New exclusive column Jill Cairoli Cox
Jill, Tony Cairoli's girlfriend, has had her own column in MXlife since this year. Anyone who knows Jill knows that she is a spirited and sweet girl who stands with both feet on the ground. Luckily for us, she also has hidden talents like writing! Because her column is very nicely worded and is absolutely worth it. Here is a selection from the column.
As a girlfriend of Tony Cairoli, I am often asked what it is like to live with a top athlete. And whether it is true what is said about them: that top athletes are selfish, that they have to follow special diets and they sometimes think that all of life revolves around them!
Although we do not follow a balanced sports diet at home, I still ensure that Tony gets a fresh meal twice a day; often pasta with fresh vegetables. And even though everything may revolve around Tony during a GP weekend, that is not the case at all in everyday life. Then he just takes part in the housework and helps in the kitchen. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen that often anymore, because he can cook like no other!
During such a GP weekend I naturally try to make everything go as smoothly as possible. This ranges from small things such as ensuring that Tony gets food and drinks enough on time, to planning autograph sessions and interviews or preparing the materials he needs for the match. I also try to make sure that Tony gets enough rest, because compared to some other riders he likes to pay attention to his fans and prefers to be with people until the last minute before the start. He then jokes with his mechanics or listens to music and makes crazy dance moves. So that peace is relative, but it of course helps if everything around him is well arranged.
As everyone knows, Tony is mentally very strong. He is therefore not easily influenced by what other people say about him or if a journalist writes something negative about him. That mental strength may make the difference between winning or losing a world title! I believe that the group of people that Tony has gathered around him over the years also contributes to this. Positive energy is “the key”!
Click here to continue reading 'Jill's corner'. Then turn to p 40!
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