"Mexico City is unforgettable"

Second behind Travis Pastrana last year, Mat Rebeaud is the top favorite for Red Bull X-Fighters 2008. Why he can hardly wait for the opening event on April 4 and how he comes to grips with Dany Torres, thin air and every-day dangers, the 25-year-old from Switzerland discloses in an interview.

Recently in a London pedestrian zone, street lights were padded to reduce the risk of injury to inattentive people texting. Do you belong to this risk group?

Of course. Who doesn’t? I think it’s a good idea.

Is it? What does a daredevil like you, who risks his neck in every contest, think about the tendency to want to make life safer and safer? Aren’t all these rules, bans and security installations imposing?

I don’t see it that way. I don’t go out of my way to look for risks. I try to avoid them as much as I can. Danger is an uncomfortable by-product of my sport, but not the reason I do it. I ride freestyle because I love playing with the bike, testing the limits, perfecting new tricks.

Which of these new tricks will we get to see on April 4, when the Red Bull X-Fighters season starts in Mexico City?

I don’t know yet. I’ve kind of got my program in my head, but I won’t be defining it until I get there. And after all, the conditions in Mexico City play an important role.

How’s that?

Due to the altitude the air is thinner, and because of that the bike works differently in the air. Also, the motor performs differently. It’s possible that a trick I can do at home doesn’t work in Mexico City.

Two years ago you won the Red Bull X-Fighters in Mexico City. Do you imagine the atmosphere of Plaza de Toros when you’re training on your private track in Corona, California?

Honestly, yes. When you ride out into the arena, hear the cheering of the 42,000 fans and feel the energy that hangs in the air – you never forget that. I really can’t wait!

Alongside the classics in Mexico City and Madrid there are three totally new locations on the program. Which one are you looking forward to the most?

Rio, because I’ve never been to Brazil. But Germany will also be cool. That’s not too far from where I grew up, which is why a lot of my friends will definitely be there.

Last year you came second overall at Red Bull X-Fighters, behind Travis Pastrana. What do you think your chances are of making it one step higher to the top?

It would be presumptuous to say that’s my goal. It’s my dream.

Travis Pastrana thinks you could win it ...

He’s a nice guy [laughs]. I’m definitely going to give everything I’ve got so as not to disappoint him.

... but his favorite for this year is Dany Torres. How dangerous do you think he is?

Dany is a fantastic rider; technically first class. I’ve heard that he’s been working hard on his new program in the last few months.

As well as five Red Bull X-Fighters events, you’re also taking part in the AST Dew Tour and the Summer X Games in 2008. Who’s holding the fort in your skate shop while you’re away?

[Laughs]. Admittedly, I’m never ever there. The guy I opened up the store with get to do all the work.