MXGP #44 May 2017

#44_MAY 2017

: g n i K k c a e Comeb

o i n o t n A Th

i l o r i a C

RACING CATCH UP

RIDER OF THE MONTH Antonio Cairoli

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INDEX

COOL SHOT

MONSTER GIRLS

HALL OF FAME Trampas Chad Parker

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 #44 May 2017 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, Wow, what racing!

to the first two riders, finishing 2nd on the podium, he also made the fastest lap of the event taking the Tag Heuer best lap prize. Jeremy Van Horebeek put on an excellent performance, finishing 3rd on both races and ending up in 3rd place on the podium, he was suffering from a stomach virus which had lasted a few weeks and was visibly empty when he was on the podium, he fought a great battle and brought home some important points for him and his team.

Following the victory in the Saturday’s qualifying race Antonio Cairoli struggled in the 1st race and then proved his abilities by winning the 2nd race, allowing him to gain a few points on the Championship leader and his number 1 rival, Tim Gajser. For MX fans the racing was something not to be missed.

Both championships are simply unpredictable creating so much excitement. After 6 events MXGP has provided us with extraordinary races; just to give you an idea, in the 2nd MXGP race in Valkenswaard 9 riders were within 1 second for their lap time. It was excellent seeing Gautier Paulin return to the highest step of the podium after resisting many attacks from a determined Herlings, with his 1st place in race 1 and 2nd place in race 2, he took the well-fought-for victory in MXGP. Jeffery Herlings was obviously feeling much better on his KTM 450 putting on 2 great performances in front of his home crowd; after notsuch-good starts in both heats, he managed to finish 3rd in both races very close With MXGP returning to Euro-

pean soil, the European Championship has started up which have been great in terms of quality of racing and number of participants. These young talents are really competitive and they are becoming very professional; riding in front of huge crowds, talking in English (which often is not their native language) in front of media and TV cameras. They are well on their way to the MX2 class and then the ‘big boys’ class, MXGP. I want to finish with a very special tribute to Antonio Cairoli, who in Trentino possibly made the best performance in his life. After a mishap in the second turn of the 2nd race he picked his bike up near to the back of the pack, and after the first lap he was placed 15th, in the beginning he was passing a few riders per lap, but when he got up to 9th position it got harder to pass, but he manMXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

aged to make his way around Van Horebeek taking 9th position, then he passed Nagl and Coldenhoff putting himself in 7th, by then the crowd had begun to notice what he was doing and started shouting their approval, then he got stuck for 5 laps behind Tonus who was very fast and was protecting his lines.

He tried many times but couldn’t find his way around him, after a lap of observation he found a spot where, by changing his line from 2 corners before he managed to pass him, and this became the key of his race. In the same place on the next lap he passed Paulin into 5th, time was running out so he had to be decisive, then the following lap, same place,

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same situation he passed Desalle, next lap, same thing, he passed Herlings into 3rd, and with only 1 lap to go he had to pass Bobryshev if he wanted to win the Grand Prix, so next lap, same thing and, bang, he passed Bobryshev… you can just imagine the reaction of all the fans at Trentino, they were exploding with joy for their champion.

Antonio Cairoli made a race which will remain on the history of Motocross. Coming from far behind, he recovered 16 seconds on the race leader (Gajser), and finished 2nd at only 4 seconds from Gajser, and with his first place in the 1st heat he won the Grand Prix. The fans had gone wild, they ran down to the podi-

um, Cairoli’s fans and Gajser’s fans were one - they were all fans of Motocross, and they had just witnessed something extraordinary. The atmosphere was amazing, something like the Motocross of Nations.

Thank you Antonio for making our sport so great.

I would like to also pay a tribute to all our fans who love our sport, their behaviour is sportive, they are passionate about the sport, they are enthusiastic but their attitude is very positive; they support their rider, but they make mingle together with the other supporters and we don’t have non-sportive rivalry or aggressive behaviour between the various fans as is sometimes seen in other sports.

COOL SHOTS

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COOL SHOTS

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COOL SHOTS

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HOLESHOT

TAKING SHAPE As MXGP heads into the month of May things are really starting to take shape in the FOX Holeshot contest that sees 5,000 and 10,000 awarded to the riders with the most Fox Holeshots in MX2 and MXGP respectively, and looking at how things have gone so far, something tells us that this year might be the closest year in the short history of the contest.

