rob Nolli when I"m home. They keep things entertaining.

Who is fun to travel with?
Tom: Anyone who isn't going to come back to the hotel room drunk at 3:00 AM or talk on their phone all night. The best travel mates I've had are Jay Eggleston, Jeremy Fanberg, Rob and Dave - guys who are respectful and interested in doing more than drinking all night.

Who is fun to share the bed with?
Tom: Sleeping alone is preferable to me; hotel room beds aren't very accomodating to more than one person, especially overseas.

Where can people see you ride in 2006?
Tom: I'll be at all the Dew Tour stops, the LG stops in the states and hopefully most of the international stops as well. I plan at being at NASS in England this summer as well.

Last words: If there is anything else you want to know about me or my sponsors, please visit my personal site at tomhaugenbmx.com or freeagentbmx.com. I am also on myspace if you search my name.

BdJ

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