Five minutes with Cyril Genot
For years, Cyril Genot (20) was considered a great talent. Unfortunately, the big breakthrough in the quarter-litre market was delayed. Genot, however, continued to fight, made a strong appearance this season as a substitute for A1M-Husqvarna and saw his perseverance rewarded with a full-time World Championship MX2 seat with the Swiss-German Ixs MXGP team. Time for a conversation with the fast Limburger!
A look at Genot's results shows why 2019 can safely be called the year of resurrection. Cyril finished 4th in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup where he recorded three podiums. From the Latvian GP he found shelter with the A1M Motorsport Husqvarna team. The highlight of his World Championship campaign was an impressive 7th place in the Belgian GP.
Cyril's qualities in the sand were never in question. Making (continued) progress on hard tracks remains his top priority. In any case, the ex-Motorsport Future rider has the technology and support to deliver a strong season in 2020. At Ixs MXGP, Genot will have the Czech Petr Polak and the Swiss Kevin Brumann as teammates. In addition to the European World Championship competitions, the ADAC MX Youngster Cup, supplemented with a number of Swiss MX2 races, is also on its calendar.
At the beginning of this month it was announced that you had signed for the IXS Yamaha team. How did this agreement come about?
Cyril Genot: “The ball started rolling at the beginning of August, a week or two before Lommel. Actually, it was my sister Rachel who happened to drop my name and indicate what I was looking for in 2020. I'm quite happy that there was already interest in me for Lommel. Still, the results in the Belgian GP obviously helped me afterwards.”
You haven't ridden a Yamaha since your EMX125 days with Kemea. How is the transition going?
Enjoyment: “Great, I am very happy with the whole package. The engine has changed a lot since 2014, so you can't really compare. In any case, I like the Yamaha.”
Depending on your speed, you did not always get paid for your work, but the second half of the season with the A1M Husqvarna team was certainly positive. How do you look back on that raid?
Enjoyment: “I can't thank the A1M team enough. They were the only team that believed in me after years of injuries. Finally I got the chance to show what I can do at the highest level in good conditions. Without them I would never have had this opportunity. I will never forget what Tanel (ed.Leok) did for me!”
You worked closely with Tanel Leok. Perhaps one of the most underrated riders of his generation. Wwhat did you learn from him?
Enjoyment: “Above all, he gave me space. I was given the opportunity to grow and progress without pressure on my shoulders. We got to know him and his family better along the way, which is really cool because we also go to the games with the family. It was a nice time together.”
What does Yamaha support look like? Nobody wants to ride standard in the MX2 World Championship!
Enjoyment: “There is no factory support. But we have the support of the Hostettler Group who distribute Yamaha in Switzerland. We will do everything we can to build the best possible competition engine this winter. The Yamaha is an excellent basis as standard and the team has good partners, so that should work.”
Do you have plans to go abroad during your preparation?
Enjoyment: “Not right away, I'll just stay at home. In terms of physicality, that is also the right place to build a base.”
In the sand you are inferior to few riders. What are your goals for next season?
Enjoyment: “I have to get better on hard courts, that's for sure. Now that I have more time to prepare, it is also at the top of my agenda. We will of course look for other jobs for that. It won't be in Belgium where I will learn that (laughs). The starting point is to keep working and making progress. I just want to stay injury-free in 2020 and always fight for points.”
It is already clear which one preseason races you are going to drive?
Enjoyment: “Normally we ride the last two rounds of the International Italian Championship at the beginning of February. We have yet to decide which races we will run before the first GP in Matterley Basin.”
Anything else you would like to share?
Enjoyment: “Thank you for the conversation and I hereby invite everyone to my dining day! I would like to see you appear on Saturday, December 7 in the De Bond hall, in Val-Meer (Riemst) from 18:30 PM. If you are not hungry, you can also come and have a drink; )”
Tekst: Andy McKinstry
Photos: IXS Yamaha, IG Cyril Genot, MX July
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