MXGP Mag #2 November 2013

#2_NOVEMBER 2013

ONCE IN A LIFETIME:

The Road2Recovery experience JUST THE BEST:

HALL OF FAM E

Heikki Mikkola

Monster Energy FIM MXoN

RACING CATCH UP MXoN Madness

SPECIAL FEATURE

The trip of a lifetime

07 08 15 18 26 30 32 40 46 50 52

INDEX

COOL SHOT

MONSTER GIRLS

TEAM OF THE MONTH Blast through the past with Team Belgium

MXGP MAG: Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: Youthstream/Zanzani/Borak YOUTHSTREAM Media World Trade Center II Rte de Pré-Bois 29 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland MXGP Mag #2 November 2013 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).

MXGP MAG 2013 MXGP.COM

o d e: M e n i l Off

the h c t a w nd “Read aeos of the vid ever n e h w ag MXGP Mwherever and net r e t n I t withou exion” conn

Download the

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EDITORIAL

Giuseppe Luongo President of Youthstream Group

Dear MX friends, Youthstream is delighted with your response to the new MXGP Mag, we have been flooded with positive e-mails and tweets.

Last month the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Teutschenthal was without a doubt the highlight where the racing was outstanding and where the riders made exceptional performances offering an extraordinary show to all the fans present and to those who followed the racing on TV and MX-LIFE.TV

all over the world.

This year we saw a record number of 41 team entries and also a record number of 40 teams present. Through the extensive worldwide TV coverage Motocross is becoming increasingly well known and Motorcycle Federations see the importance of having a team present at the MXoN representing their country.

More and more people are appreciating our online presales and all the services that come with it.

In this edition you will discover a lot of information you possibly didn’t know about the MXoN and about what’s gone on last month, what to expect and other useful info.

And don’t worry, even if MXGP racing has ended for the year, we’re going to keep you up-to-date with the latYouthstream and the local est news and other info about organizers were delighted with the atmosphere created riders, teams, organizers, fans, the 2014 calendar, and by the fans making this an much more. extremely colourful event.

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COOL SHOTS

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COOL SHOTS

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COOL SHOTS

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A

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HOLESHOT

A Cut Above

As one of the major partner of the FIM Motocross World Championship, FOX have always been about putting something back into the sport and giving customers the best reasons to wear their gear. Beyond the cutting edge design and modern materials, helping the fans interact and identify with the events and the pro athletes has long been a part of the FOX ethos and this year at the Motocross Of Nations in Teutschenthal the most recognised cloth-

ing brand in Motocross took things to the next level.

are showing our brand positioning: be the leader.

The MXoN is the most outMXGP Mag: FOX has been standing and important event involved in the Motocross of the MX season. Last year World Championship and the with Germany winning, we Motocross Of Nations for found it very important to give many years, but in the 2013 a big presence and support edition of the Monster Energy our riders. Having three stars FIM MXoN, FOX really moved in Roczen, Desalle and Dungey things forwards, why is that? being the main talking point FOX: Fox is investing masof this MXoN was a big factor sively in Europe in order to for us. Everyone was talking increase our brand presence. about the big clash between Our intention was to send a USA and Germany, but we very strong message that we knew Belgium would be strong

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also. Having 3 of our major riders, including Desalle as the Belgium leader, battling for the podium was amazing for the brand. - Fox was represented by more than 10 nations, so we dedicated one off MXoN gear for each country to show support for our riders.

Our huge presence in GP’s including Valkenswaard, France, Sweden and Great Britain, MXoN was the pinnacle for us MXGP Mag: FOX was there with one of the biggest and best structures in the paddock, what kind of activation was going on there?

FOX: We used our area to showcase our new MX14 line.

We are proud of our products,

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so we used this opportunity to premier our range to the public in the paddock. We had a fitting area for people to try our Instinct boot, the best performance boot in the market. We find feedback from the every day rider just as important as our top athletes to keep progressing our products. Having Ryan Dungey now wearing the Instinct boot shows how strong our products are. Once again we provided our athlete signing session giving the public the chance to get up close with their favourite riders. The brigade was very busy, this gives us the chance to interact with hundreds of fans. As for hospitality, we provided

our riders and over 180 dealers from around Europe with great hospitality in our 300m2 structure, but this year we wanted to put on something special. We organised a huge party with over 250 guests.

