At just 30 years old, Kenny Thomas has established himself as an essential reference in the world of motorcycle trials and freestyle. Since his first lap at the age of three, he has never stopped pushing his limits, winning two French Champion titles, a bronze medal in the World Championship, and stringing together impressive records. His career has exploded onto the international media scene with appearances on "La France a un Incroyable Talent", "America's Got Talent" and many other shows around the world. In this interview, Kenny tells us about his career, his projects and his collaboration with Morex.
The birth of passion
You started riding motorcycles at a very young age, at three years old. How did you know so early on that motorsports would become your passion?
To be honest, I don't really remember. I know I was 2 and a half, because I saw pictures again. Like all kids, as soon as I got on a motorbike, I immediately liked it. My first real memory is when I was five years old when I received my first trial bike. As soon as I had it in my hands, I always asked my father to go ride. It was already a pure thrill, an immediate feeling of passion. But you can't really know at that age. It was when I grew up that I understood that it was more than a hobby. Adolescence is a key moment: either you continue despite the constraints, or you give up. That's when I realized that it was really a passion, and I knew that I was ready to make it my job.
Have your parents always supported you in this passion? Wasn't it too difficult for your mother, in particular?
My father is a big motorbike enthusiast and my mother has always been involved in this field, so they were already well prepared. They were dealers, so they knew about mechanics! But obviously, she worries and I think my father does too, even if he shows it less. In reality, I didn't give them much choice (laughs). They followed me to most of my competitions and made a lot of sacrifices so that I could get to where I am today.
Can you introduce us to the discipline you practice?
Freestyle trial is a clever mix of several disciplines: BMX, flat, freestyle motocross and trial, the basic discipline. We also draw a little from skateboarding. We take inspiration from all that to create our own sport, with our unique touch. It's a style that was invented in 2006 by Julien Dupont. He's the one who started it all. I had the chance to ride with him from 2014, and today, I'm proud to have taken over.
*photos @donovanthomasths
Your journey is impressive. How would you describe your personality that has pushed you to push the limits in everything you do?
I would say it is due to my hyperactivity. As a child, I was unbearable. It was impossible to make me stay seated on a chair! My parents signed me up for lots of activities: judo, football, etc. I needed to move all the time. And even in my career, at one point, I felt limited in competitions. Then I met Julien and he showed me a new, freer path. Today, it is still this search for freedom and the need for movement that defines me.
Competitions and first successes
Among your victories, there are two French Champion titles and a bronze medal in the World Championship. What moments from this period of competition have marked you the most?
There were several, but the first one that comes to mind is the world championship in Japan, in Tokyo. It was one of the biggest competitions, everything is bigger, the crowd is incredible, it was like a video game, everyone was screaming in unison. The atmosphere and the podium were crazy!
Then, my victory in the Czech Republic during the world championship. It was July 14, and we sang the Marseillaise for the French national holiday, a very powerful moment.
And finally, my title of Champion of France in 2011. It was my very first, and it was decided at the last minute, an unbearable suspense. When I was told that I had won, I felt an immense liberation.
In 2016, you participated in the show “La France a un incroyable talent” with a freestyle trial performance. What did this experience change for you?
This show was a turning point for me. At the time, I was still really into competitions, but after the broadcast, everything changed: my show schedule filled up overnight, without a website, without promo, nothing! Until then, shows were a bonus, a way to supplement my income, but thanks to the show, they became my priority.
You then went on to international shows like “America's Got Talent” and “Tu Si Que Vales” in Italy. What lessons did you learn from these stints abroad?
Honestly, they didn't have the same impact as "La France a un incroyable talent" on my career. It was really this show that changed things. The buzz wasn't even linked to my victory, but to the surprise of seeing a motorcycle in an indoor show. That said, these international appearances gave me a certain credibility and allowed me to follow up with shows like "Le plus grand cabaret du monde" by Patrick Sébastien.
Your world record for a double backflip on a motorcycle during a bungee jump is impressive. How did you experience this moment?
It was completely crazy… and a bit reckless, I must admit. It was all a whim. A friend suggested the idea of doing the jump on a motorbike after having done it on foot, and I said “why not”. A few months later, I got a call back: “Okay, it’s for June 7, 2014.”
We improvised all of this, no protection, nothing was really planned. At the last minute, they even taped my feet to the bike because I was afraid of letting go. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't. It was too dangerous, too haphazard.
But it remains a significant moment, because at that time, even with my titles in the French Championship and the World Cup, people talked more about this bungee jump than my podiums.
What was your biggest fall on a motorcycle?
I've had several, but the one that left the biggest impression on me wasn't necessarily the most spectacular. It was a backflip on an electric motorcycle 5-6 years ago, in the South. I didn't turn well, but fortunately, I didn't get hurt.
On the other hand, my biggest injury was during a competition in Brittany. My right knee went completely backwards… A memory that reminds me how merciless this sport can be.
Professional and personal projects
Today, what motivates you the most in freestyle compared to competition?
The main change is that it has become my full-time job. I have been living from it for 11 years now. To this day, 90% of my income comes from shows and 10% from sponsors.
I would like to rebalance a little, move towards a 50/50. Fewer shows, more video projects. That's my goal, even if it's not easy to implement.
In recent years, you have been making freestyle trial videos in unusual locations. How do you choose these locations, and what inspires you?
In general, these are opportunities that present themselves. For example, for Colombia, it all started with a somewhat drunken discussion with friends in Hossegor who were going there to work. I decided on a whim.
For California, it was different. It was with DHL, and there I chose the place myself. Why California? Because it's the cradle of freestyle moto, bikelife, skateboarding... All the urban culture comes from there. When I had the chance to go there with my motorcycle, it was obvious that it would happen there.
How do you manage your international career and your personal life?
I think I'm doing pretty well! I move around a lot on the weekends for shows, but I make sure to enjoy myself and then come home to Paris feeling like I've had a great time. I don't have kids at the moment, so it's easier. We'll see how it goes in the future.
What are your next projects, whether in your career or in your personal life?
I want to turn to video projects, go explore new places, capture unique moments. I have a big project planned for early 2025 in Marseille. It will be a freestyle trial video in the streets of the city. We already have 50% of the funding, there is still work to do.
It's a project supported by GasGas, the brand of my very first motorcycle at the age of 5. It's a bit of a return to the roots, it's great to ride for them today.
Collaboration with Morex
Why did you choose to become a Morex ambassador?
It happened naturally. I started chatting with Kevin on Instagram, I saw what Morex was doing, and I immediately connected. Then I came to Rennes, I met Simon, and everything aligned. We share the same values, the same desires.
I didn't even have to think about it, becoming an ambassador was an obvious choice. It brings together everything I like: street style, surf and skate vibes. We're on the same wavelength.
*photos @donovanthomasths
What do you like most about this brand?
It's their open-mindedness and freedom that they put forward. It's super inspiring and it suits me 100%. With Morex, there are no limits. Whether you skate, surf, ride a motorbike, you always feel like you belong.
