MXGP

LOSAIL (Qatar), 23 February 2016 – Forget about old-fashioned charm, at least for the season opener, as the curtains on the long awaited 2016 MXGP season are set to be raised for the fourth year in succession at the circuit of Losail in Qatar this weekend. Just like previous years the race will take place on Saturday evening on a man-made circuit at the floodlit venue and all races including qualifying on Friday will be available to watch LIVE and OnDemand on www.mxgp-tv.com.

One of the best things about motocross is the fact that the track conditions constantly change. Over the last three years we have seen the soil that makes up the track in Losail pack-down, dry out and become a lot edgier. This caught a lot of riders out last year with the track being unpredictable in places and the night air adding unexpected moisture to the surface despite the incredibly dry climate. Although the track has been left more or less the same, this year we look forward to seeing if it shapes up differently again and which riders will gel with it and excel.

Over the last three years we have seen three breathtaking and unpredictable rounds of epic racing here in Losail, which has left us on the edge of our seats with a different winner each time in the premier class. Back in 2013, when MXGP first let loose on the hard packed soil of Qatar, it was Clement Desalle who was victorious. The following year Gautier Paulin rose to the occasion to claim the first red plate on offer, while last year it was well and truly dominated by Max Nagl who was completely untouchable.

This year, once again, making a prediction for the season dominator is similar to picking winning lottery numbers. It’s a gamble. With that said, the rider to mention first is of course the defending MXGP world champion, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team’s Romain Febvre who put together a downright spectacular rookie season last year. The young Frenchman, who recently turned twenty-four years old on December 31^st, didn’t set the world on fire in his debut appearance in the MXGP class here in Losail where he went 6-7 for sixth overall, but in his defense he had spent a good chunk of the winter period injured.

This weekend ‘461’ will also be lining up fresh off of an injury. He did take to Social Media and say that he is OK and will be back on the bike in no time. Meanwhile, another hotshot lining up fresh off of an injury is the eight time FIM Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli who will be hungrier than ever to reclaim the title. Cairoli recently bruised some ribs but on a brighter note it has been announced that TC222 has extended his contract with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing to 2018, which only leads us to believe he is on a solid mission to surpass Stefan Everts’ tally of 10 FIM Motocross World Championship titles and become the most successful motocross rider in the world. That could all start with a solid performance at the opener this weekend at a venue where the Sicilian has never won.

And then there is Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl who flew in completely under the radar last year and ended up being the surprise performer when he waxed everyone in both races where he completely dominated. After his performance of last year, Nagl, who remains on the same team, should be a solid bet for the win.

Another two riders worthy of mention are Team HRC’s Gautier Paulin and Evgeny Bobryshev. Paulin, in particular, has never been off the box here in Qatar over the last three years, and is looking to come out stronger than ever after spending the winter in the United States of America with arguably the highest acclaimed trainer, Aldon Baker.

Clement Desalle’s transition to Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team is another one to look out for. However, he had to undergo surgery a couple of weeks ago on his left arm, so he is a question mark for this weekend.

Meanwhile, Bobryshev has been showing some excellent pre-season form over the last three weeks, as has Wilvo Virus Performance KTM’s Shaun Simpson and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team’s Jeremy Van Horebeek; all three riders look like they could be in for a slice of podium pie.

Over in the yellow corner, the most successful rider in the history of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Stefan Everts has taken the reins at Suzuki World MXGP and has recruited to of the most seasoned riders in the class, Kevin Strijbos and the former MX2 World Champion Ben Townley. Strijbos, who goes by the name of ‘The Kid’, is one of those riders that is yet to live up to the expectation set upon him, while Townley is fresh out of retirement after having a long run of injuries which saw him temporarily hang up his boots. Both riders feel as though they have unfinished business and are out to get it done this year.

Last but not least, the young guns. Honda Gariboldi’s 2015 FIM MX2 World Champion Tim Gajser will be the youngest rider in the class as he makes his MXGP debut while Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Valentin Guillod has been forced up by the age rule. Nevertheless, both riders are super flamboyant and quick on 450’s and shouldn’t have too much of an issue finding their place in the premier class. Another young gun to keep an eye on is Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s newest recruit Glenn Coldenhoff, while Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle is looking pretty fierce these days too.

On a duller note, we will be missing Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jordi Tixier who has both arms injured, while 24MX Lucas Oil Honda’s Ken De Dycker broke his femur a few days ago also. We’d like to wish these two riders a full and speedy recovery.

