SEEN Sport Magazine Issue No. 8

Issue No. 8 www.seensportmagazine.com

Olivier GIROUD

CONTENTS

06

Issue 8 | March 2014

38

22 44 PORTFOLIO

FEATURE

New York Red Bulls With the new Major

AFC Wimbledon Down and out a decade

League Soccer season just around the

ago, we visit football’s most resilient and

corner, Rob Tringali shares his stunning

inspiring football team, AFC Wimbledon,

portfolio from last year’s memorable

as they rise from the ashes and battle to

campaign. 06

return home to Plough Lane. 44

INTERVIEW

SPOTLIGHT

Olivier Giroud The French Striker is

Ed Mulholland Sitting on the right side of the

quickly becoming one of the Premier

ropes, combat sports finest Photographer

League’s most polarising characters. We

gives us the low down on how to capture

met up with the Arsenal hitman to discuss

the most defining images in the fight game,

life, football, his hopes of winning the

his experiences of covering the big fights

Premier League with the Gunners and his

and his passion for photography. 66

66

desire to play against England. 22

TRAVEL EDITORIAL

Sierra de Guaderrama

Arsenal Actor and Journalist, Tom Watt

the mountains in Madrid to escape the

discusses the Gunners positive start to

escalating economic crisis and find

the season and explains why the future is

out how Venezuelan Photographer

bright at the Emirates under the guidance

Alvaro Hernandez has taken on a new

of Arsene Wenger. 54

challenge, establishing a new company

Formula One 2014 Ryan Colley looks ahead

that is embracing the expanding market of

to the new Formula One season. 38

sustainable tourism. 90

We head to

90

EDITOR Karen Reid editor@seensportmagazine.com FEATURES EDITOR

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to Issue 8 of SEEN Sport Magazine.

Eoin Mundow editorial@seensportmagazine.com

This issue we focus on football, starting with our cover story documenting the rise of Arsenal’s star striker Olivier Giroud during his defining sea-

DESIGNER

son with the Gunners. Known for his trademark good looks, meticulously

Karen Reid

coiffed hair and goal scoring prowess, the French international has found out that life of a Premier League star is a path that needs to be navigated

Advertising Sales

with great trepidation. In our exclusive interview he discusses the highs

adsales@seensportmagazine.com

and lows of his career so far, his aspirations to win the Premier League title with Arsenal and his desire to prove the haters wrong.

WORDS Eoin Mundow

Staying with the Gunners, well known journalist, Arsenal historian and

Ryan Colley

Actor Tom Watt passionately enlightens us on why he believes Arsene Wenger has been instrumental in guiding and inspiring the clubs recent

PHOTOGRAPHY

successes on and off the pitch.

Alvaro Hernandez Ed Mulholland

We feature two football teams with opposing principles. AFC Wimbledon,

Eoin Mundow

the only supporter owned club in the English Football League who are

Jürgen Tap

battling to return home to Plough Lane and continue their fight to reclaim

Rob Tringali

their identity, heritage and rightful place at the summit of British soccer and Major League Soccer’s first ever Franchise; The New York Red Bulls.

www.seensportmagazine.com +44 ()203 290 2227

Changing sports we go behind the ropes with renowned combat sports

info@seensportmagazine.com

Photographer as he recounts some of the highlights of covering the biggest boxing and UFC events, the adrenaline of getting that defining knockout out picture and his respect for the fighters.

Finally we escape the hustle, bustle and stress of freelance photography as Venezuelan Photo Journalist Alvaro Hernadez shares his passion for mountain biking in the rugged terrain of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and explains why a change is as good as a rest.

We hope you enjoy this issue and as always give thanks to our photographers and contributors without whom this magazine would not be possible.

Special thanks also to Olivier Giroud and Michael Manuello for giving us so much of their time and collaborating on our cover story as well as Tom Watt.

Cover: Olivier Giroud Photo by Eoin Mundow

04 | SEEN Sport Magazine

SEEN Team

PORTFOLIO

NY Red Bulls

A

s the founding member of the MLS the New York Red Bulls have always had high

expectations of being the number one team in US soccer. That success however has alluded them so far and despite enlisting the help of many former great players such as Roberto Donadoni, Lothar Matthaus and Alexi Lalas the Red Bulls have never managed to make the impact their sponsors and owners craved.

Last season however super striker Thierry Henry spurned a revival of sorts for the New Jersey club. Signed under the designated player rule or "Beckham Rule" as it is now commonly known, Henry, Tim Cahill and former Barca defender Rafa Marquez have formed the nucleus of a new look Red Bulls team blended well with the squad.

Together they helped inspire the Red Bulls to clinch first place in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2000 and despite losing out in the MLS Semi Finals to Finals to the San Jose Earthquakes the future finally looks bright for the Red Bulls.

The addition of New York City FC as the 20th franchise to the MLS in 2015 has added a new dimension to the Eastern Conference and promises to deliver a legendary rivalry that is set to engross sports fanatics in the Big Apple for years to come. With the new season kicking off in March, we look back at some the finest images taken during a memorable year at the New York Red Bulls by acclaimed sports photographer, Rob Tringali.

New York Red Bulls v Columbus Crew.

Red Bulls Arena. 26th May 2013.

(L) Thierry Henry heads a ball during the game against Toronto FC. (R) Thierry Henry reacts after scoring a goal in the first half at Red Bulls Arena on 14th September 2013.

Members of the New York Red Bulls look on during the game against the Houston Dynamo.

Red Bulls Arena. 6th November 2013.

12 | SEEN Sport Magazine

Tim Cahill of New York Red Bulls celebrates with his teammates after scoring the tying goal in extra time of the second half during the game against the New England Revolution. Red Bulls Arena. 5th October 2013.

SEEN Sport Magazine | 13

New York Red Bulls prepare for their game against the D.C. United.

Red Bulls Arena. 16th March 2013.

(L) Fabian Espindola of New York Red Bulls in action during the game against the Columbus Crew. Red Bulls Arena, Harrison. 26th May 2013.

(R) Thierry Henry of New York Red Bulls reacts after scoring a goal in the first half during the game against Toronto FC. Red Bulls Arena, Harrison, NJ. 14th September 2013.

16 | SEEN Sport Magazine

SEEN Sport Magazine | 17

Rob Tringali cap

atmosphere at the R

tures the unique

Red Bulls Stadium.

Tim Cahill of New York Red Bulls reacts after scoring a goal in the first half during the game against the Real Salt Lake.

Red Bulls Arena. 27th July 2013.

INTERVIEW

Olivier Giroud

Text, interview & photos by Eoin Mundow

MOMENT OF

TRUTH

At 27 years old, Olivier Giroud is entering the peak of his career.

by certain sections of the media. Week in and week out, the

No longer looked upon as a hot prospect, the stylish striker has

statuesque attacker has doggedly chased every long ball, leaped

earned the right to be called Arsenal’s number one forward.

high above his rival defenders and answered his critics in the best

Known for his trademark Johnny Bravo hairstyle, his penchant

way possible, by performing on the pitch.

for being impeccably groomed and most importantly his goal scoring ability, this season the French international has been

By the time I finally sit down to write my article about Olivier

instrumental in leading the Gunners’ attack and inspired his

Giroud his face was splashed across every tabloid newspaper in

team mates to raise their game and become serious title chal-

the UK following his late night rendez-vous with glamour model

lengers. Beneath that very polished, charming exterior lies a

Celia Kay. To some it would be a great coup that I publish my

young man who is driven by a burning desire to win trophies

feature when he is a hot topic, but to me it’s a bit of a headache

under the guidance of the equally passionate Arsenal maestro

having to address this recent “faux pas”. With massive games

Arsene Wenger, repay the love, adoration and faith that has

coming up against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, the

been entrusted to him by the Arsenal fans who chant his name

Premier League title race reaching a crucial stage and his team’s

to the tune of “Hey Jude” on a weekly basis and on a personal

form coming into question, it’s a distraction that he, his club,

level rebound from the tabloid expose that has threatened to

agent, fans or family could do without. However, when he took

turn his private life upside down.

the unprecedented step of apologising to everyone via Twitter shortly before the 2-1 FA Cup victory against Liverpool he did me

Since the beginning of the season I have been following the ups

a favour. I don’t feel the urge to turn my article into the prose of

and downs of the very eventful Premier League campaign for

Carrie Bradshaw, as I wax lyrical about family virtues and puri-

the enigmatic Arsenal striker. His second season has definitely

tanical sanctity of marriage. I am and always have been more

proved to be a baptism of fire. Despite being Arsenal’s top scorer

interested in his sporting endeavours rather than his nocturnal

this season and helping a rejuvenated French national team qual-

activities.

ify for the World Cup finals in Brazil, his goal scoring prowess and validity as Arsenal’s leading man have been called into question

When I first met Olivier Giroud it was a cold winter’s day in

SEEN Sport Magazine | 25

Hampstead. Arsenal were sitting pretty at the top of the Premier

rapidly becoming the new face of the Premier League. Thierry

League and life as a whole was good. I had arranged to shoot

Henry represented the glorious past for Arsenal; I was intrigued

some portraits for the cover of the magazine and also sit down for

to learn more about the man who had been chosen to spark a

a chat with the French striker at Cafe Rouge. Normally securing

new era of success at the Emirates.

time to photograph a Premier League Footballer and interviewing them is a thankless task. Product placement, time restrictions and

Giroud is renowned to be a fitness fanatic, a lover of all sports.

censorship rule the roost. However, I’m thankful to say that I spent

In many respects he has been his own worst enemy this

an enjoyable afternoon one on one with Monsieur Giroud without

season, insisting that he plays every game, irrespective of the real

the constant nannying of a club Press Officer or the interjection

possibility of burning out. He explains that he has fought hard

of an adviser. During our time together he appeared relaxed and

for his chance at the big time, desperate to prove the doubters

spoke passionately about his love for London, Arsenal, French

wrong, he has been a constant presence for the Gunners and

cuisine and the need to stay grounded. Donning a Gucci jacket,

the Arsenal faithful have embraced him and his enthusiasm. His

Armani long sleeve white top, skinny jeans and white hi-tops

goal against Spurs in North London last September appeared

he looked more like a Musician or Model for fashion store “Les

to seal the deal with the fans, as the game ended the stadium

Kooples” than a Footballer. He still hangs out with old friends

reverberated to the strains of his anthem “Na, Na, Na, Na,

and was not interested in being immersed in the underbelly of

Giroud!”

