MXGP Mag #17 February 2015

#17_FEBRUARY 2015

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RACING CATCH UP

RIDER OF THE MONTH Gautier Paulin

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INDEX

COOL SHOT

MONSTER GIRLS

HALL OF FAME Pit Beirer

MXGP MAG: Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: Youthstream Photo Cover: Team HRC YOUTHSTREAM Media World Trade Center II Rte de Pré-Bois 29 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland MXGP Mag #17 February 2015 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).

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EDITORIAL

Giuseppe Luongo President of Youthstream Group Dear MXGP Friends, Only a few weeks to go before the start of the epic 2015 MXGP season in Qatar, I think we’re all set and want to be already there! The 2015 MXGP World Championship will be the greatest Championship in the history of Motocross; never before have there been so many impressive names in the major class, take a look at the line-up for the MXGP of Qatar and you’ll see 95% are big names. There are 18 riders who have won at least 1 Grand Prix event, 16 factory riders, 8 semi-factory riders and there are 7 manufacturers (KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Husqvarna and TM); these are the right ingredients for the

greatest MX show ever. The MX2 class will also be very exciting with many young riders coming up from the European 250 Championship, the World Champion, Tixier, on his new Kawasaki and the return of the Golden Boy, Herlings, after his enduring injury.

Over the winter months Youthstream has worked hard on increasing the television coverage and on improving the quality of the live production and highlight programs. Again in 2015 MXGP and MX2 will be covered live in every continent via major broadcasters: Europe on Eurosport, USA on CBS Sports Network (CBS Sports Network will be increasing quality of the live program and the number of

hours of transmission permitting all the American fans to follow their idol’s, Ryan Villopoto, battle against the best in the world), Latin America on FOX Sports, Middle East and Africa on BeIN, Asia and Oceania on FOX Sports and in addition to that MXGP and MX2 will be broadcasted on many local TV channels. As usual MXGP-TV. com will cover all the MXGP and MX2 World Championship events the Women World Championship and the European Championships live.

MXGP has considerably grown over the last few years and Youthstream is receiving more and more requests from all over the world to host an MXGP event. We feel confident for the future of our sport and we

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believe that from 2016/2017 MXGP will be present in Australia, Russia and Africa as well. In many countries where the economy is growing, especially in Asia and Latin America, also the markets of the motorcycles and of Motocross are significantly growing; this is excellent news for our sport because even if it’s true that in the 1970’s it was only a European sport, then it slowly became American/European and then also Australian/New Zealand/South African, now we can affirm it’s really a worldwide sport. In the majority of countries around the globe Motocross is the most performed motorsport, our goal is to continue and implement this process with the promotion of Motocross via MXGP, the

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media coverage and by encouraging many children to join our sport dreaming to be like one of their heroes: Cairoli, Villopoto, Paulin, Desalle, Van Horebeek, Nagl, Bobryshev, Searle, De Dycker, Strijbos, Simpson, Rattray, Nicholls, Guarneri, Waters, Ferris, Frossard, Coldenhoff, Febvre, Watson, Gonçalves, Philippaerts, Herlings, Tixier …

Last year the MXGP of Qatar was dominated by the Kawasaki boys, this year who will it be? As often happens leading up to a Football World Cup football fans and experts talk for hours on end discussing and explaining who will be the best player, the best team and why in all the best sports bars, in these days it will be exactly the same for MXGP; everyone

wants to be the expert and tell you why one rider or another will win supported by many valid arguments: the will, the preparation, the bike, suspension, the engine, etc. But in reality it’s completely different; nobody knows what will really happen because all the factories present are exceptionally strong, all the bikes are of the highest performance and all the riders are remarkably prepared, so the best way is not to listen to all the famous experts but to watch the GPs and only there will we discover all together who will be the King.

Enjoy the first MXGP of the season in Qatar, Losail, for the beginning of a unique season of the greatest sport on this planet!

COOL SHOTS

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RACING CATCH UP

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FAST TIME The race to the 2015 MXGP title has started, with the first pot shots being fired at pre season races across Europe the title hopefuls for the manufacturers are sizing each other up and testing bodies and set ups for the long season ahead. Here at MXGP mag we took what is a long list of potential race winners and pared it right down to the bare essentials, the riders we think will be there at the end of the season trying to wrestle the crown from Tony Cairoli.

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Jeremy Van Horebeek: Let’s begin at the beginning, with last year’s championship runner up and the man who surprised everyone, including himself with a run of 11 consecutive podium finishes in the 2014 season, Jeremy Van Horebeek.

That podium run is the sort of form that makes fast riders into championship winners, it took the Yamaha rider all the way to the penultimate round with a chance of taking the title from Cairoli and it has taken away his mantle of MXGP underdog. Or has it? He has beaten everyone on the grid at various points throughout the year, he has melded the often tricky YZF450-FM into the bike he always wanted to ride and created a solid and supportive team attitude in the Yamaha pit that desperately needed some

good news.

However, consistent podiums will no longer be a cause for celebration like last year, expect to see a little bit more of the hard edge of Van Horebeek in 2015, especially if he starts to find himself more often than not looking up while standing on the podium. And that is what we want to see, a slight upgrade in terms of speed and a big step in terms of belief.

