Page 35 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 144

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #144 January 2025 35

Formerly Blue Beacon

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Local BMX Star, Malakai Bergeron, Races Toward

His Dreams

By Molly Kett would say. I think one of my greatest
thrills is cutting over tight if I’m on the
outside to get in on the inside,” said
ocal athlete Malakai Bergeron is
Lmaking some serious tracks in Bergeron. “It’s a challenge and can be
the BMX world. Reflecting on what risky but it gets the adrenaline going. If
initially drew him to the sport, Bergeron I’m playing around and just doing fun
explained that a friend had taken him things my favourite ‘trick’ would be that
to a local race in Guindon Park at the I can hold a manual for a long time, a
end of August 2019. He tried BMX that full straight really.”
day and was instantly hooked. Watching Bergeron’s preparation for
fast riders in action sparked his interest, competition is quite intense, both
and as he continued to race, he met great physically and mentally.
people and friends who encouraged him
to keep going and improve. “Training is for sure one of the biggest
commitments I do. Training at the gym
Bergeron credits much of his growth three to five times a week, plus sprint
to the mentorship of his coach. training and when the weather is good I
do track training. Typically, I am on my
“When I met my coach, this is what
changed it all for me. My coach has bike in some capacity at least five to six
motivated me through it all and helped times a week,” said Bergeron. “Mental
me and showed me that I have potential. preparation is for sure the hardest part of
I would not be where I am today without preparing for the competition. I continue
him,” said Bergeron. to work on this every day. I may be small
but I am fast and can maneuver well on
Recently, Bergeron’s dedication paid the track. Getting in the zone, playing
off in a big way when he was signed by music, don’t get distracted by others,
Factory Race Inc. focus on me and doing my warm-up and

“I am super excited and grateful. It’s routine before the race is very important
been a whirlwind for me. The team is so I can visualize the race, plan my race
already like family, so supportive and and race my plan.”
great. The Race Inc bike, I love the bike. Bergeron’s admiration for BMX
It’s smooth on the track and rides super Olympian Connor Fields has been a
well. Game changer,” said Bergeron. constant source of motivation.
Discussing his approach to BMX “When I started, I would always see
racing, Bergeron emphasized precision his name and watch Connor’s videos and
and strategy over flashy tricks. then I kept seeing him win races and I
“With BMX racing you are not really always wanted to be like him. I have had
trying to perform cool tricks, although the opportunity to meet him a couple of
we can. The trick is that fast is smooth times and it’s been a dream come true.
and smooth is fast as my coach Ian Continued on page 36 Photo Submitted