MX2

While the rain is adding an extra element to the hilly typically hard-pack track here in Sevlievo, MXGP-tv host Amy Dargan has pulled on her gumboots and is ready to welcome you to MXGP of Bulgaria. 

Bulgaria is not really a nation rich in motocross talent, yet they have one of the best MXGP circuits on the calendar. Back in the 1980’s a Bulgarian by the name of Dimitar Rangelov flew the flag for Bulgaria, racing his way to third overall in the FIM 250cc World Championship behind two of the all-time greats, the late Georges Jobe and Kees Van Der Ven.

Nowadays, there is another young Bulgarian star on the rise hoping to live up to the success of Rangelov and claim the title of the fastest Bulgarian on the planet. Kemea Yamaha Racing’s Petar Petrov started riding at the age of five when a man with a passion for motocross decided to buy 10 peewee’s and start a little school at the circuit of Sevlievo. After one ride, a tiny Petar Petrov was hooked and it wasn’t long before people started to realize this kid has talent.

Already at the tender age of seven, the determined youngster started travelling with his manager (and still to this day) Bobby to test his skills on the European stage. After spending one month here and one month there in the motocross capital of the world, Belgium, Petrov caught the bug of racing and decided it was in his best interests to move there for good. While the journey has been a bit of a roller coaster ride, Petrov has loved every minute of it and wouldn’t change it for the world.

We caught up with this down to earth Bulgarian to shed some light on his career to date and what it’s like to be back home in Sevlievo this weekend for the MX2 Grand Prix…

What age were you when people started saying, “Wow this kid has got some serious skills he should take this sport seriously”?

Petar: Actually I think I was always fast. Sometimes crazy fast, like I mean I was a little bit stupid. But just really fast and then at age 8 I started racing some more races over Europe and then people started to realize that maybe I have a future in it.

How old were you when you moved to Belgium to live?

Petar: I first went to Belgium when I was 7.

Wow, 7 years old. How hard was it for you?

Petar: Yeah, you know it was pretty hard; I was seven when I left, and my parents and everyone were still here. So in the beginning we were going there like one month at a time, and then going back to Bulgaria and then the next time a couple of months and then back, and now I go there for a full year. I mean in the beginning it was hard. But now, it is ok.

Why did you choose to go to Belgium?

Petar: I guess because it’s the motocross capital of the world. Everything in motocross happens there. In Belgium motocross is life.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Petar: When I won the European nations here in 2011, I won both the heats and that was pretty fun. There was so many people watching, and supporting me. Later in that same year I finished fifth in the GP of Lommel, and that was a big surprise for me because at the time I wasn’t really sure I could achieve that. I mean last year I was really close to the podium in Lierop, I finished fourth and that was a nice moment also, although it was also a little bit disappointing.

So you were fifth at the MX2 Grand Prix in Lommel in 2011 and fourth at the Grand Prix of Lierop in 2013, were you always good in the sand?

Petar: No, I am actually a hard-pack rider! But I left home really young and then I went to Belgium where as you know it’s sand, so I guess I prefer sand… no actually I can’t say I prefer sand or hardpack. I just prefer difficult tracks because when the track is too easy everyone is really close in the MX2 and it’s really hard to make a difference on the others, so that’s something I struggle with.

What has been the biggest thing you’ve learnt since leaving home?

Petar: I’ve learnt that sacrifice pays off in the end.

How often do you come back here to Bulgaria?

Petar: I come back for the GP and then also at the end of the season for a couple of weeks.

And Christmas?

Petar: Last year, I spent Christmas with my girlfriend in Belgium, but I did come back here for New Year’s and the year before that I spent Christmas here and New Year’s there.

Do you look forward to coming back here to Sevlievo to race?

Petar: Yeah it makes me a little bit nervous to come here and race, but it’s nice. It’s really nice to be home and to ride for the Bulgarian fans.

What are you goals?

Petar: My goal this year was to be between fourth and eighth in the championship but I had a couple of issues with the bike and now I am pretty far down the list in the standings. But when the bike breaks, it’s OK, it’s no one’s fault, it’s a completely new model of Yamaha this year so I understand. But the goal is to be on the podium, I want to be at least once on the podium but I also hope I can be up there more too and for the future; when so many guys move up to MXGP, I hope I can be a genuine threat for the top three.

It seems like you have been in MX2 forever, I didn’t realize you had another year…

Petar: Actually I have another four years in MX2 because I’m only 19! But I know a lot of people think I’m older because I started racing GP’s when I was fifteen. It was me, Roczen and Herlings around the same time, so yeah that’s why many people think I am like twenty-two or twenty-three already.

Well you’re pretty set, four years before you have to go up to the MXGP class…

Petar: Yeah that’s true, although I’m pretty happy with the age rule situation. I like the 450, and I think I am pretty fast on the 450 but I just don’t feel ready mentally and physically maybe also.

You grew up here in Sevlievo and you live literally 2 minutes from this track. Does your family own it or is there some kind of connection?

Petar: Yeah my house is really close, but my family has no connection at all. My family doesn’t really have anything to do with motocross.

