Interview | Growing the next Generation: Stan & Jesus Zavala 

If a world champion like Manuel Lettenbichler awaits you at the finish line of Red Bull Romaniacs, there has got to be something special. At only 14 years old, Stanislas Zavala finished in Bronze Class at the hardest enduro rally in the world together with his father, Jesus. 

We sat down with them to find out more about the father & son hard enduro duo from Mexico.  

Stan & Jesus, thanks for taking the time. Your participation at Red Bull Romaniacs was very special. Racing as a father & Son Duo is not something we see every day in this sports. Tell us a bit about you. 

Jesus: I’m 44 years old, from Mexico, and am a KTM and Husqvarna dealer in Valle de Bravo. 

Stan:  I am 14 years old, half French, half Mexican, and I am in my second year of high school. 

How did you first become interested in Hard Enduro Jesus? 

In 2008, I received invitations from KTM to participate in the Erzberg Rodeo, and from Chris Birch to join the Red Bull Romaniacs and Red Bull City Scramble races. This marked my entry into the world of extreme off-road sports. Now, 15 years later, my passion for these events still burns as strong as ever.

Stan, it seems like motorcycles have been a central part of your life. Were you mostly raised in the paddock?

Absolutely, For instance, on the day of my birth, we were actually celebrating a WEC event in my hometown, Valle de Bravo. Ever since I can recall, we've been attending all the races held in México.

Jesus, you have been racing a lot of Hard Enduro races already. What was your personal biggest achievement? 

Finishing the Iron Giant. Erzbergrodeo is such a special event. Seeing the finish flag at this event is for sure my all-time highlight. 

Have you ever dreamed of racing together with your son? 

The idea just came a year ago when I realized Stan would be 14 just one week before the race, and 14 is our lucky number, so I decided it was a signal. 

Why did you sign up for this year's Red Bull Romaniacs and why did you choose Bronze Class, as it is a very tough class? 

Jesus: Because it was going to be the 20th anniversary of RBR and I knew it was going to be a good one!
Stan: We decided for bronze because we wanted it to be something doable but challenging for both of us. 

You rode together as a father-son duo. Whose idea was it? 

Jesus: To be honest, it started out primarily for safety reasons, but as time went on, we realized it could be a really amazing experience. And in the end, that's exactly what it turned out to be.

Stan: We had so much fun racing together, that is something we will not forget. 

How did riding together go all those four days in the forest? Who had to wait for whom? 

Jesus: It was amazing! The logistics did get a bit complicated since we didn't start at the same time. 

At first, I had to wait for him, then on the second day, I had to catch up to him, and on the third day, I had to wait for him again.

Stan: ...and on the fourth day, it took him almost 3 hours to catch me. 

Manuel Lettenbichler (the current leader in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship) welcomed you at the finish - describe that feeling. 

Stan: We definitely didn't expect that, it surprised us, and it was something amazing. 

Jesus: It was an incredible gesture from Mani that we will surely remember forever! Maybe we should invite him over for dinner at AvandaRocks.

What are your goals and aspirations as an enduro athlete? Are there any particular races or achievements you are aiming for in the coming years?

Jesus: At the moment, for me, it’s only important to have fun and attend as many races as I can, but I think I’m not coming alone anymore.

Considering where it led Andrea Lettenbichler, taking his son to one of the events in the past - yes you will not come alone anymore. 

Stan, are you planning to do more rounds of the championship in the future and sign up for the Junior World Championship one day? 

Absolutely, I'm eager to take part in more events. My goal is to compete in the Junior World Championship, and I'm hopeful that I can secure strong sponsors to represent me.

Thank you very much for the interview. 

Thanks. 

Images © Jesus Zavala, Red Bull Romaniacs