We invited a range of legendary riders and industry members including Jeff Emig who hosted the party. It was great for us to have Ryan Dungey, Kenny Roczen, Clement Desalle, Team Denmark, Sweden and even riders from our MTB team spending time with our guests.

MXGP Mag: What other initiatives did FOX organise during the MXoN? FOX: This year we sponsored

the holeshot award. It’s exciting to see the guys pulling around the first corner, especially in Teutschenthal. This year, we wanted to make something for all of the fans that could not make it.

We made a video showing all of our stars and new set up. Giving them the experience of the event was our aim. After all, the Roczen - Tomac battle was intense! One of the best, if not the best race of the year.

MXGP Mag: A lot of fans visited the FOX awning during the MXoN, what was the feedback like from the fans and how satisfied is FOX with all the inter-

action?

FOX: The fans always love the Fox area, but this year we gave them a more premium experience showcasing the new line with all MXoN kits, GIVING THEM THE CHANCE TO GET PHOTOGRAPHS WITH THEIR FAVOURITE NATION. Hosting interviews with the big stars drew a lot of attention, giving people an insight to our international team.

MXGP Mag: How important is it for FOX to support a huge event such as the MXoN? FOX: For Fox, our number one goal is to support the best athletes in the world and provide them with the best product. To be No1 in the market, we need to showcase this at events like MXoN.

RACING CATCH UP

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M MXON

MADNESS Take the best moments of the year in both the FIM Motocross World Championship and the AMA Motocross series, slam it into one weekend and you will have the 2013 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

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mashing the ‘team’ attendance record, an outstanding forty-one countries lined up their best trio of riders in Teutschenthal, Germany, on the weekend of September 29 to contend for the most coveted trophy in the sport the Chamberlain Trophy.

With flags in one hand and air-horns or chainsaw engines in the other, a massive eighty-five thousand die-hard motocross fans filled the venue to witness what is considered to be the best off-road event of the year. While most had picked Team Germany, Team USA or Team France to

win, the unpredictability that is the beating heart of the event was obvious right from the first drop of the gate in the qualifying races when Team Australia (Brett Metcalfe, Dean Ferris and Todd Waters) stomped the competition and took the pole position for the first time ever in the history of Australian motocross.

On race day (Sunday), the crowd favourites Team Germany fed the fire of the already extremely enthusiastic fans when they topped the leader board at the end of race one, while for Team USA, the results weren’t looking

so bright when they took a big blow to their points after their MX2 rider Eli Tomac was catapulted off his bike while challenging German Ken Roczen for second place.

Luckily for Tomac, both him and the bike were ok, as he managed to recover for sixteenth place and more importantly make the gate for race 2.

It was a race that defied the motocross gods with the lead being duked out not by the 450cc bikes of the Open class but from two of the best 250cc MX2 riders in the world; Team Germany’s Ken

With flags in one hand and airhorns or chainsaw engines in the other, a massive eighty-five thousand die-hard motocross fans filled the venue to witness what is considered to be the best off-road event of the year.

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Roczen and Team USA’s Eli Tomac did the unthinkable as they destroyed the competition to finish a massive forty-five seconds ahead of Belgium’s ‘Open’ star Clement Desalle in third. Germany’s Ken Roczen took a remarkable win, only fractionally holding off the wrath of the USA’s Eli Tomac.

With Roczen winning in spectacular fashion it was a bitter sweet ending for Team Germany as they were dropped from the leader board and forced to finish the event one man down after their open rider Dennis Ullrich crashed in the same race and injured himself.

Heading into race three, the underdogs (Team Belgium)

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led the way, a narrow three points clear of Team USA. After the gates dropped for the final and deciding moto, we watched what appeared to be Team Belgium’s title hopes going up in smoke as their ‘Open’ class rider Clement Desalle crouched on the side of the track, clenching his arm. Desalle later returned to the pits where it was confirmed he had dislocated his shoulder. With Desalle out, Team Belgium’s Ken De Dycker was left to single handedly carry the team.

The Red Bull KTM rider did an astonishing job, moving through the field to take an outstanding second place, handing Team Belgium their first MXoN victory since 2005.

For the majority of race three, Team USA had victory in their sights but as the clock counted down, the USA’s hopes of victory began to dwindle as their two riders Ryan Dungey and Justin Barcia struggled to come to grips with the super gnarly track of Teutschenthal.