Of course, the first four rounds were all ‘fly away’ GP’s and with the tide swinging massively in Austria’s favour, it remained to be seen whether orange or white would once again eclipse anything Japanese, come the European dirt of Trentino. The answer was emphatic once again as both the Red Bull KTM’s crossed the line first with Jonass picking up the Black Plate in Race 1 and Prado in Race 2.

the line on seven occasions after four rounds, although unlike MX2, the MXGP category sees Japan being a little bit more competitive, having bagged three Fox holeshots between them; the two from Yamaha were delivered courtesy of Romain Febvre’s Monster Energy Yamaha, whilst Tim Gajser collected the first for HRC Honda at Leon. However, it was Austria that held the top spot with Red Bull KTM’s Glenn MX2 Coldenhoff collecting two, the Six rounds have now passed and One week later in the sand of same amount as Febvre. With in MX2 there seems to be a faValkenswaard the ‘Dynamic Duo’ Gautier Paulin and Antonio miliar pattern emerging and that were at it again as they ruled the Cairoli also on the scoresheet, is that just one Japanese bike roost in the same order; Jonthings are certainly looking tasty has registered a single holeshot ass in Race 1, Prado in Race 2. to say the least. so far in 2017! The rest have all Jonass went on to take the win been delivered via the ‘Austrian in both races but we will never By the time we hit Trentino, Express’ that is KTM and Husq- know how much of a challenge Cairoli was obviously well lit and varna. Let’s break down the last his young apprentice would have up for the fight in front of his two GP’s from Pietramurata and put up in the second outing after home fans and it showed in his Valkenswaard. crashing out spectacularly on lightening-fast getaway in Race the very first jump in bizarre 1 where there was clear daylight between him and his rivals, After the first four rounds Husq- fashion. With the next round varna led the standings having pulling a holey that ensured an heading to Latvia, you can bet taken seven out of a possible emphatic race victory. that Jonass would like to pick eight holeshots: Thomas Covup both Black Plates in front ington and his Rockstar Energy In Race 2 it was Gajser who of his home fans as he looks to Husqvarna edged out the Red charged the line and by doing strengthen his grip at the top Bull KTM’s of Pauls Jonass and of the MX2 World Championship so, the Fox Holeshot contest Jorge Prado with all three riders standings. became the red hot talk of the crossing the stripe twice each.

Seewer’s Suzuki World MX2 ma- MXGP chine was next with Davy Pootjes With the second race in MXGP bringing up the rear for HSF being cancelled in Indonesia, the Logistics Motorsport.

MXGP riders have only crossed

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town as FOUR riders shared the spoils after nine race starts; Gajser, Cairoli, Coldenhoff and Febvre all shared two each, with Paulin sitting on one! And what a way to cap off the weekend with that comefrom-behind ride to second position by Cairoli to secure the overall victory.

Not wanting to feel left out or left behind, the first moto at Valkenswaard saw the silkysmooth Frenchman Gautier Paulin muscle his way to the head of the field to secure his second Black Plate of the season … and guess what?

The same FIVE riders that had each scored a Fox Hoelshot before Race 1 were suddenly TIED at the top of the standings with two holeshots each!

That calls for a major ‘HOLEY MOLEY!’ don’t ya think? GP21 then rode a majestic race to clinch his first race win for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna

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Factory Racing. The last time he did that at Valkenswaard he won the GP! Maybe it was a sign.

ty? It’s a tricky first turn at Kegums so anything can happen, and in the past on previous visits, it usually has!

Anyway, Race 2, and the poor starting victim from the first ‘modo’ turned things around drastically and when he hit the Fox Holeshot line ahead of everybody else, Antonio Cairoli all of a sudden was the standalone leader and holder of the most Black Plates in the Fox Holeshot contest in the MXGP class in 2017. He was now on THREE to ‘their’ two which meant that if ‘they’ put the flag out for the final time of the season, he would have collected another ten G’s!

Make sure you join us on www. mxgp-tv.com to see how the next chapter of the Fox Holeshot contest plays out, LIVE and UN-INTERRUPTED when we pick up the pace once again in Latvia.

But, this is MXGP and we are only six rounds down with plenty of more races to come.

As we head to Latvia after a one-week break, what is the likelihood of seeing a Kawasaki or a Suzuki joining the par-

MX2 Table Jorge Prado 4 Paul’s Jonass 4 Thomas Covington 2 Jeremy Seewer 1 MXGP Table Antonio Cairoli 4 Glen Coldenhoff 2 Romain Febvre 2 Gautier Paulin 2

RACING CATCH UP

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GOOD DAYS IN TRENTINO AND VALKENSWAARD

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Since you are most like caught up on the events of the racing it’s time to give you insight into what happens off of the track, from sponsor events to local history and experiences. This is our racing catch up for the MXGP of Trentino and the MXGP of Europe.