celebrity life in London. As we chatted he insisted I correct his English, stressing it was important to him to learn more, much like

Acutely aware of what is expected of him, he is desperate to

his success on the pitch it appears that he is a perfectionist who

follow in the footsteps of other great French players who have

strives to succeed in everything he sets out to do.

worn the red and white shirt of Arsenal. One of a trio of football loving brothers from Chambery in southeast France, he had long

Giroud, who joined the Gunners for £13m in the summer of 2012

dreamed of playing in the Premier League when he was a boy.

after winning the French League with Montpellier, initially found it

Addicted to football, he was regularly seen in his neighbourhood

hard to adapt to the cultural change of living in London. Big things

trying to emulate the stars of the day, Cantona, Wiltord, Pires,

were expected of him and he struggled to make an impact. The

Vieira and of course Thierry Henry. One of his older brothers

pressure of filling the boots of previous Arsenal legends Thierry

would later go on to play with Henry in the French national youth

Henry, Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp and more recently Robin

team, but it was Olivier who was to succeed into the pro ranks

Van Persie was immense. However, the stylish striker has come

and secured his dream to play for Arsenal.

into his own and started to repay the faith that Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, has shown in him. At 6 foot 3, Giroud is the per-

As we wrap up our first interview “Parlez-moi d’amour” or “Speak

fect foil for the bubbly, dynamic attacking axis of Cazorla, Ozil,

to Me of Love” by Lucienne Boyer is playing in the background.

Wilshire, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski and Walcott. His

It seems quite apt. The Arsenal striker has spent over an hour

superior aerial presence and deft touches have created space for

expressing his adoration for the club, the fans, football and his love

his team-mates and he has assisted them to score a bucket load

for family life. Vociferous by nature, Giroud is uninhibited when it

of wonderful goals.

comes to expressing his passion for life, football and love it would appear. His exuberant goal celebrations have caused a stir in the

During our conversation I divulged that I had spent the best part

media. In February 2012 after France beat old rivals Germany

of the week leading up to our initial interview chasing up Thierry

in an international friendly our Gaillic friends were engrossed in

Henry’s agent. Having put together an iconic feature on the New

the pandemonium surrounding that very overzealous and latin

York Red Bulls I thought it would be great to meet up with the

celebration between Giroud and his French team mate Mathieu

former Arsenal striker. I explained that his agent had told me he

Debuchy. The two players embraced and kissed passionately on

was busy up until the beginning of the New Year. Giroud candidly

the lips after Giroud scored a simple tap in from a Debuchy cross.

interjects, “Titi? I trained with him this morning” adding “Do you

Whilst the French news channels went into overdrive repeatedly

want me to call him for you?” “No it’s OK”. That ship had passed

showing the clip and debating homosexuality in football, Giroud

and now I was far more compelled with his story, after all he was

who is married and was non-plussed by the furore. “We simply

26 | SEEN Sport Magazine

Olivier Giroud heads the ball. Arsenal v Tottenham.

Emirates Stadium, London UK. 1st September 2013.

brushed [cheeks]. I was just thanking him. I am an affectionate

helpful Manchester United fan that was working in the ticket office,

person. There’s nothing more to It.” he explained.

he is the first to recognise the dashing forward. We descended via the lift into the labyrinth like station to conduct our shoot.

Move forward a year and the current debate surrounding the

The French striker was in good form throughout, relaxed and

striker is far less taboo but nonetheless equally as passionate.

accommodating. As I peered through my lens I wondered how

Does Olivier Giroud have what it takes to fire Arsenal to glory?

he managed to get his hair to look so perfect? It reminded me of

And more importantly can he help them win their first piece of

the Shockwave days back in the eighties when I was at school in

silverware in nearly a decade?

London. I always fancied myself as a dead ringer for Matt Goss out of Bros and modelled my hair accordingly. I couldn’t help but

We headed off towards Hampstead tube station. I was surprised

reach out to touch his quiff. “Hey, what do you use on that?” I said

that no one recognised him. The yummy mummies dashed to the

as my right hand approached his hairline. Quicker than a Floyd

next rendez-vous and white van drivers were simply engrossed

Mayweather check hook he retracted and recoiled my advances

in navigating the traffic. Gracious to a fault, the Arsenal striker

to touch his trademark crowning glory. I joked “Not the hair then”

seemed to enjoy the laid back nature of our meeting. I spoke

He laughed. “Hey, what about Rooney, he has great hair” I said,

candidly about my life, living in London and also my new life in

he simply smirked and diplomatically said “Yeah”.

France. I explained that it was not in my nature to try and expose his faults, failings or delve into his private life. I’ve always been

We spent about Twenty minutes shooting our portraits and traded

a great believer in speaking as I find and if I’m being honest the

some stories about life. I recounted a story about a visit to Kenya

Arsenal striker just seemed like a normal guy who had worked

when I was about 25 and the locals called at me “Beckham,

hard, landed on his feet and was enjoying the trappings of his

Beckham!”. However, when I returned at 35 years of age and a

success.

few pounds heavier I was embraced as “Rooney, Rooney!”.

We had a mischievous giggle and decided after spending nearly

As we arrived at the station we were greeted by a very jovial and

two hours chatting and shooting the feature that it was time to

SEEN Sport Magazine | 27

call it a day. I couldn’t help thinking that very soon, it would not

Southampton. His coach Arsene Wenger was quick to back him

be possible for Giroud to walk the streets of London unnoticed.

when he was the subject of criticism stating that, “I am sure he will

He was in fine form and starting to make a big impression at The

have a major impact on the second half of the season”.

Emirates. It had been a fun and refreshing afternoon. There were no airs or graces about him, he simply asked what I wanted to

In a Premier League title race that is rapidly becoming a soap

do during our shoot and obliged when I directed him. A dedi-

opera, Olivier Giroud is playing a leading part. The recent losses

cated follower of fashion, he assured me that the clothes do not

to Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Stoke City plus the tabloid

make this man. Football and family are his first loves. He has had

exposé which forced him to make an unprecedented apology to

to work hard to get to where he is now. The recurring theme

his club, family, fans and wife have set a catalyst for an epic finale

throughout our first meeting, was that winning something with

to the season. Arsenal are still very live contenders for the FA

Arsenal this season is his greatest motivation and it’s something

Cup and Premier League crowns and whilst the stakes are high

that he believes he is destined to help the North London club

for the club, the stakes and pressure have just been raised for

achieve, after a barren spell of almost a decade.

the likeable Frenchman. His moment of truth has arrived. Having proven his doubters wrong in the past, it is down to the Olivier

As we say goodbye I told him that my nephew wanted to come

Giroud to show beyond doubt that he still is “le buteur de charme”

and meet him today. He is a mad Arsenal fan and like so many

and repay the faith of the fans, family and Arsenal football club by

teenagers wants to play in the Premier League for the Gunners.

winning some silverware. Nothing else matters.

Unfortunately, when I called my nephew that morning he was ill and couldn’t come. He sounded dejected on the phone at miss-

As a centre forward many observers would simply judge you

ing out on a dream opportunity to meet his Arsenal idol. Ever

on goals scored in a season. However, your role appears to be

the Gooner and a true Gunners fan he declared that “he didn’t

slightly different to an out and out striker. How would you best

want to pass on his cold to Giroud” adding, “what would they do

describe you role in the Arsenal team?

without him?”.

I know that strikers are judged on goals and assists. I’m ok when I

The Arsenal striker smiles as I recount my story. I explain that my

do a link up with my team mates for the team because it’s always

nephew is related to the former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell.

a pleasure to assist, but I prefer to score for sure. I try to hold the

“Have you heard of Kevin Campbell?” I ask. “No, I don’t know

ball up, to help my team mates. I like to participate in the game,

him.” replied Giroud. Campbell who was largely overshadowed

I’m not only a centre forward who stays in the box. I’m used to

by the goal scoring exploits of Arsenal legend Ian Wright failed to

assisting my team mates and I’m happy when I help the team to

live up to the hype back in the day. Giroud, however is keen not

win.

to follow suit and is desperate to prove that although he is a very different player to his predecessors Bergkamp, Henry, Van Persie

Is there now a growing belief this season that this Arsenal

and cult hero Alan Smith, he has what it takes to be remembered

team can finally achieve the success of past teams and win the

as an Arsenal great.

Premier League and other titles?

With that we shook hands and said goodbye. As I turned to

I am sure that we can win something this year, I can feel some-

walk up Hampstead High Street he hollered “Hey, text me your

thing special and we know each other much better. We have a

nephew’s name and I will reserve two tickets for the match on

very good understanding on the pitch, especially with Mesmut

Wednesday night”. It was a nice touch and another display of his

Ozil offensively and defensively with Mathieu Flamini who is a

generous nature.

really great player; he helps us have a great balance defensively and he has done really well since the beginning of the season. We

In the weeks that proceeded our photo shoot there was growing

have the squad, I think to go and win something. I don’t know, but

frustration at the gilt edged chances spurned by Giroud and his

we have a lot of success in whatever we do. We are quite special

apparent inability to score a goal north of the M25. However,

and could win something, I really trust in our qualities and I have

determined to do it his own way, Giroud proved his mettle scor-

big hopes this season.

ing the winning goal against Newcastle United and continued on a fine run of form also netting against Aston Villa, Coventry and

28 | SEEN Sport Magazine

You had the choice of signing for a lot of big teams in Europe

Olivier Giroud leads the attack.

Arsenal v Stoke City.

