By Steve Matthes
Photos by James Lissimore
 

I don’t know much about Tyler Medaglia, but everybody that I talked to that was at Ste-Julie this past weekend for the opening Monster Energy Canadian National said he was flying. Tyler led the first eleven of the fourteen laps before eventually settling for third. His second moto was even better as he finished second, for second overall. It was a career best finish for the Ottawa area native and only makes him want to grab the top step on the podium even more. I also like the fact that he called me back as well!

RXC: Tyler, thanks for doing this. Tell me about your weekend.
Tyler Medaglia: It was a really good weekend for me; I was happy about it. I was kind of nervous going into the race because I had food poisoning and I was sick. We went down to this race in Pennsylvania; it was a Northeast Classic and I was so sick, I couldn’t even ride. So all week before Ste-Julie I was basically off the bike, no riding, no training. To go from riding and training four days a week to doing nothing going into the first Canadian national, I was kind of sweating it a bit.

So I was just accepting that, but when I got to the race and got on my race bike, it felt so good and comfortable. I got the track dialed quickly also. In the race I got good starts and I was into it. I think I might’ve pushed a little too much too soon; I was focusing on sprinting and it worked. I got a little tight and started blowing turns near the end, 22 minutes or so, just little things like popping out of ruts but they cost you time. I was still happy though.

Have you ever led an MX1 moto before?
No, not really. I might’ve led a lap at Morden last year but I’m not sure that counts because it was such a mud disaster.

What were you telling yourself when you were in the lead?
Just to calm down, not get excited and to focus on sprinting away. I knew that Dusty [Klatt] was on my ass and I had to go. I got a little cushion and then, like I said, I started making small mistakes. The ruts were so deep that when you screw up, it’s a real time killer. I was a little tired also, probably from not riding all week. I could also see those guys coming up on me and then I got real tight!  

So looking back, what are you going to do when you get into the lead again?
Well, I just have to work on the small stuff, it’s not a matter of working hard or not. I feel that I work hard enough, I ride all the time, I work out, cycle and other things. Maybe it was just a matter of getting the jitters out. I’m going to keep riding a lot, keep pushing all the way through my practice motos and keep doing my homework. It was cool to see that my speed is there with the top guys.

You obviously get along with your bike, huh?
Yeah, for sure, the whole OTSFF team has really come together this year and it’s good for me being my second year on the team; I know what to expect out of everything. Stu at RG3 has my suspension working great; my bike handles good. I have a new Rekluse clutch in the bike. I was a little wary of it at first but I practiced some starts and they went great. I probably got the best starts I’d ever gotten this past weekend! It also makes it easier late in the race in the ruts; I just don’t have to worry about making sure it’s pulled in all the way or not. The RM-Z 450 is great, it handles awesome and I love it--very fast and it’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden. I really haven’t had any problems with it at all.

Is that mechanic with the giant hair still on your team?
No, his name is Kyle Patten and he works on the “B” team now.

What about your mechanic, is it still Steve Simms?
He’s awesome, a great guy; he doesn’t sugar coat things and he tells me the way it is. It’s good because when it comes to getting in people's faces and arguing about things, I’m not really good at that. I know that he always has my back and he is there to stick up for me if I need it. He’s a great mechanic also.

What’s this I hear you used to be in a band?
Yeah, when I was in high school, I was in one with some friends. We would go and do all the battles and stuff. I play bass and also some lead guitar. We were pretty good. I’m really into music.

So you must kick ass in Guitar Hero?
Oh yeah! For sure, I’m really good. I’d go against anyone, anyone that wants to challenge me out there, bring it on!

So who’s your favorite bass player out there?
Probably Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He’s got a great style.

Mine is Michael Anthony from Van Halen but whatever. Do you have a favorite Trailer Park Boy’s episode?
Oh, man, there are so many. I like the one where Randy had to jump the cheeseburgers; it’s in season 7. Lahey gets so drunk all the time, and his car has the roof ripped right off. It’s by far the funniest one. I love that show.

How did your SX season go?
Yeah, I definitely know what's going on now. There’s a bunch of issues that we had this year and we’ll make it better. My SX riding was really good. I practiced with Sipes and those guys. It’s just when I got to the race, something changed. I also know how to set up my bike better also. I think my forks weren’t stiff enough, they needed to be stiffer, for sure. It was crazy, you put in a hard lap and make a mistake and then you try again and then someone falls down in front of you, there’s just chaos everywhere.

I thought you got better as the season went on so that’s always good. You’re not still mad at me for that thing I wrote one week?
Nah, it’s all good. I don’t hold a grudge or anything like that, it doesn’t really matter to me. No worries.

What are you thinking when it comes to Gopher Dunes this weekend?
Yeah, I’m excited. It’s a lot like my home track Sand Del Lee. It's very sandy and I like the sand. Some of the west coast guys might do as well there; it’s a unique track for sure. You have to know the trick lines around there as well. I have ridden there a bunch and we tested there as a team so we have a lot of time there. I’m really looking forward to the race, there’s probably going to be some surprises and I think I’m going to be right in there.