Newton's Rider Profile: Nick Duffield
Watching Nick Duffield take on a hill is like a maths lesson; the eery precision of his lines gives him an effortless speed that no other luger or skater can match. At this year's Beat the Bastard freeride he blew everybody away with his combination of precision and fearlessness, and it'll be no surprise if he repeats his '08 Newton's Luge win in three weeks time at Mt. Panorama.
We caught up with the fastest man in Australia to find out a little more about him.
Slow down Nick, we need to talk...
1. What's your name, your nickname, your hometown and your age?
Nick "Duff" Duffield, hometown Adelaide, Australia, 26 years young.
2. Your occupation?
Crane operator.
3. How long have you been luging for? Do you also do it standing up?
Started riding street luge in 1998 and my first race was the Australian X-Games in Brisbane in 99. The last few months I've been trying my hand at stand-up with the ever expanding SA crew which has been a blast!
4. What do your parents say about your luging?
Well not much these days but back when I first started they were a bit hesitant, but once they realised it was more than just mucking around with a skateboard on the weekends they were very supportive, and still are.
5. What's the gnarliest road you've ridden?
Without a doubt it would have to be the Red Bull Down Rio comp that was held in Brazil from the 'Christo' statue carpark. It was 2,300 feet above sea level and from memory it was 22 180deg hairpins one after the other, even by the end of the weekend I don't think anyone was able to memorize that track! A close second would have to be a "classified" piece of tarmac that we nudged 140km/h on. That was definitely a rush I'll never forget.
6. What's your plan of attack for Newton's?
7. You won Newton's last year against a top field. What's stopping you from heading overseas and winning everywhere?
I'd love to head overseas again in the future, so if I could get some backing to do it I'd be there for sure. Who knows what the next 1 or 2 years holds; I may get over there again, we'll see what happens.
8. What do you think the race scene will be like in five years time?
If the last few years is anything to go by I think in five years time downhill racing will definitely be here to stay. We'll hopefully have a couple of Oz world champions amongst us and a handful of guys and girls rippin it up overseas.
9. What's your ultimate luge/skate ambition?
My main ambition would be to see the sport of gravity racing get the recognition it deserves and hopefully one day have an Australian series running through each state. Being able to race in Australia every few months would be the ultimate.
10. Any sponsors you feel like mentioning?
Omni Skateboards
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Premium Member Comment by Benbro on November 8, 2009 at 13:44 -
go nick,fly the flag again this year for us bro....140k fark,i dont even wanna kno.....
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Premium Member Comment by Gabe on November 8, 2009 at 15:29 -
yewww, rip it up!
140 k/h FARK!
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Comment by leighgriffiths on November 8, 2009 at 16:29
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south oz downhill represent!!!! been great riding with you man. hope to catch up to you soon.
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Comment by matty leadfoot on November 8, 2009 at 17:05
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Adelaide has some top gravity riders,... and some great hills. Nick is a legend. He is one of the most down to earth guys I have met. He is always great value at a session,... whether its hills or car parks.
Best of luck with your ride at Newtons this year champ. Im looking forward to seeing you rip up the field again.
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Comment by Brad NS on November 8, 2009 at 18:30
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Nick WHO ???
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Premium Member Comment by Fitz on November 8, 2009 at 21:32 -
Yeah Nick! Hopefully this year we can find a better commentator to call the final! Ha! You deserve that much at least.
You and DK totally rocked it last year. Can't wait to see a repeat. This time I'll be cheerin from the sideline for all our Aussie riders.
Can't wait!
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Premium Member Comment by Fitz on November 8, 2009 at 21:33 -
Thanks Renee..........
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Comment by Phill C on November 8, 2009 at 22:17
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Seriously Nick, get some rear view mirrors so you can see what we look like for a change!
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Comment by ^^^DRE^^^ on November 9, 2009 at 11:53
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nick duffield for the win, good luck man its always good skating with you hope to see you out in the next few weeks.
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Comment by Abdil Mahdzan on November 11, 2009 at 19:48
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Nice interview Nick! Seeya in less than 2 weeks and hope there's not too much pressure on you since there'll be more internationals coming this year. ;-)
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