Emirates Stadium, London UK. 22nd September 2013.

Olivier Giroud celebrates after the match. Toulouse v Montpellier HRC. Stade Municipal, Toulouse, France.

27th April 2011.

including Bayern Munich, Newcastle as well?

(Laughs..)

What made you choose Arsenal over the others?

To be honest I always wanted to play in the Premier League and Arsenal was the best club/team for a French guy. Because of their history of the legends that played for Arsenal like Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Pires, Henry, Wiltord and I forget a lot. I always wanted to play for Arsenal and it was a dream come true when my agent spoke with Arsene Wenger. I made my career step by step you know and I was conscious that I could reach my objective and I’m really grateful for what I have achieved in my young career. I now want to help Arsenal win something.

Did it take some time to adapt to English life after leaving Montpellier? London is quite different.

To be honest I had trouble with the food first! (Laughs). No I’m joking. It’s true. Yeah, I really like the French food. It is maybe one of the things I miss most from France, but to be fair I have to say we have a really good chef at Arsenal.

Is he a French Chef?

No a German one. Also the English Chef we have had for a long time made us some good food for the coach [team bus], so I’m eating well. I’m ok with that. It’s just when I go to the restaurant there is maybe less good restaurants. There is a lot of choice because London is a big city, lots of things to do, to discover.

You know I like to go to the museum, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the British museum as well so I’m never bored in London.

My family really enjoy the sight seeing. However, I miss especially the food, the weather and the mountains. You know I was born in Chambéry so I love to ski when I was young and still love it. But, I know in my career I can’t ski because it’s too dangerous, but it’s ok I will do it after my career. So yeah I miss the mountains, the weather and the food, but apart from that everything else is lovely in London.

What is it like being coached by Arsene Wenger...you can’t say anything bad?

(Laughs) I’m really proud to play for Arsenal, especially to have a boss like Arsene Wenger who desired me. I was really proud and honoured and I want to give back on the pitch. You know our fans made a song for me since the beginning of last season, so of all the things I’m really proud to play for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger for me is a technician and he knows football very well.

It’s a pleasure to talk with him and share our points of view.

SEEN Sport Magazine | 31

The Arsenal fans appear to have taken a great shine to you and

dangerous and you must be careful of that. It’s ok I’m not crazy,

have even invented a new rendition of The Beatles song “Hey

I’m responsible and I know what I have to do.

Jude” with your name. Do you like British music?

Yeah I love British music, rock.

You saw the news about the actor Paul Walker from The Fast and The Furious movies who died in a horrific car crash?

Was it strange when you heard the fans sing the song for the

Yes it’s crazy, I’m so sad for him, it’s just so sad, it’s shocking,

first time?

terrible.

Yes, the first home game against Sunderland I was on the bench and then during the game against Liverpool I heard it and it was

If Arsenal could sign one of two players which would you

amazing because I had heard the song (Hey Jude) so many times

choose Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

before. It gave me goosebumps and I really wanted to die on

Oh, Ribery. (Laughs). Really I have no preference. Like I have no

the pitch for them. That is one of the things I love in the English

preference between Barca and Real Madrid. Some friends ask

Premier League, the public and the players both give pleasure.

me which player I prefer, but I think they are both amazing. They

When people love you it’s fantastic!

are big stars, the best players in the world so there is no way to choose. Just respect.

You were dubbed “le buteur de charme” (the charm striker) by the French media.

After your career in football will you become a diplomat?

Le buteur de chambre? You mean like a room?

(Laughs) Yeah, yeah.

No charme, as in charming.

I think France needs a new leader anyway?

Oh the charming striker (laughs), really!!

(Laughs)

I’m not a woman, but apparently due to your style and good looks?

You started your professional career at Grenoble and then

(Laughs)

played with Intros and Tours before establishing yourself at Montpellier where you won the Ligue 1 title. Was there one

Does fashion play an important part in your life? There are a

person that inspired you during your time with these clubs?

lot of young guys at the club and I saw something in the paper

There wasn’t one person, there were lots of people like the coach

about your dress sense?

in Istres and Tour as well. My family for sure played a big part in

No. You know I take care about my shape, my hair you know. My

my career, my coaches, my friends I met along the way who I

team mates are sometimes killing me about that, but I take it with

always keep in touch with and I’m really proud of where I’m from.

a big smile in a joking way. It’s part of my personality and I like

There is not a person, but it’s a collective of different people. I

a good outfit you know. My appearance is important, but I don’t

took one memory from each club that I played with.

want to be a Model. I just want to do my job on the pitch, but if people give me some compliments I just take it.

Winning Ligue 1 with Montpellier must have been special.

Everyone thought it would be PSG?

What are your interests outside of football?

Except for us!

I love skiing, I love cars, I love spending time with my friends and my family.

You had a great partnership with Younès Belhanda. Was there one specific moment that stands out for you from that

You like fast cars?

season?

Yeah, I’m a crazy fan of mechanics you know. I love every sport

Yes the best memory for me was when I assisted Karim Ait-Fana

and when I can play sport in the holiday I play volleyball, tennis,

to win the game against Lille in the penultimate game; game 37.

golf.

It was unbelievable, I received a long ball and managed to stay onside and crossed the ball for Ait-Fana to score in injury time,

Are you restricted from what you can do?

you know it was amazing! After that game we had our destiny in

No karting, no ascending parachutes, no skiing you know it’s

our own hands, we just had to win the last game in Auxerre. It

32 | SEEN Sport Magazine

Olivier Giroud weathers the storm during the match between Arsenal and Fulham at Craven Cottage, London UK. 24th August 2013.

was crazy in Place de la Comédie they had TV screens and all

Cup qualifier against Ukraine turned to adulation and pride in

the people in Montpellier really enjoyed it. It was an amazing

France when the team won 3-0 in the return leg and qualified

experience.

for the World Cup in Brazil. Before the game you said “We are ready to die on the pitch in order to qualify for the finals. We

Louis Nicollin the President of Montpellier, is he a crazy guy?

want to show the people of France that we are proud to repre-

Yes crazy, he could be really grateful when you win, but when you

sent our country.” Do you feel inspired that this new generation

lose he had some punchlines (Laughs).

of players can now go on to succeed in Brazil and make their own mark?

Do you think this will be last time that a smaller team like

1998 is over now. That team was unbelievable and they won the

Montpellier win the League now that you have the likes of

World Cup, but we want to give the French people a new story.

mega rich PSG and Monaco?

Everybody knows that we had some trouble, but this image of us

Oh yeah. Montpellier in the last season lost lots of players. It’s not

is in the past and we move forward and want to do something

the same team, it’s another cycle. They have to start from the bot-

good for the World Cup. I’m sure we have qualities to win if we

tom again. They have to restart again with young players. If you

are all focused on the same target, I know we could beat a lot of

look at the previous years it was always the big teams like Lyon,

good teams.

Marseille and PSG that won the league. That’s why it was good

Including England?

for us and more special, more appreciated.

Yes, yes including England. I don’t put England in the best teams to win the World Cup. I think Brazil, Spain and Germany are at

The feeling of despair and dismay following the first leg World

34 | SEEN Sport Magazine

the top.

you think you answered them in the best way by scoring the France are better than England?

winner against Newcastle?

(Smiles) I think so yeah. I would like to play against England.

Yes the best way to do it is on the pitch. After this I don’t care about haters, I know my qualities and I know what I bring to the

What did Didier Deschamps and Noel Le Graet say to you as

team. That is the most important thing to me.

a team to get such a positive reaction ahead of the Ukraine game?

What do you think of diving in football?

Yes they inspire us and try to give us confidence, we must be

It’s not necessary to dive because there are lots of cameras, you

proud and honoured to wear the jersey. We needed to show

know. I did it once against Liverpool, but he touched me (Daniel

another face of French football, with more commitment and deter-

Agger), however it was not enough for a foul. I think It’s not a

mination. Even though we did not do so bad.

good example for the young kids though.

In the first leg France did not play to their full capability?

Thierry Henry said “As a striker you need to pass the line of

Yes but Ukraine fouled a lot, they were really dirty.

being a killer,” “He (Giroud) has that in his eyes now.” Do you think this could be your defining season?

What was the atmosphere like after you beat Ukraine in

In my second season at the club it is better for me. I would like to

Paris?

continue scoring goals and hope to win something with Arsenal

The atmosphere was amazing. When I grabbed the microphone

this season.

and we sang La Marseillaise we bonded with the fans, we shared the same feeling. It was an unbelievable and unforgettable

What did you learn from the Man City defeat?

experience.

When we play in away games we have to stay really deep and not attack too much. Man City did really well on the counter attack, so

Do you now feel confident that the French team have as good

they managed to score six goals. We must remain in our half, we

a chance to succeed in Brazil?

attacked too much and they used this to their benefit. When you

Yes I think if we do our thing we could well. We just have to be

concede six goals you are not going to win the game.

100 percent and believe in our spirit.

Are you looking forward to the return match at the Emirates?

Which players inspired you when you were growing up?

(Laughs) Yes, of course.

Shevchenko, Henry because he played for Arsenal and Van Basten before. I love this guy.

Will you score a hat trick?

I hope so.

There is a similarity between you and Van Basten. Maybe you can score a replica of his famous goal against Russia at the

Following a great start to the season Arsenal have suffered

World Cup?

several big defeats, namely against title rivals Manchester City

Yeah. I was also a fan of Zidane for sure.

(6-3) and Liverpool (5-1). Many have written off your team’s chances of winning the title, what are your thoughts on this?

You would have been 12 years old when France beat Brazil to

I think the team are still capable of winning something. We under-

win the World Cup, what are your memories of that night?

stand now in the Premier League to become champions we must

I was in the South of France at my cousins house, I was only 12

win all the time. It’s is not easy however. Against the top teams

years old so it was crazy… (breaks to sing “Aux Champs Elysées”

we must win, but what is also important is that we do not take any

by Joe Dassin which is ironically playing in the background). It

team lightly. We cannot think we are stronger, The players must

was a great memory, but no partying because I was too young

prove this during the full ninety minutes of each game. We must

(Laughs).

give our all to retain the chance for winning and becoming champions.

