MX2

Astes4-Tesar Yamaha Official Team has announced that their riders Karlis Sabulis and Roan Van De Moosdijk will line up for the MXGP of Czech Republic.

Both currently compete in the EMX250 championship but with the current break the pair will instead take part in the competitive MX2 class of the FIM Motocross World Championship held in Loket this weekend, the 22nd and 23rd of July.

Defending world MXGP champion Tim Gajser hasn’t had the same explosive season that he had in 2015 and 2016. With an MX2 and MXGP title to his name, everyone expected him the battle the likes of Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings in 2017.

Down in fifth place in the series standings, with 310 points, he isn’t close enough to the top four to make too much ground up before the end of the season, and behind him is 2015 MXGP champion Romain Febvre, just one point behind.

At the start of the season Gajser looked like he would be the man to beat as he led the MXGP championship points, until crashes and eventually an injury ruled him out of a handful of races. Now getting back to his best form the HRC rider knows that he can start looking at winning again.

“The most difficult thing was so much pain,” Gajser said. “In Germany and France I was having trouble with it and I knew I had an injury. At the beginning, it was really not fun. I couldn’t train and I had to just watch. Going to Italy was good for me. In Italy the shoulder was painful, but I wanted to race so bad. I hadn’t ridden much before Italy, just four times and I did a race back home.”

Now with his body back to what it once was, you can be sure that Gajser will want to fight for races and GP wins. He has enjoyed his experiences at the Loket circuit and goes into this weekend with a lot of confidence.

“I have used the last three weeks to get fit with the focus on coming back stronger this weekend. I have spent some time out mountain biking and just enjoying training again. Loket is very slick hard surface but I really like tracks like that and last year here I had a really good race with Max Nagl so I hope that I can have some good battles again this weekend.”

His last Grand Prix, in Portugal, Gajser was more than happy to finish with consistent results and build for the Grand Prix of Czech Republic.

“I was quite satisfied with Portugal, every race is getting better, step by step. In the first moto, I didn’t have a good start and I was struggling a little bit with my stomach, it wasn’t very nice to ride like that but I got on with it. The second race was a lot better, it didn’t feel so bad all round even though the track was rough. We had some time off, and I focused on getting back in shape and to come back stronger for the Czech Republic.”

Copyright: Photo: Bavo Swijgers

Fresh from the unveiling of the all-new 2018 YZ450F in Ottobiano, Italy, earlier this month - Yamaha Motor Europe and Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP are pleased to announce that Wilvo Yamaha's Arnaud Tonus will race the all-new 2018 machine at the MXGP of Czech Republic in Loket on the weekend of July 23rd.

The Swiss sensation, who recently signed a two-year deal with Yamaha Motor Europe, will be racing the 2018 YZ450F for the remaining seven rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship, and also at the most prestigious motocross event of the year, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

Fellow Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP rider Shaun Simpson will also ride the revolutionary piece of machinery upon his return to racing, which he hopes will be at the penultimate round of the MXGP series, the MXGP of The Netherlands at the Dutch TT Circuit, Assen.

Tonus has been testing the new generation YZ450F which has already proved popular among riders, particularly for the new electric start that has been added without sacrificing any weight. The bike's weight is identical to the weight of the 2017 model that had no electric start. The 2018 YZ450F is narrower and more compact, offering extra stability and control over rough terrain, better braking, and even greater traction. The power delivery is also more linear which means the bike has a smooth delivery of power and acceleration is optimized. The fuel and ignition maps can be altered to suit any rider or track terrain/conditions via the all-new 'Power Tuner Application'. The app offers real-time engine data and diagnostics and has a maintenance screen that logs the number of running hours etc. An archive of data is also accessible. It is FREE of charge and can be downloaded on any smartphone via the AppStore or on Google Play.

While the works version of the MY 2018 YZ450F is still in development, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing riders Romain Febvre and Jeremy Van Horebeek are expected to debut the 2018 YZ450FM later this year.

