Meet the quad bike stuntman
Ales Rozman, 34, is from Slovenia, and is one of the stuntmen at this week’s Masters of Dirt show at Dubai World Trade Centre Arena. After showing off his tricks for tabloid! at a preview yesterday, he opened up about life as a stuntman.
Watch out for: His stunts on a 200kg quad bike over a distance of 23 metres.
Signature tricks: Nine O’ Clock, Tsunami, Cliffhanger Tell us about yourself.
I have been doing this since I was four years old in Slovenia and I have tried new things over the years. When I was four, I got my own dirt bike and I was racing it for the next 18 years. After that, I switched to motocross bikes and now quad freestyle [have been] for 10 years. I have the most amazing job because I get to travel to amazing cities, meet people and perform stunts that I absolutely love.
What are your tips for those who would like to become a part of Master Of Dirt?
Go step by step. Don’t go crazy on the first day and don’t try to show off in front of an audience. I learnt a lot from my mistakes, and those mistakes were painful. Remember, if you cannot pull off [a trick] today, try again tomorrow ... When I started, I didn’t have anybody to guide me since I was the first rider in my country. Nobody showed me how to set up a bike or how to get ready for a ramp. Basically, I tried and got hurt. I was young and stupid because I tried to do everything on the first day.
How did you prepare for the Dubai gig?
Performing tricks is a mental game. But it’s also about practice. I practised the backflips on foam pits, which ensures that when you make a mistake then you still land softly and without injuries. Masters Of Dirt is blend of expertise and practice. You need ... talent, but the tricks need to be perfected.
Who’s your idol?
Carey Hart, who attempted the first backflip in 2000.