You had a lot of haters or critics over the Christmas period. Do

SEEN Sport Magazine | 35

“I don't care about haters, I know my qualities and I know what I bring to the team. That is the most important thing to me.� Olivier Giroud

EDITORIAL

Formula One 2014

Presentation of the new Mercedes F1 car F1W05. Nico Rosberg (GER, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team), Lewis Hamilton (GBR, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team) FIA Formula One World Championship 2014. Tests in Jerez de la Frontera.

Text by Ryan Colley & photos by Jürgen Tap

An EVEN Playing Field I

f ever there was a word to describe

possible outcomes.

operandi correct this season. One could

last year’s Formula One World

This is partly because of new regulations

be forgiven for thinking that if he doesn’t

Championship, a large majority of pet-

imposed by the FIA, which include the re-

leave for better drive, the Spaniard could

rol-heads out there would probably plump

arrangement of Q3 in order to make the

surprise the whole F1 fraternity by retiring,

for ‘Procession’ despite some quarters of

final qualifying session more exciting. This

however many years some may argue he

the popular press labelling the seasons

new regulation has been brought in to limit

has left in him.

end as ‘boring’ and ‘predictable’.

the amount of drivers who are found to be

If the new regulations are proven to be a

With the double heady cocktail of Sebastian

holding back and intent on saving their

potential handicap to the major players,

Vettel and the Red Bull’s Renault powered

tyres for the race itself.

then this will surely open a side entrance

RB9 engine being F1s equivalent of a

Early signs in practice for Melbourne tell

door for the likes of Force India’s Paul De

Vodka & Peach Snapps, the remainder of

us that Mercedes will be most bookmak-

Resta to step up on the big stage.

the pack were left with a serious hangover.

ers’ favourites for 2014. Lewis Hamilton,

Both he and Williams Pastor Maldonado

Indeed, for the second half of the 2013 cal-

rather than show confidence that this

(now with Lotus) may well have caused the

endar, the remaining 21 drivers in the field

could be his year was typical of his British

teams in the first few rows of the grid to

may just as well have watch Sky TV’s live

diplomat demeanour when he offered that

peak over their shoulders in 2013 had they

coverage at home.

Mercedes are one of many front runners

been provided with marginally better tools

This coming season however, which kicks

including the usual suspects Red Bull,

and luck to boot.

off with the competitions standard flag

Ferrari, Lotus and McLaren.

Newcomers to this year’s race calendar

raiser - Melbourne from March 14th-16th,

Fernando Alonso, fast becoming one of

include former Red Bull trainee Daniel

already appears to have thrown up a com-

F1’s elder statesmen at 33 will be pray-

Ricciardo, Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson of

plete polar opposite of predictions and

ing that his employers get their modus

Caterham, Kevin Magnussen of Denmark

40 | SEEN Sport Magazine

who joins up with McLaren and Russia’s

major title since a slightly less easily ruf-

Ring in Austria. The Indian Grand Prix has

Daniil Kyvat who put pen to paper for Toro

fled Alonso took the spoils in 2006.

been removed until 2015 while the Korean

Rosso. Ricciardo aside, all will be keen

Felipe Massa also cashed in his long time

race will be taken off the calendar com-

to impress upon potentially larger future

partnership with Ferrari by transferring

pletely owing to recent opposition in the

employers in the coming months.

to Williams – leaving behind him, a host

country.

Ricciardo finally gets the nod to prove he

missed championship chances and some

A change in engines for all cars sees the

is worthy of a drive with the current world

awfully bad luck.

old V8 2.4 litre engine being ousted in

champions and pay back all the early faith

Despite the obvious favourites being

place of a new V6 turbo-charged 1.6 litre

his team has shown in him.

touted, testing in Bahrain has revealed that

capacity which allows for more energy

With fellow Aussie Mark Webber signing-

Force India’s Sergio Perez was fastest in

recovery during a race.

off at the end of last season, there will be

practice two days running. With these early

All fans of Formula One will be sitting

big things expected from the youngster. It

results being by no means a barometer for

glued to their screens come mid-March

will be interesting to see how he handles

the rest of the season, news such as this

in the hope that we see a spectacle in

the dual pressure of his maiden season

will lift the hearts and minds of those on

2014 that goes some way to resembling

and playing No.2 to one of the sport’s

the payroll of the teams sitting just outside

the days of Hunt and Lauda when rivalries

greatest ever drivers.

the so called big four of five teams.

and the standard of driving were arguably

Those who made a switch to other teams

For the first time in 100 years, there will be

at their best……aviation shades are fine,

for better or worse include Kimi Raikkonen

a race added to the itinerary from Russia.

but hopefully the drivers will remember to

to Ferrari, therefore surely boosting the

The Sochi International Street Circuit will

leave any dodgy sideburns at home.

Rossoneris chances of landing a first

be joined alongside Spielberg’s Red Bull

#14 Fernando Alonso (ESP, Scuderia Ferrari).

FIA Formula One World Championship 2014.

Tests in Bahrain.

Formula One Schedule 2014 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Mar 16 Mar 30 Apr 6 Apr 20 May 11 May 25 Jun 8 Jun 22 Jul 6 Jul 20 Jul 27 Aug 24 Sep 7 Sep 21 Oct 5 Oct 12 Nov 2 Nov 9 Nov 23

Australian Grand Prix Malaysia Grand Prix Bahrain Grand Prix Chinese Grand Prix Spanish Grand Prix Monaco Grand Prix Canadian Grand Prix Austrian Grand Prix British Grand Prix German Grand Prix Hungarian Grand Prix Belgian Grand Prix Italian Grand Prix Singapore Grand Prix Japanese Grand Prix Russian Grand Prix United States Grand Prix Brazilian Grand Prix Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

#3 Daniel Ricciardo (AUS, Infiniti Red Bull Racing). FIA Formula One World Championship 2014. Tests in Bahrain.

FEATURE

Wimbledon AFC

THE REAL DONS This is Wimbledon! This is where the Real Dons would like to ply their trade after more than Twenty years of uncertainty, indecision and no home ground to call their own. Wimbledon’s loyal football fans now have a glimmer of hope that they could finally make it back home. The long lost dream could be edging nearer as plans were revealed recently for a proposed new community-focused stadium to be built on the greyhound site in Plough Lane, the ancestral home of their predecessors Wimbledon FC.

46 | SEEN Sport Magazine

SEEN Sport Magazine | 47

H

aving attended school in Wimbledon as a teenager and been a regular at Plough Lane, I decided to take a walk down memory lane and also embrace the new football

revolution taking place at AFC Wimbledon. They had just put forward a proposal to Merton council to rebuild and regenerate the old greyhound stadium in Plough Lane and bring the Dons back home where they belong. The club are working with Galliard Homes and hoping that they can win approval for the site to be designated for use as a football stadium. Constructing the first phase of the stadium is expected to cost in the region of £16m.

Funds will be raised through a combination of naming rights for the new stadium, a Community Share issue and funds from enabling development. Welcoming the move, Chief Executive Erik Samuelson sounded a note of caution. “There is a long way to go before our plans become a reality,” he said.

The local council is currently considering an audacious bid to build an 11,000 capacity, purpose-built stadium. The new stadium will have the flexibility to expand in stages to 20,000, matching the club’s growth and development on and off the pitch. It has been a long battle and fight that is ongoing, but one can only hope this very intriguing story finally reaches it’s rightful conclusion and football’s most nomadic of tribes “The Dons” can return home to the borough of their birthplace.

The sun was shining bright in the Borough of Kingston-UponThames, just a bus ride away from Plough Lane and the current home of AFC Wimbledon. The club are edging ever closer to SW19, but for now they are content to play their football in front of a sell out crowd of 5,000 fans at the Cherry Reds Stadium in Kingston. Northampton are the visitors today for the Divison 2 game. It’s the first time I have watched Wimbledon play since a freezing cold Wednesday night in November 1994. Vinnie Jones, Warren Barton, Oyvind Leonhardsen and current AFC Manager Neil Ardley all scored in an enthralling match against Aston Villa at Selhurst Park, another former home. I wasn’t expecting as much drama today. I was just happy that I was able to watch The Dons after so many years and so much drama.

Having lived in South West France for nearly a decade, my opportunity to follow the rise of AFC Wimbledon has been somewhat limited. I find myself in the less salubrious surroundings of the Cambridge Road in Kingston Upon Thames. As I pull up and park my car in a close, about 10 minutes from the stadium, I notice that the houses resemble the dated architecture of the late eighties.

48 | SEEN Sport Magazine

Matchday ambience. AFC Wimbledon v Northampton. Cherry Red Records Stadium, Kingston, UK. 5th October 2013.

The red brick, two story houses are divided up into a horseshoe shape of dwellings that are ensconced in closes with dynamic names such as Nevada Close or Oregon Close. Despite the bizarre reference to these sunshine states, life here looks bleak and uninspiring. The area is in desperate need of investment. I spot a run down caravan in a nearby front garden that would not look out of place in Shameless and it makes me recall Maggie Thatcher’s great dream “That everyone can be a proud home owner”. The grand redevelopment of new cities such as Milton Keynes and new housing projects such as these have left a scar on the country and without the proper care and investment from the government, local communities such as these are crying out for some joy, a bright light and inspiration.

It was abundantly clear to me that the Iron Lady was selling an empty dream. One that lacked purpose and moreover soul and character. Where are the youth clubs, the community centres and activity centres that create unison, harmony and a sense of being in these local communities? Much like Wimbledon football club, this community have been left high and dry by the powers that be.

What is commendable however is that AFC Wimbledon are trying desperately to change the status quo and embrace the local community through football and this is to be commended.

