A new video gives an inside look at the 17-year-old's training ahead of his Leogang silver
Jackson Goldstone rides bikes as easily as he breathes. The 17-year-old is at home on a BMX, downhill or slopestyle rig. Each style of riding informs the next.
Goldstone’s versatility has made him one of the most successful young athletes in the world, but results aren’t his primary source of motivation. A new “Unplugged” video from Fox Racing goes behind the scenes of his training for his first downhill World Cup in Leogang. It depicts long evenings spent with friends at his hometown bike park in Squamish, British Columbia, finding new lines and exploring his capabilities:
In the video, Goldstone discusses how his comfort on multiple bikes helps him on the downhill track.
“I found that dirt jumping has really helped me on my downhill bike through air awareness and getting comfy so I don’t have to worry about getting sketchy on a jump during a race run,” Goldstone says. “I don’t really have a favorite. I just enjoy riding all different kinds of bikes.”
Goldstone’s natural ability, curiosity and love of bikes translated to a strong race in Leogang, where he finished second in the 17-18 category, just a little more than half a second behind Pau Menoyo Busquets.
Jackson is changing disciplines once again this weekend as he heads to Crankworx in Innsbruck, Austria. Last year, he went to Crankworx Rotorua and won the Whip-Off in a custom Session painted with a glowing moonlit landscape.
A scene of serenity suits Goldstone well. He seems to be letting success come to him, and in the meantime enjoying the process of discovering the bounds of his ability. Goldstone’s approach is unique, and so far there has been almost no limit to what he can do on two wheels.