MXGP #65 January 2019

SPECIAL FEATURE Calendar 2019

RIDER OF THE MONTH Jeremy Seewer

07 08 14 26 38 40 44 54 58 60 66 70 78

INDEX

COOL SHOT

MONSTER GIRLS

HALL OF FAME James Dobb

MXGP MAG: Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: Youthstream YOUTHSTREAM Media World Trade Center II Rte de Pré-Bois 29 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland MXGP Mag #65 January 2019 The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of Youthstream.

Then content of this publication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written.

The copying of articles and photos even partially is forbidden unless permission has ben requested from Youthstream in advance and reference is made to the source (©Youthstream).

3

EDITORIAL Dear MXGP Friends, We hope you have had Merry Christmas holidays and we wish you all a Happy New Year full of good health, happiness and a lot of MXGP!

Giuseppe Luongo President of Youthstream Group

of May.

Then, the 22nd September will bring MXGP to another novelty, the MXGP of Hong Kong, which will be held in the city center. It will be a very particular event because it will have the look and 2019 is announcing a season feel like a stadium in the town, full of action and a lot of novelbut with a traditional Motocross ties, especially concerning the track. We are working with the calendar where, apart from the oganizers to hold this event dutraditional venues we have since ring the night to give even more a long time on the calendar, of the special feeling for all the MXGP will be going to 3 very fans present and for all those exciting and exotic new venues: who will be following via TV and social media from all over the The 1st of May with the MXGP world. of China in Shanghai where the Motocross World Championship MXGP will be returning to Inwill go for the first time to this donesia, but for 2019 there is a mighty country, the organizer new venue; Palembang, instead together with Youthstream are of Pankal Pinang. Palembang is already working very hard in the a big town on the big island of suburbs of Shanghai to build Sumatra, and together with the the Motocross track and all 2nd MXGP in Indonesia which the infrastructures to welcome is in Semarang on the island of MXGP to this shining town of Java practically the biggest part lights. The venue is 20km from of Indonesia is covered by MXGP the city center and the goal is to on the two major islands in the make an exceptional event for most industrialized and inhabited this special day, which is the 1st areas.

MXGP is delighted to be welcoming back Mantova in Italy and Uddevalla in Sweden, both great organizations on beautiful tracks, and very long history and tradition with the organization of MXGP. As always, the cherry on the tart is the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, which will be held this year on the weekend of the 29th September in Assen, Holland, and after seeing the success the last MXoN had in Red Bud (USA) and also the success the MXGP of the Netherlands in Assen had, you can just imagine a combination of these two events.

It will be amazing – a very tough Dutch sandy race track, very technical and very demanding, and a very modern infrastructure able to accommodate more than 100,000 fans in the best conditions. With the French team defending the title and with the Dutch, American and Italian teams who want to take the Chamberlain Trophy home in an ocean of fans, it will be the most thrilling and memorable event to attend.

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

COOL SHOTS

8

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

9

COOL SHOTS

10

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

COOL SHOTS

12

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

13

RACING CATCH UP

TOP 10 MOMENTS OF 2018 14

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

T 15

16

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

With the 2019 season in view and the New Year starting we look back at some of the best and most memorable moments in the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship. From the season’s start in Patagonia to the finale at the new venue of Imola it was an amazing year of racing filled with thousands of epic moments but these special few stand out more than the rest: #1 Patagonia – Argentina: The First of Many: The 2018 MXGP season was set to start in dramatic fashion at the beautiful MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina circuit of Neuquen after months of off-season preparation. Coming into the first race of the year anticipation was at a massive high following a fight to the finish in 2017 against Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings. While Herlings had an impressive second half of 2017 Cairoli claimed his 9th world title.

Fans from around the world tuned in to watch the pair race on the rich Argentinian soil and what ensued was beyond the wildest dreams of racing fans. Cairoli took the 1st race win after Herlings closed on the lead but was unable to make the pass required.

Race 2 was that of legends as Cairoli led Herlings closed the lead lap after lap gaining massive amounts each time around in an riveting show of determination which ended with the “Bullet” shooting pass Cairoli on the final lap taking the individual race win, the overall GP win and the championship leader’s red plate all in one amazing show. #2 RedSand – Seeing Red By round three, the MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana, at RedSand in Spain, Cairoli had suffered 3 of 4 race losses to Herlings and 2 overall GP’s. A new track to the championship and for Cairoli gave a slight advantage to Herlings as he

used the facility for off-season training.

Cairoli only saw red in both the soil and the plate which he wanted aboard his #222 machine at the end of the weekend. Poor starts and a mistake plagued Herlings in both races making the deficit too large to overcome and in turn giving Cairoli double race wins, the overall and the red plate before head to the Italian’s home round. #3 Trentino – Into the Lion’s Den Set against the Dolomites in the Trentino region of Italy the circuit of Pietramurata is well known around the world. The home GP for Cairoli is always busy especially as the defending champion and current red plate holder.

Nicknamed the “Lion’s Den”

by Herlings the venue hosted an amazing comeback in 2017 for Cairoli and required the

RACING CATCH UP

18

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

19

same in 2018 when the Sicilian was caught up off the start.

Cairoli’s 2017 result could not be replicated as Herlings took double victories in a serious blow to the #222. #4 Russia – Pouncing Panda Round 6 of 20 in 2018 was the MXGP of Russia in Orlyonok alongside the beauty of the Black Sea. In the first 5 rounds the only race winners were either Herlings or Cairoli by substantial margin.

The first MXGP visit to the Russian circuit came in 2017 when rain provided extreme conditions and Clement Desalle prevailed. However, 2018 had completely different conditions with sunshine and a dry track surface; nevertheless “MX Panda” pounced yet again taking his second MXGP of Russia overall in 2 years and the only win of the season not by Herlings or Cairoli. #5 Great Britain – Back to

20

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

Back to Britain By the time the championship made its way to Matterley Basin for the MXGP of Great Britain the two rounds of Latvia and Germany had come and gone. With back to back wins Herlings arrived in Britain with momentum that Cairoli was keen to stop.

the MXGP of France in St. Jean d’Angely news broke that Herlings had fractured his collarbone during a training session.

Only days later teams set sail for the MXGP of Lombardia in Italy.

