On the Radar: Kyle McLeod
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Kyle McLeod
Age: 17
Hometown: Lake Loon, Nova Scotia
School & Grade: Grade 11 at Auburn Drive High School
Number: 235
Bike: 2015 Husqvarna FC250 and 2015 Kawasaki KX250F
Race Club: CMRC Atlantic Region Series and NSORRA Offroad Racing Series
Classes: Junior MX2 and SchoolBoy
Let’s get to know Nova Scotia rider Kyle McLeod. – Chuck Linney photo
How did you get started in racing?
I started racing when I was 5 years old. My parents got me a Yamaha PW50 for Christmas when I was 4 years old and I have been riding and racing ever since!
What is your favourite track and why?
I would say that Deschambault Motocross Park is my favourite track. I have only been there twice but I always seem to get good results there and I am looking forward to going back there this year! I love riding in the sand but we don’t really have any sand tracks in Nova Scotia so it’s great going up to Quebec to race at Deschambault.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider is Adam Cianciarulo. He is an amazing rider and has became a top contender in the 250 class at a very young age! He almost won the 250 East title last year and I am looking forward to watching him this year in the AMA Nationals.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Tyler Medaglia. I really look up to Tyler because he is an amazing rider and I get to ride and practice with him at local tracks, and he teaches me new skills and techniques.
Who is your hero?
I would say that my biggest hero is Adam Cianciarulo. I have been watching his videos and his results since he was just starting on 80’s and he is one of the best riders already and he is only 1 year older than me! He has a lot of talent and I think he will be one of the all-time greats someday.
Kyle’s favourite rider and hero are the same person: Adam Cianciarulo. He’s been following his career since he was on 80’s. – Bigwave photo
What are your goals for this season?
My goals for this season are to win some races. I have a good shot at winning some races this year and I really hope that I can make that happen. I also want to do well at the NSORRA Offroad Racing Series. This will be my first year doing most of the races in that series and this will be my first year in the Intermediate class!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
One of my biggest accomplishments was last year at the Craigmore NSORRA Hare Scramble. I was racing the Junior class and I had a hard time starting my bike off the start but by the end of the race I came all the way up to 2nd, so I was pretty happy with my result.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
My favourite part about going to the races is getting to have fun with my friends and just getting to race! I’m really good friends with almost everyone in my class so it’s always fun racing against all of my friends.
What would you like to when you grow up?
I’m not 100% positive on what I want to do in the future but I’m hoping to go to University to study Business but I’m not really sure what I’m going to do after that.
We love to see that a rider’s future includes post-secondary education. – Jordan Guest photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
When I’m not racing I like to mountain bike with my friend and motocross teammate Jacob Tompkins. Mostly cross-country because that’s really all there is in Nova Scotia but when we go up to Quebec we do some downhill mountain biking at Bromont and that is a lot of fun!
Who would you like to thank?
Freedom Cycle, Husqvarna Canada, Canadian Kawasaki, Fox Head Canada, Podium 1 Suspension, HAF Skate and Tattoo, Andrew Maclean of Fast Company, Parts Canada, Matrix Concepts and my Mom and Dad.
