Australia has an enviable history of producing some of the fastest downhill riders in the world and they often start at the junior level before working their way up through the senior ranks. Right now Matt Taylor is at the junior level, out riding with his mates and having fun but definitely a rider to watch in the future. We had heard people talking about his speed in the South Australian State Series for sometime but it was at the State Champs when we were on the sideline covering the event when the penny dropped. We were having the typical trackside conversation; ‘so who’s looking quick…?’ a few names came up and then we said ‘there’s a guy in an orange helmet who is looking crazy fast!’ and the reply was ‘Oh you mean Matt Taylor’. Sure enough Matt won Under 19’s (when he could still be racing Under 17’s) and did it with a time that would have placed him on the Elite podium.

This confirmed our thoughts from when we saw him out on the track, shortly after he was picked up by the Trak Cycles downhill team, a team which we will be revealing more information on exclusively very soon! But for now have a read on what Matt had to say when we asked him a few questions;

Name: Matt Taylor

Age: 15

Lives: A�Mt Osmond, South Australia near the Waterfall Gully Track!

Matt, how long have you been into downhill and is that the riding you started off doing:

I started racing BMX at 7 years of age and have always loved bikes.A� Then I transitioned into XC and downhill riding.A� I also do a lot of Moto/Enduro riding and have been since I was 9 years of age.A� My absolute passion is downhill, it is what I always look forward to doing.

How long have you been racing for:

I started racing with Inside Line in 2009 so it is about 4 years.

You raced the SA series in Under 19 when you could have raced a lower class, why did you do that:

It was supposed to be my first year in Under 17s but I decided it might be a bit more of a challenge to race under 19s and just wanted to see how I could go.

What results have stood out to you and you have been happy with:

I was extremely happy with winning the Under 19s State Champs at Fox Long as my time would have put me on the Elite podium.

What kind of tracks do you like and how would you describe your riding style:

I like most tracks but the technical tracks are my preference.A� I dona��t mind a couple of sprints in there either.A� It is hard for me to describe my style, but mates say I am smooth and controlled.

Your bikes always seem to be super clean at races and when youa��re out riding, is this one of your requirements to have a clean bike before you ride:

Yeah, it is pretty funny, all my mates ask if I could clean their bikes for them.A� I like to have a clean bike before I go out riding.A� Just hoping it makes me look faster.

In terms of your bike do you have any specific set up techniques or requirements, i.e. A�suspension, brake lever position, etc:

I like my rebound quite slow and forks a bit on the stiff side, clipped in, 780mm bars, fairly neutral brake position and like my bike to quiet (and dona��t forgetA� CLEAN !! haha)

You were doing runs with Connor Fearon at the first National round, what was that like:

It was great to be riding with someone like Connor, it was amazing to follow him with the speed he has, he was kind enough to help me out with some lines and give me a helping hand. A�Hopefully I can do some runs with him at the next round.

Where would you like to go with your racing/riding in the future:

I would love to do well this year for the Nationals in the Under 17s.A� One day I would love to be able to race World Cups and see how far I can go.

You are riding for the Trak Cycles team this year, what does that set up involve and what races will you be doing:

I had a great opportunity to be a part of the Trak Cycles Team this year which I am very thankful for. A�Through Trak I am extremely pleased with the support from Kona, Renthal, Fox, Maxxis and Finish Line cleaning products.A� I would also like to thank Glen Matulich, Steve Marsh and the Trak Team, but I am particularly thankful to Mello Bouwmeester Trak Cycles Manager, who has assisted in taking my fitness to a new level and his constant support has been fantastic.

I will be doing the 2013 National series and all of the State rounds.

Well that finishes of our Inside Info with Matt for the moment but we will be catching up with him as the year progresses.

Images credited to: Matt Bird Media