MX2

Former MX2 FIM Motocross World Champion Pauls Jonass is very much preparing as well as possible for his debut in the MXGP championship. You can be sure, when he recovers from his ACL injury, he will be more than ready to run with competitive lap times and race with the lead riders.

After a good winter, Jonass is back on the bike, but knows a lot of hard work is needed to get back to race fitness.

“This injury isn’t what I want,” Jonass said. “When I start my MXGP career, I won’t be 100% fit coming into the season, but we have time to go, and we are happy with the progress. I will for sure do my best and the maximum I can do, and we will build from there and in the middle of the season I hope to be in top shape and have good results. From the team there is no push, no pressure, and they let me do my work, they are helping me a lot and we don’t have a goal for next season, we are thinking long term.”

The toughest part for Jonass was waiting to get back into training and on his race bike. When months and months of recovery time are needed and for an athlete, waiting around watching isn’t much fun.

“It was really tough, because the knee surgery, like the first month, I couldn’t do anything, just went to the physio and did some exercises, not even cycling properly, just like two times 10 minutes a day. The team’s workshop is next to Lommel, and many times I could hear the bikes riding around, it was difficult. I went to watch a few times, just maximum 10 minutes to see how the guys were riding, but it was really tough to watch and not be riding myself. I could do nothing, just easy training. Luckily, I have good people around me to get through that. What is funny is that I enjoy the training so much more now, even the long cycling. I enjoy everything so much more, because I missed it so much, in the long term maybe this injury will be good for me.”

For the last two weeks Jonass is back on the bike, preparing in Sardinia, and slowly getting his speed back. Without the knowledge of his return, he will continue to do as much work as possible to be ready for his debut in the toughest motocross class in the world and hope that he can produce similar results to many of the leading MX2 riders who have moved into the 450 class. Having raced and beaten the likes of Tim Gajser and Romain Febvre in the past, there is no reason he can’t do that again on the bigger bike.

“You know, it is difficult to think about that and I try not to think about that. I just focus on myself and try and be the best I can be. For sure, maybe not the beginning of next season, but I think once I am 100%, I think I can be at the top of MXGP also.”

Photo Copyright: Husqvarna Racing

The FIM Motocross World Championship will travel to 19 different venues including a return the MXGP of Turkey in 2019! The MXGP Championship visited Turkey for one of the best GPs last season and is heading back to Afyon this September 7th and 8th!

Tickets are on now available to purchase for the Turkish weekend filled with the best racing and riders in the world. The stop will be the penultimate round of the 2019 season before the grand finale takes place in Hong Kong which will undoubtably lead to intense championship racing!

For more information about the ticketing options for the MXGP of Turkey or to purchase online now visit http://turkey.motocross-tickets.com/en/23901-mxgp-of-turkey/

For more details on the VIP Gold Skybox packages for the MXGP of Turkey click HERE

Further to the recent communication (click HERE to read original press release) regarding the FIM gasoline tests conducted at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (Red Bud, United States), the FIM would like to provide further insight into the comprehensive due process that had to take place after the initial samples were taken back in early last October.  

Adhering strictly to the procedures clearly set out in the FIM rules (63.05 Fuel Sampling and Testing from the 2018-1 FIM Technical Rules Motocross page 33), the exhaustive steps that were required before a decision was taken and communicated in this matter are presented in the overview below. 

October 2018

1: Gasoline sampling conducted by FIM officials at event.

2: Samples transported from event to FIM laboratory in Switzerland by authorised courier.

3: Sample delivery.

November 2018

4: Test reports – for all A samples – received by FIM from laboratory in Switzerland. B sample not used.

5: Letter of non-compliance sent to rider in question with copy of the test report.

6: Rider/Team had 48 hours to notify if a counter-expertise (test of C sample) was requested at the same or a different laboratory. 

7: Notification of counter-expertise requested by the Rider/Team. 

December 2018

8: List of available laboratories given by FIM to Rider/Team. 

9: FIM notified by Rider/Team of the choice of an FIM approved laboratory in the Netherlands.

10: Transportation of C sample from Switzerland to the Netherlands by authorised courier.

11: Sample delivery. 

January 2019 

12: C sample test report received by FIM from laboratory in the Netherlands.

13: Notification to Race Direction. 

14: Race Direction decision to proceed with sanction. 

15: Notification of sanction sent to Rider/Team. 

16: Confirmation of receipt of the Notification of Sanction by Rider/Team.

17: Rider/Team had 5 days to appeal against the decision. 

18: Appeal deadline passed with no request received. 

19: Issue of official press release by FIM. 

Whilst the FIM is continually reviewing its procedures and processes in order to resolve such matters in the most timely way possible for the benefit of all parties concerned, the FIM’s primary responsibility as the World governing body remains to preside over fair and robust practices that uphold the absolute neutrality and integrity of all its championships.  