2015 MXGP of Qatar MXGP Top 3

1. Max Nagl

2.  Clement Desalle

3. Gautier Paulin

Since the defending MX2 champion Tim Gajser has jumped up to the premier class, most bets will once again be on ‘The Bullet’ Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings. Although Herlings has developed a nasty track record of getting injured, we have seen him bounce back time and time again to the blistering pace he had before each of his injuries. Judging by his pre-season form, and also the fact he is unbeaten around the circuit here in Losail, this weekend should be his to lose.

Meanwhile, his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Pauls Jonass has his heart set on going one better than the second place he got last year while Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Dylan Ferrandis, like Herlings, will be looking to get through a season injury-free with any hope of topping the box. It’s worth mentioning that Ferrandis is the only rider to beat Herlings around this Losail Circuit.

Wilvo Standing Construct Yamaha Factory Racing have hired Aleksandr Tonkov to get the job done for the guys in blue while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has taken on renowned grand prix winner Max Anstie.

Ferrandis, Tonkov and Anstie all missed the end of the season last year, so should be extra fired up to make a point this weekend. Meanwhile Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer started gaining some solid momentum near the end of the season in 2015 as did Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Benoit Paturel and of course the American, MXGP of Mexico winner, now riding for Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna, Thomas Covington.

Whichever way you look at it the Losail International Circuit should prove once again to be a tough opener to the MXGP season so make sure you follow all the action starting with LIVE qualifying on Friday night. You won’t want to miss it.

2015 MXGP of Qatar MX2 Top 3

1. Jeffrey Herlings

2. Julien Lieber

3. Dylan Ferrandis

Losail will also host the first round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship this weekend. Yamaha MX Fonta racing’s Kiara Fontanesi, who made history claiming his 4^th World title in a row in 2015, is determined to claim what it would be her first ever victory in Qatar. However, Team One One Four’s Livia Lancelot, who was last year’s winner in Qatar, will do her best to challenge the reigning champion.

All the eyes are also set on New Zealand’s sensation Courtney Duncan, Natalie Kane, who finished second in Qatar in 2014, and 2015 MXGP of Czech Republic winner’s Nancy Van De Ven.

2015 MXGP of Qatar WMX Top 3

1. Livia Lancelot

2. Kiara Fontanesi

3. Meghan Rutledge

All the photos of the MXGP of Qatar will be available here

TIMETABLE

Friday: WMX Free Practice 14:45; MX2 Free Practice 15:15; MXGP Free Practice 15:45; WMX Time Practice 16:15; MX2 Time Practice 17:15; MXGP Time Practice 18:00; MX2 Qualifying Race 20:00; MXGP Qualifying Race 20:50.

Saturday: WMX Warm up 14:00; MX2 Warm up 14:30; MXGP Warm up 15:00; WMX Race 1 16:15; MX2 Race 1 17:15; MXGP Race 1 18:15; WMX Race 2 19:10; MX2 Race 2 20:10; MXGP Race 2 21:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Qatar

One hundred and twenty-fourth issue of this bi-weekly motorcycle sport magazine, tackling the latest races and issues in MotoGP, the FIM Motocross World Championship, AMA Motocross/Supercross and World Superbike as well as general motorcycling and accessories with the best blogs and photographs. In OTOR 124: Lines in the sand: MXGP opener.
The questions and issues surrounding the Grand Prix of Qatar and the opening round of MXGP 2016 this weekend at Losail. No chance of a prediction though. Roczen reigns in Arlington; Steve Matthes provides his view as Supercross heads away from the West Coast and Ken Roczen wins again. Some cool Simon Cudby images also from the AT&T. Running up that hill: Simpson on MXGP; Grand Prix winner and world no.4: How is Shaun Simpson going to better a memorable 2015 and make Britain proud once again in the premier class of MXGP? Kawasaki blast Superbikes; World SBK launches in Australia so we talk to Sykes about comebacks and Rea about…MXGP. Roland also takes the ZX-10R for a spin as Superbikes are a go for ‘16

Check out OTOR #124

The entry lists for the first Gran Prix of the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship, which will take place at Losail International Circuit, Qatar, on the 27^th February are online.


The official Entry lists can be downloaded here below.

MXGP Entry List 

MX2 Entry List 

WMX Entry List 

This week our Youtube channel MXGPTV hit a career milestone. We just ticked over 30 MILLION views! This is something we are extremely proud of and we want to extend our thanks to YOU, the fans, for tuning in and watching our clips.

