Matthias Dandois

Matthias Dandois: 

Out of spite! I grew up in the suburbs of Paris playing lots of different sports, football in particular. However, I lacked both the talent and the right coach. Around that time, MTV had just arrived in France, broadcasting shows like Jackass, where guys were doing crazy tricks, almost performing stunts. BMX was often on the programme, so I quickly became fascinated by everything they could do with those tiny bikes. Around the same time, a French TV programme interviewed a French BMX champion. I was in awe of his skill, the street culture, and the travelling. It became all I could think about, and that Christmas, my parents gave me my first bike.

Matthias Dandois: 

Fate would have it that one of the only BMX instructors in France moved 10 minutes from my home. It was a sign. I trained relentlessly and loved every minute of it. I felt I had talent and wanted to test myself against others, so I entered my first competition, and won it. That first victory was exhilarating. I was on cloud nine: the podium, the music, the crowd, the sponsors, the look of the participants, I loved it all. That was 20 years ago. I was 14. The internet was full of small forums where we posted photos of our exploits. That culture, at the time quite alternative, was everything to me.

Matthias Dandois: 

Ironically, it did! I had a very good visual memory, and I worked fast and efficiently so that I could free up time for cycling. My parents trusted me. I could cycle as much as I wanted as long as my grades were good. They even ended up setting up a small space for me in the garden so that I could train at home. I progressed as an amateur and ended up winning all the titles.

Matthias Dandois: 

In 2006, I had won enough competitions to take the leap. I had made a bit of a name for myself, which led to a small contract with a sportswear brand. This allowed me to participate in the final stage of the 2007 World Championships in New Orleans. Against everyone’s expectations, I took first place ahead of all the pros. Around the same time, I graduated from high school and decided to devote myself entirely to BMX.

Matthias Dandois: 

Yes. From that moment on, Red Bull started covering my travel expenses. Then other brands spotted me, like Orange, Casio and Van’s, and started sponsoring me. Their timing was perfect, because they came onboard just as I started winning everything. It was insane. Between 2009 and 2014, I travelled nonstop and won every major title. At the same time, I became interested in photography and started posting on social media, which was just taking off, with Instagram leading the way. Quite organically, I became an influencer, something I still am today.

Matthias Dandois: 

I still take photographs. Mostly analog. I like the demanding nature involved. The time it takes to develop the film and the cost force me to concentrate. Every time I press the shutter, I feel a twinge. I did a small exhibition in 2018 and I have an Instagram account called Taxe Carbone where I publish my work. I do post quite a few photos of my wife, but that’s not all!

Matthias Dandois: 

Yes, architecture! While travelling, I became obsessed with brutalism. My favourite architect is Tadao Ando, whose work leaves me speechless. Particularly in Japan, where the Benasse Hotel he designed is next to a museum that can be visited at night. That trip had a profound effect on me. Now, I never miss an opportunity to go to a museum. During the Paris Olympics, I had free access to the Musée d’Orsay. I have to say that the fantasizing about riding in a museum is quite exciting.