Ricardo Pacheco: the motocross rider who conquered Counter Strike!
Now that MX, and by extension all other sports, is out of the question for the time being, video games are receiving even more attention than usual. At first glance, the world of professional Counter Strike has little to do with motocross. Except for the Portuguese top gamer Ricardo “Fox” Pacheco.
Pacheco was surprised last summer with a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with Jeffrey Herlings. To make it exciting, Ricardo was not told why he had to go to Belgium. The Bullet, in turn, wasn't told much about Fox's motocross past.
When even the four-time world champion says that you can still do quite a bit of cycling, you know that Pacheco knows how to tackle things not only in the virtual world!
There was a time in your life when you were heading towards a career in MX. How close have you been to following that passion?
Ricardo “Fox” Pacheco: “I was very close to following this passion as a possible career. But for various reasons it didn't happen. In this case, mainly because of my father's death. He supported me the most as a rider. Later when Counter Strike came into my life, everything changed. In a way, gaming has completely changed my priorities.”
What memories do you have of your own MX career?
Fox: “I have different memories. On the one hand, there are those jitters when you know there is a competition coming up. On the other hand, the pride you get when you notice that you are improving as a pilot. Of course, I also have negative memories, such as falls. There was one crash in particular where the bike hit me and I fell to the ground completely helpless. I left on a stretcher, in an ambulance, etc. My mother told me she didn't want to experience anything like that again. It was complicated.”
Today I still ride for fun every now and then.
Fox: “Nowadays I can no longer drive as I would like. But I really only drive for fun and to be with my friends. If I can, I compete in regional competitions in Portugal. Last year I also participated in a national competition, the Trófeu Norte Ibérico. I would still like to participate in that race, but due to my training during the week and even at the weekend and the various tournaments, it is difficult to find time.”
Which dirt bike do you have special memories of?
Fox: “I have owned several motorcycles over the years, some more special than others. At the moment I have a KTM 250 SX-F Red Bull Factory Edition. I am very satisfied with that.”
What similarities do you see in terms of characteristics between a top rider on the motorcycle and in gaming?
Fox: “Good reaction time is very important in both sports. In addition, I think of a high concentration to carry out all actions as precisely as possible.”
What was going through your mind when you first saw Jeffrey Herlings' van in Belgium?
Fox: “As soon as I saw the van with the JH84 on it, I knew it was him! Firstly because I am a big fan of his, secondly because I had seen a post from him a few days earlier with a photo with that same van. I also knew he lived nearby. It was an incredible feeling, I felt very happy. I can't thank everyone enough who made this possible!”
You actually rode together in Ghent. How different is it to race with one of the best pilots in the world?
Fox: “Oh but, we drive on the same track! It's not like we were riding side by side. Herlings is the fastest motocross rider in the world! It's impossible for me to follow him. But it was a fantastic feeling and I just loved every moment of it. Thank you Jeffrey for wanting to do this.”
Did you leave with a surprising tip or lesson?
Fox: “Of course he gave me some tips, but putting them all into practice is a story in itself. Especially since I can't ride as regularly as I would like to try out all his tips. But I watch Jeffrey in the MXGP every weekend and try to learn a little from that too.”
As a cross enthusiast, are there any challenges you would like to take on?
Fox: “I would like to experience his race from the inside, as close as possible. From the paddock itself if possible. I know he will be in Águeda for the Portuguese GP and that would be another dream come true. When I see how he prepares, how he lives for his sport, I think he will perform great again this year!”
Tekst: Red Bull Portugal/Tom Jacobs
Photos: Hugo Silva / Red Bull Content Pool
Also to read
Competing for the MX AIR TIME 2024 prize pool? Subscribe …
A new edition of MX AIR TIME will be held on Sunday, May 19. Place to be is the Dutch municipality of Beckum. Register now via Motoinside and who knows...Gallery: MXGP Portugal 2024 XXL from NiekFotografie
The riders and mechanics had a hard time in Agueda. This also applies to the photographers because the weather conditions were harsh! Yet our #NiekFotografie made this XXL gallery...Jorge Prado in Simon Laengenfelder over Agueda
The Grand Prix of Portugal will be remembered for a long time and may be one for the history books. The heavy rain that descended on Agueda made this 2024 edition a rush…Danee Gelissen on stage in Italy
During the second match of the Italian Women's Championship, Danee Gelissen was allowed to climb onto the podium. The Limburg rider finished second behind Kiara Fontanesi in both heats in Lovolo. The Ceres71 driver starts…
Your reactions