As I walked to the stadium it made me realise just why it is so important for AFC Wimbledon to return home. The locals fans are all smiling, there is a convivial atmosphere and a sense of pride and belonging. Northampton are the visitors today and likewise their fans are in good spirits. I feel transported back into time when players wages, foreign imports and WAGS were not the topics of conversation.

AFC Wimbledon really are football’s equivalent of the nomadic tribes of the Serengeti. Loyal and resolute, the commitment of their fans knows no bounds. In a time when foreign based investment from Russian Oligarchs and the Qatari’s oil tycoons changes the landscape of football forever, the story of AFC Wimbledon is a glimmer of hope that “the little man” can succeed, even if for now it is in the lower echelons of the English football league.

I walked around the stadium and surrounding area to explore what pre-match rituals the fans were engaging in and soak up the atmosphere. There was a real mixture of ages in attendance.

It was instantly apparent that AFC Wimbledon is a family orientated club. Young kids honed their ball juggling skills and pitted themselves against one another in a game of five aside outside the Tempest Stand entrance. Fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts and

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“The cinematic qualities of the vociferous crowd reminded me of Mike Leigh’s raw, grimy kitchen sink reality movies...”

bonded us teenagers together. The escapades of the team on and off the pitch enabled us to forget the petulance of our local school rivalries and gangs for one day at least and simply revel in the excitement of watching David beat Goliath on a frequent basis. We all joined in union, stood shoulder-to-shoulder and cheered on The Dons! Those were the glory years for the club and a focal point in my youth. It’s a collective experience that bound Wimbledon supporters together and is still evident today

friends looked on with a smile whilst downing a pint.

The more fanatical Dons followers congregated around a hastily set up stall that sold commemorative badges. I headed away from the anoraks and tagged along behind a group of late morning revellers headed up the Cambridge Road like the Bisto Kids entranced by the aroma of cooking bacon and sausages. For them a late brunch beckoned at the nearby Fatboys Cafe. It’s the unofficial dining hotspot for The Dons and also welcome stop for the traveling supporters. Situated on the Cambridge Road on route to Kingston, the café walls are adorned with AFC Dons ticker tape and paraphernalia. The kitchen staff exchanged banter with their clients whilst frying up what appeared to be a never decreasing mountainous supply of bacon and sausages. Elbows raised and faces down, the race was on to finish the famous “Mega” with beans before the big match kicked off.

I decided to join the crowd and tuck into some high cholesterol comfort food in order to keep myself fuelled for a cold afternoon photographing the game from the touchline. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a middle aged fan wearing a 1988 Wimbledon FA Cup winning shirt approaching me. He asked if I was a Journalist.

The dictaphone and camera sitting next to me on the table were a giveaway. I nodded in confirmation. He introduced himself as John and we started chatting about the past; where it all went wrong, the good times, and the new adventure with AFC Wimbledon.

It transpired that like me he had been a regular on the terraces back in the mid-eighties. He too had traveled to Plough Lane on the top deck of the 156 bus to watch Alan Cork, John Fashanu, Lawrie Sanchez and could outmuscle the mulleted superstars of the day, Hoddle, Waddle, Souness, Venison and Mark Lawrenson.

It was hard to imagine that was 25 years ago. Smoking on the buses was allowed, mobile phones were the size of a suitcase and more often than not the odour of red seal cannabis mixed with Benson and Hedges emanated throughout the top deck on match days. Wimbledon Football club was the common link that

50 | SEEN Sport Magazine

at The Cherry Reds stadium under the guise of “The Real Dons – AFC Wimbledon”.

When the club was sold and rebranded as MK Dons many fans felt disenfranchised and rightly so. “I just never understood why or how they could just throw away all that was good about the club, simply for money. That is not and never has been what Wimbledon football club is about” Said John. He expressed his dismay at how shoddily the Wimbledon fans had been treated in the past by the previous Chairman, owners and of course Sam Hammam. “Sam Hammam made a fortune I guess, maybe it was his retirement fund?” I chimed.

“Oh don’t get me started about him. I tell you one thing, he is not welcome around here, never would be after what he did to us” replied the fan. “The last I heard or saw of him was when he took over Cardiff. That didn’t end too well for him did it? We are still here, where is he now?” Probably chilling on the beach somewhere I thought.

On that note, I decided it was time to head to the ground. The players were warming up and fans tucked into even more culinary delights on the terraces. The burgeoning waistlines of some of the fans would have been a shock to master juicer Justin Vale.

Fast food and beer was the fuel that fanned the flames of this resolute bunch as they cheered on their “Dons”. I walked around the stadium and chatted with supporters and shot a few landscapes and candid portraits. I really wanted to capture the essence of AFC Wimbledon and how far they had to go in order to scale the heights of their predecessors. A John Lennon song played over the tannoy before the teams came out onto the pitch. I can’t recall exactly which song, but did think at the time “Working Class Hero” would have been quite apt. If you were looking for glamour then the terraces at The Cherry Reds Stadium would be not be the best place to come. The cinematic qualities of the vociferous crowd reminded me of Mike Leigh’s raw, grimy kitchen sink reality movies, rather than the polished veneer of a Spike Lee joint.

The game kicked off and it was clear that there would be no ‘tika-

Wimbledon FC celebrate after beating Liverpool in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. 14th May 1988.

tika’ today. Both teams huffed and puffed and it would appear

tell us a bit about what we have to do and what aspirations we

AFC Wimbledon left their game plan in the dressing room. Their

should have this season.”

coach Neil Ardley became more and more enraged as his play-

“We knew what they would do and my staff and I prepped

ers made silly errors and failed to penetrate the Northampton

them on everything and I can’t defend my players. It was

defence. A scrappy goal by Northampton’s Lee Collins put a

unacceptable.”

dampener on things mid-way through the first half as the visitors

The game was frustrating for the Dons fans and their coach, but

went 1-0. Whilst the Dons tried in vain to get some cohesion, the

for me it was a joy to be able to mingle with and watch the fans

crowd still chanted and sang with the same enthusiasm as if they

cheer on their team with reckless abandon. It was not so long

were winning. As the first half came to a close, I looked around

ago that Wimbledon football club was dead and buried. It was

and was felt transported into my youth. I recognised some of the

a clear reminder to me that having covered the likes of PSG, FC

fans from the terraces of Plogh Lane. Their faces were showing

Barcelona and Monaco in recent months that this is where real

the sign of battle and the rigours of life. A little chubbier and

football fans can be found. Grassroots football is an integral part

more wrinkled, but happy all the same.

of soccer’s survival to embrace everyone from every walk of life. It’s not just called the beautiful game because if it’s ability

It had been a frustrating opening period and one that highlighted

to entrance us with it’s choreographed athleticism. It’s called the

that for all the development off the pitch, the team are in need of

beautiful game because it can break down boundaries between

constant improvement and reinvestment as well. The story was

race, creed and sexual orientation. AFC Wimbledon have lost

pretty much the same in the second half, Northampton countered

a match to Northampton today, but their undying love for their

and nicked a second goal via Stuart Dallas. AFC Dons mounted

team, their love for environment, their undying belief that it is

pressure but their attack lacked cutting edge. Even the introduc-

their right to return home and their pride in the community shine

tion of AFC legend Jack Midson could not turn the tide.

through above and beyond any football score. They may have lost one or two fights along the way, but like the greatest adver-

Frustrated by the loss, Neil Ardley berated his players “I’m frus-

saries in history they are on the cusp of winning the ultimate

trated and disappointed by the players...I challenged them prior

battle – to return home to their rightful place Plough Lane and

to the game, and said it’s a game we should win and it would

SW19. Lets hope that football finally is coming home!

SEEN Sport Magazine | 51

Top (L): AFC Wimbledon huddle together before the SKY BET League 2 match between AFC Wimbledon and Northampton United. The Cherry Red Records Stadiums, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK. 5th October 2013 Bottom (L): Jack Midson attacks for AFC Wimbledon.

(R): Luke Moore of AFC Wimbledon heads the ball forward.

FACTIFILE AFC Wimbledon holds the record for the longest,

21st century and to make it into the Football League.

unbeaten run of league matches in English senior football, having played 78 consecutive league games

PROPOSALS FOR NEW STADIUM

without a defeat between February 2003 and December 2004.

To build (in stages) a high-quality 20,000-seat stadium suitable for championship level football.

On 30th May 2002 a band of loyal supporters of the club

The initial stadium will open with a capacity of

led by Kris Stewart and fellow founding members Marc

approximately 11,000, at a build cost of £16m.

Jones and Trevor Williams, announced plans to create a new club dubbed "AFC Wimbledon"

To use the new stadium to generate income to secure the long-term sustainability of AFC Wimbledon while

Phone hacking suspect Glenn Mulcaire was the first

maintaining affordable matchday admission prices and

ever goal scorer for AFC Wimbledon when he blasted a

increasing attendances.

stunning strike against Bromley in July 2002.

To integrate the stadium into the wider Plough Lane The club was founded in 2002 as a result of the decision

development which will become a focal point and a

for Wimbledon F.C.'s relocation to Milton Keynes

catalyst for further development in the local area.

When AFC Wimbledon was formed, it entered the

Community:

Premier Division of the Combined Counties League, which is the ninth tier in English football.

The aim is to attract all age groups from all sections of the local communities and promote sporting participa-

The club gained promotion to League Two when they

tion, education, social inclusion and health.

beat Luton Town 4–3 in a penalty shoot-out, in the Play Off Final on 21st May 2011.

In 2012 AFC Wimbledon received the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award for its great community work.

AFC Wimbledon are the first club to be formed in the

INTERVIEW

Tom Watt on Arsenal

Writer and Actor, Tom Watt.

(Photo by David Woolfall.)