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Best Moments of 2013

MXGP of Thailand 2015 MXGP FULL Qualifying Race – motocross

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MONACO, (Principality of Monaco) 22 February 2016 - Youthstream would like to wish a warm welcome to Gaerne, manufacturers of high-performance motorcycle boots, as a new partner of the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship.

Gaerne is a well-known Italian owned and operated boot brand. The company realizes that to be successful in motocross you need to have passion, tenacity and dedication, and with this knowledge they have succeeded in creating, developing and manufacturing high performance motocross boots using the most advanced technology.

As a result of the new partnership formed with MXGP, Gaerne will be visible in the paddock and around the track at all rounds of the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship.  

About Gaerne

Based at Coste di Maser in the province of Treviso (Italy), the company was set up in 1962 from the creativity and enterprise of a master in sports footwear production, Mr. Gazzola Ernesto who gave the company its name from his initials. Gaerne as a brand has grown to achieve worldwide success and acclaim in the motorcycle and cycling industries and is known across the globe as reputable makers and suppliers of the finest crafted motorcycle boots and cycling shoes made in Italy.

For over 50 years GAERNE has been developing cutting edge products that have seen the world's best athletes push the limits of their sport, set world records and win gold medals. Some of the biggest champions of motorcycling have worn Gaerne footwear. Just to mention few names: Heikki Mikkola (1978 Motocross World Champion 500cc), Eric Geboers  known as “The Kid” 5 times Motocross World Champion (1982, 1983, 1987, 1988, 1990), Joel Smets 5 times World Champion (1995, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2003), Mickael Pichon 2 times World Champion (2001, 2002) Mike Kiedrowski and Mike LaRocco and in the last years Ryan Dungey and James Stewart  are protagonists on the US scene as well as Jeremy Martin (2014 and 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champion 250 class) and Cooper Webb (2015 West Coast Supercross Champion).

During the 2016 season Gaerne will continue to support world-class Teams and athletes in MXGP with GRP Suzuki Team, Wilvo Standing Construct Yamaha, 24MX Lucas Oil Honda, TM Factory Racing Team and HSF Logistics KTM Team.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Gaerne SPA

Find out what makes them tick! 
Join the worlds fastest motocross riders on the MXGP Studio Show with former motocross grand prix vice world champion Paul Malin. 
The MXGP Studio Show will be LIVE and FREE to view on www.MXGP-TV.com in 2016. 
We will ask the riders YOUR questions! #ASKMXGP
Twitter: @MXGP & @paulmalin11
Instagram: @MXGP & @pmalin11
ASK US & we'll ask them LIVE!  Don't miss it.

This year the Honda 150 European Championship riders will be joined by two World Champions at the pre-season training camp in Albaida, Spain: MX2 World Champion Tim Gajser and double World Champion Jean-Michel Bayle.

The young riders will be able to benefit from Gajser and Bayle’s expertise and experience when they take to the track in Albaida, Spain. As part of the all-encompassing training that they will receive at the camp, the 11-14 year olds will receive expert guidance from the World Championship pair.

Gajser and Bayle, who was present at the 2015 training camp, will also play a part in deciding which riders from the shoot-out will line up at the start gates alongside the pre-selected riders in Teutschenthal.

Tim Gajser started the 2015 season as one of the underdogs of the MX2 championship. The Honda Gariboldi rider soon attracted attention after taking his first overall GP win at Pietramurata, before going on to to take the championship lead in Assen. The young Slovenian will be making his debut in the MXGP category this year.

Jean-Michel Bayle is well known for his two Motocross World Championship titles and three American Championship titles. The Frenchman has also been successful in Road Racing, winning both the Bol d’Or and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bayle re-joined the motocross paddock last year when he became Sporting Manager at Team HRC.

“It was my dream one time when I was young, younger even than these kids now, to be there racing at GPs”, says Tim Gajser. “My Dad has always been my trainer, from when he sat me on a bike at two and a half years old! We’ve always worked very closely together and he’s taught me everything. He didn’t have anything before as he was the first in the family to start with motocross, so he had to learn everything himself. I couldn’t have done what I have without him, so having this support is so important. He’s not just my teacher, he’s my life advisor. 

"I’m still young and I’m still learning, but I do have a lot of experience as I’ve been riding bikes for most of my life so I can bring this experience to these kids and tell them what I went through. When you’re young, you don’t realise how much work you have to do and the sacrifices. You don’t have the same life as others when you’re 15 with going out and late nights. You can’t, as to be successful you must be totally focused.