Eventually, the team was left with only two possible winning scenarios; either Ryan Dungey or Justin Barcia had to put in a stellar top three result or Team Belgium’s Ken De Dycker had to have a stroke of bad luck.

Much to the surprise of the American fans, seventh was the best their riders could do in this particular race, meaning they would have to settle

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for second overall which on the bright side is one place better than last year but still one less than they have come to expect.

And then there was Antonio Cairoli. Antonio, also known as ‘TC’ or ‘Tony’, dominated both his races for the second consecutive year, landing Team Italy (Alessandro Lupino and David Philippaerts) amazingly on the podium for the first time in over ten years.

Amidst everything that was happening over the weekend of MXoN, Youthstream, the FIM and special guests took a moment on Saturday evening to honour this year’s FIM Motocross World Cham-

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pions, European Champions and motocross industry high achievers at the Youthstream Awards ceremony, which took place track side in the VIP marquee. Youthstream president Mr Giuseppe Luongo, FIM President Mr Vito Ippolito and FIM/CMS Director Dr Wolfgang Srb welcomed the stars of Motocross to the stage in front of an audience of VIP guests, to personally reward them for their fantastic efforts this year.

The icing on the cake that made the 2013 MXoN that much sweeter was Monster Energy’s massive double deck party rig, the professional DJ’s and dancers and

of course ‘the Night of The Jumps’ super insane freestyle motocross show which sure got the adrenal glands firing on all cylinders. WWW.MXGPstore.com released their new and improved merchandising store, which proved to be a hit, selling out of all hoodies and men’s T-shirts before midday Sunday. Luckily official MXON merchandise will still be available online at www.

MXGP-Store.com.

Thanks to the organization of Youthstream and MSC Teutschenthal, the 67th Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations will go down in the history books as one of the best MXoN’s ever.

MONSTER ENERGY FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS

NUMBERS

85.000 Spectators

Smashing the ‘team’ atten-

dance record, an outstanding forty-one countries lined up their best trio of riders in Teutschenthal, Germany, on the weekend of September 29 to

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contend for the most coveted NATIONS CLASSIFICATION

trophy in the sport the Chamberlain Trophy.

1. Belgium, 27 points

NATIONS CLASSIFICATION 6. Great Britain, 49 points Searle, Nicholls, Simpson

DeDycker, Van Horeebek,Desalle

7. Germany, 57 p.

2. USA, 30 p.

Nagl, Roczen, Ullrich

Dungey, Tomac, Barcia

8. Russia, 78 p.

3. Italy, 33 p.

Bobryshev, Tonkov, Mikhaylov

Cairoli, Lupino, Philippaerts

9. Switzerland, 87 p.

4. Australia, 40 p.

Guillod, Seewer, Auberson

Metcalfe, Ferris, Waters

10. Estonia, 92 p.

Krestinov, Kahro, Leok

5. France, 44 p.

Paulin, Tixier, Charlier

MX1 OVERALL

MX2 OVERALL

OPEN OVERALL

1. Cairoli (ITA)

2 points

1. Roczen (GER)

3 points

1. Barcia (USA)

15 points

2. Searle (GBR)

8 points

2. Ferris (AUS)

9 points

2. Leok (EST)

23 points

3. De Dycker (BEL)

10 points

3. Van Horebeek (BEL) 14 points

3. Philippaerts (ITA)

24 points

4. Paulin (FRA)

11 points

4. Tomac (USA)

18 points

4. Simpson (GBR)

30 points

5. Dungey (USA)

13 points

5. Lupino (ITA)

21 points

5. Waters (AUS)

33 points

MXGP YOUTUBE CHANNEL Top 5 countries watching MXoN videos on MXGPtv Youtube Channel.

Italy Germany USA France

63.826

42.558

92.598 views

64.776

1,4

MILLION minutes watched on MXGPtv Youtube Channel during the MXoN.

201% more views than previous weekends

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The trip of a lifetime

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SPECIAL FEATURE

On the Final weekend of September 2013 as the riders and fans geared up for the Motocross of Nations in Teutschenthal, one man and his ten year old son were in the midst of the trip of a lifetime. In that weekend the two of them “lived a dream that had come true” as the winner of the Road2Recovery VIP auction.

