Name: James Swinden

Nick name: Swinny, Swindog, Swinshady.

Number of years riding downhill (or BMX, Moto, Quads etc): Been riding bikes for as long as I can remember, Downhill for the past 8 years… maybe?!

Highlights of your riding career so far: Winning Garbo DH during Crankworx 2008, my first ever win at a proper event. Stepping out in front of the Crankworx crowed felt amazing. Winning my first ever National round in 2011, Finishing top 5 in my last 6 Expert races… ooh, and beating Peaty at ‘this is sheffield dual’… twice.

Aims for 2012 season: Continue with my current progression, work hard in training and aim to get comfortably in top 15 and hopefully in and around the top 10 at National level.  The big goal is to be apart of the World Cup circuit…

What’s it like being part of SPS? Its an exciting opportunity that couldn’t have come at a better time for me, the thought of being apart of something that is put in place to help better you as a rider is an incredible opportunity. With everything that comes with the package, the people, the products, the name, there is no better place to be for me right now.

What are your first impressions of the Santa Cruz V10? Looks well doesn’t it! Rode Steve’s round Wharny car park, felt nice… At some point during everyone’s riding lifetime, the name Santa Cruz has come across the mind as the bike to have… and now this is my chance. Everything adds up nicely and im keen to get on it for 2012.

Favourite rider/biggest influence and why? Steve Peat, just because its Steve, dont really need to say too much more. Sam Hill, For his balls out speed and lairy-ness, Danny McAskil, Jaw dropping to watch and perhaps my biggest influence, American Footballer Ray Lewis, go search for him on youtube and be inspired.

Best UK DH track and why? Dont really have a favourite, my mind seems to prefer different terrain from year to year so its hard to name one track as the best.

Describe your riding style in three words: No idea how.

Any last words: Its gunna be one hell of a year!