CoffeeTalk with Grant Fielder aka Chopper

Yeah, i’m starting a new serie of CoffeeTalk, it’s been a while since the last one….but no worries, ’till Christmas, you will have a lot to read !

So here it is, i catch up with Grant Fielder for a little interview. Chooper, as he’s mainly called, is maybe the funniest rider ever. He have this great british sense of humor that make special. So please read the interview below right after the drop to know a little bit more about Mr Chopper, personnaly one of my favourite character of the MTB scene. Thx KONA for the pics and FB for the last one….Name ? Grant chopper Fielder
Age ? 26
Who you’re riding for ? kona clump, vans, protec, unknown240

How and when did you start riding a bike ? It came about when i used to ride to school, i used to meet my friends at the local meeting point and had races to school! the thing is, i never won because i didnt want to get to school that early haha

When did you become a “pro” ? I became pro when i was 19

What were the biggest changes in life turning pro ? I got bikes for free! this made me go more crazy as all i had to do was send it back if it broke and i got a new one. it was perfect and i ever had to worry about breaking parts etc…

How do you train ? Training is weird. I get time to train but i prefer to ride with other riders so then it makes me push myself more. I try not to ride all the time as i become sketchy. so i ride every other day so i stay smooth and enjoy it more

Can you describe a normal day of your life ? wake up, emails with toast. Sometimes i have to get up at 5.30 to go to a school for a demo/ talk but on a normal day il get up 9ish go true my wheels go out on the big rig and burn it through the woods or ride the local step me and my buddies built and session the hell out of it for about 5 hours! then have a pint.

Can you please briefly sum up your season ? well considering the season has been quiet i have made the most out of this year by going into schools and promoting cycling to the youth of today. The olympics in 2012 is a huge deal for the uk and so i get the kids inspired from a different angle. Its been a weird year. Some events ive done well at and some i wish i stayed at home. Its seems like every year gets better and better for me

What are you focused on for next year ? Any changes ? Sponsors ? I will be so more focused next year. ive been studying riders from all over and watching whats getting thrown down. Im a busy man now and i dont want this to stop. Sponsors will remain and promoting my sponsors will be my key like every year. Expect some good stuff from me for sure

What are you up to for this winter ? I’m building up my trails which i havent done for years for filming. I also going to do a dh race, not sure exactly when but ive been riding the big bike for a while now and i want to give that a go. I will be doing loads of schools talks still too.

What are you doing when you’re not on you bike ? Playing for the local darts team down the pub hahaha. its so funny and so competitive. true brit style haha

What kind of music do you listen to ? I’ve been listening to tom waits he new stuff is good cause his voice is so funny. When im riding i listening to stuff you hear in the big bike ovies, thats gives me a drive to ride hard.

What was your dream when you were a kid ? Did you succeed ? i wanted to be a professional at something. I had trials for chelsea football club when i was a young teenager, i had a handicap of 6 in golf and wanted to persue that dream but ended on the clump team which has been the best.

Which skills do you think are recquired to be a top-level athlete ? You have to be smart and extremely focused. dont be a dick!

Is there some persons who helped you along your career or now and you would like to thanks or put the spotlights on ? Well it would have to be my family for constant support, Kona for the best bikes, people and team to work with. All my other sponsors and my lovely girlfriend rosie who puts up with alot of crap from me haha….