Erik Eggens, Yamaha Motor Europe MX Racing Manager: It is impressive to see the development of the 2018 YZ450F and the extremely high level of bike that has been delivered from Japan. The bike has already been tested and has received a lot of positive comments and feedback, and it is good to see that the riders are happy with the bike and how it handles and performs. It's exciting to have the Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP team out on the 2018 bike in the Czech Republic and the rest of the season, and it's particularly exciting to see how the bike performs at Grand Prix level."

Louis Vosters, Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team Manager: "We are very excited to have Arnaud already on the 2018 bike. We have done some testing and immediately Arnaud was feeling good and he was really positive about riding it. It looked as though it was handling really well and it has strong performance so we are really looking forward to this weekend."

Arnaud Tonus, Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP rider: "I'm pleased I get to ride the 2018 YZ450F at Loket this weekend. I got to test it a couple of months ago and I felt good straight away. Since then, I haven't had too much time on the bike but I have been able to get out on it a few times and I feel really comfortable on it. My speed is good, and the bike feels strong so I am confident I can do well on it."

One hundred and fifty-ninth issue of this re-designed bi-weekly motorcycle sport magazine, tackling the latest races and issues in MXGP, MotoGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and World Superbike as well as general motorcycling and accessories with the best blogs and photographs. In OTOR 159: Blogs & Insight; columns from MXGP, Superbike, MotoGP and AMA Motocross during the calm of the calendar storm and the summer malaise. Read on for latest expert opinions. The heavy milestone; Jeremy Seewer could be the first MX World Champion from Switzerland in 2017 and the 23 year old has been climbing hard and fast to this special point. Exclusive interview. View from the Village; the best way to watch MotoGP? We ask Dorna about the development and relevance of the VIP Village and the role of the facility in Grand Prix today. Headlong: Shoei in MotoGP; looking behind the door of the race service to the World Champion and another 11 riders in MotoGP wearing the renowned Japanese helmet brand. 

Read it HERE

Before MXGP starts again since the 2 week break, we take a throwback to the FIAT Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia where together with several other initiatives the Spada Photo Contest took place in Ottobiano.

This contest was founded in 2016 to remember the former MXGP photographer Stefano Spadavecchia who passed away 2 years ago from illness.

This year the prize went to Stefano Taglioni, a photographer from the italian Magazine Motosprint, who took a fantastic picture at the 2016 edition of the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations in Maggiora.

The winning photo showed a full gas Antonio Cairoli who was the Italian pride at the event.

Youthstream CEO Daniele Rizzi awarded the prize to Stefano Taglioni.

With the pedigree in MXGP being higher than ever, being better than the rest is almost an impossible task. Determined to achieve the same results and consistency that made him the Vice World Champion in 2014, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing's Jeremy Van Horebeek has been tweaking his program eager to find an extra 'something' that will propel him to the top of the box. 'The Jerre', as he is often referred to, is tired of being the underdog. He wants to win, and he wants it bad...

What steps are you taking to get the edge on the competition?

"We have some big plans for the upcoming weeks to do with my training schedule. We will make some changes and the only thing I will miss is time on the bike and race rhythm, but I think we are about to make a big step on the physical side. I am up early, to train and get to see my physio and people like that. I am really focused, and I am doing everything I can to make sure my physical condition, the food I eat, the time I rest, everything is right so that I can't blame myself. I just want to win."

Has your season gone to plan so far?

"The season started off really well for me, but then it's always the same with me. It seems like there always has to be some kind of issue or set-back. I don't know why. I got the stomach problems, and then an issue in my back and while I can still race, all of those things had an effect on my training. So, the speed I had at the start of the year I couldn't maintain with these injuries. Other than those things, I would say my season was going pretty good. If I didn't have bad-luck I would be in the top three."

What changes have you made to improve yourself or the bike?

"We are always making changes to the bike. It never stops in this world because everything is always developing. Not just us, but the other teams as well and we all have to keep up with and be better than each other. We always have to keep searching. In terms of me, myself, I am for sure in better shape this year than last year. I still train with the same trainer, but this year we have a really good program in the gym, a lot to do with stability and things like that. Before I had the small problems at the start of this season, I really felt in the best shape of my life. It's all part of life and this sport. I have been around a while so I know how to handle a setback."

