Thomas has been living in Brisbane the past few months with his girlfriend, a brief stopover before they continue their trip around Australia. Both originally from Lyon in France, they plan to spend a year living and travelling around Australia and Thomas is taking the opportunity to ride in some winter sun with a few different riders than he normally would.
So we here at Newcircle thought it was definitely time we got into his head and learnt a little more about this Frenchman….
1) Full name, years riding and where are you from?
My name is Thomas Infantolino, I am from France , Lyon exactly ! I started riding in 2005, but for three years I travelled and snowboarded during the winter season; so was hard to ride as much as I wanted. I’m still motivated though, I keep going and I play with my bike as much as possible!
2) You’re a long way from home – what brings you to Australia?
That’s a good question!
I think you’ve got the answer inside the question. It’s a really long trip and it was a crazy dream to come here! At the begining it was a simple bet with my girlfriend, then this idea grew in my mind… and now we are here! Then, improving my english and discovering a new culture, a new country and new way of life! Also, Australia is an amazing country: rich and diverse. There is an interesting and beautiful contrast between the city and nature. And simply , just see what happens at the other side of the world!
3) How has your experience been in Australia?
Fantastic, It’s been fun from the beginning. Everything was new and amazing however, because my English wasn’t really good and the Australian accent was a bit difficult to understand, it was sometimes hard getting around.
I spent a few days in three different backpacker hostels and everyone was cool and fun! Then I found a sweet house with 4 flatmates from different parts of the world, plus we have a cute local pet; it’s a possum, we call him Junior! During the holidays , we went to many nice bars and restaurants to try all the Ozzy specialities. A couple of weeks later I found a job as a delivery driver! It’s was cool because I drove quite a bit both in and outside Brisbane… So yeah, for the moment I’m having a great time in Australia but soon we have to leave to discover other places in this country!!!
4) Did you have any funny experiences in Australia?
Maybe the best and funniest story was during the floods; my girlfriend and I were in a cab , trying to get to CBD, when the taxi diver asked me: “What are you going to do in Spring Hill today?” “We are looking for a job” I answered. The cab driver started laughing and I didn’t understand why…once in the CBD I understood…it was like no man’s land! All the shops were closed, and the streets were totally empty! It was very strange, and indeed very difficult to get a job in that situation!
Finally , we ended up in the only bar that was open…a beer in one hand and some food on the table and it was all good!
5) What are the plans for the rest of your time here?
Well, I’m leaving Brisbane soon; I’ll take my bike, throw my girlfriend in the van and go on a road trip! I’ll drive north first, to the Sunshine Coast and northern Queensland because it’s starting to get a bit cold over here; I can’t say what’s going to happen exactly because life is full of suprises !
6) Tell us a little about your home in Lyon. What is the city like, how many people, what is the riding scene like?
First, I would like to say it’s a great place , and I’m not saying this just because it’s my city, but seriously, if you ever have the chance to go to France ,take some time to visit Lyon. There is approximately the same population as in Brisbane, around 2 million people! Two rivers cross the city , so the center is like an island. There is a historic suburb called Le Vieux Lyon where the buildings are pretty old but nevertheless beautiful and in a very good condition; it’s a wonderful place, very friendly and fun at night. There are a lot of traditional restaurants , good bars and some amazing parks with a nice view of the city!
About the riding scene now, the number of riders is impressive. It’s hard to say , but at least a dozen, plus the other riders from the towns and cities around Lyon; the level is pretty high so that’s awesome! Another thing, there’s a famous and very special place in “la Guillotiere” close to BMX-FORCE, which by the way is one of the best shops in France, we call it “la small place”; you’ll always find a Flatlander there! The scene in Lyon and in France grows everyday!
7) So what got you involved in riding flatland?
Long story short, I’ve been attracted to extreme sports since I was a kid. Until I was thirteen I tried different sports, such as rollerblading,skateboarding, and bmx which was my favourite. I started riding flatland after seeing some videos on tv. Unfortunately, I stopped for a while. I lost a bit of motivation because my knowledge about flatland at this time was very limited; I had no internet, videos or anyone to ride with. A couple of years later , I got a job at a bmx shop and the attraction was too strong to resist. I bought a new bike and then I really started riding !
What are your goals with flatland?
My goal it’s just to have a lot fun , improve as much as I can, and meet a lot of people!
9) Who or what are the biggest influences in your life?
My family, my friends, and definitely flatland are a big influence in my life.
10) Any one you would like to thank? Final words?
I’d like to thank my girlfriend for supporting and motivating me all the time , my friends for encouraging me , and especially my family for giving me my first bike. Also, thanks to Bmx-Force for all they did and are still doing for bmx in general !
Thanks Shane and Newcircle BMX Store for the interview!
Newcircle | Online BMX Store, shipping WORLDWIDE: BMX Flatland Parts, BMX Flatland Bikes, BMX Flatland Demos, BMX Flatland News!