Quick chat with Emil Weckman, Avrie Berry & Miro Sihvonen
This weekend the second round of the EMX125 championship takes place in Italy. A familiar track for Emil Weckman (KTM Diga Junior Racing) who won a series in the EMX150 in Arco di Trento three years ago. The American Avrie Berry will start her World Cup campaign this weekend. The WMX ladies start the championship in the 'backyard' of reigning world champion Kiara Fontanesi!
Ordered before Emil Weckman is the compact, winding circuit of stone wall the perfect opportunity to reinforce his European ambitions. During the opening round in Valkenswaard, the double EMX150 champion was just shy of his first EMX125 podium. In the end he finished on equal points with the third, Mario Lucas.
Last weekend Emil rode to a solid fifth place in the Dutch Masters of Motocross round of Oldebroek. The KTM Diga Junior Racing rider recorded a 3rd and 5th place. “I had good starts in both heats, but I wasn't really happy with my speed. I also had a small crash in the second moto, so it certainly could have been more serious. That's why I'm looking forward to riding at my best level again this weekend in Arco di Trento!”
EMX250 rider Miro Sihvonen had a difficult day in Oldebroek. Miro primarily wanted to gain competition rhythm on the “De Bargen” circuit. Unfortunately, he suffered from sore arms most of the day. In addition, Sihvonen had no luck on his side either. With 10 days left until the next EMX250 round, the fast Finn and teammate can Damian Kosh putting the finishing touches on the team before they take office in Agueda, Portugal.
World Cup starts for Avrie Berry
“I only came to Belgium at the end of January, so I actually trained and rode in California all winter. It wasn't until quite late that it was certain that I would come back to ride the full WMX championship. But I'm so looking forward to it! It's really cool to be part of such a beautiful series," says Avrie enthusiastically. “The level among women in Europe is currently very high. That is a huge difference with the US. Moreover, things are more professional in the World Cup. I also think there is more money here for girls who ride.”
“With what I know now, I would have approached my preparation a little differently. A little more emphasis on strength training, for example, because that is an important factor. Of course it also takes getting used to the jobs. The courses here couldn't be more different than what I'm used to in the US! What riders would find a tough job in America, they would find easy here. (laughs) Otherwise they should come and have a look in Lommel at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.”
Berry switched from the 125cc to the 250 four-stroke this winter, although she still rode the two-stroke in both GPs last year. Her best result was a nice 11th place in the muddy second round of the championship final in Villars-sous-Ecot.
“I still had the feeling that I needed more power to be competitive, especially when there are steep slopes in the circuit. Experience with Arch of Trento Of course I don't have that, so I studied all the videos I could find on the internet. In any case, it looks like a nice job. Hopefully there will also be good tracks, that's how the circuit prefers it! Compared to my two European competitions last year, Assen and Villars, it could hardly be more difficult. (grins) Be careful, I had fun, but they were both two very tough races. I actually have no real expectations for the first round this weekend. I just want to get into the top 20 again and score points. As the championship progresses, I obviously want to make progress.”
Fans can watch all of this weekend's races - including the EMX125 and WMX heats on Saturday and Sunday - live with commentary from Paul Malin view on mxgp-tv.com.
Photos: Eric Laurijssen & Jones
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