Five minutes with Damon Graulus
The way Damon Graulus (17) rode to his first series victory in the BK MX2 spoke volumes. Because Graulus was in the lead from start to finish! The Standing Construct-Suzuki driver is - as they say - doing well. With the first round of the MX2 European Championship coming up this weekend in Saint-Jean d'Angely, it was high time to catch up with the friendly Vossem resident.
Mons was a very special competition for you: sick and still winning. That's punishment?
Damon Graulus: “Well, on Saturday afternoon I started developing a fever and at night I hardly slept. I had taken Dafalgan but that didn't help. On Sunday morning I was about to return home, but we finally decided to give it a try. Things went reasonably well during training, although I was exhausted after just two laps! Then I took some Dafalgan again and things gradually got better. I was pretty good in the first series. When I was 5de I fell when I was about to pass someone. Then I fell again and finished the race leisurely. I rested well between the heats and took something for the fever again. At that time I had the feeling that the worst was behind me because things were going a little better again. In the second race I took the holeshot, I gave everything in the first four laps. But then it seriously bothered me! On two revolutions I already had about ten seconds, so that was good. I gave everything to keep Nikolaj (Larsen) behind me and I succeeded.”
Was it extra motivation to keep Larsen, a teammate, behind you?
Granules: “On the one hand, because we often train together. In terms of speed we are worth each other. In addition to being a teammate, Larsen is also a friend, so you don't want to be inferior!”
This is certainly a boost for France?
Granules: “Yes, yes definitely. This week was all about rest, but normally I'm in good shape. I have also ridden in France this season where I was able to gauge my French opponents. With a good start and some luck, I can certainly achieve something there.”
What is your final goal in the European Championship, a top 5 or more?
Granules: “The first match will say a lot about the value ratios. So we'll know more about that after Saint-Jean. If I can ride like I am currently doing in training, I should be in the top five.”
How important is it to have Joël Smets there as a coach at the European Championships?
Granules: “Very important, Joël is five times world champion. He knows a lot about motocross and there is always something - even if it is just a detail here or there - that he points out to improve his riding. His support is also enormously helpful mentally, for example when I am stressed he can calm me down. If you can have someone like that by your side, you won't say no!”
During international competitions you compete nicely among the MX2 GP riders. Do you regret that intermediate step via the European Championship?
Granules: “That was the intention at first, but afterwards we came back to it. I think that's a good choice. It is better to first get used to the 250 four-stroke in larger competitions and then switch to the MX2013 World Championship in 2. Another aspect is that I still attend school, five days a week! I would first obtain my commercial-technical diploma, which is better to have something at hand. In terms of facilities, the school is kept well informed of my sporting activities because Topsport Vlaanderen issues a certificate every time I have to go abroad for motocross.”
Have you already made the switch from 125cc two-stroke to 250 four-stroke or are you still in a learning phase?
Granules: “I must say that the transition went very well. In terms of engine character, it suits me much more than on a 125cc, it just suits my riding style better. We also started with an original block, and then evolved the engine step by step. That is also going very well now. A result like during the Monster Energy Trophy is also cool to thank everyone. We have worked well and hard with Standing Construct since the winter, but I would also like to thank Suzuki, Smith, Acerbis, Topsport Vlaanderen, Volleberg Motorsport, my family and friends.”
Thanks for the conversation, give it a shot in France!
Granules: “It won't go wrong!”
Photos: CDS
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