The pieces are in place for a run at the title we just need to see if Jeremy Van Horebeek can convince himself that he can be champion.

MXGP MAG PREDICTION: If he wins a moto in the first 4 Grand Prix then Van Horebeek will be a huge threat for the title.

Gautier Paulin: The Honda is a small bike, phys-

ically it has a narrow waist and a low, compact frame shape, it’s not the physically lanky Kawasaki that has taken Gautier Paulin from decent MX2 racer to potential future MXGP World Champion. Yet here we are, Paulin has gone Red and when the big H comes calling you don’t say no.

For Paulin, and let’s be honest for every fan, this is THE change and this is the moment where he proves that he has what it takes to last out a full season at the pace he knows he can ride and by all accounts the change has done both him and Honda, good. It’s a close call as to who is the most prolific “team lover” on social media but it’s always between Paulin and Cairoli for the honours of most posts about how good things are, this positive attitude and his geniality in front

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of and with the media and fans is one of the things that he is taking with him to Honda, as Kawasaki close media ranks around his replacement Honda have started to open the doors to their bright new hope.

We know what a fit and capable Paulin can do on the bike and that’s win races, lots of races and judging by his form in the first public races of the year in Italy he has found a good starting point with the bike and team and is fit ready to race. This year he will have another man in his corner, Motocross legend Jean Michelle Bayle is the new sporting manager at HRC and brings a French flavour to the Italian/English squad. Though Bayle’s role will encompass a coaching role with the CRF150 European Championship, his main duty is to help the factory boys get the most out

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Max Nagl, he has suffered more than his fair share of misfortune in his 2 years at Honda, none more so than last year when an unfortunate training crash left him with 2 broken wrists and a hefty rehab period as the European season kicked in. Do not forget that this time last year he won the opening moto in Qatar and on his comeback from injury in Germany last June he took the chequered flag in front of a rapturous home crowd. An overall GP win in the State of Goias in Brazil rounded off a turbulent season and left us with the news that he was returning to the group with which he made his name, albeit this time on a white Husqvarna.

Nagl is one of those riders who is Max Nagl: faster than anyone when the sitThe man that made the move that uation is perfect, often noted as opened up the Honda berth was a ‘sensitive’ or ‘feel’ rider the list

of the bikes and themselves, but what does “getting the best out of you” mean for Gautier Paulin?

The most logical conclusion is that it’s the last 2%, those vital last pieces of self confidence and race craft that make the difference over the course of a season. The other conclusion could be that just having someone dedicated to your performance, both mentally and physically, can push a rider to ride for more than just themselves and look at the bigger picture.

MXGP MAG PREDICTION: Copious speed and wins galore and a spectacular showdown with Villopoto in the first 3 races. A healthy Paulin takes the championship to the wire.

of variables in his performance envelope is long, from physical fitness to track conditions, to weather, to a whole host of things that can make the German rider the king of the class or the also ran of the moto. If you want a calm consistent team around you then look no further than Red Bull Ice one Racing Husqvarna whose clinical approach to the paddock puts the emphasis on repetition and order, something that will suit Nagl to a T. A quiet and focussed yet jovial rider meets up with quiet and focussed yet jovial team. If the bike does what he wants it to, then Max Nagl will be the dark horse of this year’s MXGP title.

MXGP MAG PREDICTION: He will win more moto’s than he did on the Honda and score more holeshots. An outside bet for a top 3 spot in the championship.

Clement Desalle: Of all the riders who might take the crown at years end Clement Desalle is the hardest to gauge.

He has finished runner up in the series 3 times, in 2013, 2012 and 2010, which should mean he is the odds of favourite to depose Cairoli at some point and here at MXGP Mag we think that could be right if, and it’s a big if, the planets align.

They are getting closer to a celestial confluence; the Clement Desalle of the 2014/15 off season is a relaxed and happy man having finally found the magic balance of home life and career that can be a golden bullet for a racer. Desalle is not a rider to surround himself with people for the sake of company, he tends to eschew the group training schedule of his Suzuki team mates, Strijbos and MXGP rook-

ie Coldenhoff, for his own plans and routine and is now so happy with the team he has around him in the Geboers run factory unit that his confidence in what he does is peaking, he even felt good enough to go and race the Loon Plage beach race, which he won, the Desalle of a few years ago would not have done that.

What about his speed and potential, well, last year he beat Cairoli and co in Germany while riding with a broken wrist, and if it were not for that nasty first corner crash in Sweden he could well have taken the title as momentum was on his side. If he can simply start the season as he is now, fit, healthy and happy with a view to winning from day one and leading from the front, then he could be a hard man to catch over the season.

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MXGP MAG PREDICTION: A surprise win in Qatar sets up a run to lead the championship until the end of the flyaway races.

Ryan Villopoto: Everything that could be written about Ryan Villopoto and his move to MXGP without him racing anyone, has been. Bench racing is no fun without any comparative stats or recent past duels so the MX world has resorted to the “can he live in Europe” discussion, and to put an end to that we here at MXGP Mag are calling forward a witness, step up please Mr Ben Spies.