VIP was the right way to describe the experience with complimentary access to the Monster, Youthstream and Alpinestars hospitality rigs, oases in the see of tens of thousands of roaring fans, a place at the best seat in the house in the Skybox and a personal ambassador from the Road2Recovery foundation in the shape of former 125cc World Champion Ja-

mie Dobb all coming thanks to the help of Youthstream, who put a lot of time, effort and hard work into making sure that the winner of the auction had the most unique and exclusive Motocross of Nations experience possible.

“The most important thing was the chance to receive the USA team jerseys and clothes. At my home I have a little collection of motocross memorabilia and receive the Dungey and Barcia jersey was very important for me.”

But for Giampiero all of that was an extra bonus compared with the real highlight of his weekend.

That exclusive meet and greet with Team USA and the signed one off race jerseys from each of the riders

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SPECIAL FEATURE

is one of the many unique things that the Road2Recovery foundation is able to offer thanks to its long association in the American Motocross paddocks where, because of the vision of its founders Jimmy Button, Bob Moore and Bob Walker, it has been a force of emotional and financial support for injured riders and their families since the year 2000.

in St Jean D’Angely, where fans bid for riders gear and memorabilia with all proceeds going to the newly established international fund.

2 years on and with the support of Youthstream, the teams and the riders in the MXGP paddock Road2Recovery International has continued to grow and has been able to give people like Giampiero and his son the In the spring of 2011 with chance to get up close and the help of Youthstream that personal with the riders and support was extended to teams of the Motocross World include the riders of the FIM Championship, bid for once Motocross World Champiin a lifetime packages and onship as the Road2Recovsupport the great work that ery foundation expanded to the Road2Recovery foundaEurope for the first time. 2 tion does and will continue to months later at the start of do for the racers around the June the Foundation held its world that put everything on first auction on European soil the line every time the gate at the Grand Prix of France drops.

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MXGP SOCIAL

TWITTER, FACEB IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP

@MXMumUK Wowee what a day! Thanks to all the riders for giving us such a great show at #mxon. Belgium the victors followed by USA and Italy @ MXGPlife

@Paul38Chris @MXGPlife AND THE WINNER IS BELGIUM!!!!!

YESSSS, SUPERB DELIVERY OF DE DYCKER

@jason2310bike So that’s it for the year in terms of @MXGPlife been an amazing year #livingthedream

@De888S @MXGPlife I would to go back at the #mxon #mxgp , it was so cool

‫@‏ ‏‬lindsaysiegle This doesn’t even do justice to show all the people here at #mxon...lets go team USA!! http://instagram. com/p/e2HwuNBGpa/

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@emig47 Headed home from #mxon.

Thanks to everyone for a great trip. It was cool to catch up with many of my old friends!

@bmetty24 Well, another one in the books! #mxon Congrats to Belgium. Had a great time in Germany. Event was rad as always and happy to come away 4th.

Facebook Monster Energy MXoN VIP WINNERS Stefan Jongewaard and Kay Balsing were beyond being happy winning the Monster Energy MXON VIP passes! Not to mention that the guys also won GoPro Hero3 Black Edition, 2014 MXGP Season video pass and a great Monster Energy goodie bag with a signed Tommy Searle MXoN jersey.

‫@‏‬NickWey27 I have been checking @twitter since 5am to see how Team USA is doing at #mxon Dirtbikes.. Can’t get enough.

Epic crash of the American rider, Eli Tomac, hit the record views on Youtube.

The Monster Energy FIM MXoN rider was luckily fine after such a performance!

Let’s watch the video once again.

Subscribe to MXGPtv Youtube Channel for more breath-taking action videos!

BOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE Visit MXGP Instagram (@MXGPLIFE) and have fun!

STUDIOSHOW LIVE STUDIO SHOW on MX-LIFE.tv #mxon #justinbarcia @ bammbamm51 @emig47 TeamBelgium-MXoN Belgium - best MX nation - @monsterenergy FIM Motocross of Nations #mxon @foxracingusa@ foxracing

TeamGermany-MXoN Go Team Germany! @ kenroczen94 #mxon @ foxracing@foxracingusa @foxheadinc

MonsterGirls-MXoN Teams are ready! Monster Energy FIM MXoN is ON!

DJ/Dancers-MXoN Was a great party at the MXoN! DJ and the ladies occupied new merchandising structure! #mxgp #mxon

IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP 31

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Blast Through The Past with Team Belgium

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TEAM OF THE MONTH

With a motocross history richer than the finest of Belgian chocolate, 2013’s Team Belgium Clement Desalle, Ken De Dycker and Jeremy Van Horebeek proudly carry the legacy through to the new generation.