“When I think of young kids with talent but no money, actually I see myself. My father worked everyday just to raise money for racing and testing, so the opportunity of this championship is amazing. It’s such a big help for parents and everybody that good talent can show without needing a lot of money thanks to Honda.”

“I joined the Honda 150 European Championship Training Camp last year and was very impressed with the attitude and the performance of some of the kids, and it was a great experience to be a part of helping the next generation,” says Jean-Michel Bayle.

“I watched with interest throughout the season and there was some great racing at the front with kids who demonstrated that they have the right ingredients to take the next step – and that is what this championship is all about. Giving young riders the opportunity to prove themselves, and at the same time helping to develop every aspect of their performance.

“Not all the kids starting in motocross have the possibility of progressing up the championships with only family money so it is always nice if we can give the real talents the opportunity to stand out with the support of Honda.

“I wanted to again be a part of the Training Camp this year to see what new talented young riders we have coming to Honda that we can help and support. It’s the future of the sport, and it’s important that we work now to make it the best it can be.” 

Davy Dousselaere, Honda Motor Europe Off-Road Manager

“I am very happy to have MX2 champion Tim Gajser joining us this year. He had a fantastic season last year and now he is going on to race in MXGP this year. I think the kids can really learn from his experience and enthusiasm for the sport. I am also very pleased to welcome back Jean-Michel Bayle to the training camp. Last year he provided invaluable advice to the riders and, in addition, monitored their progress throughout the season in order to provide advice throughout the year. I think the training camp in Albaida this year will be even better than last year and I think it will be quite hard to choose the final riders.”

To apply for your chance to attend the pre-season Training Camp in Albaida email applications@honda150championship.com

For more information, news and photos visit www.honda150championship.com

Copyright: Photo: Honda 150 European Championship

Bloudek awards are the most prestigious Slovenian national sports honours, awarded by the Ministry of education, science and sport of the Republic of Slovenia.

Stanko Bloudek was born on 11 February 1890, he was member of the Olympic team. He was engaged as a pioneer of flight. Bloudek was an engineer, he was also engaged in building sports facilities.

The 51th award ceremony was held at Brdo pri Kranju, which is the Slovenian Government's main venue for diplomatic meetings.

Beside the three Bloudek awards for significant contribution to the development of the Slovenian sport, 12 people were awarded. One of the recipients was 2015 MX2 World Champion's Tim Gajser, who got the award for his significant international achievement.

Photo: Mr. Anton Breznik, President of the AMZS (Automobile and  Motorcycle Association of Slovenia) and Tim Gajser

Copyright: Photo: AMZS

Saturday, February 20, 2016 — 24MX Lucas Oil Honda rider Ken De Dycker suffered a fracture to his right upper leg during a practice crash at Royal Hills in France yesterday. The former MXoN winner underwent surgery today at a hospital in nearby Albi.

One week ahead of the first round of the FIM MXGP World Championship De Dycker was dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s in France. The popular Belgian was due to race in his second pre-season race this weekend at the Lacapelle-Marival International. In consultation with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ghijselings Ken’s leg was successfully fixated during a surgery earlier today.

Working hard on his fitness with coach Joël Roelants and having made excellent steps in the development of his Honda CRF450R the gentle giant of the MXGP paddock was quietly confident about the new season. The injury of Ken De Dycker is obviously a huge blow to the newly formed 24MX Lucas Oil Honda team. Over the next few days the squad will consult its partners and decide on how to deal with the absence of their star rider.

Ken De Dycker: “Unfortunately injuries are a part of racing. But it’s such a pity to know that I will not be racing for a while now. I took quite a big hit and broke my thigh and had a big gash on my elbow. Luckily the surgery went well as they placed a pin in my thigh bone, so now I feel brand new again!
Over the winter everyone put in a lot of effort and I felt we were right on target. A big thanks to Joël my trainer, who also helped me with the practical stuff to organise my surgery, all our sponsors, fans and friends who send me wishing well messages. I’m sure we’ll be back strong. I can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working for.”

Marc Boone, 24MX Lucas Oil Honda team principal: “It’s tough to be confronted with an injury like this. Obviously this leaves all of us very disappointed  even more so because things had been going well. During training and testing we saw how motivated and professional Ken is and how much he gelled with the 24MX Lucas Oil Honda CRF45OR. First and foremost we wish Ken a full and speedy recovery. I’d also like to thank the staff of Royall Hills and everyone who came to assistence after Ken’s fall. We’re convinced that he will come back stronger.”