You may know the name, you may even have seen him race, Ben Spies was a man who did great things in road racing before taking an early retirement after one too many injuries (sound familiar?). He mentally and physical battered the dominant force in AMA superbike for 3 seasons on the bounce, Matt Mladin had

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never given in to any racer on his home turf but couldn’t withstand the pace and relentless nature of Spies, that may also sound pretty familiar. Spies took the step that most Americans wouldn’t when he left the USA scene to move to Europe and the Superbike World Championship, which he won at his first attempt. By the way, he never planned on racing more than one year in World Superbikes, it was a one shot deal before he moved on, and again this is all quite familiar stuff. All of that was pretty amazing to watch but what you may not know is that for much of his adult life Ben Spies was afraid of flying, not great for a World championship tilt, he was also a rider who was very close to his family and his home, and in the few times I met him in the seasons leading up to his Europe trip, not a man keen on changing his set up unless he really had to. And yet when push came to shove he moved to and

loved living in Europe, his house on the shore of one of the great Italian lakes became his haven and a base from which he enjoyed what he needed to of Europe and kept what he wanted of the states, which allowed him to focus on his training, his racing and his winning.

So there you have it, categorical proof that there will be no problems for Villopoto because it has been done before by an American and the truth will out that that when you come to live and race in Europe as a champion you can live how you want. Oh, and he is very fast, consistent and has won multiple championships, he’s the only man lining up at the gate other than Cairoli to have that sort of CV. MXGP MAG PREDICTION: Many wins, many podium, many epic races, one epic championship.

Photos: KTM/Taglioni, Team HRC, Sarah Gutierrez/Kawasaki Europe, Suzuki.

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MXGP SOCIAL

TWITTER, FACEB IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP ‫@‏‬mxgp ‬‬ Who is your favourite rider? #MXGP #MX2

@24MX_Honda‬‬ @mxgp Our favourite rider? Tough choice... Not!! @ Fillibang & @charlierchris23 of course

‫@‏‬racerx221 @mxgp @MarcDeReuver of course.

‫@‏‬thewonderlee @mxgp @ryan_villopoto2 for sure ‫@‏‬MarcDeReuver #MXGP #MX2” MXGP @ Fillibang and @glenncoldenhoff MX2 @JHerlings84 @getteman51 EMX250 @ NickKouwenberg

@squirefan1‬‬ @mxgp Thomas Covington

‫@‏‬24mxhondafans ‬‬ ‬‬ My favourite @mxgp guy is @Fillibang!!! Fave #mx2 ride has got to be @243Gajser #MXGP #MX2 #MOTO-

‫@‏‏‬24MX_France @mxgp @charlierchris23, évidemment!! Go #CC23

‫@‏‬Patricksku ‬ ‬‬ @mxgp. Doesn,t matter Can,t wait for battle between @ryan_villopoto2. and @Antoniocairoli. and @ GautierPaulin Stay healty guys ,goodluck!;)‬‬

‫@‏‏‏‬SebiMX_Pictures @mxgp @GautierPaulin for sure !!! #gofrance

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Less than one month is left until the 2015 MXGP gates drop down for the first time.

Top world motocross riders are already full gas on their training programs to come strong for the MXGP round in Qatar on the 27th of February.

Visit MXGP Facebook page and find out what best motocross riders do during the off-season

Where online can you find motocross?

Check out MXGPtv’s latest video with all online sources. Click here to watch it now.

BOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE Tag your #MXGPselfie to win gift voucher on MXGPSTORE.com!

@ryanvillopoto And then I was like!!! #MXGP

@gautierpaulin Buddy at work! #jekiffmonchien #MXGP

@paulsjonass141 Style check before gym session this morning. #MX2 #MXGP

@tylarattray Nothing stopped us today! Great ride with my bud @ryan_rowell on our sweet @iamspecialized bikes.

@antoniocairoli Scrubbing big time! #MXGP

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He was mean on green, but could he be even meaner in red? MXGP’s not so dark horse, Gautier Paulin rounded off last year in dominant style.

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The ripest of reds GP21 and Team HRC going for glory

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After missing seven rounds of the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship due to injury and returning with only four rounds to go, the then Monster Energy Kawasaki rider wound up the season with an overall win at the final round in Mexico before lobbing his name to the top of the ‘most talked about riders as we head into 2015 chart’ with his jaw-dropping performance at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations where he led the French team of Steven Frossard and Dylan Ferrandis to victory.

The MXoN was Paulin’s final outing in his familiar green and a fitting send off to the team he has ridden for since 2012 as shortly after the MXoN he jumped ship to Team HRC where he and teammate Evgeny Bobryshev will fly the flag for Honda in the hopes of putting an end to the brands fourteen year title drought.

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MXGP Mag recently caught up with GP21 to touch base on his transition to Honda, working with fellow French legend Jean Michel Bayle, the team atmosphere and how his first time lining up the red machine went…

What were your first impressions of Honda’s CRF450?

I liked the bike straight away.

The engine of the bike is pretty awesome. Pretty much everyone you hear speak about the Honda in magazines, interviews and reviews, they say the bike is easy to ride and I agree it is, right from the chassis through to suspension and the engine being so smooth, so for me the first feeling was great and I was impressed.

Obviously you are on the HRC factory edition of the CRF450, but what were some of the things you changed?

Yes I have a factory HRC bike.

I had to change a lot of things because my riding style is really

different to most other riders.