Copyright: Photos: Nuno Laranjeira

Imagine if your son or daughter had support from Yamaha Motor Europe from a young age. Imagine if they had the chance to ride and learn from some of the fastest motocross riders in the world. Imagine if they were able to race at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. Could you imagine? The reality of this dream is closer than you think! If your child rides a YZ65, YZ85 or YZ125 in one of the approved national championships across Europe, the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup is the platform for you.

What is the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup? In 2015 Yamaha Motor Europe introduced the YZ125 bLU cRU Cup offering young motocross riders the best opportunity to find their feet in the world of professional racing. Following its instant success and as a result of the positive feedback and enthusiasm surrounding the all-new YZ65 and updated YZ85, Yamaha felt it was time to expand the program to include a similar opportunity for kids that ride YZ65 or YZ85's in their national championships. The philosophy for all three YZ Cup categories, YZ125, YZ85, and YZ65 matches that of FIM Europe's youth program 'MXGP academy' where an emphasis is placed on rider education and sportsmanship. Consequently, an alliance was formed and as of 2019 the name of the YZ bLU cRU Cup has changed to include its new partner.

Now with three classes, three talented youngsters have a chance at becoming a supported Yamaha rider in 2020. And there is still time to enter! If your son or daughter rides a YZ125, YZ85 or YZ65 in one of the approved national championships, they're eligible to join the bLU cRU. Forty riders from each class will win a place on the gate at the 2019 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale that will take place at the biggest and most prestigious motocross event of the year, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Assen, The Netherlands. There, the top three finishers in each class will be joined by two carefully selected wild card riders at the bLU cRU Masterclass, which will be held at another location near the end of the year.

The bLU cRU Masterclass is an event specifically designed to give young riders a taste of what the racing world can throw at them. It is also the place where they will receive expert tuition from Yamaha Racing's bLU cRU ambassadors. There, they'll compete, learn, grow and develop over the three days of intense training. At the end of the Masterclass, one YZ125 rider will be selected to compete in the 2020 EMX125 Championship for a Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. supported team, and the 65 and 85 riders will receive added support for the 2020 season.

If you want to give your child the best shot at taking his or her riding to the next level, now is the time to enter. Entries close February 28th, so get in quick to secure a place inside the bLU cRU!

For more information and/or to enter, click here.

Copyright: Photo: Yamaha Racing

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 6 February 2019 - Youthstream is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with Bihr. For the 2019 MXGP season Bihr will have visibility throughout the track at each of the 19 rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship and the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

Bihr is a property of Alcopa Group, with motorcycle at its heart since 1937, and their main goal is to become a leading European distributor of aftermarket parts, accessories and gear in 2019.

Present in 12 countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway, Danemark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal and Spain), Bihr offers proximity services to motorcycle professionals. 16.400 active dealers already take advantage of Bihr’s one-stop-shop offer, excellent availability, fast and free delivery options, and ease of doing business.

Bihr supplies over 160.000 references of more than 240 brands exclusively through their network of professional dealers and resellers.

Passion for motorcycling is one of the core values at Bihr and they love sharing it! That’s the reason why Bihr created the new Riders’ Community Platform called Riders’ Corner, set to keep growing in Europe!

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

BIHR

Riders’ Corner

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 5 February 2019 - Youthstream is proud to announce that the sixty-sixth issue of MXGP Mag is online now and in an all new design! The new issue of MXGP Mag features the big changes at BOS GP as they return to MXGP for their second season with another feature going through the updated official teams and their riders. Also included is an article about the involvement of Italy’s Fiamme Oro in motocross and then we talk with MXGP’s Official Tire Suppliers, Dunlop and Pirelli, to see how they help their riders perform on track. Afterwards we look at Andrea Bartolini’s 1999 bike, which became one of the first ever 4-stroke bikes to win a title in 500cc Motocross Grand Prix, and we feature 2002 FIM 125cc Motocross World Champion Mickaël Maschio in the monthly Hall of Fame section!

Click here to read the sixty-sixth issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play.

Those users who have already downloaded other issues on their iOS device can automatically download the new issue by opening the News Stand and clicking on the cover of the MXGP Mag. Whereas those readers using an Android device will be able to download the magazine for free thanks to this app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP MAG

When news came out that defending MXGP Champion Jeffrey Herlings had been involved in an accident training in Spain, the whole motocross world went into overdrive. Rumors came from every corner, his time out of racing was unknown, and it seemed every person I talked to had a different answer from some insider. We caught up with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Dirk Grübel and Red Bull KTM Trainer Joel Smets, who told us what Jeffrey thinks the outcome will be and what to expect in the coming six weeks.

“The surgery is done,” Dirk Grübel said. “Everything is in place, but we just need to wait and see how the healing process is, like when he is going to heal up. I mean before he has surprised us many times. With other injuries, some said he won’t be back for three months and he comes back after two months, or his collarbone injury, we wondered if he could ride, and he wins the GP. That is typical Jeffrey, but hard to make a prediction.”