What motivates you to win?

"The people around me keep me motivated. So many people tell me that I have so much talent, but that other people are working harder. I always hear that. My entire life, from people in the team and outside of the team. I hear that I have an enormous talent from so many different people, it must be true. At the end of the day, that goes through my mind and that is what motivates me to keep digging and keep pushing. It will pay off one day, I believe it myself. I still have 3 or 5 years at the top, so a lot can happen in those years. Look at Tony Cairoli, he is 30 and he is still leading. If he can do it, it's still going to be possible."

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

"I plan to win at least one GP before the end of the season. I have won one grand prix in MXGP, in my career and otherwise I am always there, or close. I have a dream and what I really want to do is win the grand prix in Belgium, my home GP. I am definitely not a 'sand rider', but I can ride in the sand, but I don't like it, I just do it because it's my job. I am pretty good in the sand even if I don't like it so much and I proved it in Valkenswaard when I nearly won the first race there. I felt really good that day and I was on the podium. That was a good feeling, and to be fighting for the win. I think it can happen, so myself and my crew, we are working so hard to put the puzzle together."

LOKET (Czech Republic), 19 July 2017 - The 13th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship is set to return to Loket, Czech Republic after a 2 week break from racing. The MXGP of Czech Republic has long been a part of the MXGP calendar and was held in Loket for the first time in 1995. So far this season Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Pauls Jonass have outscored their competitors, but the natural terrain and hard pack soil of the Loket circuit will challenge every rider without exception.

This weekend will also include the 4th round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship where only one point separates points leader MX Fonta Racing’s Kiara Fontanesi from Team One One Four’s Livia Lancelot. The European championship finals of EMX85 and EMX65 will join in the racing as well to determine their champion out of the 40 riders entered in each division.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings have created a new rivalry, with one, the veteran 8 time champ and the other, the MXGP class rookie. While Herlings has challenged Cairoli the past 2 races, he has come up short both times, something he will look to change this weekend. Cairoli on the other hand has strong memories from Loket’s circuit where years ago he scored a monumental career 50th overall win.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle holds down second in the championship and he has raced in Loket many times in his career starting in 2008. Desalle has managed to top the field 3 times here and claim the overall.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin has been strong most of the season and he has been bouncing between 2nd and 3rd in the points. Loket however hasn’t provided the best results for the Frenchman in the past winning only once back in 2009 while riding the MX2 class and his last visit in 2015 resulted in 7th overall.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser has only raced the world championship in Loket a handfull of times with his best result coming last year with a 2nd overall.

Team Suzuki World MXGP’s Arminas Jasikonis is showing his potential the last few races and with his career first podium in Portugal he has momentum. Jasikonis may be an underdog but he is one to watch.

Meanwhile, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl, has shown speed as well this season and is last year’s overall winner in Loket.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre comes to Loket attempting to replicate his 3rd overall last year but even more so, hopes to win as he did in 2015.

Another rider that you can throw in the mix of possible podium finishers is Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie. In last year’s trip to the Czech Republic Anstie took third in MX2 but on top of that he scored his first MXGP podium just a month ago at the Fiat Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 478 points; 2. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 387 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 383 p.; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 382 p.; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 310 p.; 6. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 309 p.; 7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, HUS), 289 p.; 8. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, HON), 267 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 267 p.; 10. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 253 p.

2016 MXGP of Czech Republic MXGP Top 3

1. Max Nagl
2. Tim Gajser
3. Romain Febvre

Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer has won the last 2 rounds over his rival Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. While Jonass still leads the championship by a hefty 38 points Seewer has momentum on his side and will be pushing for his third win in a row on a track in which he came in second last year.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen is a possible upset to the top two of Jonass and Seewer this weekend. The Dutch rider continues to hold down the 3rd position in the championship during his rookie season.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Benoit Paturel has scored a pair a fourth overall results during his last 2 visit to the Czech GP and if he can get a strong start will likely battle for the podium this year.