Herlings injury required surgery and forced him out of the weekend in Italy and also left When the racing got under way him questionable for the folCairoli led the way both times lowing MXGP of Indonesia. Caiout forcing Herlings to battle roli took full advantage of the for the lead against his tough- opportunity and went back to est competitor. While Herlings business by winning both races managed one race without in Italy cutting 50 points out of incident the other provide some Herlings championship lead. serious bar banging action as the two collided sending #7 Indonesia – Think Again Cairoli to the ground which in As MXGP headed to Indonesia turn injured the Italian’s knee. the status of Herlings was still Herlings walked away from the unknown until the last minute weekend with 50 points while when the Red Bull KTM FactoCairoli was left to fight the ry Racing team confirmed he pain. would attempt to compete in Pangkal Pinang. #6 Lombardia – Back to Business Compete Herlings did and in Following the 4th consecutive truly astonish fashion after just overall by double race wins at have his clavicle plated. Con-

21

RACING CATCH UP

22

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

T 23

tent with scoring points of any merit Herlings surprised many by his ability to finish just behind Cairoli in race 1. However, the surprises from the Dutchman weren’t over yet when we found him battling Cairoli for the lead before taking a very unexpected win and overall victory.

throughout the season but with time running out in the calendar the tensions were high. In race 1 Prado and Jonass battled for the lead before colliding midair which sent Jonass to the ground and Prado of track.

Prado got back on the circuit quickly while Jonass gathered himself the rejoined the race clearly frustrated.

matched was completed with a worthy ride in race 1 to the roar of the fans and his own relief as MXGP World Champion. The day still had one more race however where he added a second cherry on top with the win and overall GP victory!

#10 Italy – Pay Off for Prado Coming into the final round of the grueling 20 round MX2 Also special during the MXGP #9 Netherlands – Home Sweet season Jorge Prado prepared of Indonesia was a breakto battle one last time against through ride from Calvin Vlaan- Home deren in MX2 which resulted in With 18 rounds of the 20 com- Pauls Jonass for his first ever an emotional, and well earned, plete Herlings found himself in World Championship title at the amazing position of not only the age of 17. However, the career first victory! possibly being crowned MXGP days before the news came Champion before the season through that Jonass was out #8 Turkey – Tensions Tangle finale but also at his home GP. due to an injury and that the Returning to the MXGP calTens of thousands of Dutch mo- young Spaniard’s work had endar as a host country after paid off! several years away was Turkey. tocross fans filled the tribune at the famous Assen TT circuit The stop at new venue providfor the penultimate round of Prado managed to keep foed one of the most important the 2018 MXGP season all with cused on the Sunday racing moments in an intense MX2 the hope of seeing their naregardless and after a race title fight between defending tion’s MX hero achieve his first 1 win the championship was champion Pauls Jonass and sealed and the celebrations his young KTM teammate Jorge premier title. began for the first MX2 World Prado.

The Dutchman’s impeccaChampion to ever come from Spain!

The pair fought time after time ble season likely to never be

2018 MXGP Numbers Facebook: 2.7 Million Likes +30% Best weekly Growth compared to industry competitors Instagram: 677K Followers +40% Twitter: 63K Followers +10% Youtube: 150K Subscribers +15%

24

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

Special Feature

THE CLOCK IS TICKING

26

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

The 2018 season is barely over and before the dust has even had time to settle, here we are rubbing our hands with glee at the prospect of what 2019 will have to offer. KTM’s star men will no doubt be the guys to beat once again but as always they will face some stiff competition from the rest of the pack who will be as motivated as ever to try and dethrone the champs and take their crowns as they chase their own world championship dreams.

For the first time in MXGP history, the FIM Motocross World Championship will head to Hong Kong and China, we head to a new venue in Indonesia and we will return to Sweden after a one-year hiatus. We will also head back to Mantova for the round of Lombardia.

Last year’s visit to Afyon, Turkey proved to be a popu-

28

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

lar one and we return there for a second successive year. The final GP is destined for Hong Kong and rounding things off will be the Monster Energy FIM MXON at Assen in The Netherlands, so there is plenty for us to get our teeth into once more as MXGP continues to expand into new markets.

For a while and up until recently, the first round of MXGP was still TBA; however, hot off the press as we went to print came the news that for the fifth time, we will once again be returning to Neuquen, Argentina on March 3rd for the MXGP of Patagonia - Argentina, a venue that has claimed all of our hearts right from the very first time we set foot there back in 2015 and next year will be no different, of that we are certain. Set in some of the most stun-

ning scenery in the world Neuquen is the perfect backdrop to kick things off; but who will claim the first Red Plates of the year?

From there we head back to Europe where Matterley Basin will host the first European round of the campaign on March 24th for what will be the first of ‘threein-a-row’. Traditionally, the MXGP of Great Britain has played host in the summer months so it will be interesting to see how or if the date change to March will play into the hands of the British favourites, such as Max Anstie, Tommy Searle or Shaun Simpson in MXGP or Ben Watson and Conrad Mewse in MX2. This far out though, it is difficult to predict whether it will be dry or if we need to pack the gum boots, but it will certainly make for some great bench racing leading in to it that’s

SPECIAL FEATURE

for sure. ‘The Basin’ will also play host to the opening rounds of EMX250 and the new EMX 2 Stroke championship, which replaces the 300cc class of the past few years.

Following on from Great Britain will be the MXGP of the Netherlands at Valkenswaard on March 24th where last year the weather conditions all-but defeated us. It was bitterly cold and a little damp under foot but hopefully the elements will be a little kinder to us for Round Three and no doubt, all eyes will be on The Bullet, Jeffrey Herlings who hopes to add a ninth Valkenswaard victory to his already impressive tally.

Joining the MXGP and MX2 regulars will be the opening rounds for WMX and EMX125, so it will be anoth-

30

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

er busy GP weekend.

The final round of our MXGP trilogy sees us head south to hopefully warmer climes where Pietramurata hosts the MXGP of Trentino on April 7th. Set beneath the daunting Dolomite mountain range this tight but technical racetrack has always provided us with some great racing but so far, we have yet to encounter a wet race there. With a bit of luck, the weather god’s will be kind to us once more and with Tim Gajser’s ‘red and yellow army’ making the pilgrimage across the border, coupled with the Italian Tifosi that support Antonio Cairoli, you can bet that the atmosphere will be electric, and if TC222 does happen to win then we can expect to witness similar apocalyptic scenes of 2017 where his

loyal supporters rushed the podium after the final race of the day. That alone was a real ‘hair-on-end’ moment and a memorable one for all who were there to witness it. The support classes here will be the EMX250 and EMX125.

Just over two weeks later on WEDNESDAY May 1st, MXGP will write another page of history as the series heads east to Shanghai for the MXGP of China at the Hehui International MX Circuit at Fengxian. At the time of going to print, little is known about this venue but will the weather be a factor? Usually this time of year we could expect temperatures to hover around the mid-twenties but will it rain? Will it be humid? Who knows? We will just have to wait and see what this new

venue has to offer.

