Inside the life of an MXGP Mechanic: Nicolas Noge

Being a mechanic for a world class team or rider is not an easy task. These are the guys who put in hours upon hours of graft in order to spin the spanners for some of the top riders in the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Towards the end of the 2020 season, we sat down with several mechanics for the top teams in the paddock to learn more about their pre-race rituals, strategies, must-have tools and what a typical day for a mechanic looks like…

NICOLAS NOGE

IN 2020 MECHANIC FOR: Tim Gajser, Team HRC

NATIONALITY: French

WHAT ARE THE MUST HAVE ITEMS IN YOUR BACKPACK BEFORE TO TAKE TO THE LINE?

“The basic tools like the tools for the wheels if something happens. I also put inside things for the rider like, goggles, spare gloves, some paper to clean the lenses and that’s it”.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE OR MOST USED TOOL?

“The 8mm T wrench. It’s the one I use more for the plastics, the levers and so many other parts of the bike”

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE PREPERATION OF THE RACE TRUCK BEFORE THE START OF THE RACES?

“Yes of course I load the truck, this is one of the most important things because when you arrive at the track for the race you must have all the spare parts you need. Especially for us because HCR has very special parts that are not standard, so it’s even more important for me to have everything inside the truck in the correct place”.

YOU USE A LOT OF KEY WORDS ON THE PIT-BOARD, IS THERE A STRATEGY BEHIND THEM?

“We don’t have a specific strategy; it depends on the position that he [Tim] is. So, I give him advice on if he needs to push or not, in case for example if he didn’t make a really good start”.

WHAT IS YOUR ‘NORMAL DAY’ ROUTINE VS YOUR ‘RACE DAY’ ROUTINE?

“On race day, we start checking the bike to make sure everything is ok. You must use the time you have really well because we are always in a rush and we cannot relax for one second and it is forbidden to make any mistakes. A normal day, the situation is quieter. I work on the bike, but I can do everything and take my time without needing to rush”.

BEING A MECHANIS IS MORE THAN JUST LOOKING AFTER THE BIKE. WOULD YOU AGREE THAT SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO ALSO SUPPORT YOUR RIDER FROM A PSYCHOLOGICAL SIDE?

“Of course. The rider and the mechanic have a really strong relationship. The rider has to believe 100% in your work and not have any doubts about what you do on the bike, like that he can be relaxed and focus only on the race. Sometimes we even understand each other without speaking”.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-RACE RITUALS WITH TIM?

“Nothing special. Just before the start I wish him “good luck” and that’s it, I’m always sure that he’ll do his best”.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MECHANIC OF A WORLD CHAMPION?

“I’m proud to be the mechanic of Tim Gajser, and of course I’m really happy to be in this position”.

In the latest issue of MXGP Magazine, we caught up with a few of the MXGP mechanics to learn more about what it takes to work with some of the best riders in the world! Read the full feature HERE.