Cyril Genot: Honest, motivated and grateful
Cyril Genot, one of the greatest talents of our small country. We don't know much about this young man and his plans for the future, so we stopped by and heard from an incredibly honest Cyril Genot.
Name: Cyril Enjoyment
Age: 17 years
Size: 1m85
Weight: 72 kg
Job: Student
Field of study: 6th year of economics sciences ASO
Motocross experience: 15 years old, I started racing when I was about 3 years old with a QR50 Honda in our backyard.
You have already achieved some great results, to whom or what do you owe this success?
“I mainly owe this success to my parents and sister and many people who have crossed my path over the years. To begin with, my dad was already a very good pilot in the amateur associations, so it was he who taught me everything from the beginning. We have been able to build on this together over the years. I was also lucky to be part of MSF Topsport Vlaanderen with Joël Smets as top coach. In this way I was indeed able to achieve some nice results. Without the support of my sister and mother, it would certainly never have been possible, and especially not to forget my loyal sponsors. My uncle, Tonton Eric, has always sponsored the motorcycles.”
What is it like to participate in sports at such a high level at such a young age?
“Sporting at a high level is certainly not easy, but combining it with school makes it all much more complicated. Fortunately, I am now in my last year of ASO, after which I would normally be able to fully dedicate myself to motocross if we manage to get the necessary budget together and if we find people who still believe in me.”
“I try to exercise almost every day. I would prefer to be able to train as much as possible on the motorcycle, but because of school this is only possible 2-3 times a week. I also do exercises twice a week with my physiotherapist, Carlo, and I try to cycle or jog about once or twice.”
“Luckily I get a lot of support from my family and I manage to combine just about everything.”
How did your last season go?
“Last season was certainly not easy. The switch to the European Championship 250cc has been a very big step for me, but the change of team throughout the season was also a big challenge.”
“The season didn't start badly with the Italian Open Championship where I finished 10th. The first 2 European Championships, on the other hand, did not go the way I would have liked, bad starts made it really difficult for me. I was then able to achieve some nice results, a 12th place in Teutschenthall and a 10th place in Arco. Then came the change of team and the adjustment was certainly not easy. I didn't have many hours on the bike, but the European Championships came very quickly. Necessary adjustments and engine trouble prevented me from achieving some good results that I had hoped for and thought I could achieve.”
We noticed that you had difficulties with your team last year, Silver Action KTM?
“The winter and the Italian championship went well. In addition, there have been some problems with the engines, which meant we had to travel to Italy unplanned.”
“In addition, financial problems have started at home. Some sponsors who did not help in time combined with the Italian championship, which was super educational but also expensive.”
“My parents had to admit that we would not survive financially. Of course, we might have been able to borrow something somewhere or call for help, but we made the decision because of what we received from the team on the one hand and what we had to pay, the concerns, ... on the other hand.”
What are the plans for next season? Are you currently negotiating with teams or sponsors for next year?
“There are no exact plans for next season yet, there are still many doubts. What we already know is that we will not raise more budget than last year. I of course hope that my regular sponsors will continue to believe in me. Seven Management also sees a future with me, which makes me extremely grateful. We are currently in negotiations with a few teams, but I cannot say more about that yet.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“I hope to be a healthy young man of 22 years who still practices his favorite sport and preferably at the highest possible level.”
Thank you Cyril for the nice interview, would you like to thank people?
“Of course I would like to thank my family as well as my entourage and of course the sponsors: Garage Piraux, Oben building, Okaz auto, Carlo Mantione, Dirk Posen, Limburg hardware store, Schincariol Franco, Bogaerts Danny, Ultradia, Vossen Michel, 6D Helmets, Levenstond, Huls BVBA, Peter Bielen and Festers tile trade, Twin Air and all those I have forgotten.”
“I would also like to thank my school KA Tongeren for their understanding and last but not least all my loyal supporters. I hope they will continue to follow me in the future."
Text: Cyril Genot & Yente Dourte
Photo: BrentMXpics
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