Less than two weeks later on May 12th we are back in Europe for the MXGP of Lombardia in Italy for Round 6 where Mantova makes a return to the schedule for the first time since 2016, where the winners on that day were Jeffrey Herlings in MX2 and Tim Gajser in MXGP. Also on the bill are EMX125 and EMX 2-Stroke. For the second time of the season, this GP will mark the start of another three-ina-row, and following on from this race the team’s make the 1900km/18 hour trek to Agueda in Portugal for Round Eight, along with WMX who line up for the second time and EMX 2-Stroke, who once again go back-to-back. From there we head 1100km north-east to France where Saint Jean d’Angely hosts the eighth round of

MXGP as well as the fourth round of EMX125 and the third round of EMX250.

Following on from a well-deserved one-week break the bikes will be packed up and shipped off to Orlyonok for the MXGP of Russia on June 9th where this time the race will be held on a traditional weekend, meaning Saturday and Sunday as opposed to the Monday race day of the past two years.

Also lining up this weekend will be the EMX250 and EMX 2-Stroke classes.

The fast, chalky, hilly circuit has been both wet and dry on our previous visits and either way, the racing has been great. With ‘Seva’ Brylyakov moving up to MXGP and Evgeny Bobryshev all set for MXGP for another season, the fans will undoubtedly flock in their tens of thousands once more as this GP con-

tinues to gain momentum and popularity amongst its supporters. Oh, and by the way, Russia marks the first of a THIRD, three-in-arow trilogy which sees the ‘circus’ take in Kegums, Latvia and Teutschenthal in Germany on June 16th and June 23rd respectively.

The EMX250 class will also be on the road for those three weeks as their series hits Round six of eight by the time we leave Germany. From Russia the EMX 2-Stroke riders will head south to Latvia but will make way for the EMX125 class in Germany for their fifth round of seven.

Round twelve and we are living out of suitcases once more, and that’s not just the riders! The bikes will be crated up and shipped out to Indonesia where we will tackle a brand new venue for the MXGP of Indonesia. The past two

SPECIAL FEATURE

years we have taken in the sights and sounds of Pangkal Pinang but 2019 sees us head to Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra Province. One week later we head 1040km southeast to Semarang which last year, for a first-time effort was a very pleasant surprise indeed. The red clay dirt soon became ‘blue’ and offered up some close racing and with a huge crowd watching from the bleachers, the MXGP of Asia was one of the more memorable GP’s of 2018.

When we hit Loket in Czech Republic for Round Fourteen on July 28th, it signifies the start of the run towards the finish line and with six rounds to go, you would expect the titles to be far from decided in both MXGP or MX2, although stranger things have happened in the past. The WMX

32

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

riders will back on the grid for their third GP of five after last taking to the track back in May, but two titles that will be decided are the EMX65 and EMX85 European Championship classes who take to this venue once more. From the hard pack hillside circuit that overlooks the historic castle, we head to the deep sand of Lommel for the MXGP of Belgium just one week later on August 4th for Round Fifteen. As always, this place will either make you or break you and could well be where the title candidates steal a bit of ground from their rivals. Lommel will also mark the penultimate rounds of EMX125 and EMX250 so this could be a very telling round on the calendar.

The last four rounds of MXGP and MX2 get under way with a third trip

to Italy and the MXGP of Italy at Imola on August 18th with the penultimate rounds of EMX 2-Stroke and WMX also making the journey south. The motor racing circuit proved to be a great success where it hosted the final GP of 2018, and the clever use of the hillside and infield parts of the racetrack gave this circuit a more natural feel to it.

Round Seventeen on August 25th and we will see titles decided in the EMX250 and EMX125 classes as we head north to Uddevalla for the MXGP of Sweden which has always been a mainstay GP but after a one-year hiatus we return to the old-school venue, nestled beneath the quarry hillside where fans choose to watch the action from afar in what is a truly unique GP.

SPECIAL FEATURE

34

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

The penultimate GP heads back to Afyon for Round Eighteen two weeks later for the MXGP of Turkey on September 8th where the 2018 edition surprised everyone from its location, the track layout, and above all else, the organisation.

With a multitude of hotels all within walking distance of the circuit entrance, the GP had a very relaxed atmosphere about it. With the ‘first one’ out of the way you can be sure that any tweaks to improve the event will have been taken care of, the racing should once again prove to be as unpredictable as it was first time around. This will also be the final stop of the year for WMX and EMX 2-Stroke

36

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

so expect another couple of titles to be decided on this weekend.

We then have to wait for two weeks before the final round of MXGP where Round Nineteen makes another piece of history as we head to Hong Kong on September 22nd. As with Shanghai, little is known about the nature of the venue as we went to print but no doubt the weather could be a major factor in the outcome of this historic GP. Finally, with no time to rest, we pack up our kit and hit the nearest airport immediately after the GP finale is done in order to head

north, to the very north of Holland in fact to Assen which will host the 73rd edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. The man-made, sand based circuit has always proved to be something of a challenge for the best riders in the world so it will be interesting to see how the final race of the season will play out. One thing that Assen has is a passionate crowd and the other is the fact that Jeffrey Herlings, Glenn Coldenhoff and Calvin Vlaanderen could come away from there with the Chamberlain Trophy, and if that happens then we will all be partying there for a week!

See you at the races.

MXGP SOCIAL

TWITTER, FACEB IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP @benwatsonmx Getting excited after seeing the 2019 MXGP calendar this morning

@OntrackOffroad In case you missed it...#mxgp #motocross in @ TeleCars and putting out there why @JHerlings84 is the very much the best #motorcycle racer in the world in 2018 @HQV_MotoUK Team Revo are ready for MX2 in 2019! @mxgp

@kevinstrijbos Happy to announce I will ride for the Yamaha JWR team in 2019. Thanks to everyone involved to make it happen. Looking forward to a good year.

@WilvoYamahaMXGP: Is it time to go racing yet?

89 days to go until the gates drop in Argentina!

Less than 100 days to the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship Season. Line up for 2019 with MXGP! Watch our new Teaser:

New year’s Video Contest:

@KTM_Racing: Great to hear that #mxgp 2019 will be starting in Argentina again and at Neuquen for the fifth time in a row. It is a spectacular track, has unique soil and was the scene of one of our favorite races of 2018.

@allardkalff: Best news today is that @ JHerlings84 has been nominated for sportsperson of the year. So well deserved #bullet @mxgp ‏

38

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

Watch the entire 2018 MXGP Season seen through the eyes of the World Champions, Jeffrey Herlings & Jorge Prado, in 52 minutes!

BOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE

@Mouthpiecesss: #voglierepresse #mx #girlswhoride #braap #motorcycle #motocross #livefortheweekend #ridelife #motobabe

@Rickytamakan: Welcome to belitong...: @ MXGP #belitongisland #visitindonesia #happyholiday #goodmood

@antoniocairoli: đ&#x;Ž…đ&#x;?˝HO HO HO, AUGURI đ&#x;Ž…đ&#x;?˝đ&#x;Œ #happyholidays

@marcdereuver: #tbt MXON 2005 in ErnĂŠe T.K.O.S. vs The Greatest of All Time @rickycarmichael

@gadis_sircuit: A picture of myself, @shevaardiansyah75 and @ lisaleylandtv in Semarang! #75heva #ardiephotography

IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP 39

MONSTER GIRLS

40

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

41

MONSTER GIRLS

42

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

RIDER OF THE MONTH

FACTORY LIVING 44

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

2018 was a big year for Switzerland’s Jeremy Seewer as he made the leap from MX2 to MXGP. On top of that, he switched from Suzuki World MX2 to the satellite team of Wilvo Yamaha for his rookie season in the premier class, so with two major changes to have to deal with, it was always going to be a challenging year for the ‘91’.

However, after a tough season opener in Argentina, the Swiss star gradually gained in confidence and found his place in the toughest motocross series in the world and before the season was done, he’d amassed a series of top six overall finishes as well a handful of top five race finishes which caught the eye of Michele Rinaldi, the team owner of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team and for 2019, Seewer will line up alongside Romain Febvre as a factory rider once more, this time in blue.

46

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

As 2018 drew to a close we caught up with Jeremy to find out about his first season in MXGP, how he is settling in to his new surroundings and what he hopes to achieve in 2019.

MXGP MAG: What was your goal as a rookie in MXGP and did you achieve or exceed that goal or those goals?

Jeremy Seewer: I expected to be solid in the top ten from the beginning because it was really tough to change the class from MX2 to MXGP which was already a big step, plus changing the team which makes it a lot more difficult, as you have to get used to everything again; new mechanics, a new bike and new people you have to trust in so this took me a bit of time. But yeah, my goal was to end up in the top five from the middle to the end of the season and I did some solid top five results and I had some good speed and showed some good things. But if I look back at

the big picture, I could have been better at some races here and there, maybe everywhere a little bit but I think for the first year, the level of the MXGP class it wasn’t too bad but after winning races in MX2 of course you are not satisfied with 7th, 8th or 9th place.

MXGP MAG: At the end of 2017 you moved from MX2 to MXGP and from Suzuki to Yamaha – How difficult was that and has the move from Wilvo to Rinaldi been just as difficult or a bit easier?

Jeremy Seewer: The move from Suzuki to Yamaha was very difficult because I was on a Suzuki since I was a small kid and riding many years in the same team, building my team around me with my mechanic or whatever and getting everything working perfect, so it wasn’t easy to move to another brand and a new team and mechanics, and also which wasn’t a factory team which was also different

SPECIAL FEATURE

with the possibilities you have on the bike. But this year I can’t say so much so far, but what I’ve seen it will be a lot easier because it’s the same brand which makes it a lot easier, plus it’s a factory team again with a lot of experience and I think this will work out well.

MXGP MAG: The brand stays the same but how has it been settling in to another new team? I guess you have new mechanics for your race and practice bikes, a new team structure to get used to, new management to answer to etc. … tell us about that?

Jeremy Seewer: Again, everything is on a factory level and I’m not talking bad about Wilvo which is a very well structured team, but you can’t compare it to Rinaldi which has been in the business for

48

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

so long with so much experience, and this made it easier to adapt to their structure there. I have new mechanics of course, new practice and race mechanic; ‘Cippa’, who was with Jeremy Van Horebeek, is my race mechanic but I could choose a bit my practice mechanic who is a German guy called Volker Linder who I worked with at Suzuki, so things start to come a bit together again and I can start to build that trust around me again. Of course, it’s not an easy thing to change team again but they make it as easy as possible for me to adapt quick and integrate me in the team as fast as possible.

MXGP MAG: Your first race as a factory rider was in Japan in November – how was that?

Jeremy Seewer: Yes, it was

my first time and the main reason to be there was testing and it fit in nicely with the race in Sugo which is a big thing in Japan, but I enjoyed the whole trip and I was impressed with the country, how organised it is, how clean it is and how well behaved the people are and also the people from YMC and YME were also very nice; we had such a great time, had a lot of fun and did some serious work also and we had a really good time over there.

MXGP MAG: How much time have you had to spend riding and testing in Italy as opposed to Belgium? Have you enjoyed that change of environment?

Jeremy Seewer: I used to be in Italy quite a lot when I was young because in Switzerland we don’t have many tracks but

SPECIAL FEATURE

in Italy there are plenty so we always used to go there, and now this kind of came back.

I did maybe six to eight days of testing in Italy which was on a lot of the tracks I spent riding as a kid let’s say and I remember when I was riding 65cc looking up to guys who were racing for Rinaldi back then and now it’s me that is riding for them testing on those same tracks for the exact same team.

MXGP MAG: How is the new bike, is the factory bike much different to what you raced in 2018?

Jeremy Seewer: It’s still the same bike frame-wise and stuff but as I said before, experience plays a big role now which is something they have at Rinaldi; I had a good bike at Wilvo already but you always feel you can do more

50

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

and I think we will have more opportunities to achieve a 100% bike – okay, a bike is never 100% but to get as close as possible we have all the tools now in the factory team to achieve that.

The bike itself, there are still some small things to get used to, I have the same suspension but a different suspension guy for instance, so it will be a bit different there and starting from zero with that; the engine of course is different as well but the 450cc has enough power anyway, it’s just about the start and handling it but we are still working on things like this, but I am positive about everything.

MXGP MAG: Have you had more material to test, has that been something else to get used to?

Jeremy Seewer: Yes, there is much more factory material to test, whether it’s engines or suspension or whatever but I like this kind of stuff. I was used to it with Suzuki and I had to test a lot there as well, but Yamaha is also at a really high level with this and they bring those engineers and engine designers and chassis designers straight to the test track. They make it very simple to communicate and talk directly to the guy that is responsible for it, which is positive as well.

MXGP MAG: When people think ‘factory’ they automatically assume it does not get any better than that – how has your factory experience with Yamaha been so far?

Jeremy Seewer: Factory does not mean everything, more importantly it’s the crew you

SPECIAL FEATURE

have around you, but saying that, so far it has been very good and I feel they are really pushing hard at the moment.

Yamaha is one of the hardest pushing brands, at least from the Japanese brands, and I feel that as well and that is also very positive I think.

MXGP MAG: How is your new teammate Romain Febvre? Have you spent much time riding with him in the off-season?

Jeremy Seewer: I haven’t ridden with him yet, because he took some time out to get 100% recovered from his injuries from this year, but I will see him in January. He started his riding programme after me and he didn’t go to Japan but I will see him in January.

