Performing in Kolkata was an amazing feeling: Aras Gibieza

How it felt performing the stunt in Kolkata?

It was amazing. I was very excited to do stunts for the students and see young stunt guys performing from Kolkata. The crowd was amazing. Infact, the cheer felt louder than the number of attendees.

Tell us something about your experience from the Kolkata leg of the Red Bull North East Tour?

The city has its own essence. Congested, but it looks like it has time.

How did you commence your journey in the world of stunt?

I think I had generated my love for this sport since the time I have my memory. I used to make helmets out of watermelon shells at the age of 3. My grandfather gifted me a scooter at the age 10 and that was my first bike. At 16, I started motor racing but my love and passion towards stunt biking was more, so I started taking more interest in this sport and in 2009 I entered a stunt biking competition in my country and came second. A year later, I won the same competition and also the Eastern European championship and then there was no looking back.

Injury is associated with any sports, what precautions do you  personally maintain to avoid facing accidents?

The most important thing is to maintain and set the bike right. Apart from that I also take a lot of care, like wearing a lot of safety gears during performances. Regular exercises and warm ups before performances helps me.

Do you follow Indian film industries? What is your opinion on the quality of stunts performed in the industry?

No, unfortunately I haven’t yet watched any Indian films.

How did your parents react when you decide to become a stunt biker?

The family has been very supportive to me, especially my mom. She used to be very worried for me when I went racing and she felt it was more dangerous. It's kind of funny she doesn't feel the same way about stunt biking now and she is ok with it.

How do you rate Indian stunt performers?

I think they have a long way to go but some of them are really good like the Bangalore Throttlerz. I guess the problem is the small bikes available here.

Do you think that the country lacks the proper infrastructure needed to produce world class stunt bikers?

I think so. I spoke to many bikers here who said lack of proper space or track to practice makes it difficult. But I did see a lot of talent.

When you had started your journey, which bikers had influenced a young Aras Gibieza?

Chris Pfeiffer

After retirement, how do you want to contribute to the sports in future?

Retirement is too far for me. May be I will think about it a few years later.