Interview by Rui O. at sistemabmx.com

- How long are you riding BMX? And how you started?
I've been riding BMX for about 15 years. I started just how every kid starts, I just began building jumps in the neighborhood, riding dusk till dawn. We'd dig trails in empty fields or build ramps from lumber we stole from construction sites. I then found out about a BMX racing track near my house. I raced for a few years and really enjoyed it, but didn't enjoy the fiece competive side of it so began focusing on the freestyle side of BMX. I got some Primo Stogie pegs and never looked back. The longer I ride the more I enjoy it.

- Everyone here in Brazil think if you ride in a PRO Team for a known bmx brand, you have a lot of money and can ride your bike 100% of your time, what’s the real thing about that?
Haha, I wish that were true. There are definitley people out there who are making good money from BMX but I think it's a slim minority. I think the majority of sponsored riders get a small salary that supplements their income and work a part time job. They also may recieve photo contingience and a travel budget. Every company is different.

- You had the opportunity to travel a bit inside of US and other countries, how important is save some money to do that?
It's always good to have a bit saved up for a trip especially an international trip. Travel can be done cheaply enough but it's nice to have a bit of cash so you can fully experience the new place. I like to have enough money so I can afford to eat at a few restaurants to taste the local dishes, do a few touristy things, like a museum and maybe bring home a souvinour.

- You were here in Brazil in February 2008 and rode in some spots, who had the idea to come to Brazil and what did you think?
I owe my great trip to Brazil mainly Rob Doleki and of course you Rui and all the riders in Brazil. Rob was visiting Florida for the winter so we met up to ride and hang out. I asked him about upcoming trips and he mentioned Brazil. Brazil had always been someplace I'd always wanted to visit so jokingly I said "can I come?" Rob agreed "sure" in my same joking manner but I didn't really think much of it. Then a few days after Rob went home he called me and asked if I really did want to go. I of course did and bought my ticket that night. I went down there with Cameron Wood also.

- Based on what you saw here, what you think about brasilian BMX scene?
The scene there is really strong. I think shops like Drac BMX really help the scene. I think it's great for organizing jams, picking up fresh parts and just being a good spot to meet up with friends and ride. I also was really impressed by how everyone got along so well. There was no trash talk between trail riders or street guys it seem like everyone had great respect for each other and loved riding bikes.

- A few people know that you helped Leandro Overall to get the flow team, why you did that a how sponsorship thing work in Profile?
Leandro is fantastic rider and also a great person. There was a huge language barrier between us but I had a blast riding with him. I'm not exactly sure the sponsorship details at Profile, I just know it's not just about riders abilities, it's also character. All the guys on the team get along and can be stuck on the road for a few days with relative peace haha. There are so many fabulous riders in Brazil, if I were in charge I'd definitley like to hook up more.

- Where you live now sometimes you ride with some brazilians, who are they?
For sure, I have a good friend Leo Rosa who lives in Miami. He is originally from Belo Horizonte. We're supposoed to be planning a trip down there soon. I've seen photos and that place looks gorgeous.

- A lot of people here used to say that they don't have good spots to ride and think in US is totally different, they think in every place have a huge skateparks to ride, is that true?
Everywhere has spots you just have to be willing to put in work and look for them or build them haha. There are a lot of cities in the US with fantastic skateparks but bikes are discriminated against in many of these parks. I live a 3 minute bike ride from an amazing public concrete park that doesn't allow bikes. I have to hop the fence when they're closed like a criminal just to ride my bike. Also almost every US city makes it a practice to knob ledges and rails. The dick who invented those things must be loaded.

- When you were here in Brazil you were studying some video softwares, what’s your plan?
I just really enjoy messing with cameras, editing and learning as much as I can about the software. I'd like to do it professionally in the future but have lots to learn. I just finished helping out on the Madera DVD. I filmed/edited a few sections and did the DVD authoring. For the Madera DVD each team rider chose there own filmer/editor so each section has unique style, I'm really happy with the way the project turned out.

- This year some brasilian is going to big contests in US, do you have some advise for them?
I'm probably the last guy to ask advice about going to contests. I've been in about 3 my whole life and was so nervous I nearly threw up. I almost missed my run at my last one cause I was out exploring looking for street spots. My advice would be to go easy on the competion, you wouldn't want them to lose all there sponsors haha.

- When you gonna come down to Brazil again?
I'd like to come back in October or November.

- Thanks?
I'd like to thank my family and friends and also my sponsors: Matt Coplon at Profile Racing, Brian Tunney for the frame and my homies at Animal.