What do the riders think about the upcoming GPs?
In recent years, the World Cup has been stable in terms of the most important rules. The maximum age limit of 23 years in MX2 and qualifying races has been in existence for more than ten years. However, due to the corona crisis, many certainties are now being challenged. Races over one day, crowd restrictions, different GPs at the same location and yes, even midweek races. How do the riders view what is to come?
In Kegums, Latvia, the GP riders will race a total of three times: this time on Sunday, then on Wednesday and then again on Sunday.
Clement Desalle, Monster Energy Kawasaki: “I understand the idea. I especially like the concept of a GP in one day. But on a circuit like in Lommel it will be physically very difficult. I like the sand, but I also like hard courts. Somewhere you need a different strategy, but we will make the best of it.”
Ben Watson, Monster Energy Yamaha MX2: “It's strange, but it's a situation that everyone has to deal with. Now that the GPs are a one-day format, I don't think it will be as intense compared to a normal weekend. The strangest thing is that we now have to adapt to that new program; 20 minutes of free training and 25 minutes of time training with 5 minutes of starting training. That's enough for everyone to get used to the track, get into a rhythm and make sure you don't have arm pump.”
Thomas Kjer Olsen, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna: “It will be really interesting to see how everything will turn out. I'm not sure if it will be harder or not, but the days will be longer. Three days in a week is a lot and it might be harder to recover for the last GP. But we save a lot of time by not having to travel back and forth. To be honest, it might be a bit easier mentally too. Even though they are going to change the track, I think it will be largely the same type of challenge. We have to do what we have to do in these times!”
Gautier Paulin, Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP: “First and foremost, it's good that we have a calendar and it's sure to be a strange year in almost every way! Due to the lower public attendance and of course there is also social distancing. That's strange for a sport that is otherwise so close to the fans. Racing with three GPs in one week is very different and that one day makes it less physical. It's a completely new situation that we'll have to adapt to, but that's fine with me. I am positive about the circuits on the calendar. Even though I think we will see some changes. I hope we'll see some variety, even if we stay in just three or four countries. The most important thing is to get back racing for the sponsors and for the fans. I feel healthy and am happy with the bike.”
Jeremy Seewer, Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP: “It's going to be difficult! Especially because of the type of tracks we will be driving on. After all, Latvia and Lommel are among the most physical competitions on the calendar. So it will be tough, with less time on the track you have to put all your energy into one day. You have to find your best way to perform on those three days. We'll see who has the best approach because you might see someone going all out in the first GP and putting in strong results but they could pay a price for that on Wednesday…. You definitely need to plan your energy. It will be interesting to see how we all deal with it. No matter how it turns out, when the gate falls you have to go for it. You can't think 'ah, there's another race on Wednesday, let's run at 90% today'. I rode three times a week for training, but those series are a lot less intense and don't have the same level of adrenaline. There are physical similarities, but mentally it is much different. It brings an interesting new challenge for MXGP.”
Jorge Prado, Red Bull KTM: “I don't think three GPs in one week would be too much because we have some time to recover before the next race. We'll see, maybe I'll think completely differently about it on Wednesday! But we all train a lot, so I think it won't be that bad. The courses on the calendar are sandy or at least on a soft surface. That is good for me. I just don't know Faenza that well. I only rode the 85cc there. And then only on the bottom part because it had rained so hard. From what I can remember there were nice height differences in the track. So I'm looking forward to finally racing in Faenza. Hopefully the GP in Spain will go ahead, that would be good for me too. And hopefully all GPs on the calendar will continue.”
Arnaud Tonus, Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP: “There is time to recover. We ride more in training than we will at the GP. I think it's pretty cool – just to have a race and a calendar is a really positive thing – and no one will have an advantage. When it comes to focus, adrenaline and the racing itself, this has a different impact on the body than a training day. We will have to pay special attention to the recovery, because the tracks where we will have those three GPs are tough!”
Shaun Simpson, SS24 KTM MXGP: “I don't think there will be much difference physically, because we normally ride two days a week and then two days in a GP weekend. I think it will even be easier. Of course, we don't have to travel much between races, so recovery will be easier. There will be no early mornings for flights wondering where you'll stop for the next meal. We'll be able to get into a routine. Everyone will be sharper and because the riders know it's a fast race over one day, I think the intensity can be even higher than normal! For example, I am thinking of time training. That would be quite hectic in the morning because everyone wants to set a fast lap. We haven't raced in three months and a lot of riders will want to show where they stand."
Tekst: Adam Wheeler
Photos: Ray Archer, shotbyBavo, Yamaha Racing, KTM
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