The MXGP of Trentino in Pietramurata was an especially busy one for MXGP as it was host to the first round of the year to be held in Europe and the first round of the EMX250 championship.

With all the teams, their supporting trucks and equipment, a lot goes into getting not only the circuit ready but also the paddock.

Aside from the traditional European attendees, the Italian motocross market is also quite large providing even more local vendors and sponsors. For example MXGP the Official Motocross Video Game was on site providing demos of the new MXGP3. For the riders this increases sponsor presence leads to other commitments such as autograph signings and meet and greets.

The circuit of Pietramurata is one of the beautiful circuits on the MXGP tour set against the Dolomite Mountains, only a short drive from the gorgeous Lake Garda and 10 meters from a winery.

The scenery around the track is impressive but perhaps the most impressive sight is that of the near 30,000 fans filling the sections between the track. This year the Slovenian Tim Gajser fans came in force armed with noise makers, smoke sticks, and flags, they made their presence among the Italians known.

For those who did attend they were able to witness history as Antonio Cairoli had one of the greatest comebacks ever to win the overall and the young Jorge Prado won his first MX2 overall.

track the scenery is unique with roads lined with trees and many locals bicycling there way to work or school.

The area is home to many team’s workshops and riders alike. The track is also the home circuit of MXGP riders Jeffrey Herlings and Glenn Coldenhoff who lives a near 20 minutes away. Jeffrey honed his sand riding skills on this track and coming into the weekend he had never lost here. The comfort of home played well for Herlings achieving his best result of the year finishing 2nd overall.

Onto the MXGP of Europe

Across the street from the track Monster Energy hosted a media event at the indoor ski hill.

Jeremy Van Horebeek, Romain Febvre, and other riders took to the slopes showing their skills in what was a fun and entertaining event.

Valkenswaard host of the MXGP of Europe is a sandy circuit in the Netherlands. When driving through the country side you will see picturesque windmills and water wheels. On the way to the

As far as the racing is concerned Gautier Paulin won in MXGP a feat he accomplished 2 years prior at the same track, and in MX2 we saw Pauls Jonass top the competition.

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FIM Motocross World Championship

Standings MXGP CHAMP. STANDINGS

MX2 CHAMP. STANDINGS

1. T. Gajser (SLO, HON) , 234 points 2. A.Cairoli (ITA, KTM) , 220 p.

3. G. Paulin (FRA, HUS) , 192 p.

4. J. VanHorebeek(BEL,YAM), 182 p 5. E. Bobryshev (RUS, HON),176p 6. C. Desalle (BEL, KAW) 172.

7. R. Febvre (FRA YAM), 131.

8. J. Herlings (NED, KTM) , 124 p.

9. A. Tonus (SUI, YAM), 120 p.

10. M. Nagl (GER, HUS), 116 p.

1. P. Jonass (LAT, KTM) ,242 points 2. J. Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 223 p.

3. J.Lieber (BEL, KTM) , 197 p.

4. T. Olsen (DEN, HUS),188 p.

5. B. Paturel (FRA, YAM) , 173 p.

6. B. Vandoninck (BEL, YAM), 172 p.

7. T. Covington (USA, HUS) , 133p.

8. V. Brylyakov (RUS, KAW),123 p.

9. J. Prado (SPA, KTM) , 121.

10. M. Cervellin (ITA, HON), 109 p.

MXGP MANUFACTUERS 1. Honda 2. KTM 3. Yamaha 4. Husqvarna 5. Kawasaki 6. Suzuki

237 232 211 200 172 130

points points points points points points

MX2 MANUFACTUERS 1. KTM 2. Suzuki 3. Husqvarna 4. Yamaha 5. Kawasaki 6. Honda 7. TM

MXGP Instagram Page

414, 354 Followers 2,674 Media posted Top 3 Countries: Indonesia: 19.9% Italy: 13.4% USA: 12%

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283 points 223 points 216 points 204 points 164 points 111 points 98 points

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SPECIAL FEATURE

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MXGP Rookies 29

SPECIAL FEATURE

In November of 2016 a new program called MXGP Rookies was started in the Netherlands. The international project is a result of a close partnership of Youthstream, FIM Europe and the KNMV (Royal Dutch Motorcycle Federation). The parties joined forces in an effort to educate young MX riders in various aspects of becoming professional riders in the MXGP championship.