How awesome would it be to be on the podium here this weekend! Do you think you can do it or at least get top five?

Petar: Yeah! I will do my best; I mean… it is definitely possible. Actually I feel like I have been fast enough all season I’ve just had some bad luck and haven’t pieced it together.

Yeah that would be amazing! Good luck and we look forward to seeing you out there tearing it up!

MXGP and MX2 are two very tough classes, both growing at an alarming rate. One with the more experienced and the other with youngsters looking for their place in the FIM World Motocross Championships.

Nothing has changed more in recent years than the amazing depth of the MXGP class and the intensity of the racing. The level from first to 15th is higher than ever and the while the leading MXGP riders fight for points and progress, they continue to look over their shoulders as the younger MX2 riders prepare to make their step to the bigger 450cc class.

With leading MX2 riders like Arnaud Tonus, Glenn Coldenhoff, Christophe Charlier and Jose Butron moving up to the MXGP class in 2015 (due to the age rule) and Jeffrey Herlings probably moving up, the 2015 season is already mouth-watering. But what about 2014?

After four rounds it is the same old story with Antonio Cairoli. He has the off day (if you can call 5th overall an off day), but generally his consistent approach to the season and his career remains his strong point. Now 17 points ahead of Clement Desalle in the MXGP series points the Italian legend isn’t as comfortable as we might have expected and with Sevlievo, Bulgaria coming up, a circuit that is usually good for Desalle and bad for Cairoli, that points gap might even be smaller come Sunday night after the Grand Prix of Bulgaria.

There have of course been disappointments in the MXGP class and also bright lights. The major injuries to Ken De Dycker, Tyla Rattray and Tommy Searle and minor injuries to riders like Steven Frossard and Evgeny Bobryshev are not good, and hopefully all five riders can recapture their best form as the season moves into the middle stages.

What about the brilliant form of the Belgians in Italy last weekend? While the depth of Belgian Motocross doesn’t go past their current four leading GP riders (Clement Desalle, Kevin Strijbos, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Joel Roelants) and injured De Dycker, the fact Desalle, Strijbos, Van Horebeek and Roelants are all inside the top nine in the MXGP class gives the country a lot of confidence when the MXoN comes around in September.

The MX2 class until now is just bursting with big stories and of course the development of the younger riders continues to be the most impressive thing from this class. While it was expected that Jeffrey Herlings would lead from the front, and he would get some hurry-up from riders like Arnaud Tonus, Glenn Coldenhoff and Max Anstie, however the form of several of the 2012 and 2013 EMX riders has really caught the eye of the likes of Herlings and Anstie.

Last weekend we saw Valentin Guillod finish fourth overall and of course the Swiss rider also won the Saturday qualification race. Tim Gajser finish seventh overall and scored a brilliant third place finish in the opening moto. Just two of the future heroes of this class and don’t be surprised to see them both on the podium again soon.

All in all the FIM World Motocross Championship series continues to grow and it’s something the riders will only benefit from this. Bring on Sevlievo, Bulgaria.

SEVLIEVO (Bulgaria), 17 April 2014 – The 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship will receive live and delayed coverage worldwide via prominent TV networks Eurosport, CBS Sports Network, FOX sports, Mediaset, BEIN Sport, BNT, Bandsport and MotorsTV.

One of Bulgaria’s top broadcasters BNT Bulgarian National Television is broadcasting the entire series of MX2 LIVE. This weekend in Sevlievo, BNT will be in attendance with their own TV crew to provide their viewers with exclusive footage and interviews from inside the paddock of MXGP. BNT will screen the entire day of racing on Sunday 20 April LIVE; this includes both MX2 and MXGP races, as well as race two from the three European Championship classes, EMX125, EMX250 and EMX300.

The fifth round of the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship in Sevlievo, Bulgaria, will be broadcasted in the UK and Europe on MotorsTV. BEIN sport will cover parts of Europe as well as The Middle East, North Africa and South Africa while FOX Sports will cover Asia and Australia while Mediaset will screen the final race of both MX2 and MXGP LIVE in Italy from 15:00 – 16:00 (CET) on Italia2.

CBS Sports Network is providing their subscribers with an afternoon of motocross on Sunday 20 April starting at 1pm (EST) where they will screen MXGP and MX2 races from rounds two, three and four of the FIM Motocross World Championship which took place Thailand, Brazil and Italy. Following the replay of the previous rounds, CBS Sports Network will also screen MXGP and MX2 race two in Bulgaria, round five of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

MXGP-TV’s 26mn Magazine features rider interviews with MXGP-TV host Amy Dargan, all the best moments of the weekend both on the track and off, highlights from racing in MXGP and MX2, as well as an on-board lap of the track at each and every round of the FIM Motocross World Championship. Following each round of MXGP, the 26mn Magazine will be broadcasted every Tuesday night at 23:00 (CET) on Eurosport.

MXGP will be available across the board in high definition, and is also globally available to view live and in HD on www.MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks, viewing times can be viewed by clicking on the logo of your chosen broadcasting network.

