Justins been NZ's most consistent performer on the World cup scene for the last few years cementing himself as a top 10 rider internationally. Coming in to the last 2 rounds of the 08 season he had a realistic shot at finishing 5th overall but the last 2 rounds didnt quite go his way. We caught up with Justin to find out about his year and his new team for 09.

//Craig Grant

NZRide: So what have you been up to lately.

Leov: We’ve been really busy organising the opening of our bike shop (Bike Otago) in Dunedin. Ive just got back from a massive pre opening sale which went off. We’ll have the store operating full time from January (next week or 2). Its on Great King St in the old Blockbuster building, just near the University Medical centre.

NZRide: You stacked pretty big on your moto a little while ago. How’s the recovery going?

Leov: Ive been back on my bike for a while now. Clay (Porter) came out 8 December to do some filming with me and Sam (Blenkinsop). We had a couple of diggers building some massive Dreamtrack Style jumps off a firebreak in Blenheim. Clay was stoked with the filming. We hit up a secret track through some natives up in Blenheim and the Remarkeables track was mint.

//Craig Grant

NZRide:  The Trek teams now been finalised with Tracy Moseley named as the female rider. Are you looking forward to being on the same team?

Leov:  For sure. Tracy’s been on the circuit for a long time and has a good head. I knew quite a while ago that she was going to be on the team and it was almost a reason for signing. I think that she’ll also love being on a team next year too. It’s really exciting to have both Andrew and Tracy on the team.

//Craig Grant

NZRide: Where will the team be based?

Leov: We’re just working on the race schedule now. But basically most of my downtime will be spent in Granada at Martin Whiteley’s place. Needles may stay there but the European riders will probably return home between races. There’s a DH track 100 meters from the front door that has the quickest uplift road – it’s only about a minute. It’s no Fort William but it’s good for testing, plus there’s plenty of awesome XC and road riding around.

NZRide: Who decides your race schedule?

Leov: We each work closely with Martin (Whiteley). He’s really on to it especially with all the little details. Before the season starts we know where we are staying at each venue and basically don’t have to worry about anything.

NZRide: So what will be your first race?

Leov: At the moment it could quite possibly be the first World Cup in South Africa. We are waiting to see if there are any team commitments and we may look to do a warm up race in Europe first.

//Craig Grant

NZRide: You had a pretty impressive year last year and are currently sitting 5th in the World rankings. What’s your goals for next  season?

Leov: I definitely want to get on the podium next year. I had a good qualifying at the Worlds with a 3rd and was 6th in the race proper. After seeing what Sam did at Schladming I know that I can get there too.

NZRide: How do you think Sam managed the win at Schladming?

Leov: He just looked so comfortable on that course the whole time we were there. His style, the bike really suited Schladming and he had really been riding well. I think he knew he was going to win. He was super chilled going up for his final run and had been all race morning.

NZRide: What do you have to do to convert a good result?

Leov: You have to be healthy and making the right calls on the day. If you’re in the start gate you need to be thinking about destroying your run. And if you do then top 10 should be easy. You do have to be really on it though as the level has really stepped up. I think that every race I did this year would have been good enough for a podium back in 2005.

//Craig Grant

NZRide: How did you rate the 08 season?

Leov: I had some really good qualifying results and was in the top 10 regularly. It was certainly hard to get past 6th. I had a few issues in a couple of runs that would have pushed me back a bit. I know that I can take the next step now that I have the experience and can push that little bit extra.

NZRide: There was a pretty consistent top 4 this year who between them may have only missed 2 podiums between them. How do you beat the likes of Minnaar, Hill, Atherton and Peat?

NZRide: Looking forward to Canberra then?

Leov: I’m not too sure anyone is. It’s such a pedally course and especially at the end. But you just need to go into it with the right mindset and get your head around it.

//Craig Grant

NZRide: Any riders to watch out for next year?

Leov: Aaron Gwin  definitely opened some eyes in 08 and will open more next season (09). He’s already had 2 top 10’s in his first year of World Cups. Josh Bryceland will be quick and Brendon Fairclough showed some pace at the last round at Schladming and might have even won it had it not been for a crash.

NZRide: And any juniors to watch out for?

Leov: Watch out for those Hawkes Bay boys. Brook and Aari have done well and will be the form juniors going into 09. It’s going to be exciting to watch how they go throughout the season.

//Craig Grant

NZRide: Cheers Justin for your time and all the best for the season ahead.

Leov: See you around.

Photos courtesy of Craig Grant - thanks Craig