Five young riders, one from Belgium, one from Germany and three from the Netherlands, received full time training over four months at the High Performance Centre of Papendal, located in Arnhem. The talented youngsters of Marcel Conijn (NL), Raivo Dankers (NL), Raf Meuwissen (NL), Wannes Van De Voorde (BEL) and Marnique Appelt (GER) were guided by several specialists from exercise physiologists, strength coaches, and even dietitians, who were all available at the Olympic centre. The riders trained and lived among 375 other athletes from 12 different sports.

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The five riders who form the first group of MXGP Rookies started the program invested in physical training and nutrition and then later moved into the second part of the program where the emphasis was shifted to motocross training and seat time.

The regular training at Dutch motocross circuits was complemented by winter internships of the KNMV in Spain, which gave the experience of riding a variety of circuits for the students. All the motocross training is supervised by Marcel Hartman, head coach of the Netherlands.

The MXGP Rookies and head coach Hartman then spent two training sessions in Spain both lasting 2 weeks during winter.

The first training week in Spain was mainly to improve riding skills, and in the second period it was all about speed. During the sessions trainers imitated race elements such as qualifying sessions and duels on the track.

All of the MXGP Rookies are of school age meaning that besides the motocross program the riders continued their school education at the same time. Tailor made school programs with personal coaching and online lessons were offered in association with their schools back home and the educational staff at Papendal.

The KNMV also supports the program with social media training and how to communicate with the press along with the services of lifeskill coach Henry Flierhuis who assists the MXGP Rookies to develop their social skills.

For the riders the experience gained during the MXGP Rookies Program is invaluable as every detail counts on the gruelling path to become a professional motocross athlete.

Photos: Jarno Schurgers

RIDER OF THE MONTH

Comeback King: Antonio Cairoli 32

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli is undeniably one of the greatest motocross racers in history with a total of eight world championships to his name he has long been scribbled into the record books. This month we feature Cairoli and his amazing and historic weekend in Trentino.

Coming into the MXGP of Trentino the pressure was already felt by Cairoli as the Italian fans always expect him to win. Aside from the fans Antonio also had many events to attend with local sponsors and media before any racing had even began.

Though it was busy the weekend started out well for the #222. Cairoli was the fastest man on the track

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Saturday and showed it by taking the qualifying race win in front of the Italian fans.

Their weekend had gone so well up to that point and it now looked as if it were all for nothing.

Into Sunday with the pole position he went and he used it to his advantage in Race 1, where he would grab the holeshot and win after leading every lap. The Italian crowd loved what they were seeing out of Tony creating an amazing atmosphere.

After the first lap Cairoli crossed the line in 15th position having already passed several riders. With his first race being a victory and Gajser out front Cairoli needed to place 2nd in race 2 to claim the GP win. With 13 of the world’s best motocross riders between him and the overall, the task of winning seemed impossible.

When the gate dropped in race 2 though, everything changed; Tony came across the Fox Holeshot line just behind Gajser but made a mistake and got stuck in the second corner. The error put him outside the top 20 immediately and the fans couldn’t believe their eyes.

Cairoli found motivation in the form of the Italian fans cheering and started to push the limits to create his amazing and historic comeback, gaining positions one lap after another he would eventually catch the #4 of

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Arnaud Tonus, who was in 6th position. The Swiss rider forced Cairoli to get even more creative with his passing on track that was already known to be difficult to pass on.

The Italian finally found a way through and passed Tonus on lap 13 in a left hand corner just after an uphill step up on the upper section of the Pietramurata circuit. He would use this same section and corner on the track lap after lap first passing Gautier Paulin, then Clement Desalle, Jeffrey Herlings, and most significantly Evgeny Borbryshev for second on the next to last lap!

Antonio wore his heart on his sleeve and with his miraculous ride and pass on Bobryshev he reached the all important 2nd place fin-

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ish in Race 2 and claimed the 79th overall of his career. On top of that, he did all of this in front of his home fans in his country!

In the press conference Cairoli said, “I just kept pushing and pushing trying to make passes and it worked, so I’m really happy! I had some sketchy moments but if you want to win you have to take some risks.

It’s a very special race, one of my best GP’s ever!”

It has been dubbed as the best single race performance in Cairoli’s racing history and when you an 8-time champion with 79 overall victories to your name, that’s not to be taken lightly.

Many news outlets reported on the historic race from the American media to

Vogue Italy, they all loved the performance of the now 31 year old sportsman. Cairoli in reference to the coverage said, “It was a good race and it went well for me. It is great for the future of motocross to have such hype in the media, it doesn’t matter if it was me or someone else, I thinks it nice to have all this attention for one race.”

