Richie Rude

How does FOX contribute to your success?
Being the first year I have been with FOX, they have presented as being a company to give us riders the best product and support possible... which enables me to do the best I can and not worry about my suspension.

Tell us about your best race or event and how it changed you.
A hard one to answer, had a lot of great races, probaly 2010 US Open, my first big pro finish. Didn't really expect it.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
My fleet - 3 Yeti rigs: 303 RDH, AS-R 5, DJ, with FOX suspension and complete with other great sponsors.

What else is in your garage?
A small collection of Yeti bikes, a pit bike and about every bike that I have ridden since I was little.

What's your training regimen?
It's built on James Wilson's strength workouts, cardio training, and daily cross-country riding.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
I ruptured my spleen at Plattekille Mtn. when I was 13, it took 6 weeks to recover; probably the longest I have been off a bike.

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
Typical pre-race meal... rice, pasta and buffalo - a winning combination plus lots of fruit.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
Being on the Yeti program, I follow the schedule decided by the team. But I stay close to my home on the east coast to hit the local races.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
Probably what motivated me the most to start racing professionally was the love for the sport. Racing professionally at 15 helped me to progress more with my riding since I had a lot more competition.

What separates you from other professional athletes?
The Yeti tent! Being young, and being on a great team that will help me to progress.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
Probably just be out riding bikes, and doing stuff outdoors.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
Having the great support of a team, and being in the racing community.

What other sports are you interested in?
Any sport that is outdoor related. Fishing, hiking, etc...

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Ride your bike every day and go fast.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
Decline magazine, Dirt, and Vital

Favorite movie quote?
"Like a little music with your meal, Tuco?" - Angel Eyes "Music? Yeah, it's very good. It's very good for the digestion." - Tuco The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Are you a Mac or PC? PC

Top 3 bands Dave Matthews Band

Greatest strength Humility

Most frustrating challenge Talking to people... or about myself.

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