Text, interview & photos by Eoin Mundow

THE CLASS OF 2014 KEEPING THE FAITH What Alex Ferguson can boast in silverware, Arsene Wenger can

of the new boy Ozil has given everyone a lift really. I don't think

match in business acumen. Whilst most of the top teams fail to

we have seen the very best of Ozil yet, but I do think he has had

deliver a healthy balance sheet, Arsenal have become the fourth

a real affect on everybody else.

richest club in the world. With the wonderful Emirates Stadium paid for and the team battling it out for the Premier League title

Do you think Arsenal will win the League?

with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool, things do not look

I don't know, there is a lot that can happen between now and May,

too bad for the Gunners. Their demise has been greatly exag-

but I have a very good feeling about it and this team. This is the

gerated in the media. A new breed of young lions are creating

first time in many seasons that all we have to do is worry about

their own destiny and with it, lighting up the Premier League with

playing football. We have paid off the debt on the stadium. We

a display of creative genius, dogged determination and collec-

made a decision to pay off the debt for the stadium as quickly as

tive harmony. We discussed this season’s wonderful start with

possible and that meant we had to cut our costs and in seven or

Journalist, Tom Watt and ask whether the Gunners can finally

eight years people will understand it's a bloody miracle what he

deliver their first title at the Emirates.

has done; Arsene Wenger, it's a miracle.

I doubt there is another manager in world football that could have

Many people criticised Arsene Wenger for not mak-

built the best football stadium in British football and paid for it and

ing enough signings in the summer, apart from Ozil.

kept the team in the Champions League every season. We are

Did you fear that this season would be unsuccessful?

were at least 88 other clubs in this country would die to be. In a

I think Arsenal are in a good place at the moment and they were

funny way we have managed to get back to being a football team.

also in a good place at the second half of last season. The signing

The stadium has been secured. We have signed Ozil and I think

SEEN Sport Magazine | 59

we are going to be able to make signings like that as and when

is that you add to that from wherever you can.

we want to. I don't think anyone is really going to have to worry about the price tag as it were, but obviously you want value for

I was thinking of the old Alan Hansen quote that “you can't win

money. Ultimately, I think we have a very good group of players

anything with kids� in reference to Manchester United's class

at the moment. They are a talented group and the right sort, you

of 92.

know what I mean? They are a very good bunch, I mean as human

These are not kids, you know. Theo Walcott has played 200 odd

beings, as well as Footballers. I think that really counts for some-

games, none of them, barring Jenkinson probably, could you

thing, there is a real genuine togetherness and humility about

describe as a kid and even he has played 40 odd games and

them as a group and I think it bodes well for the future.

even played for England for goodness sake. You know he is not exactly a boy. They’re not kids, they are young, but they have got

Obviously Arsene Wenger loves his French players and there

plenty in front of them, they are just a good bunch of lads.

has been a shift towards signing German talent recently Serge Gnabry, Ozil, Mertesacker and Podolski is this a sign of things

I think the comparison I was trying to make was not so much

to come?

that they were kids, that was more from the Manchester United

Obviously the Germans are producing good players, but per-

perspective. I don't think we have seen a group of players come

sonally I don't think that is the significant bit really. I think the

through like that for so long. Maybe I'm wrong but I think it

significant bit is Jenkinson, Gibbs, Wilshire, Walcott, Oxlade-

bodes well for Arsenal in the future.

Chamberlain and Ramsey that is the key for me. Those six British

No, United haven't seen a group like that come through again.

players, who are also really good lads, have the right stuff about

To be honest that's a once in a lifetime thing and I don't think that

Much like Arsenal teams in the past that have had English players

will ever happen again. You know there is only Wilshire and Gibbs

at the core. It's a really strong group and I think the significant bit

that have come through at Arsenal and the others have been

60 | SEEN Sport Magazine

bought from elsewhere and bought wisely and they have been

you know I think it's getting there. The atmosphere is improving

bought young. A risk has been taken on them early on, other than

all the time.

waiting for them to establish themselves.

Obviously the day will come when Arsene Wenger will leave As an Arsenal fan is it a totally different experience at the

Arsenal. Does that fill you full of dread?

Emirates as opposed to Highbury?

Well, you worry about that when it happens. Personally I don't

The miracle of the new stadium is it's round the corner. To be

think that is going to happen for a while. I think he has given

honest any other club would have moved to somewhere where

Arsenal his most sustained period of success in it's history. Alright,

someone else is going to pick up the bill like West Ham are about

we haven't won anything in a while, but in that time he has built

to do or Man City did, or they could have moved out to the M25

the best stadium in Britain and I keep saying he has because

to a ground field site where it would have cost half the money but

without his approach it would not have been possible to build that

still would have got the same amount of supporters. No, no the

stadium. Obviously a lot of people were really involved in that,

important thing is where it is. The new stadium is never going to

including the late Danny Fiszman, god rest his soul. You know

have the same history or same feel as Highbury did, but I think

the whole thing was managed on Arsene being able to manage

a lot of the things are similar. The difference though is that one

a budget where a lot of money was going into the property side

out of every three people there would not have been able to get

rather than the football side and I think, I feel we are out of that

a ticket into Highbury. It's bigger so you get a different sort of

now, that is behind us. I'm now looking forward and we are taking

atmosphere at the Emirates than you did at Highbury.

advantage of the situation now.

They have definitely made it home. I think they need to win something there to be honest to make it feel like home. I think there

Teams such as Tottenham and Manchester City have blown

have been some really great evenings when it did feel like home,

millions of pounds on players and Arsenal appear to have had

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Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger.

a different approach. Do you think it's testament to Arsene Wenger's managerial skills?

Arsenal Defender Bacary Sagna

It's not exactly like we have not wasted money. Although, we

celebrates after scoring against

haven't gone and spent lots of money on ready made players, I

Stoke City.

think there are times where we have spent too much on players hoping they would develop both in terms of fees and wages. We have spent money on players hoping they would develop and they haven't and I think that is one of our shortcomings. No, he has a particular way of going about things and fair play to him.

Do you pop down to watch the youth team when you get time?

Yeah, I have a look. There are one or two. I think the days of five or six players coming through like they did in the class of 92 at Manchester United, I don't think we will see that again. I think if you get a first teamer every two or three years through your youth system, then you are doing pretty well. No I don't see five or six lads who will be ready for first team football. But I see the possibility of one or two coming through and the others going on to have good careers elsewhere.

So finally do you think they will win something this season and be successful?

Phew I really don’t know. I’m not in the business of predicting will they or won’t. It really comes down to how you define success. I think the team are in a good place right now.

Arsenal Midfielder Aaron Ramsey celebrates after scoring against Stoke City.

Arsenal new breed. Giroud, Jenkinson, Ramsey, Gibbs, Koscielny, Szczesny and Mertesacker shake hands with their North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspurs at the Emirates Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT

Ed Mulholland

Adonis Stevenson celebrates after knocking out Chad Dawson to win the WBC Light Heavyweight Championship. Montreal, Quebec.

8th June 2013.

I

f you are watching a big fight on HBO, the chances are that you would have spotted a guy with a Rutgers Scarlet Knights baseball cap. If you are a Boxing or UFC fan then there is also

a very high possibility that you have admired his wonderful photography. The fight game is like no other sport. A mixture of raw energy, drama, sporting endeavour, bravado and unfortunately sometimes human tragedy. It can be a roller coaster ride of emotions documenting the lives of the athletes, families and characters on the periphery of the gladiatorial art.

Ed Mulholland has fought his way to the top of the game and is held in high esteem by his fellow photographers, the fighters, TV executives and Picture Editors, many of whom he now counts as good friends. He is living the dream and is only too happy to inspire others to do the same.

The likeable and energetic New Yorker discusses his passion for photography, shooting combat sports and experiences so far in his quest to become the pound for pound king of ringside photography. We go behind the scenes and get access all areas to his wonderful portfolio of stunning imagery.

Interview by Eoin Mundow. Photos by Ed Mulholland.

through the lens

RINGSIDE Ed Mulholland

What was the first boxing match that got you hooked on the

Now I’m just living the dream so to speak.

sport?

The first fight that really got me hooked on boxing was Sugar

What was your big break?

Ray Leonard vs Tommy Hearns I. Just a sensational fight. Every

It was several things all within a month or so of each other. First

weekend I was tuned into the networks watching boxing. It was

I had a photo of Miguel Cotto, chosen as the Boxing Writers

always on HBO, NBC, ABC and CBS. I pretty much drove my

Association of America feature photo of the year. A couple of

parents nuts with the amount of boxing I watched growing up.

weeks later, I received a call from Electronic Arts wishing to license a photo I had taken from the Arturo Gatti-Mickey Ward

When and why did you decide to become a sports

III fight, for the cover of their video game Fight Night Round

photographer?

3. Finally, on a rather routine Wednesday afternoon, I received

Really it was just an odd bit of luck and not a career path I set

a call from HBO asking me to be in Atlantic City that Friday to

out for. I graduated from Rutgers University (hence the Rutgers

shoot the Hasim Rahman-James Toney fight for them. That initial

hat I always wear ringside) and was working in the healthcare

3 month contract has turned into 7 years of shooting for them.

industry. My wife Liz was pregnant with our daughter Kylie, and it was a tough pregnancy. We were both stressed and

Of all the fighters you have covered from Gatti and Cotto to

my brother Scott had fourth row tickets to a fight in PA. We

Mayweather, who was/is the most enjoyable and exhilarating

were two weeks out from the birth, but my wife gave me the

to shoot?

blessing to go, so off we went. I took my camera along (it was

It’s so hard to pick one. Mayweather is hard to shoot because

just a hobby) and shot from the fourth row. I submitted some

he is so defensively skilled, so while I don’t necessarily like to

images to FightNews, and it sort of steamrolled from there.

shoot him, I’m in awe of his skills. Cotto is always fun and always

68 | SEEN Sport Magazine

makes for a good fight. Manny Pacquiao is a lot of fun to work

will become an instant fan.

with, and so relaxed in the dressing room before a fight. Big fights like Mayweather v DeLaHoya are always special, but with

On the flip side, the toughest part of the job is leaving my wife

all that said, an Arturo Gatti fight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic

and kids to hit the road. It’s easier on me when I’m away, I’m

City, NJ was a spectacle. The atmosphere in that building when

working and loving what I’m doing. I’ve go the best seat in the

“Thunderstruck” (ACDC) hit the speakers and his ring walk

house for some of the best sporting events around, while my

started, was insane. I had the honour of shooting the last 11

wife Liz is home, working her job, and taking care of our two

fights of his career, and I was given his hand wraps from the last

kids. Juggling my daughter’s dance classes and my son’s travel

fight of his career. I have them framed in my basement.

hockey schedule. She’s always stood behind me 100% in chasing my dreams though.