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heroes for bringing the “Chamberlain Cup” back to this side of the world, it wasn’t long before Belgium were hungry for MXoN glory once again.

1969, four legendary knights by the names of Roger De Coster, Sylvain Geboers, Joel Robert and Jef Teuwissen lined up in Farleigh Castle, Great Britain, where they fought and they won. In the ten years that followed, Belgium won the MXoN crown an amazing six times. Interestingly, Mr Roger De Coster (Belgian by nationality) led the f we rewind the clock all the way back to September 1948, team to all six wins. Now, De Coster is not only a resident of we will find ourselves in Spa, the USA, but also Team USA’s Belgium, for the second ever Motocross of Nations. There, in MXoN Team Manager. front of their home crowd, the 1980 saw Belgium take yet anthen ‘Team Belgium’ (Nic Jansen, Marcel Cox and Andre Mil- other MXoN victory, but unfortunately for the Belgians, from houx) took Belgium’s first ever then on they had to deal with a MXoN Victory. boisterous Team USA. Team USA went on to take thirteen conThe following year, the crown was snatched away by the Brit- secutive MXoN wins, until they were finally defeated again in ish, but was soon taken back a 1994 when Team Great Britain few year’s later in 1951. After (Paul Malin, Rob Herring and the success of 1951, Belgium Kurt Nicoll) knocked the yanks struggled to get it together, resulting in a winner’s drought off their pedestal. While for the of seventeen years! Thankfully in moment, Great Britain were the

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In 1995 Belgium formed what arguably is their greatest MXoN team ever. Stefan Everts, Joel Smets and Marnicq Bervoets.

The trio, who were all dominating forces in the FIM Motocross World Championship, cleaned up everyone in Sverepec, Slovakia, including Team USA, to take back the most desired prize in motocross, “The Chamberlain Cup”. In 1997, a year in which motocross was starting to peak in popularity (in Belgium), Everts, Smets and Bervoets took yet another emotional victory in front of their fellow countrymen at the circuit of Nismes (Belgium). 1998, Everts and Bervoets welcomed Patrick Caps to the team and won again for the second consecutive year.

Then there was the MXoN in Zolder (Belgium) in 2003. The great Ricky Carmichael (USA’s Greatest Of All Time) versus Stefan Everts (Belgium’s G.O.A.T) showdown. While on that particular weekend Ricky Carmichael won the battle, it was Team Belgium (Stefan Everts, Joel Smets and Steve Ramon) who won the war, claiming Belgium’s thirteenth MXoN title.

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Belgium took another backto-back MXoN victory when MXoN 2004 landed in Lierop, The Netherlands. It’s a commonly known fact that Belgian and Dutch riders are sand specialists, and it’s no secret Lierop is right up there as one of the gnarliest sand tracks in the world. (2004 was also the year the name Motocross des Nations officially changed to Motocross of Nations) The years that would follow MXoN 2004 were riddled with bad luck for Team Belgium. In 2005 (Ernée, France) Stefan Everts was taken down in turn one in both his races.

In Matterley Basin (England),

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MXoN 2006, Team Belgium (Stefan Everts, Kevin Strijbos and Steve Ramon) had it in the bag with “The King” Stefan Everts easily winning both motos. That was until Kevin Strijbos was seen pushing his bike off the track with mechanical issues, handing the win once again to Team USA. MXoN 2009 in Franciacorta, Italy, was one of the most memorable MXoN’s ever.

Record of crowd attendance was smashed that weekend, reaching well up over 90,000.

Ending in dramatic fashion, Team Belgium, Team Italy, Team France and Team USA all lined up in for the final moto in the running for the MXON

crown where it all ended in tears for Team Belgium, as their star Clement Desalle laid along side Italy’s Antonio Cairoli and France’s Gautier Paulin at the bottom of a massive pile up. Somehow USA avoided the wreck and went on to continue their MXoN winning streak.

Last year, at the 2012 Monster Energy Motocross of nations in the brutal sand of Lommel, Belgium, Team Belgium (Ken De Dycker, Clement Desalle and Jeremy Van Horebeek) painfully lost what should have been theirs when Jeremy Van Horebeek’s bike seized in the second race.

