Hezlan is one of the well known BMX flatland rider in Malaysia. He had represented Malaysia for numbers of competitions all over the World. For this year, he decided to accept the offer of becoming the ‘headjudge’ for FlatDev2012.
In this entry we are going to have some short interview with Hezlan regarding his opinion on FlatDev2012 and the riders quality.
1) Hello Lan. As usual for any other interviews, lets just start with the introduction of yourself first.
Yo, what's up! Hezlan here. People call me Lan Ipoh. I've been riding BMX for 15years and hopefully still going. 29 years young. Born and raised in Ipoh. Currently staying at Bukit Jalil. Working at CK Music Sdn.Bhd as Product Advisor and I'm getting married soon! :)
Lots of personal achievements during my BMX times. Got sponsored by TwentyInchCircle S'pore with KGB products, Sadio Thailand and Wild Channel Malaysia. I'm glad I get to travel to many countries for BMX events. I won Malaysia Flatland Award (MFA) 2 times in a row, Bronze medalist at ESPN Asian X Games 2004, 1st place at Adidas All In 24, bla bla bla.. old stories. Now moving on with life..
2) Last year in 2011 you was one of the contestant in FLatDev2011 and this year you came as a head judge. So generally, what do you think about Flatdev 2012 compared to last year?
FLATdev 2011.. I have to say that MAGS Melaka (Haji Ammar and the crew) did a fantastic job in promoting BMX. RESPECT! Organizing an international level competion was not an easy task. I'm glad to experience the event myself as a competitor and as a head judge, this year. The level of riding was indeed very competitive. Positive vibes allover!
FLATdev 2012 was even better. New venue, new format, more organized, more pro riders from overseas came to join and more response from local riders as well especially in the novice class. So many new faces, new talents, new tricks, high end bike parts, etc. I think it's heading the right way. The flatland way.. Keep it up!
3) I am sure that you know very well about the quality of local riders. So what was your expectation from the riders BEFORE the competition started?
Honestly, I dont know what to expect because I've been very busy with work lately. I didn't know the level of proggression amongst Malaysian flatlander since I dont have the time to join BMX events allover Malaysia anymore like how I used to. I'm surprised that most of them impressed me with their style, skills and determination. It's good to know that the sport is growing. Now we have Malaysian rider competing at King Of Ground, Japan which is impossible during my time.. I wonder what's next?!!!
4) For the judging system in FlatDev 2012, what criteria/factor that the judges really looking for? Why?
Many people have been asking me regarding the new format. Why? How? Will it work? and so on.. I received lots of email from riders saying they dont like certain format due to bias results, not enough time to give best performance and so on. So I decided to combine all the existing formats and devide them into groups based on prelims ranking so it's easier to separate the best from the average and also less headache for the judges.
The jam format is very interesting to watch. The idea is to eliminate the bottom first but at the same time they still have the chance to advance to the next jam. The formula is simple but I'm not gonna elaborate here. A total of 3 chances for each rider to advance to the final "head to head" battle. Go big or go home!
After the jam format, we finally have the top 8 riders. Consider everyone has the equal skill level. Judges will not decide who battle who. That's where the lucky draw came in. Now it's pure luck, skill and determination.
It took me about 2 weeks to figure out this new format. It's tough, tiring, accurate and very entertaining to watch. Awesome riding from everyone and I'm glad that this new format will be the official format for FLATdev 2013!
5) Do you have any Idea in order to help our scene/riders quality to become better?
Based on my experience, BMX Flatland is all about personal imagination and expression, personal determination and proggression. More effort, more result. It's an individual artistic sport. There is no right or wrong way. Practise makes perfect. It's pure freestyle! If you really want it, go get it. Imagination and effort is important..
True story: I imagined myself of being top 3, standing on the podium at ESPN Asian X Games, KLCC 2002 and I did it 2 years later in 2004. Bronze medal. RM6K in my wallet. A dream come true! :)
6) I think that is all for now. Do you have any last word for the readers?
Lastly, I would like to thank Shafeeq (Thrive) for this amazing interview. I'm a serious type of person and I talk too much when it comes to BMX haha. I love to share my experience and knowledge so if anything just let me know. Majulah sukan BMX utk negara. Ride hard BMX brothers! :)
