GREG ILLINGWORTH

“I have two guys called Alex and one South African…”

– What do you think of the Mongoose Jam coming to the UK and Rush Skatepark?

“I think it’s a really good thing for UK BMX. Pro contests are few and far between in the UK in recent years and Mongoose Jam is such a good concept. The USA jams have all gone really well, getting better every year and I think the UK one will continue that momentum. I’m looking forward to riding Rush too, the park has all the aspects you need for the jam.”

– Sum up your team talk / motto for the jam. What are your words going to be to the team to get them stoked and ready?

“None of the dudes on my team will need much extra motivation. They are all super driven and passionate riders that always give everything they’ve got. I think I might tease them each with a little bonus incentive for the win. One of my riders would be stoked on some free drinks, the other might want some sweets, the third would be happy with a free meal to help with his travels ;)”

– Your team picking strategy… Mix of talents or hard hitting park squad?

“It’s all friends that I wanna hang out and ride with and dudes I think will kill it or benefit the most from the jam. You’ve got to make sure at least 2 riders can ride in street, 2 in park, and 2 in bowl… of course riders can ride in all disciplines if they want but I wouldn’t expect a ramp rider to ride the street jam. I had to keep in mind who would ride what part of the contest.”

– Teaser of the team… Name one member you have confirmed.

“I have two guys called Alex and one South African ;)”

BEN WALLACE

“It’s not every day that kids can get to ride with Pat and Kevin.”

– What do you think of the Mongoose Jam coming to the UK and Rush Skatepark?

“I think it’s awesome that it’s heading to the UK as it gives the kids the opportunity to ride an amateur contest and in general build more hype around BMX. Also for parents to come watch and see what their kid gets up to and have some vision about where things could be headed if they choose to pursue it. I feel the older generation don’t really take the sport seriously and dismiss what could be an amazing future for their child’s talent. Also there will be a good amount of pro riders there too and it’s not every day that kids can say they got to ride with Pat, Kevin and whomever their team mates may be. 

As for an advantage from helping build Rush… no, I just helped build the resi and foam pit…”

– Sum up your team talk / motto for the jam. What are your words going to be to the team to get them stoked and ready?

“My team is made up of good guys who I class as good friends. It will be like having a session on any other day of the week. They know what to do and they’re in my team because they’re fucking good. But on a serious note if they fluff it we’re no longer friends, ha ha!”

– Your team picking strategy… Mix of talents or hard hitting park squad?

“Defo a mix of talents! No one wants to see four riders who can all do the same shit.”

– Teaser of the team… Name one member you have confirmed.

“Declan Brooks.”

TOM ISTED

“If I had to sum it up in a few words, it would probably be just a load of moto noise – BRAAAAAAAP!”

– What do you think of the Mongoose Jam coming to the UK and Rush Skatepark?

“I think it’s so sick! It will be one of the few competition I won’t have to fly to, haha. How the event works will be amazing for the UK scene as well. Rush is the perfect place, super sick park, tons of flow so should work perfect.”

– Sum up your team talk / motto for the jam. What are your words going to be to the team to get them stoked and ready?

“I don’t know, I’m a man of few words… I just want everyone to have fun and have a smile on their faces and I’ll be stoked! But if I had to sum it up in a few words, it would probably be just a load of moto noise – BRAAAAAAAP!”

– Your team picking strategy… Mix of talents or hard hitting park squad?

“I’ve pretty much had my team sorted 24 hours after I was told it was happening! I’ve picked some of the most all round riders but are all park destroyers.”

– Teaser of the team… Name one member you have confirmed.

“I think you’re going to have to wait and see til the event, no spoilers…”

– Have you got a home advantage?

“I’m hoping so but we’ve all ridden there before (apart from Pat) as we shot the Mongoose Xmas edit there a few years back.”

PAT CASEY

“I’m hoping to break the Peraza winning streak…”

– What do you think of the Mongoose Jam coming to the UK and Rush Skatepark?

“Super stoked to come out to the UK for Mongoose Jam. I think it will bring something new and exciting to the contest.”

– Sum up your team talk / motto for the jam. What are your words going to be to the team to get them stoked and ready?

“Well, this is my first year as the Mongoose athlete on a team. So I’m hoping to break the Peraza winning streak (and my team knows that), but ultimately my goal is always to have fun. Riding with friends and just having a good time!”

– Your team picking strategy… Mix of talents or hard hitting park squad?

“I chose guys who I thought could ride it all, and who are fun to be around. Hopefully my strategy pays off!”

– Teaser of the team… Name one member you have confirmed.

“Mr. Double Flair and UK rider himself, Ryan Taylor. Stoked to have him.”