SMX - Excitement in the paddock

One event that really stands out as something that could change the sport in Europe forever is the Monster Energy Supermotocross Riders Cup, set for Veltins Stadium in Germany on October 8. We walked the paddock and asked some team managers what they thought of the event and did they know yet what teams they might have involved.

Stefan Everts of the Suzuki Factory team committed very quickly to the SMX and believes Youthstream have their best intentions to make a really exciting event.

“We have committed to this race with Youthstream. I think it is important to support Youthstream in events like this and it’s actually the time we are all testing, but we can fit it in between and we have to support Youthstream in the best possible way and we do that at Suzuki also.”

Antti Pyrhonen of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory team is also looking forward to being involved. Their team selection is just weeks away and there could be some nice little surprises when it is announced.

“Definitely excited, we don’t know who we will have in the team at the moment, we will know soon, but for sure I am excited for that event. There will be some top American riders, like we all know it is always exciting and spicing up the field a bit and I think it will be a great event. All the top European riders are healthy and I have a feeling some of the top American riders like Jason Anderson are healthy soon, and I would like to get him, so we can battle for the win. We will confirm the team in the coming weeks.”

Dirk Greubel the Red Bull KTM MX2 Factory team manager knows that some of the leading MXGP riders are available, but needs to wait on the condition of his own MX2 riders are many are suffering from injuries.

“At the moment we don’t know the team, not at all, we will work out a good team, but with Jeffrey out injured, Pauls out injured, Davy Pootjes is struggling with his wrist. I think Cairoli is in at the moment, and Coldenhoff. Maybe we talk to our America team to see if we can get one of their riders over, but at the moment we can’t mention a team.

Roger Harvey from HRC does know who his team will be, as HRC and Youthstream held a press conference last weekend to explain how HRC will look at this event.

“There were a few things we needed to get organized, because it is an extra event on our calendar. We are fully committed and the team will be Tim Gajser, Gautier Paulin and Evgeny Bobryhev. We are looking forward to it, hopefully it will be a special event and it looks like it is going to go that way.”

One thing is sure, with all the leading Grand Prix teams sending their best riders and names from the American series also being included, you can be sure the Monster Energy Supermotocross Riders Cup is going to more than just a little bit special.