Five minutes with Damon Graulus
15-year-old Damon Graulus left the 85cc class last year with a well-stocked trophy cabinet. The fast Vossem native (against Leuven) started his first year on the 125cc super motivated. Unfortunately, due to all kinds of injuries, it became a season to quickly forget. Damon was there again last weekend in Fermo during the final round of the European Championship 125cc - where Brent Van Doninck also made his 125 debut. Motocrossmag called Graulus.
What was it like to finally be back at the start in Italy?
Damon Graulus: “It was great to be there again, of course. Fermo was a very nice course, really impressive and with big jumps. On the other hand, there was also a bit of stress involved. Maybe because I didn't know what to expect from it. I went there without a competition rhythm. But actually things went pretty well straight away. I then came ninth in the qualifications; and in the first heat I came eighth. By the way, I was seventh for quite a long time, but I really felt that I was lacking rhythm and had to let go in the last 5 minutes. The second heat was not as good, although I finished fourth. I couldn't really find my way around the circuit and crashed behind a jumping mountain. As a result, my handlebars were completely bent. I came back from last place to 21th, but the driving turned flat.”
Did you follow the 125cc European Championship during your absence?
Damon Graulus: “Not too fanatical! I have seen the results each time, but nothing more. If I had to estimate myself for the entire European Championship, I think there would have been a top five. Especially because in the Italian GP I noticed that I was already running lap times that were the same as those of third or fourth place.”
What are you going to do next year?
Damon Graulus: “I'm going to ride the European Championship 125cc again. This year was actually a lost year in which I was not able to show much. With some individual competitions at the end of the year, that is also a strange feeling. I really have my sights set on a strong 2011 and want to build up as best as I can now.”
How did the transition from the 85cc to the 125cc go?
Damon Graulus: “That wasn't too bad actually. At the end of last year I had already started training on the 125cc and I didn't have many adjustment problems.”
You were part of Motorsport Future again this season. What does that mean to you?
Damon Graulus: “Motorsport Future is certainly an important step. I have already learned a lot, especially on a physical level. The good advice from Joël Smets, Dirk Geukens and Stefan Peetermans also helps, of course. There is a great atmosphere and I am happy to be part of the selection. Mentally, it was also a boost this season that there are always people who support and motivate you.”
What does your winter look like?
Damon Graulus: “Just train a lot in the sand and work hard physically. It is possible that an internship will be organized in Spain with Topsport Vlaanderen, but in terms of competitions I have nothing planned this winter. I'm not going to ride a supercross because you can't properly prepare for that here."
What did you think of the MX2 GPs?
Damon Graulus: “Let me think… Then I end up with Roczen and Herlings. Everyone knows that these two are top talents, so you know that they are capable of a lot. On the one hand, Jeffrey's performance was no surprise to me. On the other hand, I don't really understand how men the same age as me can ride so fast for 35 minutes plus two laps.”
Thanks for the interview Damon!
Damon Graulus: “You're welcome, I would like to thank my sponsors: Standing Construct, Scott, Acerbis, Motorsport Future and everyone who supported me this year.”
Photos credit: Dirk De Coster
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