What do you enjoy most about covering the fights?

I’ve made so many good friends in the sport, so it’s always nice

Being a fight photographer is highly competitive. Only 10 to

traveling and seeing other Photographers you’ve met along the

15 guys at ringside and the news agencies get the best spot.

way. It’s a pretty tight knit sport. On the night of a fight, the one

How do you get the best image, is it luck part of the time or

on one battle that I have the honour of capturing, along with

good anticipation?

the atmosphere of the crowd is incredible. I’m a huge hockey

It’s a combination of both I think. With boxing you have a spot

fan and I’ve shot several Stanley Cup Finals. I’ve shot big NFL

that you are assigned to, so you are at the mercy of where the

games, but in terms of pure enjoyment; give me a great fight in

action takes place in the ring, sometimes you miss a shot simply

a packed arena everyday of the week. Nothing compares, and

because of your location. Knowing the sport and anticipating

everyone should experience it at least once in their life. They

what a fighter is going to do does help. You definitely need

Miguel Cotto celebrates after knocking out Ricardo Torres during their 12 round bout at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.

24th September 2005.

SEEN Sport Magazine | 59

to know the sport you are shooting, although, what’s the say-

The UFC and Dana White (UFC President) definitely have done

ing? Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

a masterful job promoting themselves and they have an advantage over boxing in that they are a company and can set their

I understand you love the technical aspect of photography.

own matches. They don’t have to deal with promoter squabbles

The use of remotes and different lenses are essential in deliv-

like what is going on between Top Rank and Golden Boy. That

ering something different. What are your favourite creative

just hurts the sport and the fans.

images. Boxing or UFC? Creatively I don’t think there is much of a difference between the

I would imagine you have many great experiences covering

two, there are only so many different angles you can capture,

boxing? What is the highlight for you in terms of drama or just

but that’s the challenge; coming up with something new. I love

pure adrenalin?

doing remotes, but never rely on them, they fail as often as they

Gatti-Ward I will always be special to me. What those two fight-

succeed. I do have an advantage shooting boxing, since I’m with

ers went through that night was insane. I don’t think those fights

HBO, I have more access to get a unique angle than when I’m

will ever be topped for me. In the past year I’ve shot both Rios-

covering UFC. I can go into locker rooms or walk to the ring with

Alvarado fights, and those were pretty close in terms of action

a fighter. I also get to enter the ring for victory shots. It helps.

though. Covering Floyd Mayweather v Oscar DeLaHoya fight was up there in terms of hype and atmosphere as well, celebri-

If you could be a fighter, who would you be?

ties were everywhere.

Wow, tough question. My 14 year old son Cole is yelling out

UFC 104 when Cain Velasquez knocked out Brock Lesnar in the

Gennedy Golovkin right now, and that’s a good one. It would

first round at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA was one of the

definitely have to be an all-action fighter, win or lose I’d want

loudest buildings I’ve ever been in for a fight. Not a great fight

to give fans a show, that’s most important. Maybe a Gatti or

in terms of drama, but what a loud crowd!

Cotto. On the UFC side, talent wise, Jon Jones or GSP. For pure

When you get a loud crowd and great atmosphere

heart, Frankie Edgar.

for a hyped fight, it’s tough to control your adrenalin.

I find I have to calm myself down and take some deep breaths to

Over your career there has been a shift towards UFC. Is it a far

steady my hands. That’s the fan coming out in me.

more difficult sport to shoot? How have you adapted?

UFC is definitely more of a challenge to shoot because of the

Do you think UFC is overtaking boxing as a spectacle or do

cage. It will completely trick an autofocus system on a camera,

you feel both have their own place to succeed?

so you are doing a lot more manual focusing than you would

I think they both have a place and can help each other grow

without the cage in between you and the fighters. The first UFC I

more. UFC has learned from boxing’s mistakes and promotes

shot was UFC 41 in 2003, and before that I had never really seen

their brand very well. 2013 for boxing has been an exceptional

a UFC event. I remember going into bookstores to try and look

year with a tremendous amount of good fights.

at some MMA images and read some articles to get a feel for the

Boxing’s problems stemmed from the TV networks in the

sport, but that first time, whenever the fight went to the canvas

80’s. They all wanted to promote the shows with unbeaten fight-

I had no idea what was going on. I didn’t know an arm bar from

ers and as title fights, so guys were matched easy, to pad records

a guillotine choke. Now I’m in love with it, and can see moves

and all these paper titles were created. It had gotten so bad no

coming, it completely helps my work. It took a bit of studying to

one can keep track of who is champion anymore.

get comfortable.

I’d rather see two guys with five or six losses in a great action match up, than an unbeaten house fighter in a walkover. I think

Do you favour one sport over the other now?

UFC has shown boxing that, and they are getting back to it. I

I grew up on boxing, so that will always be a favourite, but I love

don’t care about a fighter’s record as long as they give me my

what the UFC is doing. Cards are stacked top to bottom so fans

money’s worth.

are in the building early. It makes for a better atmosphere and a

What would you advice a young aspiring photographer to do,

better value for fans. Boxing cards are very top heavy.

should they want to make it as a freelance photographer?

70 | SEEN Sport Magazine

Arturo Gatti grimaces after his IBA Welterweight fight against Thomas Damgaard. Gatti won the bout with 11th round KO. Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ. 28th January 2006

Gary Stark Jr wins a controversial, unanimous decision over Andres Ledemsa at the Grand Ballroom, Manhattan Center, New York City.

5th March 2008.

Reach out to established professionals for advice, and assist

my MacBook Pro for transmitting images from ringside.

them whenever you can. I’ve gotten great advice along the way from Al Bello, Top Rank’s Chris Farina, who is one of my best

What is your proudest moment to date shooting boxing

friends in the sport, and Will Hart, who has been great to me

and UFC? i.e your first spread in ESPN or the cover of Ring

since I’ve joined him at HBO.

Magazine?

I still watch how people work at ringside to this day. I’m con-

There are a couple of boxing moments that I’m pretty proud

stantly trying to learn and improve. I get emails daily from

of. Having my photo of Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward on the

photographers asking for advice, I try to answer them all. Three

cover of Electronic Arts Fight Night is a big one, to have a photo

photographers that reached out to me ended up assisting me,

selected for the cover of a video game is pretty cool.

and still do.

My first Ring Magazine cover was also a big one since I grew up

One of them, Al Powers, who first assisted me in 2008, has

reading it as a kid. It was a photo of Miguel Cotto from his fight

become one of my best friends in the industry and is now shoot-

with Zab Judah. Nigel Collins the Editor at the time sent me a

ing UFC for ESPN along with me. He did it right, took assisting

copy with a nice note attached. Coincidentally, Nigel also sent

jobs, asked great questions and worked hard. He’s become a

me my first rejection letter with some nice advice as well. The

very good UFC shooter. I’m proud of that.

fact that he took the time to hand write it was a big deal to me. No form letters, he really took the time to help me improve.

What equipment do you carry in your bag for fight night?

I also did a photo story for ESPN during the UFC’s first trip to Rio

Three Canon camera bodies, 24-70 f2.8L, 70-200 f2.8L, 16-35

De Janiero. I loved how it turned out. My Editor Jason Potterton

f2.8L II, 8-15 f4.0L fisheye, and I’ll usually carry along a 300mm

did an incredible job putting my images together. I’m really

f2.8L as well if I want to shoot from up top a bit or get a really

proud of that week of shooting.

tight corner shot. Depending on the fight I’ll also have Pocket Wizards, magic arms and such for a remote camera and of course

www.edmulholland.com | https://twitter.com/muls96 Mickey Ward (L) and Arturo Gatti (R) trade punches during their third and final bout at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ. Gatti won the bout via unanimous decision. 7th June 2003.

SEEN Sport Magazine | 73

Miguel Cotto’s dressing room before his 12 round bout against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. 14th November 2009.

Manny Pacquiao’s dressing room before his 12 round bout against Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. 14th November 2009.

76 | SEEN Sport Magazine

SEEN Sport Magazine | 77

Amir Khan (L) and Marcos Maidana (R) during their 12 round WBA Championship bout at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas. Khan won via unanimous decision. 11th December 2010.

Oscar De La Hoya (R) and Manny Pacquiao (L) trade punches during their 12 round welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas. 6th December 2008.

Floyd Mayweather during the press conference after announcing his fight against Miguel Cotto in May 2012. New York, 28th February 2012.

Mikey Garcia and Roman “Rocky�

Martinez during the HBO Boxing After Dark bout at the American Bank Center, Corpus Christi. 9th November 2013.

Sergio Martinez knocks down Matthew Macklin in the 11th round of their World Middleweight Championship bout at the Theater, Madison Square Garden. New York. 17th March 2012.

BJ Penn and Kenny Florian fight for Penn’s UFC Lightweight Championship title at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. Penn won by rear naked choke. 8th August 2009.

Nick Catone bleeds from a cut caused

by Chris Camozzi at UFC on FX 4 at Ovation Hall, Revel Resort & Casino, Atlantic City. 22nd June 2012.

Heavyweights Brock Lesnar (T) and Heath Herring (B) battle during their bout at the Target Center, Minneapolis.

UFC 87: Seek and Destroy. Lesnar won a 3 round unanimous decision.

9th August 2008.

Anderson Silva (yellow/black trunks) celebrates his knockout win over Yushin Okami (white trunks) to retain his UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 134. Rio de Janiero, Brazil. 27th August 2011.

Anderson Silva celebrates his knockout win over Yushin Okami to retain his UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 134.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 27th August 2011.

