Chris Bruand, French Expert Class champion 2008.

After seven years in the Expert category, Chris Bruand finally got what he was looking for : the title, confirming that he has what it takes to shine at the top level, at least in France.

Hi Chris. First of all, congratulations on winning the title!
Thanks, i appreciate it.

Is it your first senior title?
Yes. I've been Minime, Cadet and Junior French champion, but i've never done so hot on big bikes. S2, i've never  had such good results here, and i only spent one year in S1, finishing second to Jerome Béthune, because i wanted to compete with the best in the Expert Class, riding the World Championship... It's been 7 years to make the Expert Class.

First year with Scorpa, forearms surgery in the middle of the season... It's been a though year for you. Still, you managed to clinch this title. What's your take on that ?
It is true i was maybe better prepared last year to ride in the World Championship with Sherco. I guess what made the difference this year was my surroundings. I mean with the people at Scorpa who are also my friends. Scorpa wanted this title bad, and they really raised their game for me. Marc Colomer helped me all year long on the technical aspect, working with me to improve the bike, making sure i had the best bike possible. They were so involved, always listening to what i said. That makes a huge difference, feeling the involvement of a whole factory, you know? But i didn't train more or differently that the other years. We were just all focused on one goal. After so many years in this class, i also knew what to expect section-wise, and i worked specificaly at this. Also, i tried and managed to ride for the fun of it all year long. Bringing the fun back in my riding has been a huge factor. And everything went ok. First event, i took second behind Béthune for his home round. The second round, i won. I realised quickly that there was something to do this year, maybe it would be my year. So i decided to go for the surgery,
because me forearms were really bothering me. Third event, just after the surgery, i took third place even though i was not even close to full fitness. From then on, i gave it all and rode good, trying to enjoy being on the bike everytime out. I started to really think about the title at the final event.

All right. What about next year?
That's a tough question to answer! (laugh) I don't know. I have created a demonstration riding company this winter, and it is already beggining to work  very well. People keep calling because they heard about us without communications or advertising, so i guess if we really try to make it work, it could be a hit. I could make a decent living from my passion. It would be great.  But if i do this full time, i won't have time to train. So, i really have no answer at the moment. You'll need to call me later! (laugh)

So, you're not sure if you will defend your title next year?
No. As of today, i have no ideas. If i ride, i want to be able to defend my title, not fighting for 3rd place. You know, Béthune and i, we share the same path. We ride for years at top level in France, but we hardly make a living out of it. And today, for both of us, it is taking his toll on us. With my company, i have a chance to ride just
for fun, entertain the crowd everywhere we go and make good money with it. So yeah, i may give it a try.

You're not ready to take the road again for the World Championship?
Absolutely not. Those days are over for me. If i have to stay involved in competition, it is by the way of training kids. I already do that for the Paris region, and i'm having a blast doing it. Other than that, really, i don't know. World Championship, no, FrenchChampionship... First, i have to soak it up that i am the best French
trials rider. It feels good, you know. Then, i'll take time to think about the future.

Did you party for this title already?
Not that much. We just had a little gathering the evening of the race with my minder, my family, some of the Scorpa people. We drank a little bit of Champagne. But for sure i'll have a big party later, with everybody i want to see!

And you'll get a big cheque from Scorpa, right?
(Laughs) Hey, it's trial, not some other sports, i didn't win the lottery! But it is true, i'll get a bonus. They stepped up and they showed they appreciated the work i did for and with them. They know how to thank people. I'll even get something from Kenny Gear, although it was not in the contract. It feels good to see that people appreciate what you've done.

Something to add?
Just thanking everybody who believed in my skills from the beggining, and of course Scorpa, Kenny and Trial Magazine. See you soon!