Always Pushing" vol. 4, a new story built by Vans. Motivation of BMX rider Wanmu Nakamura.

Always Pushing. Always pushing, always more. Recognizing this, Vans riders repeatedly challenge themselves to push the limits of what they can do. This article is part of a Series that explores the mindset and drive of Vans riders who are always seeking to improve their skills. This time, we focus on Rinmu Nakamura, a BMX rider who competed against the world in Paris following Tokyo. Our interview with Nakamura reveals his motivation for competing in numerous world championships.

Text_Shogo Komatsu
Edit_Amane Yasuda

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Learning new skills and people who support me.

-Thank you for your hard work in Paris! How did you feel when you got your ticket to Paris?

Nakamura:I was relieved to be on the stage for revenge after my disappointing result in Tokyo . I was relieved to finally be able to try again.

-The year after Tokyo, he won the "Urban Cycling World Championships," and in 2023, he won the "All-Japan Championships" for the fifth year in a row. After those victories, didn't you gain momentum and confidence in Paris?

Nakamura:. Yes, I did. I won the Urban Cycling World Championships for the first time, so I knew that what I had done was not wrong, and that I would keep on trying to do even better.

-What kind of preparation have you been doing for the Paris Convention?

Nakamura:At the Tokyo event, I broke my bone 10 months before the event, and I had to rehabilitate until right before the event. . But this time, I was not injured, so I was working on my physical training in addition to riding the BMX.

-. I guess physicality is important, too.

Nakamura:The time limit is only 60 seconds, but it's just so hard. . you have to train yourself to be able to perform the most difficult moves until the end.

-. In the final in Paris, you made two new moves for the first time in the world.

Nakamura:. I always want to do new moves in competitions, not only in Paris. I won the World Championships with a new technique. . When I work on new moves in practice, it motivates me.

-Isn't it physically and mentally demanding to practice new techniques?

Nakamura:I get bored practicing the same techniques over and over again, so it is more fun to get the hang of new techniques, even though they are not easy. The more new techniques I incorporate, the more likely I am to fail in the performance, but I feel that it is better to attack new techniques and scatter than to lose because I am afraid of taking a risk.

-The new technique is motivating you, isn't it?

Nakamura:Yes, that's right. The first time I make something up in practice, or when I make a move that I have been waiting for until a competition, I feel an elation that is irreplaceable, and it is a moment when I am glad I am doing BMX.

-Do you feel differently when you try out a new technique at a tournament?

Nakamura:. I have competed in more than 100 competitions, but I get so nervous. Before the Paris ride, I thought, "I've done what I need to do, so I'm just going to have fun. . You never get better right before the big day, you know.

-What made you feel nervous in Paris this time?

Nakamura:It is held once every four years, so there was a lot of attention, and I think I was partly over-enthusiastic. I had no spectators in Tokyo, but in Paris, my family, friends, and sponsors came to cheer me on, so it was the most pleasant run I've had in the past few years and a lot of fun. This time in Paris, I realized once again that I was supported by everyone.

-. He said, "Thanks to my friends and family who support me, I am where I am today.

Nakamura:. yes, I do. I want to take care of my friends and my hometown, and I want to give back with my own results to help everyone get excited.

-Your friends are motivating you, too.

Nakamura:I am still disappointed with the result of 5th place, the same as last time, but I was even more saddened to see the disappointed faces of the people who came all the way to cheer me on. I would like to do my best for the people who support me.

You can be unconventional , out of the mold.

-You wore "old school" in Paris.

Nakamura:. when I ride BMX, I always go "old school". I've tried on many different models, but ended up settling on the standard model; the BMX pedals have non-slip pins on them, and the soles have a good bite to them. They are low-cut but not too low-cut, and the height is perfect and just right.

-Do you wear "old school" shoes when you are not riding BMX?

Nakamura:Lately, I've been wearing the "Kyle Pro 2" on a daily basis; I tie the laces tight when I ride BMX, but I usually find the slip-on type easier to take off and put on. . I also like that the Velocro closure allows me to adjust the fit. . I also like the freshness of the shoes, which are not the traditional classic "Vans" models.

-Do you have a favorite Vans rider?

Nakamura:. I have loved Dennis Enarson ever since I saw him live when I was in elementary school on tour in Japan. Anyway, his riding is amazing. He jumps off from unthinkable heights, goes into big rails, and does both spectacular and detailed techniques. His riding is so amazing that I think there will be no one who can do this kind of riding in the next few decades.

-. now we are teammates in " Vans".

Nakamura:About a year after I started receiving support from Vans, Dennis Enarson joined the team, and I am very happy that we are on the same team.

-Have you been influenced by Dennis Enerson?

Nakamura:I am not really influenced by him. He does what only he can do, and I have my own style of riding, so in action sports, not limited to BMX, differences from others are valued. Individuality is important, so there is no need to fit into a mold, and it is attractive to be out of the box. I hope that people will no longer think that they have to be the same as everyone else in their daily lives.

-What are your current goals?

Nakamura:. I would like to take revenge again in four years. . And since the "X Games" will be held in Chiba in September, my immediate goal is to have a good run there as well.

-Have you already started practicing for the "X Games Chiba 2024"?

Nakamura:The course has not been announced yet, so I haven't decided what kind of tricks I will do, but I will enjoy riding around as usual. The competition is a stage where the person who rides the best wins, so if I don't forget that, I will be able to achieve the results I have in mind.

-I feel that the BMX scene is becoming even more exciting because of Rinmu's success.

Nakamura:. If I have a track record of winning world competitions, they will be able to follow further behind me. The BMX skills of Japanese children are among the best in the world, and I am looking forward to their future. I will work even harder so that these children will want to compete in the world championships.