MXGP MAG: With one year experience in MXGP, have you

52

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

looked at your training programme and thought ‘I need to change this about my training, or do more of that, maybe more riding or less riding, work harder in the winter – have you changed anything about your programme for 2019?

Jeremy Seewer: The training programme is the big part of the story of course but I’ve been pretty fit physically this year I think, but the MXGP class is just tough as it is so intense. But what I Iearned this year is that it was a long season in MX2 already, but in MXGP, the intensity is a lot higher, the speed is faster, you have to fight more and those twenty GPs get even longer and its tough to be at 100% from GP1 to GP20, so this is what I will try to focus on for 2019, to be very consistent the whole year and try and keep

my level high for the whole season. It doesn’t mean I need to ride more or less but it’s a ‘channel’ thing where you have to keep your mind free and get to GP number twenty still fresh, let’s say.

MXGP MAG: What is the plan for to help prepare for the 2019?

Jeremy Seewer: I think at the moment we will race the Italian Championship to help us prepare for the new season, and I want to do only two, maybe three races maximum.

The Italian races are all on the sand so maybe a hard pack race would be nice, but I don’t know yet. But the Italian championship fits really well in my schedule as we will be down there already, so we will see. Anyway, it should be a really good preparation.

Photos: Yamaha Racing

J 54 Photo: MEYER

MXGP MAG 2019 2013 MXGP.COM 2017

J

HALL OF FAME

James ‘Jamie’ Dobb

Some riders are successful immediately, some others have to wait longer and choose a different way to finally reach their dream and become World Champion. James Dobb had to enter a long process and move during a few years to US to get more experience and come back stronger in the World Championship to finally get a World Title when he was 29 years old.

title and enjoyed the podium ceremony at the Motocross of Nations in Germany with the British Team.

The following year James moved to the 250cc class and obtained another British title and entered the top ten of the World Championship, a performance he repeated two years later on his first season on a Kawasaki.

In 1992 James was again on the podium of the Motocross of Born on 2nd January 1972 in a family who loves motocross, James Nations, which was celebratDobb entered his first ever race in ed in Australia, and he signed Chesterfield when he was just five a contract with Mitch Payton to years old! He immediately excelled enter the US Championships the following season. He would stay at youth level, winning a host of four seasons in America racing domestic youth motocross races successfully for Kawasaki Pro and turned professional in 1987 Circuit, Honda of Troy and Suzuki. when he signed a contract with The British rider won one outdoor Cagiva at the age of 15! championship during that period and scored his best results during Scoring his first points the folhis fourth and last season in the lowing year at the 125cc Finnish US. Runner up in the 125cc West Grand Prix, he entered his first Coast series, he was then forced full season in 1989. Twelfth in the to go back to Europe at the end of 125cc World Championship, that 1996 as he didn’t find a good deal year he claimed his first British

to pursuit his career in the States.

Back in the 125cc class with a strong experience of eight years of racing pro series, he got his best ever final result in the World Championship with a seventh position and claimed his third podium at the Motocross of Nations in Belgium. In 1998 he became British champion and he finally had his best season in 1999 with a fifth position in the 125cc World Championship, showing enough qualities to sign a factory contract with the KTM team.

James Dobb started the 2000 campaign obtaining his first ever GP win in Spain and he became a strong contender for the title after winning two other rounds.

However, he finally finished runner up behind Grant Langston.

Considered as the favourite of the 2001 campaign, Dobb did his best ever season, winning seven heats and rounds of the series - there was only one race per class at that

55

period – to finally clinch the 125cc World Title far ahead of his rivals.

Moving to the 250cc class the following season he had another great year, winning one GP and scoring five podiums to finish fourth of the series behind Mickael Pichon, Joshua Coppins and Pit Beirer. In fact, it was his last season without troubles or injuries.

After another year in the main MXGP class mixing for the first time 250cc two strokes and 450cc four strokes, he went back on the 125cc class in 2004. He did not obtain good results that season and after fifteen years as a professional rider he finally retired from motocross midway through the 2004 season.

Since retiring from racing James has pursued a successful business career in sports management, taking care of many riders and also giving time to charity auctions such as Road to Recovery.

Text and Photos: Pascal Haudiquert

56

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

1988: 36th in the 125 Motocross World Championship (Cagiva) 1989: British 125cc Champion (Honda)

12th in the 125 Motocross World Championship

3rd at the MX of Nations with Team GB 1990: British 250cc Champion (Honda)

9th in the 250 Motocross World Championship 1991: 23rd in the 250 Motocross World Championship (Yamaha) 1992: 10th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (Kawasaki)

3rd at the MX of Nations with Team GB 1993: 10th in the US 125 West Coast Supercross Championship (Kawasaki)

10th in the 125 US Motocross Championship 1994: 6th in the US 125 West Coast Supercross Championship (Kawasaki)

6th in the 125 US Motocross Championship 1995: 6th the US 125 East Coast Supercross Championship (Honda)

9th in the US 250 Motocross Championship 1996: 2nd in the US 125 West Coast Supercross Championship (Suzuki)

10th in the 125 US Motocross Championship 1997: 7th in the 125 Motocross World Championship (Suzuki)

3rd at the MX of Nations with Team GB 1998: 9th in the 125 Motocross World Championship (Honda)

British 125cc Champion 1999: 5th in the 125 Motocross World Championship (Suzuki)

British 125cc Champion 2000: 2nd in the 125 Motocross World Championship (KTM). Winner of 3 GP 2001: 125 Motocross World Champion (KTM). Winner of 7 GP 2002: 4th in the 250 Motocross World Champion (KTM). Winner of 1 GP 2003: 14th in the MXGP Motocross World Championship (KTM).

2004: 17th in the MX2 Motocross World Championship (Honda).

PADDOCK TALKS

01

Paddock Talks 01/ Antonio Cairoli has some skill on 4 wheels as well taking a win at the Monza Rally Show!

02/Clement Desalle has been giving back time to the youth riders in the off season!

03/2018 MXGP Champ Jeffrey Herlings getting a different type of dirty by volunteering to pick up trash in his community!

04/Pauls Jonass already trying out the new “Husqvarna� on the cover of a Latvian magazine!

02

03 04

58

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

Paddock Talks

09

05/New teammates Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus training together.

06/Can you spot Jeremy Seewer training in the background?

07/Shaun Simpson is clearly on the right track during his off-season training.

08/A big CONGRATULATIONS to Mr and Mrs Searle!

06

07

08

59

Special Feature

MXGP Mechanic Federica Sezzi 60

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

The mechanics of the FIM World Motocross Championship are some of the hardest working people in the paddock with strenuous hours and pressure to provide their riders with the best chance of winning. The work of a mechanic is by no means easy yet, at the same time, it often goes unnoticed however 21-year-old Federica Sezzi is hard to miss as the lone female mechanic behind the scenes of the world championship. We took time to learn the unique story of Federica who will be working with MX2 rider Maxime Renaux in 2019.