I am really tall, like 186cm so I have to make place for myself on that bike. What I like about the team is right after I signed with Honda, they were looking for parts to make me comfortable so I felt good right away and it was really quick for me to feel good out on the track.

You raced the first round of the Italian Championship in Sardinia and it was your first outing with the new team. How did it go?

It was great! I won the first moto and I was happy with the way I raced. I had a good feeling on the bike, we did have to change some things, but that is normal. We aren’t doing the Italian Championship, we only went there that weekend to test and to start putting everything together. It worked well and was a good start to the season for sure.

It is a good sign things are going well when you beat An-

tonio Cairoli on home soil and a track he has done so many laps around…

Yeah for sure and not only that, but also he and many others have they done a lot of laps there. They have also been going there for many years, I’m sure all of them can ride that track with their eyes closed. For me, it was my first time ever riding in Sardinia so to win the first race was so great. I was riding smooth with a good riding style, it was just a fun race.

Would you say you are feeling at home within the team at HRC? Yes, it’s like a family at Team HRC, but like a professional family. I have a good feeling with all the people who work for HRC; I have known the guys in Italy for a while so it’s really cool. We can speak in Italian and English and it’s really like family atmosphere but we are here to work so while it is like a family, everybody is still working

hard.

Last year technicians from HRC’s base in Japan were seen working with the team to improve the bike. What is it like to work with them?

I met the Japanese in October, and they were really cool. They work really hard and it’s obvious they want HRC to be back on top, so it’s really cool to work with mechanics that have this kind of attitude. They are also really professional and this is something I really appreciate because I am a rider who also likes to be very professional.

At the moment we are getting ready for the MXGP season and the entire team and myself are confident we are going in the right direction. I already feel really good on the bike.

What is it like working with a legend like Jean-Michel Bayle?

It’s great; Jean-Michel has a lot of experience. He has a pretty crazy career behind him, he has

done everything and I have a lot to learn from him. He pretty much helps me in every aspect of my career. I like working with him, so we will see what the future brings.

And what about your team mate Evgeny Bobryshev…

Bobby is a really funny guy. I didn’t ride with Bobby a lot, but we did test together. I was surprised because I didn’t really know Bobby before I joined the team, like I hadn’t really spoken to him before and when I met him I thought he was pretty funny and a cool rider. It’s nice to see a different culture because he is from Russia and he is just really cool, like he likes to play about and I feel like the atmosphere is really good between us. I also like riding with him, so it’s a cool team.

Going back to last year, how did it feel to dominate the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations? Would you say that is

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the highlight of your career?

Normally I would never say, “it’s the highlight of my career”, but I think I can this time. That weekend will be with me forever. It’s unbelievable what I did at MXoN dominating the full weekend, practice, qualifying, warm-up, first moto and the second moto, it was really awesome and especially to do it on a such a tricky track.

For sure it was one of the best moments I have ever had on a motorcycle.

Would you say it gave you extra motivation heading into the off-season?

It didn’t really give me extra motivation because I am motivated every time I get on my bike anyway. The coolest thing was not only that I won, because it’s cool every time you win, but it’s not like winning GP. It is the motocross of nations!

Not many people have dominated the most popular race in the world, so it’s the best feeling but now I am looking to this

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So the next step in your career is obviously to win the MXGP title. Are you looking forward to Qatar?

For sure, but not only Qatar you know, I am looking forward to the whole season. I really want to race because I feel like I have been training for so long, the whole winter. I have been working so hard for this goal and I can’t wait for the season to start.

Lastly, what have you been doing to prepare? Do you spend a lot of time riding or are you more in the gym building your base fitness?

I spend a lot of time on my bike because I love riding, but I also spend a lot of time working on the physical fitness because I love training too.

Even if I wasn’t a professional sports person, I would still wake up early and go jogging and do some fitness because I am this kind of person. I just love it.

Last year you opened the season with a round win in Qatar, placing the red plate directly on your bike. Do you feel that having won there before you are at an advantage?

Every year it is different. It is motocross so you can never be sure. The track could be muddy, okay maybe there is only a 2% chance of mud in Qatar, but what I am saying is the track can change. I just take each race as it comes.

Without a doubt Gautier Paulin is a man ready to come and do some serious damage in the 2015 MXGP World Championship, and with the might of Team HRC behind him this could well be the year when he makes it all the way to the top.

Paulin has more than one challenger standing in his way and you can read more about the men that are in contention for the title and how they stack up against each other on page 19.

year and to take the next step in my career.

MONSTER GIRLS

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All of the lights!

The eyes of the Motocross World turn towards Qatar this month as we prepare to turn the lights on for the hugely anticipated first round of the MXGP World Championship 2015.

The small state has flourished since its independence in 1971 with its generous resources of natural

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gas powering the advancement of its economy and attracting investment from around the world that has accelerated its rise as a destination of choice for tourism and business in the middle east. The best hotels in the world ring the spectacular Corniche that is the beating heart

of the downtown Doha and boat tours run across and around the bay to show off the dramatic modernist skyline, but if skyscrapers are not to your taste then turn back and head for the legendary Souk. Over the MXGP weekend look out for the riders and teams who flock to the narrow streets

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to sample the treats and delights stacked high in the market place, sample the best of Arabic cooking in a wide variety of restaurants and immerse yourself in the historical culture of the region.

