Five minutes with Antoine Magain
A dream season, that's how you can certainly describe 2019 for Antoine Magain (KTM Belgium). The 23-year-old pilot from Nismes was again crowned Belgian enduro champion in the Prestige class, won the 12h of La Chinelle, finished 4de in the strong French E1 championship, became 5de in the EnduroGP Junior class and took the crown during the ISDE in Portugal. Time for a roundup.
Last weekend, the Belgians celebrated after a historic International Six Days of Enduro. Leader Antoine Magain also received good news last week. For the 2020 season he will receive a top sports contract with ADEPS, the counterpart of Sport Vlaanderen or NOC*NSF.
You became 5 with Team Belgiumde in the Junior Trophy and the Belgians collectively achieved the best result since 1995. How do you personally look back on the ISDE in Portugal?
Antoine Magain: “I am certainly satisfied! Although you work hard all year to reach this level. I showed some nice things in terms of chronos. The last three days I was in the top 14 in the scratch (ed. general classification across all categories). That's a good sign for next year. Due to my heavy fall on Tuesday I lost a lot of time, but overall I am happy with how everything went.”
The International Six Days are a major effort on every level. Probably much more than outsiders think. What was the practical preparation like?
Gain: “We arrived in Portimao on Tuesday. From Wednesday we started exploring the specials with all Belgian riders. This is only allowed on foot in enduro. We walked more than 100 kilometers. The material was unloaded from Thursday so that we could also complete some motorcycle training on site.”
Do you physically approach a race in 6 days differently than a normal race weekend?
Gain: "No actually not. Physically I haven't changed anything compared to a normal match. Mentally I was ready after a great season, but physically I was also in good shape thanks to the work of my supervisors Fabrice Lambert and Sylvain Werrion.”
What was your goal for the ISDE in advance?
Gain: “That was not exactly certain. Finally, it was my first real participation after the disaster scenario of Brive-la-Gaillarde in 2017. The second day my engine no longer started. Despite my good performances this year, I had no idea what to expect in the Six Days. Above all, I just wanted to do my best and especially finish such a tough race.”
You rode at the front of the Junior class. What is still needed to be able to compete with men like Daniel Sanders (ed. scratch winner) or Josep Garcia (2de in the final score)?
Gain: “Bwah, 2 seconds per minute faster (laughs)… I still have a long way to go, it's that simple.”
It seems that the victory in La Chinelle gave you a big boost because you then reached an even higher level in the following competitions: twice second in the Czech Republic in the EnduroGP. You grew from a candidate for the podium to a candidate winner.
Gain: “Yes, that is true, but at the same time it is also difficult to deal with as a pilot. As soon as you achieve such a result, people expect you to always play for the win. Whether I clicked in La Chinelle in terms of driving or between the ears, I don't know. In any case, I gained a lot of confidence from it.”
The Belgian enduro scene is closely linked and there is also a positive dynamic in the championship. Compare the BC with the other competitions on your calendar?
Gain: “Over the past two years we have always had a great Belgian Championship with quite a few competitions. These are always events over one day, so it is difficult to compare it with the French championship or the World Cup, but with the resources we have, we are doing well. We have to thank all clubs and organizers for that.”
What does your future look like after such a season?
Gain: “First and foremost, a little rest. Then I start my physical training on the bike again and I have to work hard at the Christmas markets here and there. (ed. Antoine has a stand at various markets in his region). I cannot yet say exactly what my situation will look like in 2020. But of course it is an excellent thing that I will receive support from ADEPS. That's really a relief. We have to make a lot of sacrifices for our sport but as you know it is financially difficult to make money in endruo. This way I have something for my movements and something to set aside. A small wage means a lot to me right now.”
Where does your nickname Minimax actually come from?
Gain: “I owe that to my dad (ed. Multiple Belgian enduro champion Bernard Magain). His nickname was Mag's, little Magain. That later evolved into an X at the end, meaning Max. (laughing) And because I'm his son, they made it 'Minimax'.”
Despite your father, was motorsport a late calling for you?
Gain: “At this level indeed. I have always been involved in motorcycles, but my dream was to become a high-level footballer. When I was 16, I was in the first team of Couvin-Mariembourg, which was being promoted. However, due to a congenital abnormality in my back, I had to stop. My back hurt when I walked. I then started focusing on enduro step by step. I have had a motorcycle since I was little. Finally, a friend of my dad asked why I shouldn't enter a competition like that. That's how it started.”
The Belgian federation has to make do with very few resources compared to the competition. Nevertheless, just like in the MX of Nations, there is a good atmosphere and the motivation is high.
Gain: "Absolute! That's why it was so cool that we won the Watling Tropy (ed. award for the most improved country). That is a nice reward for all the volunteers who supported us for two weeks. That dedication and the ambiance are really fantastic. You notice that we are on the right track. Congratulations also to all Belgian riders for what we have achieved there.”
Tekst: Olivier Evrard & Tom Jacobs
Photos: Mastorgne, Fred Ccy & Gino Maes
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