Five minutes with Damon Graulus
Matterly Basin became the stylists' weekend. We are not going to say that the GP victories of Caieroli and Roczen were not celebrated, but the victories of Christophe Pourcel (in the first MX1 round) and Damon Graulus in the European Championship 125cc received special acclaim. Because what better way to end a difficult period than with a resounding victory? Graulus also won the GP in the lightest class. We thought that deserves an interview.
What were you most satisfied with, that you took the win in the second moto or that you were able to correct the mistake from the first moto?
Damon Graulus: “Both actually! In the first heat I was also the fastest man in the race, without pushing hard I even rode towards Gajser and Bogers. Unfortunately I made a mistake that cost me quite a bit of time. Especially since my bike was in the other direction! In the end I finished fifth in the first series. I definitely wanted revenge in the second moto, and I'm glad we did it.”
You were able to control the entire second race, although you came under heavy pressure towards the end.
Damon Graulus: "That's right. I took the holeshot, but then I went a little too wide, causing Zecchina and Bogers to pass. I overtook them quite quickly and from then on I rode my own course. Halfway through there were three 'revolutions' that made me a second or two slower, but I had not consciously done that. At the end it was indeed stressful because the English crowd got behind James Dunn. I knew he was coming, so I pushed a little extra in the last 4 laps and tried to focus.”
This victory must certainly be nice after the many injuries and your shoulder and wrist injury at the beginning of this season?
Damon Graulus: "Certainly. Injuries are part of the sport, but ultimately I had to deal with injuries three years in a row. That starts to weigh on you in the long run, also mentally. This victory is therefore a huge boost. I was forced to view the first European Championship race as a thorough training. I just wasn't fit enough yet. We then intensively prepared for the second European Championship round in Sweden and I rode quite a lot in both Belgium and France. Now it's getting better and better.”
You were also doing well during the Junior World Championships in Cingoli (Italy), so Winchester was not a complete surprise.
Damon Graulus: “My speed was good at the Junior World Championships, but I lacked a bit of luck. I also had the prospect of a podium place in Italy, but in the second heat I let those two Americans, Savatgy and Alldredge, get me. I made a mistake in the final lap and at the finish I also lost third place. All in all, however, I was satisfied with Cingoli, fifth place in the final standings was better than we had previously thought.”
In the meantime, what about riding the 250 four-stroke, what suits you best?
Damon Graulus: “To be honest, it has been a while since I last rode a four-stroke, October 2010 more specifically. I'll probably start doing that after the last round of the Radson MX2 Trophy in Pierreux. I feel good on the 125cc. As in England, I notice that my driving style and choosing the right tracks pays off. It may have looked different on TV, but there were many holes and tracks. Moreover, the surface was quite swampy, a bit like in Pierreux last year. Those are circumstances that suit me. In contrast to circuits where it is more difficult to make a technical difference or where driving lines are not so important.”
You would compete in the Standing Construct team in the MX2 European Championship next year?
Damon Graulus: “That is indeed the plan. It is a new team with two GP riders and myself in the European Championship. I will also ride the Belgian Championships, and maybe we will also pick up a GP here and there as a wildcard rider. But that is all still in the future.”
Thanks for the interview and enjoy your victory!
Damon Graulus: "No problem. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my sponsors: Standing Construct, Motorsport Future, Scott, Acerbis, my parents and family and everyone who has continued to believe in me.”
Photos credit: CDS/Youthstream Media
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