SRAM SRAMNATION

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SRAMNATION

Name: Andrew Needles

Nationality: South African

Date of Birth: 5th Aug 1984

Status? Single

Currently Live? Somerset West, South Africa

Do you travel with a favorite something to help ease life on the road? I enjoy having my laptop with me, stay in touch with mates all over the world.

Team? Mongoose. After a great 3 years, I will be with the new Trek team in 2009.

How long have you been riding? I did my first full year of racing at home in 1998, so about 10 years now.

Components? Sram, Rock Shox, Truvativ, Funn Bar and Stem, Sun ringle wheels, Kenda Tyres, SDG seat and post, E thirteen chain guide.

You recently attended our BoXXer press launch in Alicante, Spain. Looks like there were some good times to be had there. Got a story you can share? Who won? There are so many good ones but 2 stories stand out. Peaty was saying how the crème on the desert smelt off...i said well I dont even like crème, so he leans over and tells Brian Petit of Sram. Brian leans in to smell it. Peaty pushes his head down and Brian comes up with crème all over his face. We were pissing ourselfs...

A night later, Steve Jones leans over to tap Peaty on the head and Peaty catches him so Jones quickly sits back down but his chair breaks and he falls flat on the floor...again rolling on the floor with laughter. Then Griz comes up with the saying of the week: “ sometimes I just get so drunk on Fun”

What was your first bike?My dad converted a 20 inch Bmx type bike into a sweet 5 speed MTB.

Empty your pockets. Whatta got? No pockets, I am wearing boardshorts. I just got back from the beach. Summer in SA at the moment.

Favorite Race / Event? Boxxer Press launch in Spain, ha ha what a good time.

Favorite Ride / Trail / Line?My dirt jumps here at home.

Your alarm clock just went off. What time is it? What's the first order of the day?Been taking a break, so 10 am as I have a golf game booked for 11am.

Most Memorable Event / victory?My first Pro victory at the Idaho, Norba in 2005.

Achievements – Titles? 2 time SA Champ. Norba Victory 2005, 11th overall in the 2008 WC series.

Goals? World Cup Podium

What motivates you? My brother motivates me when we are riding.

Training tips or tricks? I do a lot of dirt jumping especially when I was younger. Keep it fun and ride your bike as much as you can.

Current Gas Powered Vehicle/s? I have a little truck here at home and a 250f KXF!!

Favorite thing to do that doesn't involve a bike? Golf but its getting on my nerves a little at the moment

Fire up your iPod - what are the top songs you're playing? High Contrast: Forever and a Day, Gym Class Heros: Cookie jar, Most of the new Disturbed album.

Favorite food? Sushi and Mexican

Pets? I just moved out and am not allowed pets, but my parents have the most awesome golden retreaver ever.

Favorite place to visit?Whistler, Canada

Favorite movies or shows? Entouage, what a cool TV show.

What single piece of advice would you give to younger riders that are just coming up? Keep it fun and ride your bike as much as you can.