FMX
We catch up with Spain’s top FMX rider after Red Bull X-Fighters Madrid.
Fresh back from his home round at Red Bull X-Fighters Madrid, Dany Torres is leading the good life. He's at the top of the freestyle motocross game, he gets to travel the world, and he's got a loving family to come back to when the events are over.
RedBull.com caught some time with the 2011 Red Bull X-Fighters champion to find out what makes him tick.
How long does it take you to recover from an event? A couple of days. I rest, do nothing, and just enjoy my family’s company. I spend all my time with my son, Eneko (5), and daughter, Carolina (2).
How has your life changed since you made it to the top level in FMX? On the positive side, I’m competing at the top and get the chance to meet great riders and visit fantastic places. On the down side, I have less time to spend with my family and more time to spend waiting in airports.
If you had to thank just one person for helping you get where you are, who would it be and why? My dad: he’s always believed in me. I have his unconditional support.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? That whatever you do, make the most of it.
If you had the time to take up a new hobby, what would it be and why? Spending more time with my family. That’s what I miss the most when I am away.
If you had the chance to race any other kind of machine, what would it be and why? I find WRC very interesting: it’s a huge challenge.
Diving in a coral reef near a tropical beach sounds good
Apart from riding FMX, what else do you know a lot about? I honestly don’t know, but one thing I’m terrible at is DIY.
Do you have an ambition you've yet to fulfill? There are quite a few, so I’d have to think about it. Off the top of my head, I’d say diving in a coral reef near a tropical beach sounds good. But, please, no sharks!
What's been your lowest point and what did you learn from it? Any time I’ve been injured. It takes a lot of time and sacrifice to heal.
Who's your toughest opponent and what makes them so tough to beat? All the riders are hard to beat at this level of competition. But when I pull off a perfect Backflip Lazy Boy, I’m really hard to beat.
What's more important – money or glory? Glory! But it’s even more important to be healthy!
What's been your most hard-fought win, the one you thought you might not pull off? I think it was Dubai Red Bull X-Fighters 2011. I didn’t have a good qualifying run, but after a hard fight with Andre Villa, Levi Sherwood and Nate Adams I managed to win. It was a triumph I will not forget.
What three items do you pack in your bag every time you head off to a race? Mobile phone, camera and, of course, some Red Bull.
What keeps you grounded? My family, no doubt.
What’s your favourite part of your training regime? When a trick comes right and I perform it to perfection.
Who’s your best friend in the sport? I try to get along with everybody.
What was the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome? Winning the Red Bull X-Fighters world title in 2011.
Where’s the best circuit or place you’ve competed? Las Ventas in Madrid (where else?)
Who always makes you happy? My children, every time.