Kenny Belaey started out in trials at the age of nine. Photo Sometin New
IT BECAME APPARENT in 2000 that Kenny Belaey was destined for trialbiking greatness when he made history by winning the Junior Worlds in both 20” and 26”. He has gone on to take back-to-back world titles and even a ‘triple’ in 2005 taking the World, European and World Cup overall titles.
In this exclusive interview his vision for the future of the sport becomes apparent as we hear how he has been instrumental in giving it a platform on television and through other media outlets. Read on to find out about his personal ambitions for the future as well as the inspiration which goes into his ever-popular action sports shows.
When did you get into trials and how long was it until you realised this was the sport for you?
I started at nine, with my younger brother Wesley, who is four years younger than me. We rode all day everyday and as soon we went to competitions we were on the podium. Our parents always knew we could do it, so they went all in to give us the best support possible and started driving around the world with us. It was pretty obvious we both had what it took to be good at this.
Had you previously excelled in different disciplines of cycling previously?
Yes since 6 years I ride some enduro comps and use the enduro mountainbike for videos and projects, but also because I just love it. I ride trials every other day and enduro too. I like the mix.
Kenny Belaey looks determined as be carries and pushes bikes up a mountain. Photo Emilsollie
What was the first competition you took part in and how did it go?
It was at a motortrial competition where they organised something for kids on the side on bicycles and I took home third. Still have that trophy.
Who were your biggest inspirations, mentors and supporters at the beginning?
The VHS videos of Ot Pi and Cesar Canas were played probably 500 times, later I met Thierry Klinkenberg our Belgian hero from that era. He coached me and it has shaped the rest of my career with how I approach things.
What do you see as your biggest achievements in the competition side of the sport?
Every World Champion title really, even if it was at the cadet category or at the elite category. It was always hard to peak towards that 1 event in a year. So far I have been on the podium of almost every world championship I participated at since 1996, except for two. If you would have told me this 20 years ago I would be around that long I wouldn’t have believed it.
Kenny Belaey is currently working with Red Bull and has travelled around the world to strengthen that parnership. Photo Emilsollie
Tell us a bit about the team you’re currently on and the success you’ve had together and your goals for the future?
Red Bull came on board in 2002 and with them we worked hard to think out of the box and not just compete, its been a great journey full of adventures, trips, meeting new cultures all over the World. So enriching and not talking about money, well maybe a little bit of that too haha.
What can people expect from your shows and what do you have coming up next?
Its an action sport show on the pedal to the medal setup, world biggest mobile demo rig. It is combining live DJ set with an MC who fires up the crowd. All while we choreograph trials, bmx freestyle and bmx flatland. There are also give away for the crowd and meet and greets afterwards. Its pretty fun
Tell us about some of the other exciting projects you’re involved in and what you have planned for the future?
In 2011 I was kind of sick and tired of having our World Cup events being so poorly organised, so I decided that with my dream team we’d organise it ourselves. It was my mission to bring trials to TV and to attract big brands to the competition scene. Something we are proud to say was done the first time by us.
Our setup and example is now used worldwide by all organisers, and finally us riders get the exposure we deserve. That has always been my dream even if it meant I had 100 things on my mind during those events which was hard and the reason I never ride that well in Belgium.
But like I said previously, I’d rather focus on the one-day World Championship instead of trying to win every single World Cup… just impossible with my lifestyle.
Oh and when not training or helping organise World Cups I make YouTube videos for my sponsors, like the Balance video riding over the slackline. To date the hardest thing I ever did.
Kenny Belaey pictured during the balance project.