Five-time Motocross World Champion Joel Smets, who also helps train Herlings, was in Spain at the time of the accident, and travelled back to Holland with the Dutchman where the operation was performed.

"Where does he have to go with his energy at home on the couch,” Smets said. “Can you imagine, he is used to riding with his body every day, and now he is bored and thinking of everything? Jeffrey has of course counted for himself that he will not be recovered for the first Grand Prix."

So the question still remains, when will the four time World champion be back? For now though, while the rest of the MXGP competitors line up for the pre-season races, all Herlings can do is sit and watch, wonder how his rivals will progress, and wait to come back in another Houdini act to pull victory out of the jaws of defeat.

Photo Copyright: Ray Archer

The MXGP Video Edit Contest winner has been chosen! The first MXGP Edit contest successfully took place just over a year ago with impressive entries from over 40 contestants and 2019 contest performed just as well with countless high-quality edits entered. Winning this year’s video contest with his edit showcasing the best MXGP riders and moments is Daniel Tuček from the Czech Republic!

The 2019 MXGP Video Contest started at the beginning of the new year and gave motocross fans from around the world a chance to compete for the winning prize of 2 VIP Gold Skybox Passes to the 2019 MXGP event of choice, an MXGP-TV season pass, and a code to download the newest MXGP official video game, MXGP Pro.

Editors were able to download a variety of footage from several rounds of the 2018 MXGP Championship along with audio to try their hand at making the best 1-minute video edit. The uploaded edits showed diversity and creativity from dozens of contestants making the best edit difficult to select but in the end Daniel’s edit showcasing the atmosphere, adrenaline, and high speed of MXGP was the winner.

Congratulations to Daniel, we look forward to hosting him and his guest in the VIP GOLD Skybox in 2019!

View the winning edit below:

MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings is hoping for a swift and comprehensive rehabilitation period after surgery last Friday evening to repair a broken right foot.

The Red Bull KTM star, who won 17 from 19 Grands Prix in 2018, suffered the injury Friday afternoon while training at the Albaida circuit in southern Spain. Herlings immediately flew back to Belgium that day and underwent a procedure with renowned surgeon Dr Claes to fix fractures in his right foot. Thankfully the 24 year old did not sustain damage to his ankle and the whole operation took place swiftly and with success.

Herlings is now focus entirely on his rehab. He will change his cast next week and is scheduled for a consultation with medical staff in six weeks to determine the full extent of the recovery time, making his participation in the opening round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Argentina on March 3rd unlikely.

Jeffrey Herlings: “I landed strangely from a jump and was at an angle when I went too close to the track ‘wall’ of dirt at Albaida. I got my foot caught between the bike and the mud. I knew we were in trouble, and we had the operation as soon as possible when we saw the foot was starting to swell. This is obviously not the best way to start 2019 but we’d been riding and preparing well and we have to work now to get back to that level. The good news is that Dr Claes and his team were really happy with how the operation went and I don't have any more pain or swelling. In six weeks time we’ll know more and it all depends how the bone heals. Thanks for all the messages from the fans. We’ll be back strong!”

Dirk Gruebel, Team Manager & Technical Co-Ordinator, Red Bull KTM: “This is obviously a disappointing situation for Jeffrey and the team and also for fans of MXGP because we all want to see the guys fit, healthy and ready to go for a new season. It is a shame the way the crash happened and if it hadn’t been for that part of the track then maybe he would have escaped without a problem. Jeffrey had some first class treatment by Dr Claes in Belgium to fix the breaks in what is a tricky part of the body for injury. Everything went well though and there is nothing wrong with his ankle or anything else that could have made the injury more serious. Now he’ll look to recover again and come back to MXGP close to the form we saw in 2018.”

Copyright: Photo: KTM Factory Racing

The first 2019 issue of a monthly motorcycle sport magazine with some of the best interviews, features and Blogs from the heart of MotoGP, MXGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and WorldSBK as well as tests and reviews of bikes and products from the motorcycling industry. In OTOR #183: Supercross: A Colt from the Blu; meeting Yamaha’s 250SX star Colt Nichols and talking the route to the top in the merciless world of supercross. The Draw: meeting Ryan Roadkill; the man behind some iconic and creative motorcycle art. From Atocha to the Algarve; thoughts from the Repsol Honda MotoGP team launch in Madrid and discussing the last swing of the door for Eugene Laverty? Tony Cairoli on 2019 & other MXGP news; the nine-times world champ says he’s out to win this year. Plus Prado, Watson, Simpson, Jonass and loads of Blogs, pics and products.

READ THE LATEST OTOR HERE:

http://ontrackoffroad.com/magazines/otor-183-january-29th/