TRIALWORLD: Hi Abel, you start 2013 with a rebrand that no one expected, what have been your reasons, why have you decided to leave a legendary brand like Monty?
ABEL MUSTIELES: Yes, the truth is that I understand that it sounds strange, but when one makes the difficult decision to dedicate oneself professionally When it comes to trial, one of the first things you should be clear about is how short a sporting life can be, so It’s not all about having a good bike, because even though you know that this is something important, It can be relatively easy to achieve when all parties involved are dedicated to it body and soul, all the time. This also entails the motivation of trying to reach the top with a product made completely to your measure, by being a direct part in the development of all its components.
For all these reasons, I have to say that I’ve already last year of the different options he had at the end of his contract at Koxx. Ozonys was one of the favourites, so we didn’t come to an agreement because all the requirements I considered necessary were not met, but we were very close and never lost contact. At the end of this year we sat down with Bruno again, he accepted my conditions, I accepted his and here we are.
I have to say here how well Monty, and especially Ot Pi have behaved with me, letting me go a year before the end of the contract, Ot has been a professional pilot before anyone else, I explained to him clearly the reasons, he told me that he understood and that there was no problem so I want to make it very clear here that they have behaved with me at all times fantastically well, and I am immensely grateful to them.
TW: You’ve signed with Ozonys for no less than five years, five years???
AM: Yes, this was one of the conditions that was put on me and that was most difficult for me to assume, but taking into account that part of my contract includes the exclusive import for Spain of Ozonys and Bonz products from 2013, it seems reasonable.
Bruno, the owner of Ozonys, is someone who takes his business very seriously, as it should be, and does not want to change importers every so often, which is completely logical. But regardless of this, what really made me decide to sign, It was to get to know first-hand on a recent visit to France, the way of working, of Ozonys and its people who are exclusively dedicated to everything related to trial. I also had in my hands any of the The New components, which are already well advanced, as well as the immediate projects that will come in the short term and look unbeatable. And something very important for me, to know with total reliability, the short time in which they are able to have the products available on the market once properly tested.
TW: Has this decision been influenced by any problems that may have occurred with Monty this year?
AM: No, not at all. I haven’t really had any problems, in fact, I defend Monty, I defend his bike and I know it’s going to be a bestseller. To make it clear, although it shouldn’t be necessary, that my problems with the bike in the World Championship have nothing to do with it, which I have already tried to explain many times, that they are cases of bad luck that can happen, and as I say it has nothing to do with it.
AM: It is normal for them to think that, on the contrary I think that Ozonys is dedicated exclusively to trials and they are focused on this idea, it is a young brand but it has entered the market very well and has many and very interesting projects in the short term, carbon included.TW: Fans think that you go from a very powerful brand with the best bike to a worse one and that it could be a step backwards.
Right now I already have at home the new prototype that will arrive in March to the public, with the geo that I have ordered and with several improvements that I think are very good. I want to be a very important part of this and with Ozonys I think we can go very far.
TW: Is it a motivation for you to be able to make history in this brand and be a benchmark rider for it?
AM: No doubt. For me it is something main to be able to be motivated and to be able to make history with an exciting project like this that I started with Ozonys.
TW: There are more surprises for this year that have to do with AMG. Tell us a little bit about what’s new because if we’re not mistaken, AMG will also be an official Rockman dealer.
AM: AMG clearly needed a makeover And now we’ve given it to you, I mean so far for various reasons I haven’t had any time to invest in the store and now we’re focusing on providing a very good service. With a new website, where everything is easier and there is much more variety.
Rockman was a pleasant surprise, since they were the ones who contacted us, and proposed us to take the import to Spain. It is clear that my spearhead is going to be Ozonys, But obviously the store has to be multi-brand, and this is where it fits in Rockman perfectly since you need a large stock so that the customer can choose, from the beginner, to the most expert, it is something that has cost us, but fortunately now we will be able to offer.
TW: Can you say that 2013 will be a key year for you?
AM: Yes, for me it seems that every year is a key year, but maybe it’s not as key as 2012 has been, I’ve learned a lot and a lot of things have happened, but hey, It will be important for AMG because although my main job is to be a driver, I am going to dedicate a lot more time to the store. Right now we are very excited, eager to work and start this year.
TW: What can you say to the fans to expect from you at and from AMG in 2013?
AM: From me that I will give 200% as always and I think that our goal is to become one of the reference stores not only in Spain but in Europe. It is true that for various reasons we have not been able to dedicate ourselves to it as much as it required, but now we are doing things well, we have collaborators with a strong level of professionalism. really efficient service, and before Any questions you may call us… After all, it’s part of what We like trials, If any client has any questions or we can advise them on something, we are here for whatever they need.
A big hug to all! And happy 2013!
Text: Álvaro López
