It had been too cold and snowy in Mat Rebeaud's home last month in Switzerland, so the 30-year-old freestyle motocross rider headed south to Dorno, Italy, just outside of Milan, to join his friends with the Daboot team to ride with them.

Photographer Ricky Monti was there to capture the session in December before the holidays and you can check out the scenes in our photo gallery at right. After Italy, Rebeaud told Monti he was planning to go to California for more training in early January before the FMX season kicks into gear.

"I will stay focused on Red Bull X-Fighters and X-Games [in 2013]," Rebeaud, the 2008 RBXF champion and two-time X Games medalist, said. "I built a speed and style track at home and I love it. And my motocross track helped me [with] that."

Rebeaud was just glad he could do what he loves -- ride his dirt bike -- because he had a difficult 2012 season while recovering from a broken femur the year before. He had surgery five months ago. After a painful recovery, he said he is feeling much better and he's excited about the new season.

"Now my leg is good." Rebeaud said in early December. "It's only [been] three weeks I ride on my bike. I have a lot of work, but I'm very motivated."