Interview Marvin Musquin
2009 was the year of the absolute breakthrough for Marvin Musquin. The 20-year-old Frenchman had an eventful season that ended with the MX2 world title. He took over the red leadership plate from compatriot Gautier Paulin in Bellpuig. At the time, Musquin was riding for Honda-NGS. However, with his transfer to Red Bull-KTM, Musquin found himself in the eye of the storm. An unprecedented legal and media merry-go-round was the result. The highlight of the Musquin affair was the World Cup leader not starting in the Swedish GP. Nevertheless, an agreement was reached and, freed from all worries, Marvin immediately proved himself right in Lommel. In the deep sand 'Musquito' scored an impressive double series victory! But Musquin also left a crushing impression in the following GPs. Musquin is technically out of category and excellently supported. For those who still have doubts: last season's MX2 sensation starts 2010 as top favorite. That's worth a conversation.
How is your preparation going?
Marvin Musquin: “Very good, I first started driving in frozen sand. I have to admit that the conditions were strange last winter! Then I went to Spain for a photo shoot, at the same time I trained there and I also got to know my new competition bike. The adjustment to the KTM SX-F250 with the link went very well. In Mantova things got better and better as the day progressed. I was even very satisfied with my last series. I was the first MX2 rider and I was hot on Philippaerts' heels. Riding a 250 against the MX1 bikes is never easy, but the track in Mantova was also very treacherous in some places. Afterwards I was tired but satisfied!”
Many young French riders go to the US in the winter and they pick up some SXs. You stayed home. Is that your own choice or did you not receive permission from KTM?
Marvin Musquin: “No, I chose it myself. I didn't feel like it. The day I leave, I also want to stay there. That's my dream!”
Last season was almost perfect in terms of sport. A major surprise, because in 2008 you rode a fairly anonymous season. What were the causes of that big step forward?
Marvin Musquin: “First and foremost, I decided to work with my own trainer; Yannig Kervella. He has a lot of experience and previously worked with pilots such as Sébastien Tortelli and Fredéric Bolley. Coaching riders is his job, and he also knows cross-country inside and out. The next factor was my switch to KTM. That was a huge boost because I received the support of the best team and I was suddenly on the best bike of the MX2 World Championship!”
Your transfer from Honda-NGS to KTM did not exactly go smoothly. Have you ever doubted your decision? For example, when not driving during the Swedish GP turned out to be the only solution?
Marvin Musquin: “Of course I was worried for Sweden. It was a real nightmare at the time, but I have never regretted my decision. I just continued to train on the bike with my full enthusiasm, I completed all my physical training as if nothing had happened. Mentally I surprised myself with that attitude! My guidance also contributed a lot to this. Everyone around me continued to support me 100%. Pit Beirer also gave everything to find a solution. I will always be grateful to him for that.”
In retrospect it is of course a lot of talk, but couldn't you have won the title with your ex-team, NGS-Honda?
Marvin Musquin: “I don't want to answer that. All I know is that I am now world champion.”
It's hard for us to imagine, but the pressure must have been enormous when you went to Belgium for the GP in Lommel. When push comes to shove, you dominate the weekend and you give the competition a big blow. Was that the main turning point last season?
Marvin Musquin: “I already felt good during the training in Lommel. It is true that I felt pressure, because after my absence in Sweden I wanted to come back strong. I dominated everything. Trainings, qualifications, the warm up and the two heats. It was indeed a huge relief and a turning point.”
Your progress in the sand commanded a lot of respect in the Netherlands and Belgium. Have you learned a lot from Stefan Everts in that area?
Marvin Musquin: “It is a combination of different elements. The most important one, however, is my trainer, Yannig Kervella. Stefan was present at some training sessions in Belgium. Really cool to be able to ride with him. This allowed me to try different lines and gain speed in certain sections. I also owe my progress in the sand to my good technique and because I was on the best bike.”
Do you have an explanation for your great driving technique? Is that thanks to the experience as an SX rider in France?
Marvin Musquin: “Yes, yes. I've been competing in Supercross for ten years now, and I still think it's just as fantastic. As a result, I now feel at home on any surface and any track.
In Franciacorta, the French team finished second in the MX of Nations this year. You seemed disappointed on stage. Was the French team the strongest in your opinion?
Marvin Musquin: "Certainly! Just think: I finished fifth twice, Gautier Paulin won one series, Steven Frossard finished fifth and used his joker once. We were virtually in the lead, but to win such a match you also need a portion of luck. Anything can happen and we saw that with that massive crash that Gautier was involved in in the third moto. So yes, I was quite disappointed. Coming second in your first MXoN is of course great, but that way…”
What is your program outside the GPs. Will we see you at work during a competition in Belgium this season?
Marvin Musquin: “Before the World Cup starts, I will do some matches of the French championship. As far as I'm concerned, there are no races planned in Belgium.
Who do you expect to be your main competitors this season?
Marvin Musquin: “There are several strong riders in MX2 across the board. However, I expect the most opposition from Ken Roczen.”
Do you think we'll see you in the States in 2011?
Marvin Musquin: “It is my dream to go to the US. Why not in 2011? However, I don't know more than that at the moment.”
Thanks Marvin, good luck in Valence!
Marvin Musquin: “Thank you and you're welcome!”
Text: Yannick Bernard
Photos credit: Yannick Bernard, CDS, Jahn M.,Dean Treml/Red Bull Photofiles
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