Quick chat with Jed Beaton
Despite a difficult start to the season, Jed Beaton remains calm. However, this season is the 23-year-old Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider's last chance to take the MX2 world title. Beaton scored 7th, 12th and 7th places in the first three rounds of the season and is currently 10th in the World Championship standings.
During the second round in Matterley Basin, Jed had to deal with a big crash. Beaton had to give up but fortunately was not injured. He also had a serious fall in Russia - through no fault of his own.
“Matterley didn't go according to plan at all and that was a shame because I like riding there and it was a good chance to get a lot of points. I also really liked Maggiora, but it was one week after a big blow. We are only at the fourth GP. So it's early in the season. If I can complete three decent GPs, I have the feeling that I will be back in no time. That is my plan now.”
Because Beaton turns 24 next year, 2021 is his last chance to shine in MX2. He previously achieved podium finishes and last year he rode to a series victory and 4th place in the final standings. So far, the Australian has not been able to compete with the fastest men in MX2. Tom Vialle, Maxime Renaux, Thibault Benistant and Mattia Guadagnini have all won at least one round this season.
“Given the circumstances [that crash in Britain], I missed something. The other boys are obviously strong now, but there is still a long way to go and towards the end it could be the other way around,” he said. “I'm not too stressed. The most important thing I remember from the previous GP in Italy was the two good starts. That's normally not my strong suit. In Maggiora I just didn't feel like myself in the heats and we will have to work on that.”
Beaton not only has to keep an eye on the championship and his rivals - World Championship leader Guadagnini (Red Bull KTM) already has a 46-point lead - his sporting future is also at stake. If he decides to stay in the Motocross World Championship, Jed will have to switch to MXGP in 2022.
Tekst: Adam Wheeler, Tom Jacobs
Photos: JP Acevedo, shotbyBavo
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