Many have asked if Cairoli was on his way out and criticized perhaps he had lost his mojo, but the performance speaks for itself, Cairoli is far from done yet.

Cairoli has proven that just when you think he’s out with his back is against a wall, the fight is still very much alive in the comeback king.

MXGP SOCIAL

TWITTER, FACEB IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP @Dave Willet Gotta say the @mxgp wouldn’t be as cool as it is to date without @PaulMalin11 #MxGP #Commentator #GreatWork

@mxdose 15 seconds , 5 seconds and the gate drops... What an excitement #MXDOSE #MX #mxgp #motolife #motogram#mxgp @Rockstar_ure Caroli’s ride at Trentino is on par with Herlings #mxon ride at Lommel. Phenomenal riding #MXGPofTrentino @CambrianTyres Kiara Fontanesi back to winning ways with #Dunlop as she takes overall Women’s #MXGP win at Trentino

@MattuSport #MXGP 2017 #MXGPofTrentino The big comeback in the race 2 of @Antoniocairoli #ITA of @KTM_Racing is absolute and rare beauty @TCXBoots #SimoneFurlotti dominates the first round of the EMX250, P3 for him after a great victory in Race1 #MXGPofTrentino #tcxriders

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@ericmaciared NO WORDS, pure talent and hard work. @jorgeprado61 #MXGP #MXGPofTrentino

@Fred_Ols72 Nice to see Sweden’s Anton Gole and Alvin Östlund fighting for nice points in mx2 class #mxgp #trentino

Guess MXGP Top 3 at Valkenswaard and win Twin Air At the MXGP of Europe which took place in Valkenswaard MXGP run a competition where you could WIN massive Twin Air prize, a copy of MXGP2, The Official Motocross Videogame and an all 2017 season pass to www. mxgp-tv.com.

Watch the News Highlights from the MXGP of Europe where Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings was back on the podium

The lucky winner who guessed the top-three overall in MXGP class in Valkenswaard is Ritvars Neupakojevs from Latvia.

Check out the new MXGP3, The Official Motocross Videogame gameplay video on the track of Kegums featuring the new KTM250sx! #MXGP3

BOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE

@rayarcherphoto After missing a full season through injury @jlieber33 Belgian Julien Lieber looking strong in 2017 #mxgp #33 #julienlieber #ktm #belgian

@tiga243 Thank you guys it was amazing weekend

@twin_air Thanks for your time Team @ hsf_logistics_motorsport @brianbogers @calvinvlaanderen @ davypootjes #GPValkenswaard @mxgp @gpvalkenswaard #MXGP #MX2

@nickkouwenbergg 2 years of blood sweat and tears before we finally back on the box!! 2nd overall, and it means a lot. This one is for the people who have putted me back in the business. All the way back up. #Valkenswaard

@covington64fan A picture is worth a thousand words: @shotbybavo

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HALL OF FAME

Trampas Chad Parker

In the long history of the FIM Motocross World Championship there are only five American riders (Brad Lackey, Dany Laporte, Bobby Moore, Trampas Parker and Donny Schmit) who engraved the FIM tablets as they became Champions, and two of them had the opportunity to get two titles in different classes. Trampas ‘Chad’ Parker was the first of them with a 125cc title in 1989 and a 250cc in 1990, just followed by Donny Schmit, who was champ’ in 1990 and 1992.

Born on the 27th of July 1967 in Louisiana, Trampas Parker was pretty unknown in his native country when in 1989 he won the opening round of the 125cc World championship during his first full season as a GP rider. His young career in the United States was so brief and unfortunate that almost none of his countrymen even knew that he was still racing when he emerged on the Italian and later International scene.

Trampas Parker was only seven years old when he got his

first motorcycle, and as soon as he started racing he was successful as he won the first race he entered and immediately claimed his first regional title in the 50cc class when he was 11 years old. Involved later in the Team Green program he won his class at Loretta Lynn and turned pro in 1985, but he sustained a bad ankle injury and lost his ride.

