Greg Minnaar

How does FOX contribute to your success?
The knowledge of the staff makes setting up your bike a breeze, these guys are on top of their game and that helps us get on top of ours.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
I don't think I run any special setup but Large, I run a XL V10. I think I might run my suspension a little harder than most, my fork is always harder than the rear suspension. I can't stand the feeling of being heavy on the bars.

What else is in your garage?
My garage is a little boring these days. I have a bunch of helmets, a DRZ125, YZ450, surfboards, a range of Santa Cruz bikes, some bricks (not sure why they are there but they are), and dusty golf clubs in the corner.

What's your training regimen?
I work with my trainer Stephane Girrard and come up with a program that lets me have a little fun. Mornings I normally put in a couple hours on the road or xc bike, then to the gym after breakfast. Afternoons is where the fun starts and I either try to fit in DH, dirt jumping or MX.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
Yea I've had a couple. I work closely with my physio Garth Oliver. The best way to recover properly from a big injury... is to recover. There are no short cuts.

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
Tuna pasta salad is the norm on the Syndicate. Post race dinner, burger and beer.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
Mainly scheduling, but we try and fit in as many quality races as we can around the World Cup.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
I wasn't motivated by anything else but winning and proving the haters wrong.

What separates you from other professional athletes?
Not sure really, probably the way we can separate racing and social time.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
Back in Pietermaritzburg slaving at my parents bike shop, no I'm not sure what I would have been doing. I probably would have finished school and continued on to study architecture

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
Being able to do what we love the most, traveling the world, experiencing new cultures and giving it your all week after week racing the best riders in the world

What other sports are you interested in?
Motocross, surfing and bit of rugby.

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
If you really want it, you will do what ever it takes to get there. Dedication is not from your head but from your heart.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
I'm all over youtube, provides loads of entertainment, especially when you live in a country with no english TV.

Favorite movie quote?
"If you're not first, you're last"

Who is your hero?
I have many, but the first that comes to mind is Super Sic (Marco Simoncelli)

Are you a Mac or PC? Mac

Top 3 bands Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Cold Play

Greatest strength Happiness

Most frustrating challenge Winning poker

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