Making the Leap

It was Erik Fedko, a young German talent, who was able to win the European FMB Amateur Cup title this year. Thanks to four appearances on the FMB World Tour, the 18-year-old was able to rack up enough points to not only bask in the glory, but also enjoy a huge package from the FMB partners. Appearances on the FMB World Tour? Yes, because every recreational rider interested in slopestyle and dirt jump can be part of the FMB World Tour and collect points at FMB Bronze, Silver and some Gold Events just like the pros. All you have to do is get hold of an FMB AM License and you are good to go! We had the chance to catch-up with Erik and talk to him about his love for the sport. If you want to be part of the fun next year, you can get hold of a 2017 license on www.fmbworldtour.com from 1st January.

Where do you come from and where does your passion for biking come from?

I am from Fröndenberg, Germany, and have been riding motocross since 2006 and have developed a passion for two wheels. I grew up right beside a course and my dad encouraged me to get started and start taking the sport more seriously.

When did you start riding and what do you like most about it? 

My dad welded a bike for me back in 2008 and so I just picked it up from there. Nothing can beat the feeling of landing a trick smoothly for the first time.

What is your favorite trick and which would you say is your best trick?

My favorite trick is the motowhip. But the best trick I have ever shown is a 360 tailwhip to barspin.

Which trick do you like the most, which you cannot do yet and how do you go about learning new tricks?

I would like to add a 360 barspin to tailwhip to my repertoire. It is important to have a good idea of how the trick works. So, I try to visualize it before practising. Then I approach the trick step by step and stay confident, that I can do it.

Is there an FMB pro you would call an idol or whose style do you like most? 

He doesn’t compete in FMB contests anymore, but I like Martin Söderström’s style the most.

How did you come to take part on the FMB World Tour? 

There were some small FMB Bronze Events nearby, which got me interested.

In 2013 you took part in an FMB Event for the first time. Since then you have been travelling to different European countries to compete and collect points. How do you see your personal development? 

I have been getting more confident and improving my skills every year. I feel more comfortable on big jumps now and have learned a lot of new tricks. This season went really well and I was able to reach the podium quite a few times. Winning the European FMB AM Cup Title is the icing on the cake.

How do you prepare for your event? Do you have any rituals?

No, I don’t have any rituals as such. I concentrate on visualizing my runs during training and in the contest.

Why did you decide to get yourself an FMB AM License?

I just wanted to see how good I am. The AM Cup is a great opportunity to assess your own skill and gain more contest experience.

You took part in four different events each hosted in a different country this year. Which one did you like the most?

The FMB Silver Event O’Marisquiño in Vigo (ESP) was my absolute favorite. The course, the people, the whole festival was just sick. Everything was perfectly organized and prepared.

What do your goals look like? Or do you do all this just for fun? 

I definitely want to carry on competing on the FMB World Tour and try to compete at the highest level possible. I will also certainly try to compete with the pros!

Thanks for taking the time and good luck for the next season!