At the end of 1986 he went to Italy invited for a charity race and he didn’t go back home as his friend Billy Liles found him a ride for the following season. Working as a mechanic and racing mainly in Italy, he got some success and got a deal to race for K TM in 1988; he didn’t finish so many 250cc GP’s due to technical issues, but won both the 125cc and 500cc Italian titles! In 1989 with the support of K TM Farioli he entered the opening round of the 125cc World Championship in Faenza and surprised many people as he won both races. Winner of five other GP’s that year he claimed the 1989 World title after a long battle with Italian hero Ales-

sandro Puzar and became more famous in Italy than in USA, racing for example the 1989 Motocross of Nations for team Italia; winner of one heat in the 500cc class, he got his first and last MXoN podium as Italy finished runner up behind USA! Moving in the 250cc class in 1990, he got injured in the fourth round of the series and missed most of it but won the Swiss GP after his comeback to finish seventh overall.

Switching from K TM to Honda in winter time he had a great season as he claimed his second world title during the last round of the series in Japan; the battle with Alessandro Puzar and Mike Healey was so intense that year that the three riders were in fifteen points before the last heat, but Trampas didn’t failed and became the first American rider to get two world titles.

It was one of his best seasons, as he also won the three Italian titles, a performance that remains unique in the history.

Renowned for its endurance

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that helped him to be stronger than most of his rivals during the last minutes of the races, Trampas lost one of his strengths in 1992 when the race format changed from two to three shorter races; only fifth in the 250cc class, he would never be again able to fight for the title in this category and he finally moved to the 500cc class in 1995. Racing with a 360cc K TM against the 500cc Husaberg of Joel Smets, the 500cc Husqvarna of Jacky Martens and Peter Johansson but also the private Kawasaki of Darryl King, Trampas showed again his good form fighting for the title until the last race of the series in Germany.

Parker was the winner of seven heats and two GP’s, but he got several DNF’s due to technical failures and he finally failed behind Smets after a di-

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sastrous performance in two of the last three rounds. However, the Parker also entered in the history of American racing, as he became the first – and remains the only one – US rider to ever win a GP in the three classes (125cc, 250cc and 500cc). It was his last very good season, as he never won any more GP’s

or was again a title contender.

The American continued racing during many seasons in Motocross and also Supermoto, like a mercenary who stops racing at 37 years old.

Text and Photos: Pascal Haudiquert

1987: 52nd in the 500 Motocross World Championship (Kawasaki) 1988: 33rd in the 250 Motocross World Championship (KTM) 1989: 125 Motocross World Champion (KTM). Winner of 6 GP’s 1990: 7th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (KTM). Winner of 1 GP 1991: 250 Motocross World Champion (Honda). Winner of 2 GP’s 1992: 5th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (Honda). Winner of 2 GP’s 1993: 6th in the Motocross World Championship (KTM) 1994: 10th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (KTM) 1995: 2nd in the 500 Motocross World Championship (KTM). Winner of 2 GP’s 1996: 22nd in the 500 Motocross World Championship (KTM) 1997: 8th in the 500 Motocross World Championship (KTM) 1999: 12th in the 500 Motocross World Championship (Kawasaki).

2000: 8th in the 125 Motocross World Championship (TM) 2001: 31st in the 500 Motocross World Championship (Yamaha) 2002: 12th in the 125 Motocross World Championship (KTM) 2003: 11th in the 650 Motocross World Championship (KTM) 2004: 14th in the MX3 Motocross World Championship (Honda)

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SPECIAL FEATURE

For the Health of MXGP With the sport of motocross injuries are often common place and 6 years ago a mobile medical and diagnostic center was inaugurated into the MXGP paddock at the GP of The Netherlands in Valkenswaard. The primary goal of this project was to provide a sport medical team at all European rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship and to give quick and competent medical results to teams and riders. The medical center is not only dedicated to the riders but it is free of charge to the event staff.

with a digital radiology room, a diagnostic console and a latest-generation ultrasound system. 2 years ago MXGP received a new truck and the first is now used on cycling races like Tour de France, soccer matches, and various other large scale sporting events.

The newest Medical Center provided by French the company Centre MĂŠdical Mobile S.A.S. is a bigger and more advanced set up. This second Truck includes a 17 meter trailer which hosts a special medical lift for a stretcher, an ultrasound system, a digital The first truck was equipped radiology room (meeting Eu-

ropean standard regulations), an emergency bed, wheel chair, cryotherapy cabin for muscle recovery, a tent hosting 2 physiotherapists, and an all new CT (computed tomography).

The Mobile Medical Centre Team onsite is composed of 2 technicians, 1 radiology specialist in sport traumatology, who is able to give specialized advice for the athletes. Alongside there are two 2 physiotherapists who work in close cooperation with the Chief Medical Officer of each MXGP event.

