Raphael Xavier
With all of the great feedback I’ve been getting with the limited edition Sugar Cayne Frames and a little convincing from friends, I decided to start a little BMX team for 2022. I’m going to keep it small and exclusive for now but I’m looking forward to this new chapter.
World renown B-Boy, emcee and film maker Raphael Xavier Is one of my team members and raced at the 2022 Blue Ridge Nationals. He is the first rider to rock the Sugar Cayne Jersey at a National or any BMX race. He raced all three days and got 2nd place podium finish on every one. That’s awesome! Below is his recap of the race.
Blue Ridge Nationals were this past weekend in Lexington VA. and I got a chance to see some fellow riders I haven’t seen since closing BMX season 2021.Everyone was excited to be racing again. Especially some of us who haven’t been on a track since the end of the season and this was our first race of the new season. I was absolutely nervous to be riding the 51 and over intermediate class for the first time. I just aged up in December.
I Felt strong in the gate and the track was really smooth. Except for the loose dirt turns that were taking people out left and right. I had control of the bike and was totally alert in every race. I had a full rack the first day and two racks the second and third. Experienced riders were in my moto. I was probably the new young old guy. I got out good and rode strong staying tight on the leader trying to beat him in the turn but needed to pedal more. Especially in the turns.
Early last year I trained with Gee, a former Pro BMX racer from years back who still keeps an ear to the track. He was teaching me how to really utilize the turns and find good lines to maintain or gain speed in the following straight. All that seemed to go out of the window this weekend as I was hesitant about the track’s dirt turns. In my head was a moment from my first local race last season, (almost a year ago) I went low in the last turn to make a pass for first like I always do, slid out and separated my right shoulder. It took me out for 10 weeks so the fear of turns is still there. Definitely have to clear that out!
But Damon Smith took control of the race the whole weekend. I noticed how he executed and navigated his way around the track with sheer confidence and focus. I feel confident about my next race just from racing him. A loss is not always a loss. It’s a moment of gain if you stay humble enough and respect fellow riders. Keith King, Mark Reale, James Tripp, Dave Tumolo, Bobby Warren, Steve Wisbeski and Ron Re have been in that class picking up momentum for a while now. Racing them was a lesson in itself. Three 2nd place podiums for the weekend is not bad at all. I’m satisfied with that and looking to do better at the Rock Hill National.
Shout out to Paul Graham and 2ndChance Racing, Richie Good, Joe Balsavage, Eric Baglieri, Brandon Wood, my main man Jack ‘The Ripper’ McConville and so many others I’ve raced and shared the track with. Next stop is Rock Hill! Race you there!! ~Raphael Xavier
What an awesome start to the season! Big shout out and congrats to Raph. Stay tuned for more!
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