BMX
BMX Flatland on Africa's Exotic Mauritius Island
Follow two BMX flatland riders to Mauritius, the beautiful island nation on the Indian Ocean.
As a pro athlete, I get the opportunity to travel the world and visit some amazing places, but getting the invitation to do a flatland tour to Africa was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
The first stop of our trip was to gorgeous Mauritius Island. Upon arrival, I could only think to myself, wow! All I ever heard about this place is that it’s a paradise island, famous for water sports and honeymoons. It is in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and basically no humans ever lived there before it was discovered 300 years ago.
Traveling around the tropical island, you can feel it’s pure, natural and so beautiful – especially the sunsets and the clear blue water! It felt almost unreal that I was going there – alone, without my girlfriend – but with another BMXer.
[Click the video above to see highlights from Mauritius Island]
I decided to invite flatland rider Alberto Moya, known simply as “Moya.” The fellow Spanish pro BMX flatland rider is also on my management team of BMX talents with GG.M. Moya is known for being very original. His riding is unique, and therefore very appreciated in the flatland community.
Pausing between sessions on Mauritius Island
© Joel Capillaire/Red Bull Content Pool
Viki Gomez and Alberto Moya: African demo
© Joel Capillaire/Red Bull Content Pool
Mauritius Island, Africa: Alberto Moya - Portrait
© Joel Capillaire/Red Bull Content Pool
It was so awkward, but funny at the same time to be there with Moya in the hotel full of honeymoon couples! They all looked at us wondering what we were doing there, and with our "juvenile" bicycles! We didn’t walk closely together, or hold hands, so we most likely left many bystanders wondering what we might be doing on the island...
The trip was basically, like our sport: freestyle! Officially, we were on the #AfricaBMXTour. We went to do shows in many different places – high schools, public squares, local markets, and anywhere we saw big crowds that needed some action, entertainment, and some wings for the day.
It was a beautiful experience, as the locals went loco with the tricks and flow on display. And the "locals" of Africa are spread through many different mixes of cultures, due to their history, from British to Portuguese and French. They are multilingual; they speak English, French and Mauritian Creole – a mix of African languages, fusng French and Portuguese in between. It’s impressive.
We had a local crew helping with video and photo production that were with us at all times. By the end of the trip, we became close friends – they were able to give us some cool tips for riding spots! One highlight: an old fortress that we filmed in where you could see the whole city of Port Louis. It was a perfect floor for riding, and we enjoyed taking photos and filming with the sunset – moments I'll never forget.
Viki Gomez enjoys the island in his own way
© Joel Capillaire/Red Bull Content Pool
Sunsets on the last night with Alberto Moya
© Joel Capillaire/Red Bull Content Pool
Spreading the good word of BMX flatland in Africa
© Joel Capillaire/Red Bull Content Pool
We had thought we’d seen the most epic spot of them all until we reached for a “balcony” in the mountains, complete with a view of the sea in the background. It was so epic to ride there – such a beautiful view!
Our Mauritius Island visit culminated with a session in the harbor of our hotel, doing some tricks in the sunset. The whole trip was such a huge source of motivation – we didn’t want to stop riding and pulling harder tricks.
The experiences that BMX can facilitate are true blessings! To think that my bike has taken me further than any other vehicle makes me laugh, and gives me a feeling of true content that I kept true to my passion by staying dedicated to this sport since my teenage years.
Thank you, Mauritius Island for an epic paradise tour – I hope to be back soon!
Looking for more BMX flatland action? Keep up-to-date with Viki Gomez and Red Bull Bike on Facebook.