The young mechanic from Reggio Emilia, Italy, has had the passion for motorcycles since her earliest memories thanks to her grandfather and his collection of retro and vintage bikes. Adding fuel to her passion was her father’s bike shop

62

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

followed by the family owned racing team. With the support of her family and friends Federica found the courage to try and make a career in the world of racing.

From youth Sezzi spent time at house of her grandfather nestled in the hills of Italy where he would restore old bikes with his friends. Amazed by everything mechanical that she could see and touch Sezzi’s addiction began as the tools of the trade fascinated her. Once her father opened a shop Federica’s favorite places became the workshop and garage where she spent hours after watching the mechanics work and testing her own skills along the way.

Her joy for the mechanical portion of racing was evident as she visited local motocross races with her father but was

more intrigued by the action in the paddock than the racing on track. With races in the background Federica spent countless hours looking over the edge of the team tents to watch the mechanics as they prepared the bikes for racing.

“I don’t ride a bike, I’m personally not interested in riding, but I love preparing and fixing the bikes while learning more and more. This is my true passion and also my job, I would never change it,” Federica Sezzi admitted.

In the beginning Frederica felt the pressure of working as a female mechanic knowing that many would disagree with her choice but not long after she learned it was the job for her.

Unintimated by the work ahead she felt confident in her ability but at the same time knew

there was much to learn, “I’m not here to do the impossible, I just think I’m good enough to do my job well, if something is not good enough, I learn and then continue trying to do better and better.”

2018 was the first year in the Motocross World Championship for Federica and she describes it as the best year of her life and a unique and unpredictable experience. Frederica is thankful to Emanuele Giovannelli, Team Manager of SM Action MC Migliori, for offering the opportunity as well as those who have helped her to learn throughout the 2018 season by answering questions and giving advice.

“To make it simple it’s a dream that came true! I’m very lucky to have had an occasion like this, I wished to be in this position, but I never thought I would actual-

ly make it! As a woman it’s not always that easy to succeed in such a job, but you just need to really want it and work until it happens.”

We also asked Federica some questions to hear her perspective on working at the highest level of motocross in the world: MXGP Mag: How has it been working with SM Action MC Migliori, Yamaha, and the rest of the paddock?

Federica Sezzi: The paddock is amazing, I love the motocross world championship paddock. It gives me the energy as early as the Thursday when I arrive to the races when we build up the tent. On Thursday I’m already thinking of Saturday when we go on the track. Everybody is very kind, everybody is very cool, it’s all fantastic!

MXGP Mag: We all see how competitive the racing and riding on the track is but how competitive is it as a mechanic?

Federica Sezzi: Well, I’m not really competitive. I accept criticism, everybody’s advice and what people around me suggest, then I use my mind to filter it all and make the right decisions. I still have many things to learn so everything is useful to me. I watch the other mechanics work and I respect all of my other colleagues. It’s only been a small time that I’ve been in this world and I see people are sometimes competitive, but I’m not.

MXGP Mag: What is the best part of your job?

Federica Sezzi: There are many things that I love in my job, but something I really like is to change the tires! It’s a small thing, but I love it. My father

SPECIAL FEATURE

bought me the tool to change tires after I had already learned how to do it without. I love having a good relationship with the riders and feeling they trust me, I think this is important. I also love learing new things, but the best moment of the weekend is Sunday night when you need to pack everything and you’re tired, but the rider comes by and says thank you!

MXGP Mag: The success of both the riders and the mechanics go hand in hand… do you get nervous when the bike and your rider is out on the track?

Federica Sezzi: I don’t get nervous, if the rider is racing I start to stress a bit and I don’t talk much while I’m watching.

As all mechanics I always hope everything goes well! When the checkered flag is waving and my rider is ok, I feel happy and even happier if they have good results

64

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

MXGP Mag: What does a normal GP look like for you, what are your responsibilities, how do you prepare and what do you do each day?

Federica Sezzi: My role at the races is to be helpful. I mean really to do anything they need, whether that means prepare bikes for washing, the trolley for tires, plates, pit boards, or even bringing items to pitlane. I am at their disposal for any need, with Maxime Renaux I was the mechanic in MX2, also once with Michele Cervellin and some races in EMX250 with Michael Mantovani as well.

MXGP Mag: What are your future goals and what are your plans for 2019?

Federica Sezzi: My future goal is to be a full race mechanic in the world championship. In my first year I’ve done a lot al-

ready and next year I’ll be the training mechanic of Maxime Renaux. I decided to work with him as he was the first rider I was working for. I was in Sardinia with him for 1 month and we did the Italian International races and we had a really good time. He trusted me from the very first time and we had good results together.”

MXGP Mag: Do you have any advice for the young girls and guys willing to work at this level one day?

Federica Sezzi: My advice is just to follow your dreams and don’t worry about the other people. If you wish to do something, just do it, nobody can stop you, the unique obstacle is yourself. Everything can happen, you need to have the will power, good energy, and you will even struggle sometimes but it’s just ‘you and your bike’.

I can tell you that it’s worth it.

For me it’s always worth it.”

Photo: Adam Duckworth

Jean-Michel Bayle’s 1988 HRC Honda CR125

CR125 that we will feature Jean-Michel Bayle will his first ever race win in in this issue of MXGP Magalways be regarded as a front of his home fans at azine. rider who changed the look Arbis (round six) before and feel of the motocross rounding out the season As far as title races go, the world championship and by winning two of the final 125cc world championship his meteoric rise to the three GP’s in Germany season in 1988 was about top was nothing short of and Austria, which helped as close as you would sensational. At sixteen he secure third overall in the want it to be. It was also a experienced his first ever final classification behind season of ‘two halves’ and international event in 1985 the factory Yamaha and from the very beginning it when he raced the ParCagiva of John van den was clear thatnext it was going is Bercy Supercross.

The Berk and Daveusually Strijbos!

The 125cc class in the European Championship puts a spotlight on the to be a two-horse race befollowing year (1986) he Suddenly, this 19 year-old big name in motocross. In fact both of the 2015 FIM Motocross World Champions and tween Bayle and Strijbos. entered the 125cc world French kid was considered won the first two vice-world champions Romain Febvre, Paulin, Tim GajserBayle and Pauls Jonass championship where he a titleGautier threat and armed rounds in Italy and Belgium finished 23rd overall ridwith a on factory have all won the EMX125 championship theircontract paths to and motocross supremacy. while Strijbos bounced ing a Kawasaki, but after HRC machinery in 1988, back with the next two wins a switch to Honda in 1987 JMB won his first world in Holland and Austria. his career really took off. championship by three Spain belonged to Bayle points over Dave Strijbos, and the one-moto round in As a privateer, ‘JMB’ took and it’s this HRC Honda

66

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

Portugal went to Strijbos and after six rounds, Bayle led Strijbos by five points and had yet to finish outside the top three places.

