Dirty Dozen with Dan Mundell
2019 Team GB ISDE member and Honda Red Moto Lunigiana Enduro GP racer Dan Mundell is the latest rider deliver his answers to our Dirty Dozen questions…
Dirt Hub: Do you have a Pre-Race Playlist you listen too, and if so name a couple of tracks that are on it?
Dan: I don’t have a specific playlist. I do often stick some music on while I get geared up in the truck though. Depends how I feel about the race, if I’m nervous it’ll be something pretty chilled/country and if I’m tired I’ll get some rock going. Papa Roach, Last Resort, perhaps…
DH: When was the last time you cried?
Dan: A little less than a week after I broke my femur in June. My other leg was still totally numb and I was so angry that I couldn’t get up and about because I had 2 duff legs. Pretty difficult time.
DH: What is your favourite inspirational quote?
Dan: Go fast… take chances. ? Nah just kidding, probably: Do as you’ve always done, and the result will remain the same. You don’t move forward by standing still.
Image courtesy of Nicholas Guppy
DH: Do you have any weird suspicions or pre-race rituals?
Dan: I like knee brace socks that are labelled left and right, and I always make sure they’re on the correct foot. Weird, I know… I also get fond of certain boot colours and feel like if I don’t have those on I don’t ride as well.? Other than that I try not to get too deep into suspicions. It can start to eat you up and realistically none of it makes any odds!!
DH: What drives you most to get up in the morning and go training?
Dan: I’m not very fond of losing so that’s a pretty big motivator. The last 12 months especially before my crash I really started to enjoy running and cycling so that helps get you off the couch. I also like ‘data’ so being a bit nerdy and looking at numbers on my phone afterwards gives motivation to keep working ??
DH: If you didn’t race, what sport would you play or take part in?
Dan: I love rallying so I’d be super keen to do that, but I wouldn’t have the money to do it on a big scale, so if not, I’d do downhill MTB.
DH: What is your biggest Phobia ie spiders, Heights…?
Dan: Probably moths. If a moth comes in the room while I’m in bed I hide under the covers ?
DH: Who is your biggest sporting idol and why?
Dan: Ryan Dungey is a big influence. So calculated and classy, with an impressive work ethic! As a kid I idolised the likes of Giovanni Sala, David Knight, Ivan Cervantes and Juha Salminen among many others. Just because they were my hero’s when I was growing up haha.
DH: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Dan: In the pub talking about how good internal combustion motorbikes were ? But in seriousness, I think I will be in Enduro GP or GNCC fighting for world titles/gncc championships at the highest level. I hope so anyway.
DH: What is your all-time favourite movie?
Dan: Damn, tough one. Who doesn’t love a Rocky movie though? That said, I’m a sucker for gangster films and love Legend. Tom Hardy is so good in it.
DH: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
Dan: My Dad is the one who really made everything possible for me before I got any professional contracts and still helps with a lot now. Supportive parents/family helps for sure. However, of recent years, Alex Snow has been a big help, along with Malcolm and the whole Rathmell family who have been great too, among so many others all over the world. Overall though, I’d have to say my Dad has done the most to help me get where I am, and still does moving forward.
DH: What is your philosophy on life?
Dan: Do something every day that your future self will be thankful for because any day could be your last so don’t leave any stones un-turned! And make sure you send the sh*t out of it along the way!!
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