Fresh from signing to race in the UK with the Gabriel SS24 KTM team and becoming a Red Bull athlete, seven times South African Motocross Champion Tristan Purdon pitches in with his Dirty Dozen answers…
Images courtesy of Gabriel SS24 KTM
Dirt Hub: Do you have a Pre-Race Playlist you listen to, and if so, name a couple of tracks that are on it?
Tristan: No, I don’t, but in the mornings on the way to the track, I always end up listening to Fire by Kasabian
DH: When was the last time you cried?
Tristan: Mmm, I don’t cry often, but when I got the Red Bull deal, that was a dream come true and little me on the inside definitely shed a tear.
DH: What is your favourite inspirational quote?
Tristan: To be the best, you must be able to handle the worst
DH: Do you have any weird suspicions or pre-race rituals?
Tristan: When I gear up I put everything on my right side first. And I buckle my boots from the bottom up, and when I’m on my bike I always check my gas cap is tight and my radiator cap before I head onto the line or out on the track.🤷🏼♂️
DH: What drives you most to get up in the morning and go training?
Tristan: To do well and win races. I want to do really well next year. It’s not easy, but if I don’t do it, I know my competitors are out doing it.
DH: If you didn’t race, what sport would you play?
Tristan: Probably Golf
DH: What is your biggest Phobia?
Tristan: Snakes 🐍 and the ocean
DH: Who is your biggest sporting idol, and why?
Tristan: Travis Pastrana, he always gets back up and has his comebacks.
DH: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Tristan: Hopefully, still racing dirt bikes 😜
DH: What is your all-time favourite movie?
Tristan: Not a movie kind of person, but Crusty Demons is always a good option.
DH: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
Tristan: Probably my parents for letting me ride a bike 😂 But Laren Van Der Westhuizen kept me on a bike and helpt me build my career, then my wife for helping me keep my career going.
DH: What is your philosophy on life?
Tristan: You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
