ENDURO WORLD CHAMPION: An interview with Alex Salvini - 2013 Enduro World Champion Class E2

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Compiled: Shaun Graham │Photos: Cristiano Morello

An interview with

Alex Salvini 2013 Enduro World Champion Class E2

#36 | DO IT NOW Magazine • 1

Alex Salvini may

have only been racing enduro for three years, but the 28-year-old Italian had an outstanding season in 2013 after signing up to ride with THE Honda Zanardo Team on a Honda machine, and at the final E2 Enduro World Championship event in St Flour, France, he took the title on the opening day in difficult conditions.

DO IT NOW caught up with Alex Salvini, to find out more about the man behind the visor.

At what age did you start riding?

I start riding in 1996 when I was 10 years old.

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What was your preferred discipline in your earlier riding days?

When I started, Motocross was my preferred discipline. This is how I started, first for fun and then it became my profession.

How are you finding the bike setup for the season ahead?

Fortunately we can start the coming season from a good base. Regarding the bike setup we have data and information gathered during last season, but of course we are still working hard to improve the suspension setting and the fuel injection maps. Soon we will also get some new HRC parts.

We had scheduled to test it before round 1 but unfortunately I will test them after the first GP because now I'm out for a thumb injury and I'll be back on the bike only for the first round of world championship.

Being the current E2 World Champion, how have you prepared for the season ahead?

Last year I trained alone but this year I want to make a step forward, training with the support of a professional trainer. In December I started to work with my new trainer David Morelli. Besides the work in the gym, I’m used to train a lot with the bike. In January we tested in Sardinia, using the same venue as during last ISDE and then in February we flew to Chile where I had the opportunity to test the new parts and practice with better weather and track conditions. 

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This year, the E2 class is looking highly competitive. How do you feel about the season ahead?

We know that it will be a tough season with many competitors like Meo, Renet and Aubert.

Unfortunately I have recently had a surgery at my left thumb, and for sure the first two GP will not be easy, but the championship is long and I'm confident about my winter training and for the rest of the season.

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Starting as World Champion I don’t think that it will put extra pressure as I always put myself under pressure, because if you want to be the best you must ask to yourself the best. I don’t think that this season it will be more stressful, maybe it will be different compared to last year and the previous years, because I have never been a World Champion, but anyway I will go into the season focusing on doing my best in every race.

An interview with

Alex Salvini 2013 Enduro World Champion Class E2

www.doitnow.co.za • 5

Switching over from MX to enduro a few years ago, and the immediate success you've had, what would you attribute YOUR success to?

What would be your typical training regime?

And is there anything you feel could still be focused on?

Yes it's been a quick escalation.

I think my success comes from hard work and my determination to make always a step forward. For example where I live I built artificial extreme test, supercross, motocross and enduro tracks to train and improve my riding skills. Beside that I also think that it’s absolutely crucial to be in the best shape with your head. I will also add the experience that plays a huge part in our sport.

Basically in winter time I make two training sessions every day: I spend the morning in the gym and in the afternoon cardio exercises. I start to ride the bike from the end of January. From that moment I train with the bike almost every day, but I keep on going in the gym and cycling for the rest of the season. I think there is always something to improve, that’s why I have a new trainer and I try to find always some new things to improve my preparation.

With your hectic race/ travel schedule, do you travel home to Italy in-between races?

It depends. If there is two GPs in a row, I prefer not to come back home and to fly straight to the next race, otherwise I fly back home on Monday after the race. We spend a lot of time around the world and when is possible, I try to stay home as much as possible.

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What would you say has been the highlight of your career to date?

There are a few key moments.

These are the highlights of my career so far: when I won the European Supercross in 2004, my first Italian Overall 450cc victory in 2005, the Motocross of Nation 2004 and of course last year in France when I become World Champion.

What do you do to relax in your downtime and off season?

The first thing I do in off season is to take one week holiday with my girlfriend Michela, somewhere but rigorously on the beach, I also like to relax in some nice spa.

In my free time I'm a fanatic of all kind of sport so I play golf, squash, jet-ski and I like to do sport with my friends!

The DO IT NOW team wishes Alex all the best for his 2014 season. •

www.doitnow.co.za • 7

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