Since the MXGP of Trentino, which took place during the 16th of April weekend in Pietramurata, the mobile clinic included a unique scanner to give a better diagnosis to riders. The advanced CT scanner is of the latest generation and is the only one of its kind at any European sporting event.

The modern scanner provides full body images in 3D within seconds, identical to what you may find in the most modern of hospitals. The scanner works by taking the patient through what may resemble a tunnel and it then circles the whole body giving a complete view of every part of a patient from all directions.

of the ultrasound system. It is primarily dedicated to head & spinal injuries and complex diagnostics. The improvement of the entire mobile clinic in the past 6 years and the addition of these new technologies now have the goal of providing the same service as a modern Hospital onsite without any delays.

Since the integration of the new CT scan, the Medical staff has already treated 9 people, including 3 GP riders for a spinal check, luckily no major injuries have been evaluated yet. The fact that MXGP has a direct diagnostic and the advice from sport specialists is a big comfort and convenience for all the riders, who someThe scan is more precise than times visit the Medical Cenan X Ray and it is a complement tre at every event for small

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checks, even before the races begin.

Every year the mobile clinic is improving with new machines and techniques. This shows the medical attention given to the condition of the riders and people working around the FIM Motocross World Championship. Having the only compound that has mobile CT, an X ray and the ultrasound system in the world for sport at this moment and this is something the FIM Motocross World Championship is proud of.

More info on: www.centremedicalmobile.fr More information on www.centremedicalmobile.fr

PADDOCK TALKS

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Paddock Talks 01/GoPro has MXGP covered from all angles with their 360 set up!

02/We are glad to see Steven Frossard back at the MXGP paddock!

03/MotoGP Champion Nicky Hayden joined us for some racing at the MXGP of Europe!

04/Brian Jorgensen looking cool during his MXGP visit.

05/Youthstream president and his wife, Giuseppe and Ursula Luongo, FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb with Heinz Kinigadner and his son Hannes at Pietramurata.

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Paddock Talks 06/Monster Energy took his athletes to the slopes in a what was a “cool” media event during the MXGP of Europe.

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07/BluCrue manager Alberto Barozzi and Shin Yokomizo, Yamaha Motor R&D Europe President, showed nothing but smiles at the MXGP of Europe.

08/It’s always a pleasure welcoming former professional football player Sami Hyypiä, who is a huge motocross fan, at the MXGP. 09/Formula 1 racer Kimi Räikkönen and his family spent their weekend at the MXGP of Europe!

10/Watch the studio show of the MXGP of Europe with Jeffrey Herlings as a special guest.

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JOËL ROBERT

1964 CZ 250

Magazine.

Joël Robert is not just one of the most famous riders When the 250cc European From the moment Joël Robof his generation, but one Championship was grantert entered the world in of the most famous riders in ed FIM World Champion1943 his speedway riding motocross history, period! ship status in 1962 Husqfather knew that his new As a six-time world chamvarna were the dominant born child would be riding pion his record number of force, with Torsten Hallmotorcycles in some way, championship wins stood man winning the first two shape or form. By the age for thirty-one years beworld titles in the new diof seven he was bombing fore it was broken by fellow vision. However, in 1963, around on his own bike, a Belgian, Stefan Everts in the Czech branded CZ had Gillet 125cc without a care 2003 when the now record three riders placing 2nd The 125ccand class in the European Championship usuallylittle putsora spotlight on and the next in the world, paying breaker most successand 3rd 4th. Vlastimil no of attention to FIM the flak that ful name racerininmotocross.

GP history In with Valek Champions (2nd), Igor big fact both the 2015 Motocross World andGrigorhe got from his neighbours. ten world titles, claimed his iev (3rd) and Karel Pilar vice-world champions Romain Febvre, Gautier Paulin, Tim Gajser and Pauls Jonass By 1960 he was competing seventh world crown.

(4th) were CZ Factory ridhave all wonfirst the EMX125 championship on theirChampionship paths to motocross at European Robert’s world title ers supremacy. who had been developlevel and whilst he never win came in 1964 riding ing the 250cc, an exercise placed inside the top three a 250cc CZ, and it’s this that started in 1960. By overall, he was very quickly bike that we will feature in 1962, the CZ 250cc was making his mark. this month’s issue of MXGP considered fast enough to

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SPECIAL FEATURE

be a winner at world level, although that first GP win was still elusive.

In 1963 CZ recorded five 250cc GP wins with Valek taking four to Pilar’s one and such was the delight at the factory, exact models of these GP winning bikes were put into production for sale to the general-public which meant they were able to buy the first ever ‘out of the crate’ factory bike in order to go racing. Until then, the CZ was deemed as a bike that was reliable, yet unexciting!

