5 minutes with… Tyla Rattray
The 2 MX2008 world champion left Europe last year to pursue his dream in the states. After a first outdoor championship that he got through through trial and error, it will soon be time for his baptism of fire in the whole SX thing. So it's time to take stock of the past year and what the future will bring.
Tyla, it's been a year since you left cold Belgium for warm SoCal, is that not so bad?
TR: Certainly ! The biggest difference is that the weather is always good here and you can always go riding if you feel like it. In the summer it gets a bit too hot, but then we just go to the circuit early to get back on time and avoid the heat.
You started in the outdoor races last year, was it a bigger difference than you thought?
TR: You know, here in the states there are many good drivers, but ultimately racing at the highest level is never easy, not in Europe and not here either. But I enjoyed my first season and I'm sure I'll be much better prepared for the competitions this year. I now know my opponents, the courses, the team and the bike a lot better and it is the little things that can make the difference, so for me the 2010 season can definitely start!
Your thumb injury eliminated all title chances, but could you see yourself fighting for the title with Pourcel and Dungey without that injury?
TR: Chris and Ryan were really fast this year. I was third in the championship when I injured my thumb, and I just felt like I was starting to ride much better. I was looking forward to competing with them but in Red Bud I fell off and had to leave with a broken left thumb. The injury really came at the worst possible time, and I was quite disappointed with it.
Last weekend the SX Championship started in Anaheim, for you it probably starts in Indianapolis?
TR: Yep, I'm going to ride the East Coast championship this year and I'm really looking forward to it. It will be my first SX championship and I especially want to learn a lot. It will definitely be fun!
You have little background and experience in SX competitions. How did you approach that to start the training?
TR: I started training on the Kawasaki test track and learned a lot along the way. I am surrounded by a great team that is always ready and my teammates were also a great help. They are all top players who compete for victories and titles, so I can learn a lot from them. I was somewhat surprised that it went so smoothly to find the right rhythm, but the test tracks really help a lot with this. I have a good feeling and I'm curious to see what the outcome will be in the match.
What are the ambitions for 2010?
TR: I want to ride for what I'm worth this year. I know what I can do and I only want to worry about myself and working hard. The most important thing is to avoid injuries. In SX I want to do as many laps as possible and be regular, making progress every race is the most important thing here. However, in the outdoor championship I want to fight for the title and victories.
Finally, do you have a message for your Belgian and Dutch fans?
TR: I would like to thank everyone for the support I still receive. I miss the races in Europe just for the fans, but I hope to see many of you again this year at an SX or a National. Furthermore, I wish everyone a fantastic 2010!
Photos : CDS / StylaMX.com
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