DAILY BREAD ANDERSON WALDELE
Anderson Waldele’s year on the bike was one envied by many. Waldele rides with a fluidity and finesse that mirrors many in the pro classes. The 674 made out like a bandit at Mini O’s in November, winning three championships and bringing home enough hardware to fill up a trailer. Waldele strung together an array of impressive rides at the ranch that translated to two top-ten overall finishes in the 65cc (10-11) Limited and 65cc (10-11) Mod classes. Anderson is a bit of a rarity in the high ranks of amateur motocross. The 11-year-old accomplished all of these feats and more while going to school full-time. From 8 am to 3 pm every day, Anderson is hustling to maintain straight-As in the classroom. The grind doesn’t stop when the bell rings; Waldele continues to compete after school on his middle school cross country, basketball, and tennis teams. Not to mention, he’s a savant on the saxophone, as well. To say that Anderson has mastered the work-life balance would be a gross understatement. The work ethic of Waldele will unequivocally translate to podiums in 2025; we caught up with Anderson to talk road trip stories, gnarly get-offs, and career goals.
Give us the basics. (name, age, hometown)
Anderson Waldele. 11 years old. Lizella, Georgia
Tell us about getting your first motorcycle.
My first motorcycle was a PW50 that I got for Christmas when I was 2.5 years old. I rode the training wheels off of that bike!
Describe a typical day in your life.
A typical day for me starts at 7:00 am. I go to school full time, so I get up and out of the house by 7:30 am and am at school until 3:15 pm. This year I ran cross country on the middle school team in the fall, played on the basketball team this past winter, and am about to start practice for the tennis team. We practice 3-5 days after school for middle school sports. On the days I am not playing sports for my school’s teams, we ride!
If you were forced to have a non-athletic career, what would it be?
Math and Design and Modeling are my favorite classes. If I were to have a non-athletic career, I would probably be an engineer.
Tell us about your funnest family member.
My funnest family member is my dad. He likes doing all of the things that I like to do- riding dirtbikes, riding bicycles, driving RC cars, and playing video games.
Best moment on a motocross bike.
The best moment on a motocross bike is getting that checkered flag first!
Describe your training program.
My training program growing up has been riding with my dad. A few of our really good friends have tracks and we have been riding there.
Favorite pre-race meal?
I don’t have a favorite pre-race meal. On race day, I am a snacker. I eat my mom’s homemade peanut butter cookies, pickles, bananas, ham, beef jerky, and chocolate covered almonds. Mr. Beast bars are also my jam!
Gnarliest crash you’ve ever had.
The gnarliest crash I ever had was at Mini O’s 3 years ago. I was knocked out and lacerated my spleen and pancreas. I spent 3 nights at the hospital.
Best road trip story.
The best road trip was when we decided to pack up and travel to Camp Boom Diggity with The Lane’s. 7 of us drove over 14 hours one way in the camper-4 kids, 3 adults, and our dog Murphy. We got to ride dirtbikes all day, watch the pitbike race, and slide down their monster slide.
Worst road trip story.
One year on our way out to Spring a Ding, we got 2 flat tires on our trailer. The roads in Loiusiana are no joke!
What do you love about being at the track besides racing your bike?
I get to hang out with all of my friends. We ride bicycles, throw footballs, and build our own tracks in the dirt.
What are you looking forward to getting out of this sport?
This sport has taught me hardwork, grit, and to be resilient. We have met some of our best friends through moto and made some awesome memories. Looking forward to seeing where it takes me.
Give some props to everyone helping you out.
Fly Racing/A1 Racing Suspension/Scott Goggles/Dunlop Tires/KTM of South Georgia/Ethika/Nihilo/Mika Metals/FMF/Tamer/Derrick Fisher/The Lane Family/Derek Ames
What are your superstitions, weird habits, or routines?
I always ask my mom for my blue Fly gear because I think it’s lucky. I am super focused at the starting gate and once the gate drops I can relax.
What is the fitness routine or training regimen off the bike?
I don’t have a set fitness routine or training program off the bike. I play sports at my school, ride my bicycle at home, and never sit still.
Give us a hot take.
Timed qualifying is supreme AND water is the best drink out there!
Do you have any hidden talents or weird skills?
I have straight A’s in school, play the saxophone, and can solve a rubix cube.
