Very few people can be called legends in a sport as selective as that of bike trial. Over the years, we have been fortunate that our country has counted on theWe are one of the best pilots in the world and it is likely that if we made a list of mythical pilots, 70% would be of our nationality. but one of the most loved, admired and respected is undoubtedly Cesar Cañas.
César, Monty pilot throughout his career, is one of the names associated with the trial along with that of Ot Pi. A rider who has won everything, who has broken countless records, who has taken the most important energy drink brand in the world as a sponsor and above all who has been a benchmark as a person and professional.
A few years ago, César left the sport professionally after 11 World Cups and as many national, European, Guinness World Records… But we wanted to know what he did today and how he was still linked to a sport that cannot be understood without pronouncing his name and surname.
Text: Álvaro López
TRIALWORLD:
Many years in competition, always linked to the world of trial with your school and number of acts, right now, what do you do in the world of trial?
CESAR CAÑAS:
Thank you for thinking of me for this interview. First of all, I am very focused on the training of riders through the Cesar Cañas Trial Academy. The truth is that I love being able to pass on all my experience to new riders. I also continue as Dani Comas’ coach/backpacker, coaching Rafa Tibau and also this year I have the new challenge of being a backpacker for Abel Mustieles, a crack in whom I trust a lot.
TW:
Tell us about the operation of the Cesar Cañas Academy and its goals in both the short and long term.
CC:
The secret of the academy is that it works all year round and we do classes almost every day, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in two shifts, thanks to the fact that we have night lighting in both schools. We have two locations, one at the La Poma Bikepark and the other at the Monty factory.
The truth is that I have found a way to stay connected with what I enjoy the most, which is trial and I like it very much, so much so that I am even getting sports titles to continue improving and give an even better service.
The short-term goals are to continue improving the great champions we already have and in the long term to be champions in all the categories they go through. I am really proud of all the achievements that all our school riders have achieved, as between them they have 6 World Championships, several Spanish championships, etc.
TW:
Monty has surprised us with the M5, which definitely looks like the future of trials. What do you think about it?
CC:
The truth is that it is a real revolution. On the technical side, it’s a very stiff bike that has practically no flex in the chainstays, so you don’t lose any power in the pedal stroke. It is very light and not only has a new chassis been made, as all the components are also new. Of course, I would highlight its aesthetics, as I personally think it is very beautiful.
TW: The market has a lot of brands and all kinds of prices. Monty will certainly offer something new, but do you believe in its short-term success if its price is finally high as we all imagine and in these times?
CC:
I think so, as it is a very exclusive bike that offers something that other brands do not offer. The example is what a carbon handlebar or fork is worth and people wear it. Also now it has become very fashionable to assemble bikes with parts with the best of each brand and if in the end you look at the final price you get a little scared. With the M5 it’s buying it and training hard with a 100% competitive bike.
TW:
Did you have anything to do with the development of this new bike?
CC:
The truth is that I am collaborating with the project especially at the level of ideas and above all I have collaborated in the new geometries that for the current trial I think are perfect!
TW: The 24″ seems to be gaining strength both in pure trial and in street where we have seen you in your latest video. Do you think it could be the perfect measure for trial? Have you tried any?
CC:
It is a very interesting measure and one that is gaining strength. The 24 of my video doesn’t count for much because it’s very street. Currently the 24 on the market I think are already making the correct geometries
, which was not the case at the beginning. From my point of view, I think what the 24 lacks are tyres with a good compound and that are light.
TW: He has been joined by Dani, Javi Alonso, Kazuki… two spectacular riders such as Abel and Giacomo. Is it comparable to the Dream Team that Monty had with you, Ot, Benito, Carles… Do you see similarities?
CC:
I think that every era is different but the truth is that the team has all the guarantees of success to win both in Biketrial and in UCI. What happens is that there are many more riders and trial is becoming more and more professional and the others are also doing things well.
TW:
This season is going to be very strong, what would be your bets for the podium in UCI World Championships, BIU and World Cups?
CC:
Man, my bet on the UCI World Championships and World Cup is Abel. My reasons are the motivation that Abel has, the level he is demonstrating, he is training better than ever and you can see that he goes very easily on the bike, and I am also involved (laughs).
At BIU level, my bet is on Dani, because although Kazuki is strong, Dani’s level is very high and he always has that point of experience.
TW: How do you see the current position of the trial? Do you think we have lagged behind in the evolution (in terms of competition and momentum) of trial in Spain?
CC:
I think trial is getting bigger and bigger, as I see more and more riders in races and that’s what makes a sport great. At the level of Spain, perhaps we are not at the level of other countries, especially at the level of the World Cups, which are very well organized races. In any case, I think that the path that trial is taking is good, although it is clear that there is always room for improvement and I am sure that we will achieve it. The current crisis to organize well does not help at all.
TW: It seems that they are trying to give it a boost with the entry of the Super-Finals or the new championship of the Pro Trials Series. What do you think about both? Do you think it’s the right way to go? What would you change in trial to give it a boost?
CC:
I find the subject of the Super Finals interesting, since everything that is to reduce the time and drivers in a final, is to make it easier for the public to follow the entire competition. I think the path is good, but we have to wait and see how it works, since theory is one thing and reality is quite another. On the other hand, I think that measures are also being taken in Biketrial and very well organized competitions are being held with which the sport wins on both sides, both UCI and Biketrial.
TW: Many people have you as the true guru and example in this sport and believe that you are unbeatable for various reasons such as mentality, level, creativity, titles… What does it mean for you? What would you say to amateurs who are just starting out and those who are already there?
CC:
First of all, I want to thank those people who think that about me, it’s an honor. To the fans I would say that they are playing a sport that is exciting and has it all. It takes power, balance, technique, creativity… It is also a very beautiful and visual sport that does not leave indifferent the people who have the opportunity to see it. It is also an activity that differentiates us from others, because when the immense crowd practice more common sports, we distinguish ourselves from the rest with trial. For all these reasons and all the ones I forget I always say, “laze less and try more!”
TW:
Again thank you very much for your time and we hope to talk to you again soon!
CC:
Thanks to you and see if we see you soon. Greetings to all!
