Interview: Bex Baraona – Mixing it up at the top

Being a privateer on the Enduro World Series circuit is undisputedly one of the toughest gigs out there. It’s an uphill struggle that usually takes new racers a season or two to learn the ropes, gain the fitness and handle the finances before even being able to think about getting some serious results. Bex Baraona, no doubt thought this would be the story for her too. From amateur racing at the various British race series in 2015, she exploded onto the 2106 EWS results table, only once outside the top 12, sitting at the end of a long season, in 7th place flanked by team riders. The biggest success for any privateer so far? We think so, we met up to ask her just how she did it.

You only started riding about 5/6 years ago, didn’t you? How did it all start?
Cycling wasn’t my cup of tea as a kid, my dad often reminds me about the tantrums I used to have on family rides. It all started on a family holiday in Fort William and the discovery of downhill MTB’ing.

Where did your biking journey take you from the first pedal to racing the EWS?
A month after the family holiday, my brother and I booked onto a DH race and I’m pretty sure the competitive side of me got hooked straight away. I did 2 years of DH racing around the UK, then 2 seasons of UK enduro and then my first full EWS season just this year. It’s been a short time frame but I’ve enjoyed it all and suppose that’s why I’ve been doing alright (ed – understatement!).

What made you decide to tackle the EWS this year?
I’ve never really travelled with my bike outside of the UK so wanted to experience that side of things. I also wanted to test the water and see where I stand in the world rankings.

How did you decide to go about it – what sort of planning and preparation did you do?
There was more logistical preparation than physical prep in all honesty. My brain was pretty fried from all the fundraising, booking flights/cars/hotels and just general worrying that it would all come together. It took months to get the funding together and then to arrange how the trips would work for the races. On top of that, I was writing my university dissertation. I was a pretty stressful time.

What were your aims for the season?
My all time goal was the series as a whole- I wanted a top 10 overall finish. I was very aware of riding for the season and not for the individual races. It paid off, I finished the season 7th, injury free and surprised myself with some 3rd place stage finishes, pretty happy about that!

You entered the season with a bang, with 12th places in Chile and Argentina – how did that feel?
It was mixed – I’ve always been pretty near the top or won races, so deep down, my competitive side hated seeing my name not near the top of the list. But when I put it into perspective, buzzing on my first results. They were wild races, different climates, terrain and my first experience of the EWS and think I took all that change pretty well and just rode my bike.

What would you say your riding style is? Your results show you are pretty consistent…. is that the case?
Like I mentioned, the season overall was the aim this year so consistency was key and I think I understand my limits now. That said, with my riding style it’s hard to think I can get consistent results. I’m pretty wild and unpredictable on the bike, I love speed ploughing down flat out stuff is an all time favourite. Also, I like a bit of wet riding, drifting and looseness!

You really turned it ups notch at the end of the season, sitting securely inside the top ten – was there something specific to make the difference?
As the season went on I think I just started to understand racing better and what works well for me. I also had put my dissertation to bed and got a first class degree so that was a weight off my shoulders. As well as riding daily with a bunch of lads, that helped my speed hugely.

What were the highs and lows of the season for you? Favourite races / least favourite and why?
My favourite race was Valberg, I had been waiting for a wet race all season. It delivered! Great event, great trails and my best result, 5th!
My least favourite race was La Thuile because I couldn’t concentrate, I was pretty stressed with uni stuff! Highs during the season include the travelling, it has been amazing to take my bike around the world with me and meet so many like-minded people.

What is the truth about being a privateer? Is it as hard as it looks?
It is harder! I try to only post positives on my social media but the truth is you work harder off the bike than on it, arranging and fixing everything during training and racing. You have money worries, bike worries, worries that you don’t have spares, or maybe someone to shuttle you at races or help out when time is limited during race week. It’s pretty stressful but character building eh!? I suppose the extra work I do now will making racing easier if I get a factory team then I can focus 100% on the trails and not that bald tyre I have on! (#needatyresponsor). The toughest thing is the pressure of getting together the funds required for the season. I worked out the race season cost between £15-20k, and that’s on a budget – thinking back, at the Megavalanche I spent a night in a hammock!

I bet there are many friends and members of family ready to help you out – who has dug you out of a sticky situation or low moment?
My family have been mint, they are my super fans! My parents absolutely love the EWS, they managed to get to quite a few rounds and it’s so good to see them enjoying the events. Also, all the sponsors I have had this year are so involved and supportive in their different ways and I’m really appreciative for that. Thanks guys!

The camaraderie between the female racers looks awesome, how has this helped you out this year?
We all get along really well and although there is some great competition and rivalry, everyone is really happy for you if you have a good race. Or equally, if you have a bad race, we are all pretty supportive. Pretty sure I’ve made some friends for life!

I take it a second season of the EWS is on the cards for you?
If I can get all the funding I will be doing a full EWS, if not, I will have to drop the most expensive rounds. (Feel free to send money my way)! I think I automatically qualify for 2017, I’d better check! I’m headed for NZ hopefully for the offseason, will head out for month or 2 before the first round of the EWS. I will be doing the NZ Enduro, that should be a great pre-season race.

You smashed this year, what are your goals for next season?
The overall goal is top 5 at the end of the season but I am also hoping for more of those top 3 stage finishes.

What’s the bottom line when it comes to enduro racing – what is one thing a rider must do or have?
Got to remember that we do this for fun…yes we are racing but don’t let it change who you are! Also, going slower is faster than crashing!

……and finally – anything you can tell us about who might be supporting you next season?
I would have hoped so but unfortunately, some teams fell through, all I can hope for now is to get the funds together and have a great 2017 season.

Bex is currently raising money for a full 2017 campiagn. If you want to help support her and be in with the chance of winning some great prizes, check out here Facebook page.