After sleeping on the memory of what was so close, but yet so far, the exact same team, De Dycker, Desalle and Van Horebeek (selected by the legends themselves, Stefan Everts, Joel Smets and Marnicq Bervoets) were selected to race the 2013 Monster Energy FIM MXoN in Teutschenthal, Germany. Although nobody knows the game better than Everts, Smets and Bervoets, there were still doubts. Firstly, Jeremy Van Horebeek had spent the entire year racing MX1 on a KXF450 and was now ordered to step down to the smaller MX2 bike, and secondly, it was rumored that Ken De Dycker had injured his ankle at the final round of the

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Belgian Championship two weeks prior, which left chins wagging that their reserve rider Kevin Strijbos would be stepping in.

Despite the paddock whispers, it was in fact the original selection (Desalle, De Dycker and Van Horebeek) that showed up in Teutschenthal and after qualifying third with Desalle’s Open race win and Van Horebeek’s MX2 race third, they proved right off the bat that they were a force to be reckoned with.

over Team USA, meaning every point for both USA and Belgium would be crucial to the overall result. When the gates dropped, and the dust around turn one had cleared, a blur of red, yellow and black was on the ground.

Team manager Joel Smets watched anxiously in disbelief, as Clement Desalle struggled to pick up his bike. When Desalle returned immediately to the pits, spirits in the Belgium camp were momentarily broken. But all was not lost! After a quick glance at While the result can’t be flawed, the TV in pit lane, Belgium realrace day was far from perfect for ized they were still in the lead.

Team Belgium. Heading into the From that moment on, all hope final and deciding moto, the team rested on the shoulders of Ken had a narrow three point lead De Dycker as he battled his

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way from a tenth place start all the way up to second. The outstanding performance from Ken “Keno” De Dycker, along with the stellar performance of both Clement Desalle and Jeremy Van Horebeek in race two, rewarded Belgium with their long awaited MXoN victory.

It’s been nine years since the country known as the motocross capital of the world (Belgium) have had the Chamberlain Trophy in their possession. Now it’s back, for the fifteenth time!

Congratulations Team Belgium!

See you in Kegums, Latvia, for MXoN 2014!

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MONSTER GIRLS

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Photo: Pascal Haudiquert

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HALL OF FAME

The ‘Flying Finn’ Heikki Mikkola

Best ever Finnish Motocross rider, Heikki Mikkola was one of the greatest riders of the seventies and a great example for the young riders. Born on 6th July 1945 not far from Hyvinkää, he started racing Motocross late, as he was 19 years old when he did his first race. Ten years later he claimed the first title of his career, beating legendary Roger De Coster in the 500 World Championship.

Heikki Mikkola was not the most talented rider of the seventies, but for sure he was one of the most dedicated athletes and was well known for his supreme physical condition and his riding style. As most of the Finnish kids Heikki Mikkola did cross country skiing and ski jumping when he was young, but he also enjoyed riding his bicycle in the forest and jumped as far as possible with his friends.

He had to wait his 18th anniversary to buy his first bike and later he entered his first GP at Hyvinkää in 1966. Then he moved to Belgium

to take part in the World Championship, living in an old caravan and going to the races with fellow countryman Kalevi Vehkonen.

He claimed the first of his thirty-two GP wins at home during the 1970 Finnish round of the World Championship, in Hyvinkää, of course; winner of the first heat, he was leading the second one when he had to stop in the pits after he lost the tank cap of his Husqvarna. Back in the race he finished second and won the GP. That year he obtained two other victories to finish the series in 4th position.

Husqvarna offered him a factory ride for the following three seasons, but Heikki had to wait until 1974 to win his first World title; twice on the podium with a third position in 1972 (500cc) and 1973 (250cc) he finally beat reigning champion Roger De Coster in 1974. The Belgian got his revenge in 1975, and Heikki finished runner up before moving back to the 250 class as Husqvarna asked him.

He became the first rider to ever win a 500cc and a 250cc title, and after twelve years on a Husqvarna he moved to Yamaha at the end of the season.

The Japanese brand did a first approach in 1972, but Heikki joined them only four years later. ‘When we went to Japan to discover the new bike at the end of 1976, I was very surprised to see so many technicians and engineers around us, as I had only one mechanic working on my Husqvarna. We

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tested new parts daily, during one week” remembered Heikki who had a successful season.