The city of Doha is a spectacle as old and new collide and blend in a melting pot of experiences and sights where, since 2013, the MXGP of Qatar has held pride of place as the curtain raiser for the World Championship and situated just 25km outside of the city the world class Losail International Circuit has so far offered up spectacular opening action on both occasions.

Built in 2004 the circuit has hosted international road racing at the highest level every year since then and it provides a welcome

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focal point for the burgeoning Qatari motorsport scene. In 2008 the first night race took place at the expansive facility as flood lights of epic proportions sprouted around the perimeter of the 5.3km track to worldwide acclaim and kick started the trend for night and evening races in the road racing world.

The Losail International Circuit is far from an expanse of concrete that rises up monolithically out of the desert; it is also the centre of the nation’s sporting ambitions in Motor racing and an example to the Arabian peninsula of how to attract the best racing series in the world with sound investment, solid infrastructure and more recently an eye on developing the facility as an area of sporting excellence.

That determination to provide a rounded and world class programme of racing and facilities is why MXGP is there. With the development of the motocross track to the outside of turn one the Losail circuit became a true multi discipline venue but it wasn’t all plain sailing as even 5 years of lighting experience for road racing is not enough to deal with the unique demands of motocross. Dirt means lines, lines means ruts, and ruts means tricky shadows, a combination that meant a true 360 degree lighting system was put in place over the last 2 years of the event to make sure that the riders safety and the enjoyment of the spectators was never a compromise.

Though the motocross track sits outside the

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boundary wall of the main facility it enjoys all of the benefits of the main pit complex including the state of the art media centre, press conference room, paddock restaurant and pit lane facilities as well as its own dedicated grandstands and VIP hospitality areas right at the heart of the action. This year the investment has continued with a brand new 16 camera CCTV system, similar to that used as standard on road race tracks, being installed and making use of the lofty vantage points of the lighting towers, to give race direction and the clerk of the course unparalleled coverage of the track for the safety and security of the riders.

This is the first system of this scale to be used on an

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MXGP circuit and proves how determined the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is to keep the entire facility at the head of the field.

The track itself benefited and suffered slightly from the blank paper approach that both freed and constrained the track builders, as, unable to use any natural elevation changes (the country’s highest point is barely 100m above sea level) they built their own.

A propensity towards off camber corners makes the surface tricky to master but the tacky ground has always delivered good grip where it matters, some riders have called it a USA style track with its high speeds and long jumps, but variation is the spice of life and praise has been

heaped upon the course over the last two years as it has found a solid place in the varied spectrum of the MXGP courses. In 2015 its progress will continue as the course begins to root itself in the ground with the planting of trees and shrubs as a part of the QMMF environmental policy and the access to the course is improved for both teams and spectators.

Nowhere hosts an MXGP quite like Qatar and the third edition promises night time fireworks galore. If you thought the 2014 race was a season opener to remember then you are in for a nice surprise as the Losail international circuit plays host to the most hotly anticipated season of Motocross racing in history.

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New Zealand’s next big thing

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MXGP ACADEMY

It has been a while since the European Championship has had a Kiwi, as in New Zealander, not the fruit, ripping around in contention for one of the most important titles any aspiring motocross world champion could hope to claim.

Allow us to introduce Josiah Natzke. Born and bred in Hamilton, New Zealand, he recently signed his name on the dotted line of a contract most kids his age can only dream of. At only fifteen years old Josiah signed

a five-year deal with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team to race the world’s number one amateur series, the European Championship.

Josiah burst onto the scene last year at the European Championship’s penultimate round in Loket, Czech Republic. After botching up his qualifying session in the EMX125 class, whether it was due to nerves or just adjusting to the European way, Josiah was forced to race the last chance qualifier

on what was meant to be his big debut. While the young kiwi was down, he was not out and went on to win the LCQ for thirty-third pick of the gate in the main races.

With a win in the bag and a little more time on the track, the atmosphere lightened up in the Natzke camp and that eventually led to Josiah icing the cake when he did the unthinkable and peeled off two amazing starts to finish fourth in race one and third in race two for a super impressive third overall.

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After doing something that is more or less unheard of in EMX racing, going from the LCQ to the podium in the main event, Josiah caught the attention of one of the most innovative brands in terms of rider development in the business and is about to embark on his ‘make or break’ journey.

MXGP Mag: Since it’s official, you’re apart of the orange army, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, we’re sure the world is going to want to know a little bit about you. So we’ll start with how old were you when you started riding and how did you get into it?

MXGP Mag: You made your first appearance in Europe in Loket, Czech Republic last year, then went on to race the final round of the European Championship in Lommel, Belgium and then the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship the following weekend again in Belgium, have you had any other overseas experience?

Natzke: Yeah when I was 9 I went to the USA for 7 months and then I went again when I was 11 for 4 months.

MXGP Mag: How do you compare the US to racing in Europe?

Natzke: I think the US people are more hard core whereas Josiah Natzke: I think I was 3 when I started riding, Dad was I think the Europeans are a lot more calm about everything, riding and then he bought me a bike which was a Peewee 50 and the Americans are just which built up to KTM’s and that hardout moto, moto, moto and was that. I think I was 5 when I nothing else whereas the Eustarted racing. ropeans are quite friendly, I mean don’t get me wrong the

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Americans are friendly, but the Europeans… just everyone is friends in Europe it seems. But in America there is always rivalries, but you know there are always differences and similarities.