LRT KTM’s Julien Lieber started his season strong but has had some bumps along the way. From mistakes to bike issues Lieber has still maintained a top 5 position in the championship. Lieber’s last two trips to Loket were in 2014 and 2015 where he took 9th and 6th respectively.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 501 points; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 463 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 377 p.; 4. Benoit Paturel (FRA, YAM), 363 p.; 5. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), 355 p.; 6. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 303 p.; 7. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), 241 p.; 8. Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), 233 p.; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, YAM), 221 p.; 10. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, SUZ), 199 p.; 11. Michele Cervellin (ITA, HON), 187 p.

2016 MXGP of Czech Republic MX2 Top 3

1. Dylan Ferrandis
2. Jeremy Seewer
3. Max Anstie

All the photos of the MXGP of Czech Republic will be available here

TIMETABLE

Saturday: WMX Free/Timed Practice 08:30; EMX65 Free/Timed Practice 09:15; EMX85 Free/Timed Practice 10:00; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; WMX Race 1 13:30; MX2 Time Practice 14:15; MXGP Time Practice 14:45; EMX65 Race 1 15:40; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX85 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: WMX Race 2 08:45; EMX65 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25, MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX85 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Czech Republic

This weekend at the MXGP of Czech Republic we have the pleasure to run a Quiz thanks to the cooperation of SIDI.

All you have to do to go into the draw and WIN SIDI and MXGP Prizes is to guess the MXGP Podium at Loket.

Here below the fantastic prizes for the winner:

Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS Boots

MXGP3 The Official MXGP Videogame

Access to www.mxgp-tv.com

Click here to PLAY & WIN! 

To enter the competition trough your desktop or mobile phone please click HERE

Competition lasts until Sunday 23^rd July at 17:00

(MONACO) Principality of Monaco, 19 July 2017 - Due to an unforeseen impasse between the landowners and event promoter Unlimited Sports, Youthstream announces the 2017 Monster Energy MXGP of the USA, scheduled for September 2-3 at Gatorback Cycle Park in Gainesville, Florida, will now be held at WW Motocross Park in nearby Jacksonville, Florida. The move to WW Motocross Park comes after the current lease between Unlimited Sports and the Gatorback Cycle Park landowners expired on June 30, and the parties were unable to come to agreeable terms for a renewal.

Fortunately, WW Motocross Park at WW Ranch is ready to host a world-class event. The new facility, which opened in 2013 with a course built by DreamTraxx, was recently rated the #1 Motocross Track in Florida by Moto Playground Magazine. Located just west of downtown Jacksonville, approximately 51 miles north of Gatorback Cycle Park, WW Motocross Park has a rich Florida sand base and well-crafted obstacles that make it a popular destination for riders all over the Southeast.

“We are fully committed to producing a successful MXGP of USA in 2017 with Youthstream and Unlimited Sports, and this venue shift will help ensure that prospect,” said MX Sports Pro Racing President Davey Coombs. “While we were looking forward to returning to a widely known facility like Gatorback Cycle, we are even more excited to be going to work on WW Motocross Park with Unlimited Sports and of course Youthstream to bring the FIM Motocross World Championship and the Monster Energy MXGP of the USA to a rapidly growing WW Motocross Park.”   

"We want to thank Carrie and Davey Coombs and MX Sports for their reactivity to find a solution so quickly,” said Vice President of Youthstream David Luongo, “We are sure that thanks to their efforts the FIM Monster Energy MXGP of the USA will be even more successful and that it will strengthen our relationship for the future.”

“I’ve ridden WW Motocross Park many times and I even raced there before I turned pro, and it’s a really good track,” said Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Austin Forkner. “It’s a classic Florida sand track, with a good mix of clay on the jumps and dark sand straights, and while it starts out fast, it gets good and rough. I think it’s going to be a great track for the MXGP of the USA.” 

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Monster Energy MXGP of USA

WW Motocross Park

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Glen Coldenhoff have decided to remain partnered through the 2018 season.

Coldenhoff has signed to again ride the Factory KTM 450SXF alongside teammate Antonio Cairoli while contending in the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship, Coldenhoff currently sits 11th in the 2017 championship.