Stephan Atencio

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"As a kid, I just wanted to jump on my bike, I had no clue that BMX was a thing at all, haha! Then I saw a few guys in my neighborhood doing tricks and it was love at first sight!"

Stephan is the kind of dude who manages to mix technical riding with the good ol' "going big". Originally from Costa Rica and now living in Barcelona, he's got a huge variety of spots to choose from, that's why he's so versatile. Having a powerhouse like this on our team is a pleasure, and we are extremely proud to be able to refer to him as one of our riders.

Team SkatePro Q&A

Q: How did your collaboration with SkatePro start, and what do you like in particular about it?
A: It all started thanks to Wethepeople manager Dave Paterson (much love to him). He got me in touch with SkatePro and things started to flow really well. I’m super thankful to SkatePro for making me a part of their family and helping me make my dream come true.

Q: Wethepeople, one of the brands we love the most, is also sponsoring you (congratulations!): how is it to be on their team?
A: Another dream come true! To be honest, I could never have imagined that I’d be a part of Wethepeople. I love the team, It’s crazy to be a teammate of Felix Prangenberg and Jordan Godwin! I’m truly blessed to be a part of Wethepeople, thank you guys for these two and a half years. Big shout-out to Dave Paterson, Paul Thoelen, and everyone on the team!

Q: You are currently based in Barcelona, but your family is still in Costa Rica: how are you coping with the distance? Any tips for riders living abroad?
A: In the beginning, it was really hard to be alone… but with time you get used to the distance. The good thing is that my best friend Rafael Delgado move to Barcelona a year ago, so I’m really happy to have him with me again!

Q: Due to your burly moves, we know you change more rims and tubes than socks - is there a specific brand or model that you feel like recommending?
A: I do like gaps a lot, so rims and tubes suffer a lot with me! I use Éclat Bondi rims, and you can get them on SkatePro using my code SPAX22!

Q: Your style is so special that we remain speechless every time we watch your clips: where do you get inspiration to try new tricks or street spots?
A: Thanks for the kind words! There’s an endless list of riders that inspire me, too long to write it down :D I do think it is because of them that I keep pushing myself.

Q: Which of your edits is your favorite?
A: STEPHAN ATENCIO X DIG - 'RAW'

Q: You’re very much street-oriented, but you also take part in competitions: can you feel a difference between the two settings?
A: I enjoy both of them but… to me, street is a constant battle against yourself.

Q: Do you have any favorite rider everyone should check out, at the moment?
A: I think Felix Prangenberg is pushing BMX to a whole new level with his tricks and unique style. Total game changer.

Want to get more into Stephan's world? Here's his desert island list!

• Movie: any Tarantino movie
• Book: Nicola Tesla biography
• Food: veggie burritos