MXGP Mag: It’s a good thing you like the atmosphere in Europe since that is essentially where you will be based for the next five years. How did the deal with KTM come about in the end?

Natzke: When I went over this year I was with Stefan Everts quite a lot through my manager Ben Townley and his contacts. So we spent a bit of time at the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing workshop. We ended up being around Stefan a lot then and then I guess at Loket when I got third he saw that I could run the pace but I was just lacking fitness. So I guess that’s where he took notice, so

he got talking with Ben, then the Natzke: Yeah 3 hours runcontract came through and we ning! We also cycled 6 hours sorted it. on the first day. We went from Queenstown to Wanaka over MXGP Mag: What is your rela- the crown ranges which is like tionship with Ben Townley?

1800m of elevation that you Natzke: He’s my manager, climb, it took like 2 hours to get coach, trainer, mentor… my to the top and then like a hour everything really. down.

MXGP Mag: We’ve seen that you’ve been out training with him working on your fitness.

Tell us a little bit about what you’re doing, what does your training schedule look like?

Natzke: I go and stay with Ben a little bit and just go riding or he comes out riding with me.

Recently we went and did a bootcamp down in Queenstown, which was just long hours of pure fitness, no motocross at all. Just long, long hours of fitness.

MXGP Mag: It sounds pretty intense…

MXGP Mag: Ben Townley has obviously been training like that for a while, which is a lot compared to what you would be used to, so was it difficult to keep up?

like what I’m doing here in New Zealand, for example racing both major classes MX1 and MX2 at one event. I will do them both on the same bike, so MX1 on my 250SX-F. MXGP Mag: What is the strategy behind racing MX1 and MX2 back to back at a major motocross event in New Zealand?

Natzke: It will just be so tough both mentally and physically and I’m gonna be pushing non-stop so it’s just about building that race intensity and putting in Natzke: I could keep up for a those long hours. Doing motos, little bit but Ben is so mentally fit racing hard, and then hopefully which means if you’re mentally when I get to Europe racing will at least be mentally easier. fit you can overcome anything.

MXGP Mag: What is Ben’s advice to you as you’re about to embark on your European adventure?

Natzke: There hasn’t really been anything in particular to be honest. Just prepare well,

MXGP Mag: When do you plan on heading over to Europe?

Natzke: End of March, I think like two weeks before the first round.

MXGP Mag: Where will you be

not like I’m like OMG it’s SteNatzke: Same place as last year, fan Everts and can’t be myself. in Lummen, Belgium, near to Once I signed my name on the KTM. contract I only thought “alright, this is it! Time to make it hapMXGP Mag: So that will leave pen”. I was pretty pumped. based?

you at the front door of both Harry and Stefan Everts…

MXGP Mag: What are your expectations?

Natzke: Well let’s just say I don’t want to come second and I want to win a world championship.

MXGP Mag: No pressure or anything! At least being in the paddock of MXGP you Natzke: Yeah definitely, it’s also are exposed to the ins and good to know I’m pretty much outs of the FIM Motocross sorted for the next five years of World Championship which is my career. I wouldn’t say it’s a essentially where you want weight off my shoulders but it’s to be, and let’s not forget MXGP Mag: What went through like a relief to have that oppor- you get to see the fastest your head when this amazing tunity that you’ve kind of been riders in the world race… opportunity to ride for one of working towards your entire Natzke: Yeah! It’s gonna be life. It’s quite cool, everyone is sick. Gonna be so cool to the most renowned teams in watch it in person. I’m so the world came through? posting on their facebook and

Natzke: Yeah both will be helping me I guess. Stefan is the manager of the team so he trains all of us and then Harry is just there a lot so I think he does something too.

Natzke: It was like a dream come true. Not many people get this opportunity, so for me to have it at 15 years old, it’s pretty huge. But to be honest it didn’t really hit me massively, I don’t idolize people, so when I look at people like Stefan for example, I mean he’s a good dude and he’s achieved A LOT but it’s

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MXGP Mag: Would you say it has given you that extra bit of motivation?

instagram and stuff saying that interested to see how Ryan they wanna be overseas and Villopoto goes at tracks like I actually get to be there and Lommel and stuff. He is lookon the best team. So now that ing fast as on Instagram but I have this opportunity to step I think Cairoli will use his up. experience where as Ryan MXGP Mag: Which class will is just fast, so it will come you be racing? down to whether he (Ryan) Natzke: European Championship can put it together. I am EMX125. sure he will.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Dirt, excitement, realism, authenticity, spectacular jumps, and the struggle for first place: these are the key elements of the official videogame dedicated to one of the most thrilling and challenging championships of all time. And this is how, forged by dirt and sheer grit, new generations of riders/gamers are formed, the fans are what Milestone’s new game was designed for, battling race by race in a vigorous pursuit of victory and a chance to claim the coveted

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title of MXGP World Champion. MXGP is bursting with new features on the tracks and outstanding game characteristics to enthral and entrance motocross fans and gamers in general.

