Roger De Coster about Team USA's victory
After 11 years of fruitless toil, Team USA was finally able to lift the Peter Chamberlain Trophy again. Last Sunday, Justin Cooper, Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac were the strongest national team in their own province.
The victory in RedBud was welcome because it was 2011 ago in Saint-Jean-d'Angély that Roger De Coster's team was able to finish the competition with a win again. Our colleagues from Gatedrop.com spoke to The Man about the victory at the MXoN and also about the performance of Liam Everts.
I think it's been 11 years since the USA won, does that make it extra special, especially with what happened in Red Bud four years ago?
Roger De Coster: Yeah of course it makes it so much better, you know? When you wait so long for something and you finally get it, it's a better feeling. With the Covid and all and a few years ago in Italy, we could have won, but a rider jumped on Jason Anderson after the finish line and Cooper had a tip-over on the last lap, otherwise we would have won then.
Do you think the riders felt more pressure from what happened in 2018 and then the expectation to win this year because Chase and Eli were so strong outside?
Roger De Coster: Yes, the pressure only builds more with time. There was also a lot of pressure on Justin. A lot of people thought he wasn't the best choice and that we should have brought a rider down from the 450, but I saw how tough he was when we were in the Netherlands when he broke a bone in his hand. He still tried and he's a tough guy so I'm really happy with the way it worked.
Were you surprised by his level today? It looked like he was better than he had been outside all year, it looked like he stepped it up a notch…
Roger De Coster: I felt it was possible, yes.
A little about Liam Everts. You have seen all three generations of Everts and ridden against Harry. Is it nice to see Liam and did you expect to see the third generation riding at this high level?
Roger De Coster: It might have been surprising, but at the same time I knew how race-minded Harry and Stefan are, but I was surprised at how good he has become, but I wasn't surprised that he chose motorcycle racing!
I spoke with Harry Everts at the beginning of the weekend. You are from the same generation. You have experienced the beginning of motocross until now. Who are the riders who have impressed you the most among the elite? Who really stands out for you from Joel Robert's period to now?
Roger De Coster: There's a difference between the guys with the most talent and the best style and all that, and the ones who end up winning the championship. It's not always the same rider, but I just talk to them and also to the current guys. I am very impressed with Tom Vialle and his mental approach to racing. Of course we are all impressed with Jett Lawrence and how well he is doing and how he is adapting to different conditions. He could win on a light bike but also with a 450 machine. I think those are the main guys from recent seasons.
In 2018 there was a lot to hear about the different style of the Europeans, smooth in the corners, while the Americans are more aggressive. Chase Sexton drives almost like a GP driver and is very technical. Will there be a change in the way Americans drive or do you think the difference between the flowing style of the Europeans and more aggressive American style will remain in the future?
Roger De Coster: They have to adopt the qualities of the European riders, you know? But it is difficult for the American rider to develop the best style for the outdoors because supercross is so important in the US.
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