Maynard Peel interview: "The only place we race for is first." Pics by Clinton Tudor

Jan 18, 2015

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 6062 times

Name: Maynard Peel
Age: 15
Hometown: Papakura, Auckland
Sponsors: Yess Bmx | Fly racing | Box components | Stealth Hubs | Odi grips | Lucky Bling Clothing.

You've had quite a successful 2014. Can you give us some results you're proud of?
Maynard Peel: I have had a great year! 2014 was a huge experience. Leading up to the grands I had 15 wins and was fortunate enough to take the win at the USA Grand Nationals. The New Zealand Nationals is also another thing a I am happy with, walking away with the win of 2014.

At the UCI World's in Rotterdam you were going for the win but crashed in the last turn. Second place is the first loser, right?
Maynard Peel: In my books, second is the same as last. The only place we race for is first.

Are you always shooting for the win, in every race?
Maynard Peel: Yes! First or Nothing.

Not long until you're racing the Juniors, are you ready to step it up?
Maynard Peel: I am overly excited to race Junior Elite! I have been waiting to step my game up to the Elite class all my life.

Do you find it easy to race on supercross tracks jumping the big doubles?
Maynard Peel: Testing my limits is one thing that pushes me forward, and helps me reach to the top, and I use that trying to conquer fears on the track. You must have speed, that's the first step then you just let the nature of the bike take over, once you have that dialled in, yes you will find it easy.

Do you ride trails much?
Maynard Peel: I ride trails 1-2 times a week.

How's your power compared to Kurt Pickard's?
Maynard Peel: Id like to think similar, but then I think not. One day I'd like to have his first straight, That dude has a big engine.

You're on the Yess USA team. Can you explain that one?
Maynard Peel: After the grands in 2014, USA Yess took me on board and I struck a great deal with them for the oncoming year, I am honoured to be representing Yess for the 2015 season.

Do you receive support from the New Zealand Cycling federation?
Maynard Peel: Not at the moment, but hopefully as I get to the Elite level things will turn out well.

How was the photoshoot with Clinton Tudor?
Maynard Peel: It was awesome! Clinton is on point with his photography and is one funny guy to work with.

Where can people find you on social media?
Maynard Peel:
*Instagram: @maynardpeel1. I use Instagram a lot keeping people updated and posting cool things that I do in general.
*Facebook is also another. I have an athlete page: Maynard Peel Young Athlete.
*Twitter: @maynardpeel1.

Goals for 2015?
Maynard Peel:
*Win the 2015 world championships.
*Qualify for the NAG five challenge at the grands.
*Win Grands.
*Stay on top of my education.
*Be sponsored by Oakley.
*To get faster.

Thanks to: Yess Bmx, Odi Grips, Box components, Stealth Hubs, Fly racing, Lucky Bling Clothing, To Jerry Bradford and his son Joey Bradford for putting me at the next level around the race track, to mum and dad for giving me this opportunity to live my dream, and to all the family for being supportive. THANKS!

Pics by Clinton Tudor