The “Scottish Scene” Part 2
Episode 2 of Scottish Scene features the carnage of the 2011 Scottish Championships held at Killin. We then take a trip across to Innerleithen to check out the skills of Joe Connell riding his local trails. Joe has had a great season this year riding for Sunn/Montgenevre (taking the junior BDS overall, SDA overall and becoming junior Scottish Champion to name a few of his achievements…) and it was awesome to spend some time filming him for Scottish Scene. Check out the interview below to find out a bit more about one of Scotland’s fastest juniors -
Scottish Scene Episode 2 (Scottish Champs/Joe Connell) from Stuz Leel on Vimeo.
Where do you live and what’s the riding scene like?
I just moved to Innerleithen, Scotland a couple of months back and the riding is pretty awesome. There’s some pretty wild xc descents around the area that keep you on your toes in the off season and obviously all the main downhill tracks that are a little faster and longer.
After a couple of races in 2007 Joe was a regular feature on the juvenile podium in 2008
When did you first start riding and how did it all come about?
Well my Dad used to cycle quite a bit before I was born, when I was 4 months old, my Mum and Dad cycled to France with me on the back in the baby seat. Then I got my stabilisers off before I turned three and I used to ride to nursery with Dad in the mornings. Cycling was never my main sport when I was growing up; I always competed in a lot of different sports but just rode for fun when I got the chance. I got my first real full suspension bike at 13 and raced since then pretty much.
Joe back in 2008 at Aberfeldy having a few issues with the rock shute that caused a few problems for more experienced riders at the time
Who do you ride with?
I’m usually out riding with the guys from College who are good fun to ride with and we have Andy Barlow and Ruaridh Cunningham helping out so it’s cool to ride with them as well.
Joe was the first rider to put the new Saracen prototype through it's paces
What was your favourite race of 2011?
Oz en Oisens French Cup for sure. That is definatly the best track I’ve ever ridden, pretty long, rough, dusty and just fun the whole way down!
Joe riding the new Sunn Montgenevre team bike back in the winter series at Innerleithen
Where is your favourite place to ride in Scotland?
Probably Dunkeld or the tracks in and around the tweed valley.
Another shot of Joe riding the new Sunn bike back in the winter series at Innerleithen
Who are your favourite riders?
Gwin and Minnaar.
What is your favourite bike video/DVD?
Between the tape or Earthed 2
Joe looking good at a sunny Ae Forest aboard the team Sunn Montgenevre bike
What makes you happy?
Drifting my bike, winning and working hard.
What makes you angry?
I guess if I have a bad crash in a race run I wouldn’t be too happy about it.
Joe Connell took the overall Junior SDA title this year for his Sunn Montgenevre team
A guilty pleasure of yours is…
Watching all the supercross rounds on youtube in college when I should probably be doing some essay writing! Ha!
What is your favourite food?
Pasta and Avocados.
What does the future hold for Joe Connell?
Lots of hard work to get as far in the sport as possible.
Joe during practice at this years WC race at Fort William
Any thanks or shout outs?
I’d like to say a big thanks to my Mum and Dad for all of their support from the beginning. A big thanks to Stephane Girard, Sam Dale, Julien Camellini and Kevin Allemand for a great year. All of the Sunn/Montgenevre team sponsors. Thanks to the Montgenevre Resort and the Hotel Chalet Blanc for their great hospitality. Thanks to Chris Ball and the guys at Napier University in Edinburgh for all their great support. Last off, to all the others out there who have helped me over the years, cheers!