There are 3 versions available for gamers who want to take part in adrenalin-charged races around the circuits that made the 2013 season one of the most exciting of all time, a season that saw Tony Cairoli triumph for the seventh time.

MXGP MOTO VIDEO

P – THE OFFICIAL OCROSS OGAME 51

SPECIAL FEATURE

Italy – Arco di Trento; Bulgaria – Sevlievo ; Czech Republic – Loket; Holland – Lierop -Red Plate: Just like in the real championship, the current points leader has a red background on their number plate -Technical improvements: •Deformable terrain with improved real-time graphics •Bike and rider models with an unprecedented degree of detail, with textures 4 times more detailed than the PS3™ version •Realistic lighting system using Yebis 2 PS4™ version •Improved engine audio with 3D The PS4 version was released sound positioning effects 6 months later and is an enhanced version of the game. The •Number of riders on the circuit simultaneously increased to 22 development team have added a rift of improvements and new Compact version: features to take advantage of The compact version of MXGP the new hardware, drawing on is designed for gamers who feedback from the worldwide want to experience the thrills community of fans. Among the of MXGP but don’t have time most significant new features to explore all the features of are: the full game. Created with the -18 tracks in total, including idea of offering a more immedi4 completely new tracks, for ate and more accessible game an even more comprehensive experience at an affordable MXGP experience: PS3™, PSVita™, Xbox 360 and PC/Steam version: This is the original console version, a real revolution in the world of motocross games.

MXGP includes all the riders, all the teams, all the bikes, and all the rules from the MXGP 2013 season, and an all-new career mode designed to let players explore and experience all the thrills of motocross for themselves, putting them in the boots of a real motocross rider.

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price, MXGP Compact offers fans the opportunity of enjoying the 2013 season of the championship through a selection of offline modes (Instant Race, Grand Prix, Championship) and online modes (Grand Prix) while maintaining the appeal of the complete version, with all the tracks, riders and official teams of the MXGP Class. The Compact version is available on PS3™, PSVita™, PS4™ and PC/ Steam.

As if these three versions weren’t enough to satisfy the cravings of even the most passionate fans, Milestone has also made a Free Demo which is available for players to try the game for themselves before buying. The developers have also partnered with UFO and FOX to bring fans a range of DLC to further customize their players’ Online and Offline profiles.

Follow all the latest news on www.mxgpvideogame.com.

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HALL OF FAME

Pit ‘Never Give Up’ Beirer

German Pit Beirer is well known today as being the highly successful Director of KTM Sports, but Pit found his fame in our sport nearly twenty years ago when he was one of the main protagonists in the 125cc and later 250cc World Championship.

He won races and took podiums in both series but there was one goal that eluded him throughout his career: becoming World Champion. He was a real fighter on the track, and had a “never give up” attitude both as a racer and then as a man after his horrific crash during the 2003 Bulgarian GP that ended his racing career. Thanks to KTM and his own dogged spirit the ‘Pitbull’ bounced back and has since claimed those World titles from his new position at the head of the companies motorsports division.

Some kids dream of being soccer players or tennis stars but when he was ten years old Pit Beirer only wanted to be a motocross rider and follow in the footsteps of his father Peter. At the age of ten he was allowed to buy himself his first bike and from that day on he had no doubts about his future.

but both Pit and his father had great friends who raised funds for them by organizing festivals, getting people to donate and also putting some of their own money towards his future by enabling him to race the 125cc World Championship.

From his first GP in April of 1989 at Faenza right up to his last one “When I bought my first bike, a in June of 2003 at Sevlievo in 80cc, I also received a newsBulgaria, Pit always ride with a paper with a check list ‘how to level of determination and energy become a motocross rider’ and that made him a crowd favourite.

I knew straight away that it was He was a warrior and a fighter, my resolution,” remembers Pit never one to look for excuses who then spent every free mowhen the result was not what he ment on a local track. Year after was used to, and he soon became year he got better and better very popular in Germany and all results and just after turning six- over the world. His racing career teen he got his first contract with was long but never easy, with a Suzuki Kurz who provided him couple of injuries that tried to but bikes and parts. The Beirer family never broke his determination was not rich enough to travel and legendary enthusiasm. regularly outside of Germany

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penultimate and most rewarding season in the smaller class, but moving forwards Pit joined the Swiss Pamo team to enter the main class on a 250cc Honda. Fifth in 1996, he broke his scaphoid while practicing but once more was back in action earlier than anyone! “I got the phone number of Doctor Werber in Munich who was the only one who could operate on such a sports injury where you could return to competition more or less straight after the surgery. None of the other hand specialists would take it on, and naturally I went to Munich and I did in fact ride again three weeks later for the Belgian GP.�

Groot team with Kawasaki. It was huge change for Pit, but he backed it up with a series of other moves to make him a stronger rider; he moved to Neeroeteren and started working with Willy Linden as his new trainer. It meant that Pit entered the 99 season a high and promptly found himself leading the World Championship ahead of his team mate Marnicq Bervoets and French racer Frederic Bolley. The German GP offered up some real highlights in Pit’s career, but sadly not the 1999 edition in Gaildorf as a crash at the start of the first race forced him to retire. Having some technical troubles in race two he only scored a sixth position and offered a strong advantage to Pit rode for Honda for four seaBolley, who finally claimed the title It was a disappointing end to his sons and then moved to the Jan De during the last GP in the USA. BeHe collected his first world championship point during his first ever Grand Prix in 1989 and he needed just two more years to win his first GP in front of his home crowd in Reil, a win that came just a few weeks after he broke his arm during the French GP! It showed that even when injured Pit was a rider that fought hard to come back to racing as soon as possible, which occasionally led him racing with a broken collarbone! 1993 was a strange season for Pit as he struggled in the first few races before finding his feet to take a string of podiums and GP wins only to stop his season prematurely in Germany when he collided with Pichon.