The twist Now, Joël Robert was not a factory rider in 1964 and

the CZ he rode in the world championship that year was provided by the Belgian CZ importer and what happened next was simply quite stunning. Out of the twelve GP’s raced over the season, Robert won four on his ‘production / out of the crate / factory bike’ and at 20 years old became the youngest ever world champion at that time.

In one of his much later interviews he stated that, at that time there was not a lot of difference between the production bikes and factory bikes, other than the exception of Husqvarna and BSA, and that the bikes were only improved slightly

over production. How slight are we talking though? After all, his bike was a not just a factory replica of the 1963 GP winning machine but a real McCoy! In standard trim the catalogue stated a return of 26bhp whereas Robert’s was rumoured to punch out a staggering 27bhp! Other than that, there was not a lot of difference. So, given his future results you would have to say that it wasn’t just the bike alone that elevated him but his dedication to hard work and commitment as well.

The goods The engine itself was a single cylinder 2-stroke with a

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twist, boasting twin exhaust ports from the single cylinder as opposed to the usual single port. Whilst this was pretty unique to CZ, it wasn’t entirely new to the bike in 1964, having been tirelessly tested since 1960.

The bike came with twin chrome header-pipes which exited the air-cooled cylinder, splitting the frame’s front downtube. There were still no rules regarding silencer’s or noise control either so it sounded loud and proud.

Magnesium was used for the drum brakes, wheel hubs and engine cases to help keep the weight down. All of this sounds very, very swanky and utterly factory, doesn’t it?

You’re right, it does, except for the fact that CZ then decided to lower the tone somewhat by opting to run ‘fixed

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bars’ as footpegs, which usually offered up little or no grip to the rider, and while we are at it, let’s pull them up on the brake and clutch lever pertches that were welded directly to the handlebar! That’s right, you heard correctly. Welded! Better not crash then! It also came equipped with a 4-speed gearbox. Sogood was the bike that CZ had five riders placed inside the top ten in the 1964 250cc World Championship. It may have lacked that track-side appeal or ‘wow factor’ but boy, it was reliable, as the results proved.

Prolific Joël Robert’s career had many defining moments: when he became the third ever 250cc world champion he also became the youngest ever (at the time) at 20 years-old, the first to win five world titles

in a row and the first rider to win six titles – a record that stood for 31 years. He was the first rider to hit the milestone of winning FIFTY GP’s, eventually equalled by Stefan Everts in 2001 and bettered

by Everts in 2002.

In 1964 Robert recorded eight GP wins and a total of thirty-two for CZ as well as three world titles. When he switched to Suzuki in 1970, the Belgian may have taken another three titles, BUT he only recorded eighteen GP victories. This means that his most dominant time in the FIM Motocross World Championship was during his time at CZ between 1964 and 1969 where he totally dominated, and it all started with the 1964 CZ 250cc machine right here.

Photos: Robert Terry Good Collection

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QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR Dear MXGP, I bought an account on MXGPTV and I’m really happy with everything, I watched the races live on my phone and my computer and it worked well, but I wanted to use Chromecast for my TV and I had some issues. Could you help me with that.

Thanks, Karl Dear Karl, Thank you for your words.

Could you please send an email to contact@youthstream-media.com with your username and registered email explaining your matters? MXGP will assist you on that Best Regards MXGP Hi MXGP, I would like to go to the MXGP event in Assen. Do you know where I can buy tickets?

Thanks, Leila Hi Leila Tickets sales have just opened.

Follow this link to have a look at the tickets for the MXGP of the Netherlands: http://www. mxgp-assen.com/ticketsRegards MXGP

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Hi MXGP, Is Riga the only airport where to travel to go to the MXGP of Latvia?

Thanks, Sandro Hi Sandro Actually you can travel to Kaunas and Tallin, too, but Riga is the closest. For any request on this matter you can check the track’s section on MXGP.com Regards MXGP Hi MXGP, I’m wondering if you could point me in the right direction of where to get tickets for the MXGP of Belgium please.

Thanks, Louise Hi Louise You can purchase your Tickets and get more info here: http:// www.gplimburg.be/tickets/ Regards MXGP

Hi MXGP, When will the new version of MXGP the videogame be released?

Thanks, Grant Hi Grant MXGP3, the Official Motocross Videogame will be released on May the 30th in Europe and June, the 20th in US. Regards MXGP

MXGP MAG 2013 MXGP.COM

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