Sam Hill Interview - January 2025 8

What's in store for the flat pedal legend?

sspomer

1/13/2025 8:35am

Sam Hill answers a few questions about the 2025 season, what he'll be focused on and how he ended up with Empire Cycles.

Interview by Sean Lee.

Sam, in 2025, you’ve got a lot of exciting things on your plate! First up, you’re planning to race Red Bull Hardline in Tasmania for the first time. What makes that event such a unique challenge for you, and what’s your preparation looking like?

SH: Yeah I’m definitely excited to race at Hardline. It’s been a couple of years since I have raced now and I’m missing that feeling. It’s a unique event that I’ve never done and looks like a lot of fun, so that’s why I want to go and do it.

My preparation has been pretty relaxed but definitely looking forward to getting more bike time in the next few weeks leading up to it.

You’re clearly loving supporting your kids in their motocross journey. How has your lifestyle changed in recent years, particularly in terms of finding time for your family, racing, and business ventures?

SH: Things haven’t changed too much, I have always found a good balance with my career and family time and being able to switch off from the racer when I’m home. I love being able to help my kids chase their own dreams and watch them experience things themselves for the first time.

With everything on your plate, where are you spending most of your time these days? Are you primarily based in Australia now, or do you find yourself traveling frequently for events and other commitments?

SH: Yeah we are living in the south west of Western Australia.

I haven’t done too much travel recently but I’m heading to NZ soon with Sam Hill Signature trail to get stuck into building a trail over there, in what looks like a super exciting new network.

Since the end of Nukeproof, it looks like you’ve been on a more independent sponsorship program, partnering with Foes as a frame sponsor last year. Do you have a bike brand sponsor this year?

SH: The whole collapse of Nukeproof was sad to see and unfortunately didn’t leave me with many options. Foes got me a couple of frames to build up and ride and there were some cool plans there but unfortunately we couldn’t get the support from other brands that we needed to make anything work.

It’s actually been super disappointing that many long-time sponsors that I have stayed loyal to throughout my career can’t even make an effort to reply to emails or messages.

This year, you’ve got some key partnerships backing you. Can you share what projects you’re working on, and who you’re working with for the 2025 season and how they’re supporting you across your various commitments, from racing, to family and business?

SH: Yeah I’m excited for this year to race some bikes and go and have fun, and I’m super proud to represent the people who are backing me and my family:

Monster Energy
Empire Cycles
Fox Racing Australia
FIST
Sam Hill Signature Trail
F1rst by Sam Hill

Empire Cycles is a local bike shop owned by a longtime friend of mine in Western Australia, someone who worked at a shop who first sponsored me when I was 14. These legends are supporting both myself and my kids through MTB and MX locally which is super exciting.

I’m also partnering up with Empire Cycles and their local junior development race team as a mentor to help guide them wherever I can and pass on my knowledge at events.

Looking forward, how do you envision your future in mountain biking? Is there more racing on the horizon? Or do you see yourself taking on a larger role in coaching or mentoring the next generation of riders? More trail building and design?

SH: I’m definitely excited about the future, trail building is something I love and I’ve always built my own tracks to train on and push my limits.

New venues give new ideas and opportunities with terrain which keeps it exciting so hopefully there will be a lot more Sam Hill signature trails built or designed around the world.

F1rst is an online MTB strength and conditioning program which I’m really excited about also, being able to help people from all my years of experience training and racing around the world.

Finally, Sam, what are you most excited about in 2025, both on and off the bike? What goals do you have for this year that are particularly meaningful to you?

SH: To be honest I’m hoping for a year of fun and good times with my family and friends. There’s no crazy goals. Racing now is for myself, without the pressure, because I want to be there. My kids have their own goals, so if I can help them reach those then that’s what’s important.

Let’s let the good times roll!

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