– Yo Kirik, what’s up! I want to talk to you because your story has a lot of layers — riding in Ukraine, moving to Germany, finding your place in a new scene, getting new sponsors, and killing it at every event, session, and trip, while showcasing your unique style through all of it. Plus, after spending time with you on the Skilldash trip to Bulgaria and Greece, it felt like a good moment to sit down and let people know a bit more about you. Let’s get it.

BMX Roots in Ukraine

For people who are just getting to know you, where did your BMX story start, and where are you at now?

I started riding BMX in 2019. Before that, I wanted a BMX for a really long time and kept asking my parents for one. I was doing bunny hops on a regular bike before I even owned a BMX. The first time I saw one in real life, some older kids told me it was a bike made for tricks. Later I found BMX videos on YouTube. Back then, Dima Gordey was riding BMX and working in BMX shows in Germany. I loved watching his videos, and I never would have believed that one day I would be riding BMX in Germany myself.

Now I ride for WeThePeople and Skilldash, and I’m also part of Daway Crew. Outside of BMX, I work as a bike mechanic and I’m doing an apprenticeship. Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave me with as much riding time as I’d like.

Before you moved, what was your BMX life like in Ukraine? What was the scene like, who were you riding with, and what were your ambitions back then?

Just watch Urodi BMX and you’ll understand everything. The BMX scene in Ukraine was huge. There were so many talented and promising young riders. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the same access to parts, contests, and opportunities that riders have in some other countries.

I rode because I genuinely loved BMX. I was riding with the Urodi crew, and I want to give a huge thank you to Miro Komar for everything. He always believed in me and used to tell me that I would achieve something in BMX one day. We rode around the city almost every day, filmed with a Sony VX, learned tricks, and traveled to contests. In 2021, I even won my first contest.

Starting Again in Germany

Moving to Germany was obviously a big life change. What was that experience like, and what role did BMX play in the transition?

When I arrived in Germany, I had a broken leg. It was really hard being away from all my friends, and I couldn’t believe that this situation would last for so long. I started going to school to learn German, and there was one classmate who rode BMX and MTB.

One day we planned a session so I could ride his bike. When I arrived, they surprised me with a BMX of my own. Huge thanks to Jakob Zimmermann and Lukas Hendl for that gift. If it wasn’t for them, I honestly don’t think I would still be riding today. After four months off the bike because of my injury, I thought BMX was already over for me.

Do you remember your first session in Germany? What was going through your head at that time?

My first session was really difficult. I hadn’t ridden for four months and my leg hurt a lot. Still, I managed to do some of my old tricks. After that, I started riding more and more often. I had plenty of time and needed to get my body used to BMX again. It took me about six months before I started learning new tricks again.

When you started riding in Germany, what opened up for you that maybe wasn’t possible in the same way before?

I had a lot more time for BMX and it became much easier to travel between cities. There were also way more contests and the prizes were really good. I wanted to upgrade my bike through contest winnings because I didn’t have much money to spend on parts. That motivated me to travel to more and more events.

Riding, Style and the Skilldash Trip

Your riding has a very recognizable style — creative, technical, and unexpected. What helped you build it? Riders, videos, crews, things outside of BMX?

I mostly just ride what feels right to me. I do the tricks that I enjoy and that feel good. My biggest inspirations are definitely Mark Burnett in his prime and Simo, Mills, along with many other amazing riders. My favorite videos are also from Mark and Simo.

A lot depends on my mood. Some days barspins feel great, the next day it’s all about whips. I just go with the flow and try to ride everything.

When you are learning tricks or looking at spots, how do you decide what trick is worth doing? Is it the difficulty, the uniqueness, the way it looks, or something else entirely?

The most important thing is the relationship between the trick and the spot. Sometimes you look at a spot and immediately know exactly which trick belongs there. I also try to do something unique whenever possible. Difficulty comes after that.

First I need to get comfortable with the spot and really understand it. Once I feel it properly, then I can figure out what the trick of the day will be.

You recently came out to Bulgaria and Greece for the Skilldash team trip. What stood out from the riding side, and what stood out from just hang out with the whole crew together for the first time?

It was honestly just wow. It was my first team trip and two full weeks of BMX. Every trick was difficult and every clip had to be earned. There are no perfect spots.

The best part was spending time with such a fun and talented group of people. Those two weeks created some of my favorite memories. And yeah... fuck downhill, haha.

Life Now and What’s Next

What's something outside of BMX that's been taking up your headspace lately?

Work and my apprenticeship probably take up most of my attention outside of BMX. Right now it’s summer, everything feels good, and I’m enjoying life. Almost every day ends up being a little hangout with friends and a couple of beers.

What’s next for you in BMX and in life? Any projects, trips, video parts, events, or things you’re hyped on right now?

Right now I’m filming with David Schaller, and I think I’ll be able to finish a video for the Hammer & Nails premiere. I’d also love to go to Simple Session and see how I can do there.

Anything else you want to add, or anyone you want to shout out?

I’d like to thank WeThePeople and Skilldash for all the support.

And I want to give a special shoutout to Burma. I was riding with him when I was 14 years old and he taught me almost everything I know. He was an incredibly talented rider, but unfortunately he badly broke his leg in 2023 and didn’t ride for three years. Recently he moved to Germany too, and I gave him a BMX so he could start riding again