New Zealand has produced many great motocross racers over the years who've experienced
great success away from home shores; the King Bros, Cody Cooper, and Ben Townley to name a few,
but on the freestyle side it's a different story. There's been a bunch of solid riders come and go over the years,
but to date, Nick Franklin is the only one who has really cracked it overseas.
But that's about to change as there's a young charger by the name of Levi Sherwood who's
blazing a trail towards the top with his smooth style, determination, effortless flow, and laid-back attitude.
Levi first appeared on my radar when Leith "Holtzy" Holtzman (Freerider MX contributer/homegrownmaniacs.com)
discovered the kid four years or so ago while on an NZ roadtrip. Back then he was ripping on an
80 and seemed years ahead of his time. And since then he's always been this kid who is going
places fast but just needed to sprout a little and pack on some muscle to step up to the bigger
machines where he could really show his talent.
Well now he's sprouted somewhat and 2008 was the year he really stamped his authority as the
rider to watch for the future. He packed his bags and made the move to Oz, which turned out to
be a smart move, with him saying, "I was really happy with how 2008 went for me. I moved over
to Australia to concentrate on my riding and training, which payed off big-time in securing me
some solid results. I placed first in three rounds of the Rockstar Australian Freestyle Championships
and placed second in another two rounds earning me second overall. I also took out the
Western Australian Championships."
Levi narrowly lost the Rockstar Australian Freestyle Championship to his good mate
and training partner Kain Saul. He pulled out of the last round due to an injured shoulder,
and instead of feeling down about the deal he stayed positive and was stoked to receive so
much good exposure and says his riding has improved through competing against some of
Australia's top riders. "It was a bummer for me to injure myself so close to the final but I guess
that's just the nature of our sport; you take the good with the bad. I was just happy that I placed
where I did as Kain Saul, Cam Sinclair and myself were pretty close going into the final
round on points and I knew I had to be on my game to take the last win. Even though I was
injured I knew I had to at least get out there and give it a go, but after my first jump doing a
Cordova Flip I knew right then my shoulder was in no shape to finish my run let alone ride at all.
But now after resting over the Christmas break I'm back too 100% and look forward this year again
going toe to toe with Australia's best and see if this time I can take the title outright."
Right now Levi is touring his native country as a member of the Crusty Demon Unleashed Hell Tour,
and he's no new-kid-on-the-block either, as he joined Crusty in 2004 at the ripe age of 14,
which is pretty impressive considering most kids that age are the ones cheering on the Crusty
Demons from the stands, not jumping 75-foot gaps in front of thousands.
Levi feels right at home riding alongside the Crusty crew, with him saying, "Its a bit like family,
you travel and hang out together, and get to know each other pretty well. I've been lucky
to ride with some the worlds best and it always makes you want to go out and learn as much as you can.
I love riding the Crusty shows as the fans are a lot more enthusiastic than at a lot of the other shows so
it pumps you right up. Also riding with the worlds best pushes you as well.
For someone who has never been to a Crusty show it's hard to explain how loud the crowd is; it's out of control!"
Not content with being the best of the locals Levi dreams big and wants to take on the worlds
best to see how far he can progress with his riding. From a young age he's raced motocross
and has ridden all types of terrain that's helped him develop his bike skills, which will
no doubt help when he hits the big dirt courses of America and Europe. Strong family support
is also on his side, and according to Levi, "I feel as though my career is starting to build a
lot of momentum and things are starting to get easier for me on and off the bike, and all
I need to focus on now is keeping my riding up to shape and taking it to the next level.
I try not to focus on what the media or what anyone says and let my riding do the talking for me."
"This year I've also taken on a manager in Australia who is helping me with all the behind
the scenes stuff that often takes your concentration away from riding and competing,
and he is also working closely with a top sports agent in the States so I can look at
competing internationally this year there and in Europe."
When asked if he wants to compete in the big comps like X Games and Red Bull
X-Fighters Levi is well up for it, but he is no fool, saying he is fully aware of where
the sport has progressed to and what it takes to mix it with the best,
"You have to have something pretty unique and original in your bag these days
to even get a look in. You have to be willing to train pretty hard and spend a lot of time
on the bike to get to that level now days."
That's why he has the 360 well in sight and is working on underflip combos as
America and Europe is where he wants to be full-time. As soon as a door opens
overseas this kid will grab the opportunity and run with it and not slow down until he succeeds.
Levi would like to give thanks to: My girlfriend Nicole, Paul and Ian at Unit, Jeremy from Osiris,
and my manager in Australia Jade Foggo for all his help so far. I'd also like to thank Team Cool
Air Troy Carroll Kawasaki racing for their support and the guys at POD MX, and Smith.
