Interview: Steve Ramon is looking forward to Le Touquet
As long as Jeffrey Herlings or Glenn Coldenhoff is not at the start, a Dutch victory in the beach race of Le Touquet is very unlikely. The Belgians with Daymond Martens and Yentel Martens do have a chance. And the last Belgian Enduropale winner Steve Ramon (Suzuki Gear2Win) can also be counted among the contenders. This Sunday, the two-time world champion will be at the start of his fifth Le touquet.
Mxmag: How is your level of form at the moment?
Steve Ramon: “Let's call it reasonable. I'm not at all great. Due to the harsh weather of the past few weeks, it has been more difficult for me to complete my motorcycle training. Those freezing temperatures were certainly a bummer. However, I cannot complain about my physical preparation. You often hear about the Enduro Pale, but it is really a race that you ride based on experience.”
Mxmag: During the first two races of the French beach cross championship (CFS: Championnat de France FFM des Courses sur Sable) you were always on the podium. That fairly new championship seems to be the perfect run-up to the Enduro Pale. Why did you miss the other matches?
Ramon: “It's not because the championship doesn't interest me. On the contrary, I would say because it is of course perfect for gaining competitive rhythm in these types of races. But you also need the support of sponsors. I couldn't agree with that. Loon and Berk sur Mer are much closer and they are both races that I really enjoy. I did participate in the Red Bull Knock Out at the end of November. I came fourth there.”
Mxmag: How do the Red Bull Knock out in Scheveningen and the Enduropal differ?
Ramon: “I wouldn't go so far as to say the beach sand is different! The course and nature of the competition differ considerably. The beach in Scheveningen is much wider. In the Red Bull Knockout the speeds are also higher, overtaking is easy and there are fewer short bends. During the Enduro Pale you start with 1.100 riders, which alone greatly determines the course of the race. And the track is also much longer than in Scheveningen.”
Mxmag: In Le Touquet the fastest rider does not necessarily win, it is a very complex race.
Ramon: “Absolutely, there are many factors involved. If a current GP star like Herlings, Cairoli or Febvre were to participate, he would have to win, that's right. Only lap times that are a little faster do not provide a guarantee. The shape of the day determines a lot in such a three-hour battle of attrition. You have to stay focused all the time. It is inevitable that you will come into contact with vehicles behind you. Avoiding falls and mechanical breakdowns is therefore crucial. And you need an experienced team around you.”
Mxmag: You are no longer a GP rider, how is that team section now filled in?
Ramon: “Stefan Everts' Suzuki factory team is still preparing my material. It was the same before with Sylvain Geboers. Support at the matches is not possible, but that is not so bad. I now have my own entourage for that. To carry out pit stops quickly, the people you work with must know exactly what they are doing in order to lose as little time as possible. We now have that well under control!”
Mxmag: You are now 37, Jean-Claude Mousse won Le Touquet at the age of 41. Arnaud Demeester was also at the front for a long time. That must be motivating, victory is still possible for you too. Ramon: “That's right, but I'm not really doing any long-term planning of I'm going to ride until then or then. I still really enjoy doing it. Both the training and the riding itself. As long as that is the case and I am competitive, I will continue. Now I still have the feeling that I can go for a win or at least for the podium. If that is no longer possible, it is no longer necessary for me. I don't like riding along just for fun.”
Mxmag: Who do you see as a big contender(s) this year?
Ramon: “There is no clear top favorite in this field. Especially because so much can happen. But count on a strong Adrien Van Beveren again. In the beginning he is rarely at the front, but he can organize his match very well. Gradually you see him moving up. Then you end up with the typical French beach specialists: Camille Chapeliere, Richard Fura is also doing well. And the same can be said of Daymond Martens. It's a pity that Axel Van de Sande cannot participate, but I also expect something from Yentel Martens.”
Mxmag: The cold and rain often make Le Touquet even more of a hell. How do you deal with that? Ramon: “It's just part of this competition and the time of year. For the time being, the weather forecast calls for rain, but not too cold temperatures. Happy. Actually, I don't handle the cold very well. Or at least my hands can't handle it well. As you know, that is a nightmare for every rider. With frozen hands you hardly feel your brake or clutch lever. Once your hands get cold, it's basically lost. That is why it is also important to keep your hands warm before the start. Those 20, 25 minutes before you leave are actually part of the game.”
Mxmag: Like all major endurance races, such a long, tough beach cross requires a lot of recovery. What does next week look like for Steve Ramon? Ramon: “Very quiet (laughs). I don't have anything on my agenda! Come on, I certainly won't do anything for the first two or three days. Especially as you get older, it takes a little longer to recover. That's just a fact. On the other hand, during such a Le Touquet you always go deep, even if you are at the top.”
Mxmag: Best of luck!
Ramon: "Thank you."
Photos: Bavo Swijgers/Red Bull Content Pool, Suzuki Racing
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