Q+A | Robbie & Kruz Maddison

Get to know Robbie

Robbie, can you share how your career has evolved from when you first started to becoming a globally recognized freestyle motocross icon?

What inspired you to first get on a bike? What inspires you to do it every day?

Motorcycle riding started out for me as a passion and something I looked forward to during the weeks, at school ect.. After finishing my electrical apprenticeship and spending a few years working as a tradesman I realized it wasn't what I loved to do.  After getting meningitis during my apprenticeship, my goals in life changed, and I no longer enjoyed being an electrician any more.

I was inspired by the crusty Demons movies, and also seeing my peers that I grew up racing against out in the stadiums performing in live shows. Deep inside I knew I was worthy of being alongside them, so I was extremely inspired and motivated at one of these events. I realised that the house I had bought during my apprenticeship was my key to changing my life, I took out a loan against the equity and quit my job, with the new goal of becoming a professional motorcycle rider. To this day, I am driven at every moment to make my life the best I can, I feel very fortunate that I have the network, friends, colleagues and industry support to be able to still perform and do what makes me happy and to be able to support my family whilst doing this, and have them involved now is my ultimate dream come true.

What's the most challenging stunt you've performed in your career, and what's made it so memorable for you?

Inventing the idea and ability to ride a motorcycle on water is by far the most exciting and challenging thing I've ever done. It gives me so much motivation to know that if you have a dream and you're willing to commit, work hard, make the sacrifices and never give up, it can come true. I try to inspire people with this knowledge along my journey of life, empowering and inspiring others to be great is what I'm truly passionate about.

How has being a father influenced your approach to freestyle motocross and performing stunts?

Being a father obviously is a huge responsibility, I feel your kids turn out how you raise them, so it's your responsibility and effort as a parent that ultimately dictates what they amount to. My kids have grown up watching me ride my motorcycle professionally their entire lives. It is now what they want to do because we are all products of our environment, so because of this, riding my bike has transformed into me setting an example, even though I'm getting older, I'm still able to ride my bike at a high level, but it takes a lot more effort and commitment from me now than when I was younger.

So for me to be still performing allows me to set a great example for my kids, and it also inspires me to keep pushing for the goals that I have yet to achieve.

With the inherent risks of freestyle motocross, what safety measures do you prioritize during your training and performances?

With the invention of airbag technologies and utilisation of foam pits, practising freestyle motocross has become a little safer, also the protective wear has developed, so I use every tool at my disposal to ensure I'm teaching my kids to practice safely, take care of themselves with their diets, exercise and rest, and I'm always teaching them the correct techniques and trade secrets I have learnt during my time from learning them the hard way.

What advice would you give to young aspiring motocross riders who look up to you?

Get as much training and advice from professionals as you can, be aware of emerging technologies to help you position yourself correctly, and to get the recognition you deserve.

Be confident in yourself and your goals and stay mindful of them every day with every decision you make.

Always questioning yourself with any decision you make based around the opportunities that present themselves, is this going to help me or make my goals harder?

There always comes a time when you have to train harder, work harder and be more passionate than your competition if you want to be the best, so be willing to do the heavy lifting and stay motivated!