- Interview -

Mike Kape$

Introduction:

Late last summer, after a great season of amateur racing, Michael Kapes made the decision to step it up with his riding.  The decisions lead him to make the jump to the A Pro class for the NBL Grands.  Kapes rode what should be considered a very successful rookie weekend at NBL Grands.  He rounded out the weekend with a 6th place finish in the main event.  It was hard not to notice the increased level of his riding in Kentucky last September.  What we saw there was just the beginning. 

After three weekends of NBL Elite Racing this season, Mike Kapes performance can be summed up with two words: consistency and domination.  Since making the jump at last year's NBL Grands, Kapes has worked his way to some great results early in this pro season.  Kapes began the year at the Silver State National, and started the year off right.  A seventh and a first add up to a great start to the new year of racing.  For Thanksgiving weekend Kapes made his way to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the ABA Grands.  Once again, Kapes delivered, finishing the weekend with 2nd place finish in the ROC and a fourth place among a 59 rider field for the Grands.  Then, it was on to the NBL's Christmas Classic, which brought even more great results.  Kapes posted yet another win among his pair of main event appearances.  And, most recently, Kapes made his way to the RM59 challenge in Puerto Rico to further his lead in the Super Ex class.  The results?  Back to back main event wins.

Kapes taking second place honors at the 2006 ABA Race of Champions.

We recently had the chance to throw Mike a few questions.  Here is what he came up with:

Kapes at the 2006 NBL Grands.

Name: Michael Kapes

Age: 19

Class: A pro

Sponsors: J&R Bicycles, Intense, Troy Lee Designs, Sinz, Shimano, THE Products

Location: Bradenton, Florida

Who do you ride with?
Couple locals and then there is A pros Jason Bennett, Chris Fernandez, Tom Bruessow!

Who has helped your riding to progress the most?
About my first 4 years I would say Jason Bennett. And then Domingos Lamoglia my trainer now stepped in..

What got you into racing?
I moved to this neighborhood and saw some local kids riding trails in the woods. I went over there and watched and became friends later on in the future, went to Sarasota BMX liked it and started racing.

How long have you been racing?
A little over 7 years.

What do you do outside of racing?
A little side work here and there basically never. But mainly just hang out with friends!

Do you ride anything other than the track (trails, street, park)?
Trails yes. Park here and there, depending on what’s around.

What do you say is the the biggest difference between amateur racing and pro racing?
Moto points to transfer out because you always want to stay in the top three because you don’t know if the cut is going to be 11, 12 or 13 it's different all the time! And the competition, everyone's fast.

What is your favorite thing about racing?
The sport it's my life.

What is your least favorite thing about racing?
Crashing!

Favorite track?
NBL Grands Lousiville, KY.

Favorite NBL National?
Christmas Classic

Favorite ABA National?
ABA Grands

ABA Grands or NBL Grands?
Sorry NBL but ABA Grands they have that pro spectacular.

Favorite hobby outside of racing?
Fishing

What would you be doing now if you weren't racing BMX?
School

How have your parents supported you in your pursuit of BMX?
Being by my side giving me 110% of their time to get me where I have to be. 

What was your biggest win or biggest race this far in your career? Christmas Classic I guess.

Half way through the NBL's 2007 season you stand atop the points lead for the Super Ex class.  What are your goals for this upcoming summer?  Title hopes?
Well I’m not planning on going to the worlds but anything can happen but mainly trying to stay consistent. Titles, yes I’m going to go for the A pro title this year.

The Olympics are fast approaching, what do you expect, or hope, the impact will be on the sport of BMX?
Well I really hope everything goes good at the 2008 Olympics. I think they should start picking their riders now to get them training because other countries are a step ahead of us. But otherwise I think this is just a step for us for making the sport of BMX bigger!

The age old question, ABA or NBL with a twist:  What is the best thing about each of the sanctions?  What do you feel each could do to better the sport?
Honestly I don't know what will happen but I think they should combine. It would be a mess at the beginning but over time I think it would help the sport.

What does your training schedule look like on a week to week basis?
Right now it’s the gym twice a week and sprints twice a week. Eating right and staying consistent.

What advice would you give to the up and coming riders in the sport?
Don’t give up, stay consistent with you riding and training and have fun!

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know about Michael Kapes?
Nothing really to say.

Anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank J&R Bicycles, Troy Lee Designs, Intense, Sinz products, THE products, and Shimano if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here. I'd also like to thank DCO Dave, my fans, and all of my friends for being there and standing by my side. Most of all I would like to thank my aunt Joe, my mom, my step dad, my sister, my grandma and buck for giving me like I said 110% of their support! And last Domingos Lamoglia for his dedication to keep me strong and by getting me to where I want to be love ya bro!