But it was a tough year, as he broke his collarbone during an International race in Belgium just a few weeks prior the opening GP. Leading most of the season, he was crowned during the penultimate Grand Prix in Belgium and then missed the final one in Switzerland due to a knee injury.

During this first season with Heikki, the Japanese engineers took note of all his remarks and when they went to Japan during the wintertime the World Champion discovered a factory bike with a new suspension. He dominated the opening GP in Payerne and at the end of the season added a fourth World title to his scoreboard. It would

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be the last one, as Heikki injured his knew badly during a pre season race in 1979; he won a couple of heats and GP’s during the season, but after a big crash in Namur he realised that it was time, at 34 years old, to retire and never signed the contract that Yamaha had prepared for 1980. He then did some appearance on the GP’s

during a few seasons, as advisor for Yamaha, but spent most of his time with his wife and their three children in Finland, where they bought a farm. He is still a farmer and when he visited the GP of Finland this summer, it was a pleasure to see how fit and happy he is!

Text by Pascal Haudiquert

1970 - 250cc Motocross World Championship - 4th (Husqvarna) 1971 - 250cc Motocross World Championship - 4th (Husqvarna) 1972 - 500cc Motocross World Championship - 3rd (Husqvarna) 1973 - 250cc Motocross World Championship - 3rd (Husqvarna) 1974 - 500cc Motocross World Championship - 1st ([Husqvarna) 1975 - 500cc Motocross World Championship - 2nd (Husqvarna) 1976 - 250cc Motocross World Championship - 1st (Husqvarna) 1977 - 500cc Motocross World Championship - 1st (Yamaha) 1978 - 500cc Motocross World Championship - 1st (Yamaha) 1979 - 500cc Motocross World Championship - 5th (Yamaha)

PADDOCK TALKS 01

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MXGP

MXoN 2013 01/John Van den Berk at the Youthstream Awards. 02/ Cairoli’s fans from Sicily. 03/ Giuseppe and David Luongo with QMMF representatives.

04/Team Israel enjoying their first experience at MXoN. 05/ Jeff Emig travelled to Germany to make the commentary for CBS Sport in the US. 06/ Mr Kraitos Wongsawan, organizer of the Thai MXGP, and his crew visited the MXoN. 07/Thousands of fans crowded the MXoN paddock.

08/2013 Youthstream family photo. 09/The music of DJ Jack Spencer and the dancers entertained the MXoN crowd who visited the official merchandising area.

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10/Youthstream and the FIM announced a new MXGP in Brazil and Ukraine in 2014.

11/Mr. Holger Stahlknecht, Minister of Interior and Sport of the Federal State “Sachsen-Anhalt” hosted the MXoN opening ceremony. 12/ Monster Energy signing session. 13/Kimi Räikkönen with Antti Pyrhönen at the paddock of the MXoN. 14/The German and the European Anthems were played LIVE before the MXoN started. 15/Traditional German Cannon Shooting opened the MXoN.

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QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR

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Hi MXGP, Can you tell more about the new MXGP video game? When is it coming out? How real is it going to be?

Thank you very much.

Jamie Arscott.

Hi MXGP, Why aren’t we having the EMX65, EMX85 in England anymore?

Thanks, Tom Sidell

Hi Jamie, Thanks for reaching us out!

MXGP Video Game comes out in Spring 2014 for PS3, PSVita, Xbox 360 and PC. The game features all the riders, teams, bikes and rules from the official 2013 calendar including a redesigned career mode for living the feelings of the Motocross. It includes the real track layouts.

All the best, Youthstream

Hi Tom, In 2014, MXGP of Great Britain happens to be at the time when younger riders have got school.

We must have taken this into consideration and find another great location for the youngsters to compete – MXGP of Finland. No doubt we will come back to Great Britain with EMX65 & EMX85 not once in the future. !

See you at the races!

Youthstream

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Hi MXGP, Are there no Yamaha or Suzuki allowed in the 300cc FIM European Championship?

Thanks.

Tonny Govers.

Hi Tonny, Thank you for the question. At the moment only Husqvarna, KTM and TM are making 300cc 2-stroke bikes. The 2-strokes have got very big demand on market, and it is a great opportunity of having an affordable bike to the young generation of motocross riders.

Thus it wouldn’t be a surprise if other manufacturers join 300cc in the future.

Best Regards!

Youthstream

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