He had also taken six race wins to Strijbos’ five.

However, the second half saw Bayle pick up his first DNF of the season in Czechoslovakia. Meanwhile, Strijbos was in his element and raced to five wins from six starts and took control of the championship by twenty-nine points over Bayle. But then France happened, and as JMB pocketed a home GP win with a 1-1 in the mud of Blargies, Strijbos went

3-DNF and his lead was slashed to four points with just two rounds remaining.

At the penultimate round in Finland, Bayle went 2-3 to Strijbos’ 3-1 and the gap was back out to seven points with one round remaining in Switzerland and as the riders lined up for the final race of the year they were tied on points!

When all was said and done, it was Bayle who took an emphatic 1-1 to the 4-2 of Strijbos to steal the title by three points. Between them, JMB and Strijbos took all but two race wins during the whole season but it was the Honda of

JMB who took the victory, the first for the red corner of Japan since the 125cc class was formed in 1975, so it was a massive day for Bayle and for Honda. Prior to Bayle’s win in 1988, Honda had only featured inside the top three twice; with Strijbos in 1985 and with Bayle in 1987. What was especially sweet was that third place in the final standings went to Pedro Tragter who was also Honda mounted.

But what about the bike itself?

After placing third in 1987 on board a stock Michel Moreau Honda with a Mu-

67

gen kit and with dad alongside him as his mechanic, the difference between that bike and his factory bike of ’88 was everything, and whilst the Mugen kit had always proved to be pretty special, the upgrade to HRC was a good as it got, although JMB’s first impressions at his home track in Manosque were not overly enthusiastic, as he recalls.

chanic Jean Marie Hacking, who had a lot of experience with HRC bikes, told me that it was always like that with an HRC motocross bike. He also told me that the bike will get faster and faster, and he was right.’

and I tested maybe four or five frames in all, but I was happy with the chassis so instead I asked them to work more on the engine power, engine delivery and grip on hard pack tracks.’

For optimal gains, HRC utilised an array of parts ‘The suspension was much to get the best out of the better though and more bike in all conditions and easy to ride and I was able in the sand it was mainly to push it to the limit, but suspension settings and in the beginning the engine The 125cc class in the European Championship usually puts a spotlight thewere next changed linkageon that was not so much faster but for hard packand Bayle ‘The firstintest was at my than kit bike, big name motocross.

In fact both of my the Mugen 2015 FIM Motocross World Champions would change the offhome track in the south of but before the first race in vice-world champions Romain Febvre, Gautier Paulin, Tim Gajser andofPauls Jonass set his triple clamps to France in December ‘87 Italy the engine improved a make for easier turning and all David and Eric have wonThorpe the EMX125 championship their paths to motocross supremacy. lot andon continued to imand run a different linkage Geboers were also there, prove all year long with and swingarm to maximise testing their HRC 500’s. I new parts coming every traction at the rear wheel. was surprised that the bike two weeks.’

Of course, it goes withwas not as fast as I was out saying that the clamps waiting for, but my me‘The frame was full HRC

68

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

were unique to HRC. Married to the clamps were Bayle’s choice of Renthal handlebar, which was the standard 1987 ‘Honda bend’ which he felt was more rigid for his style of riding. The brake and clutch levers may have looked standard to the naked eye but the reality was that even these got the factory treatment for Bayle, as he recalls: ‘We tested many different shapes at first test and after we found the perfect one we did not change again. I always liked a very thin lever for the brake and clutch so it took some time for them to make the one that I liked. Also we tested many different rear brake

pedals because of the low position I preferred for my rear brake. I also liked to use the rear brake to control grip and suspension of the bike. The brakes were factory Nissin.’

The engine was full HRC specification and the cases were all Magnesium with the carburettor being a factory Keihin unit which was bigger than standard.

The ignition, exhaust pipe and silencer were all created in-house within the walls of HRC as well with Showa providing the very best in factory suspension to get the very best handling possible. The main difference here was the fact that JMB chose to run more of an American set up

with his suspension compared to the typical European set-up of his rivals.

The gearbox was factory HRC and came equipped with six gears and because of the unique material of the clutch, this had to be changed ‘after every moto’ otherwise they would run the risk of a DNF, speaking of which, the only non-finish of the season was due to another crucial hard part that needed the same after moto care; the piston.

‘With this bike we had to change the piston for every moto and in muddy conditions the time was very short to do it in time for the next race. The DNF was due to a mistake during

work on the bike between the first and second moto.’

The power delivery of the HRC125 was initially quite deceptive which Bayle describes as being ‘normal in the beginning but unbelievable at the end and with a lot of RPM. The key with this bike was to keep high corner speed to be in the right power bend at the exit of turn.’

down was on: ‘I pulled back seven points before the first moto when I won and Dave got fourth, so we were exactly the same points before the last moto; so the guy who finished in front of the other one was going to be world champion.’

lines and when I decided to go for the win I tried to do it fast to avoid any trouble with them and in half a lap I was already two seconds in front. I eventually won the race by more than thirty-five seconds.’

When Bayle crossed the line as world champion, it was also Honda’s first success in the quarter litre class so ‘Last moto, we started there was a double celebrafirst and second but in the The 125cc class in the European Championship usually puts a spotlight on the next tion on Sunday night after second corner, Massimo the GP. Honda would big name motocross. of thewho 2015 FIM World Champions and only With one in DNF apiece forIn fact both Contini, was hisMotocross teamwin the 125cc title again on both Bayle and Strijbos, the mate Gautier passed me so then vice-world champions Romain Febvre, Paulin, TimIGajser and Pauls Jonass two more occasions before championship went down to was third. When I saw the have all won the EMX125 championship on their paths to motocross supremacy. it was rebranded as MX2 in the final race of the season pace of Dave I was sure 2004, with Greg Albertijn in in Switzerland after Bayle to be able to win the race 1992 and Alessandro Puzar had pulled back a seven easy, the only difficulty was in 1995. point deficit in Race One passing the two Cagiva’s and after both riders startwithout any trouble. I spent Photos: Jeanmichelbayle.fr ed inside places, the showtwo laps watching their

70

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

Special Feature

Butt Why? – The Butt Patches of MXGP 72

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

Butt patches have long been a part of motocross gear but recently the level of thought, creativity and quality have been better than ever. The riders of MXGP and MX2 have thousands of pieces fitting into place before each race from suspension, motor and tire testing to diet, training, and travel all of which are custom tailored to each rider.

At the highest level of racing each bike is designed with the riders input and so too is the gear in which they ride in.

