When it comes to naming countries that are well-known for their Hard Enduro credentials, Bulgaria doesn’t sit near the top of anyone’s list. But thanks to his participation in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, that’s something Teodor Kabakchiev hopes is about to change!
Teodor, you’re currently ninth overall in the championship, are you pleased with your season so far?
Teodor Kabakchiev: “It’s definitely not bad, but also not exactly where I hoped to be. I’m still new to the sport and so I feel like this is a transition year for me to figure things out more. I need to keep learning and understand the game more. My goal is to gain as much experience as possible and improve.”
You had some great rides during Red Bull Romaniacs. Were you expecting it to go so well?
Teodor Kabakchiev: “Red Bull Romaniacs was really enjoyable. I always like it and it’s an event that suits me. It’s the closest one to my home in Bulgaria, so the terrain is very similar. Also, I ride a lot with GPS at home, so even if the markings are wrong or you miss one then you know to trust the GPS, which is a lot of what Red Bull Romaniacs is all about.”
What did you learn from Red Bull Romaniacs to help you get closer to the top guys?
Teodor Kabakchiev: One big thing I’ve learned is not about eliminating all mistakes but being able to fix them quicker. To get better and faster you need to be able to recover from mistakes. It’s about fixing the situation faster to get a better overall result. The very top guys are so good at this.”
What is it you enjoy most about Hard Enduro?
Teodor Kabakchiev: “I like the challenge! Although I didn’t know Hard Enduro at the time, it’s what I grew up doing in Bulgaria. I was the little guy on the 85cc bike trying to keep up with my father and the fast adults in my local area. If they did a big climb, then I had to try too. I remember enjoying that struggle and it’s sort of stuck with me ever since.”
What is the Hard Enduro scene like in Bulgaria?
Teodor Kabakchiev: “It’s growing each year. More and more people now understand what enduro is. Bulgaria has a unique environment and there are a lot of possibilities to ride in many cool places. My father actually does enduro tours and more people are now coming here to ride. The competition side of things is growing and developing as well. With more races come better riders and if things go right, then hopefully more professional riders.”
As a rider competing in world championship events, is it helping younger Bulgarian riders to follow your footsteps?
Teodor Kabakchiev: “I don’t know! But I’m sure it helps give them confidence to follow their dreams in this sport. I hope I can show that it doesn’t matter where you come from, but that if you work on your dreams then it’s all possible. We’re all the same – the only difference is commitment, discipline and being willing to work the hardest. I’ll be happy to see them realise this – follow their dreams like I’ve done and give all their energy to make it happen.”
What remaining rounds are you looking forward to riding most?
Teodor Kabakchiev: “These next three races are all new to me! I’ve never done any of them, so I’m curious to see what the formats for each round are like. To be honest, I’m just happy to race anywhere. Each round looks pretty unique, so I’m excited for Poland.”
Finally, you are proving a great ambassador for your country Bulgaria!
Teodor Kabakchiev: “I’m really happy with the team I’ve built with BULGARIA powered by Econt. I’ve got a very strong personal relationship with Econt since they helped me to win the SuperEnduro Junior World Championship in 2020 and I wanted to continue that. Initially this year I joined Graham Jarvis’ team. To me, he is a legend, an idol. I stayed and trained with him at his home and learned so much just by being around him. But he understood that Bulgaria is super important to me too and why the decision to return to my own team. Now I want to push as hard as I can and continue putting Bulgaria on the Hard Enduro map!”
photos (c) Future7Media