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ing vice World champion that year was backed up by third overall in 2000, Pit joined an Italian team for the following seasons but the package was not as good as promised and after that he asked KTM for some support for the next few seasons. That led to a factory ride in 2003, when KTM had a competitive bike for the 250cc class to go up against the first of the 450cc four stroke machines. It was an unequal battle but Pit’s “never give up” attitude meant he fought hard with Pichon during the first few GP’s but they were both behind the 450s of Everts and Smets.

In Sevlievo he grabbed the holeshot in the first moto and he really didn’t want to lose this position against the 450cc when he came over the final jump of the Bulgarian track, that determination came at a cost as small mistake nearly cost him his life. Pit was catapulted into the air and landed hard on his head, it was a terrible crash that left him paralysed.

Pit didn’t give up and he saw his future life panning out in a dif-

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ferent way to most of us. “When I regained consciousness some days later in Murnau the paralysis, strangely enough, was not so difficult for me to accept. The joy in the fact that I was still alive was much greater. I had a six months old daughter and my wife Ilona and I knew that she needed me,” explained Pit who found a strong support network at KTM. The company offered him a place in the sport department, and thanks to

his strength of will, hard work and knowledge he became later the Offroad and then the overall company Sport Manager. He didn’t claim any world titles as a rider, but every year since his contracted riders have picked up many titles and in his new job he has shown the world the enthusiasm and passion that he has for the sport.

Text and photos: Pascal Haudiquert

1988: German Junior champion 1989: 36th in the 125 World Championship 1990: 13th in the 125 World Championship 1991: 9th in the 125 World Championship. German Open Champion.

1992: 7th in the 125 World Championship. German Open Champion.

1993: 9th in the 125 World Championship 1994: 5th in the 125 World Championship 1995: 5th in the 250 World Championship 1996: 7th in the 250 World Championship 1997: 3rd in the 250 World Championship 1998: 3rd in the 250 World Championship 1999: 2nd in the 250 World Championship 2000: 3rd in the 250 World Championship 2001: 5th in the 250 World Championship 2002: 3rd in the 250 World Championship

PADDOCK TALKS 02 01

Paddock Talks 01/Clement Desalle met up with Carey Hart while he was training in California for the 2015 MXGP season.

02/Red Bull KTM Factory Team reunited last weekend after a long winter break.

03/This little puppy did not want to miss any mx action.

04/Tommy Searle is getting ready for the MXGP season to start and he is receiving great pieces of advice from his new team manager Claudio De Carli.

04

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03

05

06

07

Paddock Talks

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05/Alessandro Lupino is getting his new Honda ready for the first MXGP race in Qatar.

06/Aleksandr Tonkov seems to be fully focused for a new campaign. It took a while for the Russian to be 100% healed from his injury on the shoulder.

07/This week we could see Jeffrey Herlings on his KTM again after a long break to recover from his leg injury.

08/Last month MXGP crew met with the 2015 organizers.

Check out their messages on Youtube

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QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR Hi MXGP, When will the new MXGP video game come out? Will you have new tracks from the 2015 calendar?

Thanks, Andy Vande Velde Hi Andy, The game developers, Milestone, are already working on the new game where the plan is indeed to add such new MXGP tracks as one in Patagonia (Argentina) or in Glen Helen (USA). For any updates on the game development, visit www.MXGPVIDEOGAME.com.

All the best, Youthstream Hey guys, What channel is MXGP on in the USA? In America everyone saying it will be on the NBC but I cannot find it. Thanks for letting me know!

Thanks, Chase Keske Hello Chase, Great hearing from you.

2015 FIM Motocross World Championship will be covered by CBS Sports Network in the USA. Most of the races will be delayed on the channel because of the time difference.

Regards Youthstream

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Hey guys, I bought the MXGP-TV Season package to watch the 2015 season LIVE but I cannot find it on my account. How can I be sure that I will be able to watch the first MXGP in Qatar LIVE? Thanks, Manuel Trembacz Hi Manuel, We have reviewed your MXGP-TV account, and everything seems to be OK. Thanks for enjoying the incredible season of 2015 with MXGP-TV.com! If you have any further questions about the package, please contact us by contact@ youthstream-media.com.

Best Regards Youthstream

Hello MXGP, Will MXGP be LIVE on Mediaset this year, too? Can I please have the 2015 TV Broadcasters list?

Thanks, Angelo Casroini Hello Angelo, Thank you for reaching us.

Indeed, Youthstream continues great partnership with Mediaset to cover the FIM Motocross World Championship. In 2015, Mediaset is expanding the MXGP exposure by broadcasting both Race 1 and Race 2.

Regards Youthstream

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