This season we took some shots of some of the most interesting gear butt patch designs in the paddock but also wanted to get some insight into the how the patches come about for the riders and what role they play.

When looking through our

74

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

patch collection a wide variety of designs and ideas can be found from the simplistic “JP61” or “SS24” of Jorge Prado and Shaun Simpson to the fun “Ginger Ninja” of Max Anstie and the ironic “Shorty” of Arminas Jasikonis.

For most riders the patch design adds some fun to the gear and helps show off their character. We asked Arminas Jasikonis how he comes up with his patches to which he replied, “ideas always come in time, but a lot also come from friends. Since I’m tall it’s easy to come up with something and I normally design them on my own, I really like this part, haha!”

Pauls Jonass also has a fun approach to his with the current GP influencing the

design such as “Call me maybe?” with the traditional; red phone booth of London during the MXGP of Great Britain or “Ahoj Kámo” during the MXGP Czech Republic which when translated from Czech means “Hi Dude”.

Some of the most common are the patriotic designs seen in the patches of Jeremy Seewer, Hunter Lawrence, Bas Vaessen, Glenn Coldenhoff, Antonio Cairoli, Petar Petrov, Romain Febvre, Jeremy Van Horebeek, and even Jeffrey Herlings.

Another new trend seem to be that of confidence or even mind games in the design as shown by the patch of Jeffrey Herlings during the MXGP of Trentino, with the words “Into the Lion’s Den”, a clear taunt to rival Antonio Cairoli as they

raced on Italian soil. Arminas Jasikonis agreed that confidence is key and looking fast is half the battle.

To better understand we also interviewed Fox Racing Europe’s MX Category Marketing Manager Austin Hoover to see how the gear companies are working with MXGP’s athletes and making them both feel and look unique. Hoover, who started out with the company back in his native US as the MX Team Manager, made the move over to Europe in 2017 to take on marketing efforts throughout the region and also handle all of Fox’s European based MX athletes.

MXGP Mag: Obviously for Fox the fit, protection and comfort of the gear is paramount but what kind of things do you guys do to make the gear dif-

ferent for the top MXGP and MX2 riders?

Austin Hoover: Yeah for sure.

We definitely pride ourselves on providing product for our athletes that functions on the highest level possible. We have to give a ton of credit to our design and development team – the amount of attention to detail that goes into our product creation process is really amazing. So as product comes through the development process and makes it to our Pro Athletes, there isn’t much left for us to do before they can go racing in it. Sure there are small size adjustments that we can do to really get the guys dialed in, but for the most part the gear they are running is very close to production.

MXGP Mag: Custom butt patches have become pretty

common for the riders who are designing these and how does the process work at Fox? Austin Hoover: Haha! Yeah, totally. We definitely have fun with it. Design wise our internal team back in California does a majority of the creative work, but obviously the rider normally comes up with the concept and they will have a general idea of how they want it to look. I also work closely with Sascha at GD Buttpatches who is a total legend and he helps out a lot here in Europe with design and production of patches. Then I also have a local vendor here in Barcelona that does all of the sewing for me.

MXGP Mag: How big of a difference does it make to the riders to feel special or have input into customization of the

SPECIAL FEATURE

gear that they wear?

Austin Hoover: The impact is massive. It’s honestly one of the things I enjoy most about my job. Working with the riders on a custom kit is such a fun process, and when it finally comes to life it’s a rad feeling that has everyone smiling. The time and detail that we put into it goes really far with the athletes, and creates a special bond between them and the brand. On top of that we obviously have our guys super involved in the testing process when we are creating new products for our line. So if they are involved in things before they come out they’re always super stoked once it hits production.

There is an element of pride they have about putting their stamp of approval on a product before it’s available to the world – and once it is they are stoked to be a part of that process.

76

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

MXGP Mag: Do you think the old sayings “if you look good you feel good” or “look fast to go fast” have any merit in MXGP? Austin Hoover: Without a doubt! Confidence plays such a massive role in our sport, and as a rider when you walk down to the starting gate knowing that you look better than the other 39 dudes on the gate there is something really special about that.

MXGP Mag: Some use the butt patches to be funny but others seem to take it kind of seriously, even using them as part of mind games taunting other riders what are some of the best stories you have of riders customizing gear?

Austin Hoover: Oh yeah, totally. Depending on the rider for sure – the crafty ones definitely use them as a tool to get in the other riders’ heads.

It’s such a fun game to play.

There are so many good ones that we’ve done, especially in the last few years. Some highlights for me off the top of my head were Kenny’s “Bring It” patch at A1 in 2017.

And this year at MXoN Gautier ran “Put Up or Shut Up,” which was really rad considering all of the action and doubters of Team France. It was especially cool since they got the job done obviously!

Whether a custom frame weld, bar bend, or butt patch the riders of MXGP and MX2 use every tool at their disposal to not only perform but also to enjoy the time doing so.

From butt patches to custom gear no detail is overlooked in MXGP, enjoy our photo collection of patches and keep an out during your MXGP visits to see what designs the riders will come up with next!

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR Hi MXGP, Is there still a possibility to purchase the archive package on MXGP-TV? Thanks, Sabrina Hi Sabrina, Of course you can. You have 2 options on MXGP-TV.com: you can either purchase the only Archive package having access to all the video footage since 2010 until 2018 or purchase the 2019 early bird offer which includes the archive package for free.

Regards MXGP Hi MXGP, I’m thinking about buying tickets to go to Agueda, Portugal and see the race on May 19th. What categories will race??? Both MXGP and MX2?

Thanks, Niko Hi Niko, The MXGP of Portugal in Agueda will host both the MXGP and MX2 classes May 18th and 19th with Qualifying Saturday and Championship points races on Sunday!

Regards MXGP

78

MXGP MAG 2019 MXGP.COM

Dear MXGP, my partner loves motocross … I’m thinking of getting him tickets to go watch some racing. What’s the best one to go to?

Thanks, Bec Dear Bec, there are many amazing races in the calendar and it is really a matter of preference, and tickets have already opened for several!

You check out the full calendar and tickets on MXGP. com!

Best Regards MXGP

Hi MXGP, I was wondering if there are any tickets left for the MXGP of the Netherlands?

Thanks, Lauren Hi Lauren thanks for the message. Tickets for the MXGP of The Netherlands are already available on www.mxgp.com.

Thanks MXGP Hi MXGP, I purchased tickets to the MXGP of Great Britain in 2019 and was wondering if I can print the tickets or how do I receive them?

Thanks, Amy Hi Amy We are excited to have you join us at the races, your tickets can be printed from the confirmation email just make sure the barcode is visible! See you at Matterley Basin!

Thanks MXGP

MXGP MAG 2013 MXGP.COM