The Qualified Chinese riders

We mentionned it last week, the action has started already in China with the 16th edition of the Huzhou China Open, allowing the event's winners to join the prestigious list of qualified riders at the FISE World Chengdu. We would hence like to introduce you to these amazing athletes that we will all get the chance to watch ride in just a couple weeks along side the international stars in their discipline!

Today, we bring you to learn a bit more on the chinese athletes, all very excited to have the chance to ride alongside the elite in their discipline. But first thing first, here are a few words from Liu Qing, CESA general secretary (Chinese Extreme Sports Association), about the FISE implication and its impact in China:

The Chinese extreme sports association is the highest tier of project management, event organization, national team management, development and promotion for extreme sports in China.
It also cooperate with international organization for holding events, organizing international exchange for Chinese athletes. The FISE World Series held in Chengdu city is the result of great communication and cooperation that started long before last year's event. This event is only the first step of a long time cooperation between the french organization and the Chinese extreme sports association.
It is a great pleasure for us (Chinese extreme sports association) to work with a professional organization such as FISE which has grown into one of the largest action sports event organizer in the past few years.
The arrival of FISE into the Chinese local scene and its role for the development, promotion and future of extreme sports in China is of tremendous importance. This is why the Chinese extreme sports association is really looking forward to results of such long-term cooperation!

Zoom on MTB rider Haolin Dan:

Name :Haolin Dan
Age : 30
Discipline : Mountain bike (MTB)

How long have you been riding for?

I started practicing at the age of 12, it's been 18 years now.

How did your passion for MTB started?

In 2006 I was riding trial bikes, but the lack of motivation and interest made me shift towards MTB where you can jump higher and ride faster.

Do you know the FISE World Series? If so, how do you feel about the collaboration between FISE and the chinese extreme sports association (CESA) that makes events like the one is Chengdu possible?

I have known about FISE World Series for quite some time already. I know it's one of the biggest action sports event and it has some of the best skateparks of any competition. I hope at some point the FISE will collaborate with the Shenzhen extreme sports association to create an event here!

How does riding influence your life?

For me, riding is a passion, but it's also a lifestyle. We also need to have an income in order to survive... not everyone understands how much you need to practice and how much time you need to spend in order to get to a good level. The feeling of accomplishment when you learn something new is what keeps me going.

How is the scene in China for MTB?

Not as good as it was a few years ago. A lot of the older riders already got married, have kids and work everyday. The newcomers are scared to go big too, there's so many other influences from outside... it's rare you find a kid with the passion for MTB these days.

If someone was to come to China to ride MTB, where do you think would be the best spots to do so? Any places that are specially great for practicing MTB?

There is some incredible dirt tracks in Yunnan province! There is also several nice skateparks for those who like to practice in those. Shanghai SMP, Beijing Woodward, Shenzhen Happy Valley and the new skatepark in Guangzhou university town are all good spots for practicing MTB.

What do you wish for the future of extreme sports in China? Obviously I hope the level can get as good as it is in Europe and North America. I also hope more venues for practicing will be built and that the people that pretend to understand action sports in our circle will let place for new blood with real passion for action sports.

Chinese riders selected for FISE World Chengdu

Wang Guo Hua