Tell us a little about how you got started riding.

“Back in Ukraine, a BMX racing centre was opened and me and my brother became interested and enrolled there. That was 2002 I think, but I can’t remember for sure. We had been visiting it for some time, it might sound crazy but there was only one BMX bike per group there and it just wasn’t enough. But considering that we did get pretty good , started hitting some competitions and won quite a few races.

Everything changed around 2004. Our Dad, who was working in Moscow at the time brought us a copy of the Digital Interface DVD and complete bikes. They weighed about 16kg but we were stoked! That first BMX DVD blew our minds! We watched it constantly, all day, every day between riding. Actually, we were very lucky that our Dad was in Moscow during that time because otherwise we probably would never have been able to get that video or decent bikes in Ukraine then.

“It was street and we fell in love with it. Without a second thought we took off our brakes and added an additional two pegs.”

A little later, my brother Igor got a copy of Animal “All Day”. I can’t even imagine how many times that DVD was watched. It was street and we fell in love with it. This video gave us a really powerful push, we started to think about our own riding styles. Without a second thought we took off our brakes and added an additional two pegs. Riding really started to become serious for us then. I can’t believe that it was 10 years ago!”

Becoming part of the STRESS and Vans BMX teams must have been an awesome opportunity, how did this happen?

“At this stage, I must include my twin brother, Igor. In both life and BMX we share a strong bond and the same journey. In 2008 we were already riding pretty good, we had our own style and dedication, so sponsors started to spot us. In general, they were BMX shops. However, at that time, support was lame and at best some shops would only gave us a little discount.

Fortunately at that time a riding crew in Moscow started an Independent brand that would evolve later into the fully fledged BMX company, STRESS. We started to rep STRESS in Ukraine, initially receiving the first runs of parts and apparel, and as the company grew it began to produce full lines of high quality frames and components.

Come 2013, I decided to move to Moscow in order to be close to STRESS and other sponsor opportunities . That was an awesome summer, long riding sessions at new spots with new friends . I was doing real good at that point, with a great bike sponsor backing me and the local shop helping with shoes and clothing. One day, I got a call from the BMX team manager at Vans asking – “Max, how are the things with your shoes? Do you want to ride for Vans?” That was an offer that I didn’t hesitate on, yes was my answer! It took almost a year before I was officially on the team but Vans really came through and they are a company that I’m very proud to represent and very grateful for all they do for me and BMX.”

Your latest edit for STRESS was pretty amazing, the internet went wild with that final clip – the crazy rail-ride gap rail-ride. How long did that clip take, was it something you had been wanting to do for a long time?

“Thanks, dude! I am so glad that it ‘blew-up’ online, I was not expecting anything like that.
The video took quite a while, as it was filmed by several people and not having a dedicated filmer made the process difficult. We had stacked enough footage but winter was fast approaching and we needed the banger. I had first noticed the ender setup over a year ago and since then It had always been on my mind. We had just four days to finish the video as after then heavy snow was due. I was not leaving without that clip.

“We got lucky and found a friendly policeman who understood we were not trying to damage anything and even helped clear away pedestrians from the rails.”

That spot is in the city and it is always very crowded with pedestrians and security is real tight there too. We tried several times but it I just couldn’t get enough time due to people continuously coming up and down the stairs and walking alongside the rails. It was hectic! Eventually, on the last day of the trip we came back to the spot with a crew of about 15 riders and I knew this was the time. We got lucky and found a friendly policeman, he was really great. He understood we were not trying to damage anything and even helped the crew clear away pedestrians from the rails.

I made a few attempts and came of the rail early and rode down the stairs. I knew i could do it, so I gathered my thoughts and pictured it perfectly in my head. I heard a shout: “Max, come on, nobody is here!” And it all happened exactly as I’d imagined – I simply went straight and did the gap into the second rail. It was fast and scary but the feeling of joy and satisfaction was unbeatable. The guys were all shouting and jumping around and the pedestrians were just plain confused, haha. I shook hands with the friendly policeman and went home very satisfied.”