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones (L) and challenger Alexander Gustafsson (R) during their main event bout at UFC 165 at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada. 21st September 2013.

86 | SEEN Sport Magazine

UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva (R) defeats Dan Henderson (L) via rear naked choke submission in the second round of their bout at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. 1st March 2008.

SEEN Sport Magazine | 87

Anderson Silva screams in pain after breaking his leg in his main event bout against Chris Weidman at UFC 168. MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. 28th December 2013

TRAVEL

Sierra de Guadarrama

“To roam is to search for something new, on local trails in your home town, or half way around the world in a place you have never been. On a mountain bike you can cover a great distance in a short period of time or a short distance in a great period of time. They say that the journey can be more important than the destination.

In mountain biking there is no destination just a bike, a rider, and a place to ride‌�

Text by Eoin Mundow. Photos by Alvaro Hernandez

was becoming tough and untenable. Large corporations slashed usage

TRACK MTB

fees, numerous agencies and papers closed as a result of dwindling

A

advertising revenues and despite producing a superior production to the larger rivals, Hernandez felt drained. He realised he had to look at an alternative profession to supplement his passion for photography.

On a rare weekend off he was invited by his friend Jorge to join a group of enthusiastic Mountain Biking fanatics to test out the rugged terrain of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. The stunning range of hills and mountains runs from south west to north east for about 80 kilometres, dividing Spain’s capital from the plains of Castilla y Leon and the magnificent former Roman city of Segovia. His first experience mountain biking ended up with Hernandez crashing and injuring himself. “My first meeting with a Mountain Bike was memorable for all the wrong reasons. A

fter more than a decade of photographing the Galactico’s of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Press Photographer

Alvaro Hernandez decided that the time was right to seek a new challenge in life. Tired of competing against the wire agencies who dominate the back pages of the Spanish newspapers, he understood that the industry he loved so much was in a downward spiral. Realising quickly that the life of an independent sports Photographer was heading for a terminal decline, he decided to change his career path. His stunning images of Zidane, Beckham, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi had adorned the covers of many leading European sports magazines and newspapers, his passionate

good friend lent me his bike and after a promising start, I subsequently failed in my attempt to conquer the rugged terrain of my native Madrid, crashing and badly injuring my knee. Today I wear the scar as a badge of honour and reminder of what not to do when riding. Mountain biking is a thrilling sport, but the challenge is not one to be taken lightly. After that experience, I can safely say that despite having to swallow my pride, I was hooked on mountain biking”. It turned out to be a life changing experience and one that rekindled an old passion. The thrill of getting the best picture of the winning goal scorer no longer satisfied him. Since the introduction celebration image of Kaka graced the cover of FIFA 11 and his reportage

of remote control cameras and the restrictions imposed on freelance or

imagery of the late leader of his beloved Venezuela, Hugo Chavez had

independent Photographers by the football clubs and governing bodies,

been received well by news desks around the world. Despite this success

Photographers like Hernandez were no longer playing on a level playing

something was missing from his life. The global recession was taking a

field. Mountain biking gave him the opportunity to escape, have fun and

grip in Europe and the changing landscape for freelance Photographers

also earn a living doing something he loves.

92 | SEEN Sport Magazine

new revenue stream in addition to working as a freelance Photographer.

A

“Having worked as a professional photographer for over 20 years, I

of the game and relishing the opportunity to spread the word amongst

was looking for a new and interesting project to reignite my passion

other MTB addicts. The shift towards videography led him to visit an array

for the industry. I started instantly searching for visual content on the

of interesting websites that specialise in MTB content and inspired him

Internet, and I found the movie Roam from The Collective. The introduc-

to launch his new business which specialises in tours of the Sierra de

When I met him in Madrid his face illuminated as he explained that purely by chance his boyhood passion for mountain biking now serves as a

s we chat, it’s clear to see that he has found happiness and a renewed vigour for life. With the advent of Youtube, social network-

ing and the emerging market of sustainable tourism, Hernandez is ahead

tion from the movie resonated with me. ‘To roam is to search for something new, on local trails in your home town, or half way around the world in a place you have never been. On a mountain bike you can cover a great distance in a short period of time or a short distance in a great period of time. They say that the journey can be more important than the destination. In mountain biking there is no destination just a bike, a rider, and a place to ride…’”

He loves Madrid and what the city offers in terms of sport, culture and cuisine, but says that it can stifle you. As much as he is enamoured with the city, he is the first to admit that given the choice of spending a weekend in the city or escaping to the countryside, the call for nature wins hand down. The opportunity to lose yourself is a liberating and transient experience that cannot be found in

Guadarrama mountain range.

“I found loads of photos, intriguing videos of amazing places that awoke the passion I once felt for mountain biking. I discovered epic trials, new and challenging terrain that were uncharted by me and my friends. If you take the time to research your local area properly, you will no doubt find many amazing places less than one hour drive away.”

“During my journey, searching for my dream trail I met fellow biker Jorge.

Mountain Biking tied us together; we shared the same dream, an addiction to biking. Setting up this new venture would not have been without him. Meeting Jorge through Vimeo was what kicked everything off. I had an idea, but he is the master of the territory, he knows every peak, trail, crossing, creek... everything! He is one of the guys who knows the park best. He knows the place and is in great shape and I manage content, social networks, marketing, internet, web and so on. We decided to set Madrid.

up our own business Track MTB and share our culture and love for the

“Living and working in a city like Madrid, a sprawling metropolis can be

sport with fellow bikers”

a very frustrating for experience if you are an avid biker like myself. A

“We knew our local mountains so well and thought we could offer some-

smog filled capital, all covered by asphalt, densely populated by cars,

thing different to our clients. The beauty of mountain biking is that it is a

motorbikes a cacophony of noise, it sometimes feels like the walls are

sport that thrives due to its sense of camaraderie. We are all explorers

closing in on you. The pollution fills your lungs and the urge to escape

and as a community this outdoor activity thrives from the sharing of infor-

the city and find a serene spot to venture in tranquillity forced me to

mation, new trials and the pursuit of challenging ourselves against one

search the Internet and in the hope of finding some solace nearby.”

another. Like many bikers from Madrid we found the ultimate challenge

SEEN Sport Magazine | 93

at the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range.”

business Track MTB and of course his growing clientele. It is the per-

“After years of riding I’m glad to have finally found my Nirvana, this place

fect mountain biking holiday spot. Epic technical trails, beautiful sunny

has it all. As you climb higher you will discover Alpine trails and rocky

weather from April to October and of course fantastic Spanish cuisine

exposed trails that will challenge even the most experienced of riders.

and wine to help refuel and unwind after a hard days biking.

There are literally miles of dusty single-track as you weave through the pine forests; intersections of root and rock sections keep you on your

Hernandez and his team are equally as happy to share their love for

toes as the ever-changing terrain ensures that you are tested every step

Iberian cuisine with their clients as they are the epic trails of Sierra de

of the way. Once you have started there is no turning back. The long

Guadarrama. It’s all part of the experience and a great way of sealing

and short climbs vary, they start from as little as 200 meters but can

new friendships. Having swapped the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium for

reach a staggering 2400 meters. It’s challenging for sure, a real test of

the Sierra de Guadarrama, Alvaro Hernandez has taken the bold step to

endurance. There is an endless downhill trial, as long as 24km which

swap one dream for another. He explains that he loved photographing

encompasses a long descent, 1800 downhill! It’s exhilarating and surreal

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, but ultimately you get one life. He fol-

at the same time. Obviously I was transfixed trying to concentrate on

lowed his heart and is content he chose a new and rewarding change

not crashing and picking up another war wound, but it was only when I

of direction.

finished my descent that I noticed I had not seen another soul. You really

“We are now living our dream and created TRACKMTB so that we

are at one with nature; this surely is one of the top European riding spots

can share with you the ultimate MTB experience in the epic Sierra

for Mountain Biking holidays.”

de Guadarrama Mountains. Our aim is enlighten you to the local surroundings, provide you with an unforgettable Spanish mountain biking

The rigours of the trials can definitely take their toll. But the views from

experience and push you to the limit so you can leave with a sense

the stunning mountain range are worth pushing the body to it’s limit.

of pride and achievement and hopefully having established newfound

The Sierra de Guadarrama represents a new frontier for Hernandez, his

friendships with fellow bikers. Come ride with us!”

94 | SEEN Sport Magazine

FOOD There are many places to eat in the region for any budget.

Spanish cuisine is based on a wide range and variety of staple ingredients such as eggs, olive oil, potatoes, tomatoes, pork and beans (most common from autumn to spring). Track MTB recommend two wonderful restaurants to their clients that offer delicious local specialities.

La Venta Vieja A traditional rustic restaurant that can accommodate over 500 guests. Specialities include La Cordero Lethal (milk fed suckling lamb, slow roasted) Cochinillo asado (milk fed pork, slow roasted), Chuletón (veal chop). A wide variety of traditional Iberian pork sausages including Chorizo, Lomo and Salchichón is also served. www.laventavieja.es Restaurante La Postal (The Postcard) A unique restaurant situated in a train wagon which has been sympathetically converted looking out onto the picturesque Segovia village.

Oca pathé with wild berry marmalade, toasted traditional bread with tomato, olive oil and Iberian ham. Scrambled eggs with potatoes and caramelised onions, Ripened cheese, Ham croquettes, Tortilla Española Morcilla (a sausage made of pork blood, like “black pudding”), Anchovies, Grilled octopus Galician style and Huevos rotos (fried eggs poured over fries and Spanish ham – the rawer the eggs look, the tastier it is!) www.restaurantelapostal.es

DRINK Rioja from Ribera del Duero and Madrid, a wonderful beer called Mahou or Reserva Beer from Alhambra.

Track MTB are accepting bookings for 2014, book early to avoid disappointment.

Website: http://www.trackmtb.com Telephone: +34 678 003 953 Twitter: https://twitter.com/trackmtb

SEEN Sport Magazine | 85

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