» Biography / Interview:

The following is an interview with Giannis (Johnny) Caternellis from Greece, KHE teamrider and Nick Ioannou, one of his best friends.

OK, tell us your name, age and hometown.
My name is Giannis Caternellis, I'm 20 years old and I live in Athens, Greece.
How did you start BMX riding?
I always liked BMX, especially Flatland. I was a skater between 1995 and 1996 but I was saving money to buy a flatland bike. When I watched Chase Gouin one day on a video I was so physed and I said to myself: "whoa! I want to do that stuff!". I like Chase G. very much! So in the summer of 1997 I bought a Morales complete bike from a friend and I start trying to create!!!
How many hours do you put on your bike?
Usually I ride between 2-4 hours a day.Sometimes, when I am really tired of my work, I ride only 2 hours and go home but when I am cooled and relaxed all day I can ride 6 hours straight! I want to have my mind very clear to create and image my moves. I am trying to ride every day if I can...
What do you like most in flatland?
In flatland I like a lot that you can come up with your own tricks and have your own original style, doing things that no one on earth can do or think of. It's very difficult to come up with your own stuff all the time but personally I try to be different from others. At least I am trying (laughs). Also, you train your body and your mind all the time...
I heard you saying you'll join the army in May. Tell us about that.
Unfortunately, I have to serve the Greek Military in May 2004 for 12 months in Special Forces. It isn't very good for my riding having 2 or 3 weeks to ride my bike but i am going to take my revenge when I come out of the army. I'm gonna ride 24/7 to reach another level of riding (laughs)! However, I will try to go to the World's in Germany and the next Flatground contest if I can. Army will be just another experience in my life, that's all.
Do you like competitions?
Well, there are times that I am thinking that I don't like contests because of the judges, the crowd, the pressure in general. I hate to be pressured, especially when doing my Favourite hobby. I want to ride relaxed not stressed. On the other hand, I like contests because I meet all my friends I didn't see for a long time. I also meet new people, make new friends, that's the best part of competitions. I also like to compete with other riders. It makes me really strong when I am losing and of course when i am winning a contest. It feels realy good! I like travelling to a contest but also it makes me tired. So I'm 50/50 about that question.
How long do you think you are going to ride?
Maybe I wake up tomorrow and say: "hey, what am I doing? I am riding a bicycle without winning anything. I quit!". I don't know about the future, but I know that future is made by us and in that question Nick I have to say that I 'll try to ride as hard as I can. I'll try to ride when I am married with kids or having a full-time job. i will always have time to ride this 20 inches babe no matter how circumstances are. I swear that!
What are you doing when you are not riding your bike?
When I am not riding my KHE, I work, I study, I play with my dog, play in billiards with a good friend, listening nonstop to music. I really like hip-hop music. But the half of my day I am with my lovely lady, Mary! She even likes Flatland very much... She really liked the Unique. I also like very much to sleep many hours!(laughs).
Do you have any plans for the future?
Well, I want to get married someday with the woman I love (laughs)! I want to have my job, to make my own family and kids, lot of kids! Whatever I do I want to be happy with my life, with my people and of course... riding my bike until death! I am just joking! I want to have a creative life!
Is there anyone you 'd like to thank?
Yes, first of all i want to thank the KHE team and especially Mr. Thomas Goring, who makes me the honor to take me into the team. I really appreciate that, being a member of a such a big company like KHE. Thanks a lot, Thomas! Big props to Jesse Puente who inspired me a lot at the Flatground contest with his words. He's a mastermind flatlander for me. Really Original! I want to thank you Nick for making possible this interview. Also thanks to my best crazy friends Sakis and Alexandro for supporting me the last 4 years. Alexandro take 50 push ups! Thanks to my family of course, my parents and my 2 brothers, all my friends who believed in me and what I am doing. Lots of kisses to my lady, she is a big part of my life and greetings to all of the flatlanders who never stop dreaming.

Keep creating in life... Life is too short, ENJOY IT!