Checking in with Nev Bradshaw

With an almost perfect season in 09 most riders would be delighted, however for one of the many oversees riders who has been competing in the British championship for what seems and age has different ideas on what is a perfect season.
We managed to grab five minutes with the very popular South African rider Neville Bradshaw today and ask some of those questions his fans have been dying to know.

Nev you finished a very respectable 3rd in the Maxxis this year, is that you're best finish in the series and what races stand out for you as memorable?

Yeah 3rd in the series was great, 2nd would've been nice. We were so close. Overall it was a great year though I wasn't outside the top 3 in the championship the whole series.
Canada heights was great starting the season with 2nd overall and leading a few laps, the 2nd Moto at langrish was my best Moto of the season, I crashed on the first lap and came from like 27th to 5th on the final lap, 2nd Moto at Hawkstone was great I caught Jake and Sword up from 10 seconds back, unfortunately I was spent last 5 mins. The European at Hawkstone was sweet to pass Rockzen on the last lap and get on the box.

It always seemed as though David and the rest of the DB racing team really got behind you and provided you with the tools to compete against the best out there?

Yeah between Dave and Matt from evotech the bikes were always pretty good, we had a great package with the bike this year, and my weekend mechanic Gareth kept it together for the season so big up to him.

Now the last event of the year saw you tangle with your team mate (Michael Phillips), which resulted in you losing places and a possible championship possition, can you tell us what happened, and what were your thoughts after the race?

That was a nightmare situation you know, it wasn't the first time in the season that he had messed me up. I still get really mad when I think about it now... I guess I can use it as motivation to get ready for next season. I helped Michael out a lot, and pushed for him to be on db with me... Well at the end of the day I've learned it's kind of everyone for themselves. After the race I felt that the season had been wasted in a way, a lot of work messed up by stupidity.

Did that have anything to do with leaving DB Racing?

Well I seem to hear a lot of different stories on why I left... ha. I would be lying if I said that had nothing to do with it, I don't believe the situation was handled right on either occasion with Michael., it's a pity because Honda had a good deal set in place and we were almost set.

Can you tell us how you and Roy Emberson got together to discuss a contract?

I have been speaking to Roy for many seasons, and we finally managed to put a package together, Roy runs a tight ship, and is straight up. Everyone is already working flat out towards 2010, and I'm really excited about the new challenge.

There have been several rumors on the MX forums about the reasons you are not to competing in this year's supercross series. Can you put us straight on that one?

I had a big crash at the des nations and hurt my knee and foot pretty bad, so after that I took my break, and have just recently started riding and training again, so I don't feel like I can go there 100% ready, and there's not point going there and half doing things.

Have you had a chance to ride the Samsung Yamaha and have you tested the 2010 model?

I've just ridden the standard Yamaha 250f and it feels great, I was really impressed at how good it turns, I feel really comfortable on it, and we start testing in the next few weeks.

Can you tell us which series and events you will be competing in next year?

I will be doing the Maxxis, the Red Bull, the MMX and the KWS.

So what are your goals for 2010?

My goals are to have fun, ride hard, and go for race wins.

How is your training going and what are you doing to get ready for next year?

Training is going great I'm getting stronger every day; I'm just base training everyday long hours of cardio. We did 130 miles of cycling this weekend. Closer to the season I will start working on some speed work, and then I'm off to USA and get the time in on the bike.

Where can all the Neville Bradshaw fans see your first race with the new team?

Well it will probably be the first British; it's really early this year.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for last year?

I would like to say thanks to my wife and family for the support, DB racing for the last 2 years, Matt, Andy lee, and everyone that has supported me in the UK since 04.

Well thank you Nev for taking time out to speak with us and putting everyone in the picture. We wish you a very successful 2010 season along with your new Samsung Yamaha team.