Hans Rey

How does FOX contribute to your success?
They support my projects and trust in my opinions and feedback, no matter if product related or may it be the next trend in our sport or industry.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
I have several bikes on the go, one for each occasion. I like them to be plush, that being said, I'd rather have some more travel than less weight. Bigger tires and perfect setup between suspension and tire pressure. If I have a 6 inch shock, I want to take advantage of all 6 inches and not just of part of it. I know what I mean...

What else is in your garage?
GT Fury DH bike, GT Ruckus 7 180mm Freerider, GT Carbon Force Pro All Mountain Bike, GT Marathon 4" 29er, GT Zaskar, GT Ruckus DJ Dirt Jumper, GT Zaskar Trials, GT Mod Trials, GT Road Bike, GT Force with BionX Electro Assist set up, and a bunch of retired bikes.

What's your training regimen?
I try to mix it up between all the riding disciplines. 3 - 4 XC rides weekly, 1 - 2 Trials riding Session, 1 - 2 Freeride/DH sessions.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
My worst crash was when I was dizzy from my anti-malaria medicine, lost my touch and feel for the bike and went way too fast in a rough section, got buckled, landed on my foot and shattered it into many pieces. Two weeks of pain, then a 7 hour surgery, lots of metal, more pain,and a 2 - 4 month recovery. A great doc, accupuncture, friends, family and a good attitude brought me on two wheels.

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
Acai shake, Clif Bars and coconut water.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
That's easy nowadays, don't have to worry about that no longer.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
It just happened... the rest was determination, fun and hope.

What separates you from other professional athletes?
Being a trials rider always seemed like being a bit of a outsider or unwanted stepchild in the early mountain bike world, this made me find ways to use my skills and to pioneer new niches of our sport, but it also made me valuable to the sponsors who could use my unique talents for trials shows and other marketing opportunities. I think I always had a healthy understanding of why I or athletes in general, are sponsored - this sometimes gave me an edge and helped me achieve a status that often was more professional than the average sponsored rider.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
I'd have a farm and live a full but simple life.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
You get as many free stickers as you want...

What other sports are you interested in?
Moto trials, all sorts of bicycle racing, enduro, ski, standup paddle boarding, and golf (sometimes).

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Make it happen for yourself, don't wait for others to make it happen for you. Make sure you give back to everybody along your journey, that will eventually put you in a win only position. Go 4 it!

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
The ones with my pictures in and on them, haha.

Favorite movie quote?
"I'll be back."

Who is your hero?
I've been inspired by countless people, each of whom I look up to for some other trait. Don't know where to start. It can go way back in history to modern day freeriders and many non-cycling personalities.

Are you a Mac or PC? MacRey

Top 3 bands Rage Against the Machine, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, Nick-I

Greatest strength Optimism

Most frustrating challenge Juggling time at home with time on the job/road.

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