Italia 2

Race 2 MX2 (LIVE)                               15:00 (CET)     

Race 2 MXGP (LIVE)                            16:00 (CET)              

CBS Sports Network

Premiere on Sunday 20 April:

Race 2 MX2                                          6.00pm (EST) / 3.00pm (PST)  

Race 2 MXGP                                       7.00pm (EST) / 4.00 (PST)            

Eurosport International

Tuesday 22 April:

26mn Magazine                                    23:00 (CET)     

TIMETABLE

SATURDAY: EMX300 Free/Timed Practice 07:45; EMX125 Group 1 Free/Timed Practice 08:20; EMX125 Group 2 Free/Timed Practice 08:55; EMX250 Group 1 Free/Timed Practice 09:30; MX2 Free Practice 10:15; MXGP Free Practice 10:45; EMX250 Group 2 Free/Timed Practice 11:10; EMX125 Last chance qualifying race 12:20; EMX250 Last chance qualifying race 13:00; MX2 Time practice 14:00; MXGP Time practice 14:35; EMX300 Race 1 15:20; MX2 Qualifying race 16:10; MXGP Qualifying race 17:00; EMX125 Race 1 17:40; EMX250 Race 1 18:25

SUNDAY: EMX300 Warm-up 08:10; EMX125 Warm-up 08:30; EMX250 Warm-up 08:50; MX2 Warm-up 09:15; MXGP Warm-up 09:40; EMX300 Race 2 10:10; EMX125 Race 2 11:00; EMX250 Race 2 11:50; MX2 Race 1 13:10; MXGP Race 1 14:10; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Bulgaria

FUNGHAL (Portugal), 16 April 2014 - Following MXGP’s qualifying heat press conference on Saturday 12 April in Arco di Trento, Alessandro Castrucci, Project Manager of MXGP, The Official Motocross Videogame with the assistance of the seven-time FIM Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli, made the official presentation of the recently released game to the press and riders of the MXGP.

“The objective of creating MXGP: The Official Motocross Videogame was to have everything as authentic and realistic as possible,” Mr. Castrucci explained, “we wanted the game to be unique, and of a very high quality. We want the experience the players will receive to be real which is why we have included some very important features in the game. Starting with the tracks and riders; the tracks and riders are identical to those that took part in the 2013 FIM Motocross World Championship season, right down to sponsors logos and panels on the side of the track. We have also used the rulebook of the 2013 FIM Motocross World Championship to mindfully develop our original yet realistic career mode.”

“Another important feature was to separate the dynamics between the rider and bike, meaning each could be controlled separately. This gives a more realistic feel and was carefully developed based on advice from real riders; Antonio Cairoli, Alessandro Lupino, Davide Guarneri and David Philippaerts. We also added to the game two of the most popular and demanded features; the ability to scrub and whip as well as real-time track deformation, meaning the track will get rougher as the race goes on.”

In the first ten days of the official launch, which was on March 28^th, MXGP: The Official Motocross Videogame had been played online 380,000 times for 213,000 hours which is equivalent to 8,906 days and over 24 years.

With MXGP: The Official Motocross Videogame already in stores, Mr. Castrucci was thrilled to have Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli present to expose his new custom painted Airoh helmet complete with ‘MXGP – The official Motocross Videogame’ stickered on the side and also to finally present the actual riders of MXGP with their very own copy of the game, which put a smile on the faces of many in the paddock. As for those that hadn’t already demoed MXGP: The Official Motocross Videogame, round four of the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship in Arco di Trento was the first opportunity to try it out, thanks to the four playing pods Milestone had placed around the paddock.

For more information or to buy, visit www.MXGPvideogame.com or see in stores at your local gaming dealer.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGPvideogame

SEVLIEVO (Bulgaria), 16 April 2014 – The circuit of Sevlievo, located 180 kilometres northeast of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, is one of a small handful of tracks on the calendar where spectators can see a vast majority of the action while standing in one spot. As a regular fixture on the MXGP calendar for the last eight years, the spectator friendly circuit of Sevlievo will host round five of the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend.

In addition to the MX2 and MXGP action, Youthstream’s ultimate stepping stone into MX2 racing, the European EMX250 Championship, will kick off this weekend alongside its brother classes, the all new EMX300 two-stroke class and the youngsters of EMX125. While the EMX300 will be making its debut, the EMX125 will be lining up for round two where round one’s winner Red Bull KTM Racing’s Davy Pootjes will be looking to bag yet another perfect score.

MXGP

Rockstar Energy Suzuki World’s Clement Desalle finally got the ball rolling last weekend, banking his first MXGP victory and making up fourteen valuable points on the series leader Antonio Cairoli. After moving into second in the overall standings, there is no doubt the Belgian has his eyes on the prize and is hungrier than ever for that MXGP red plate.

Meanwhile, a win is on the horizon for Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Van Horebeek as he continues his climb to the top. After a second place overall last weekend at the MXGP of Trentino, Van Horebeek knows a victory is within reach. “I want to win, but it is easier to say I want to win than to go out and do it. Anyway, I think it will happen, I know my fitness is good because I was riding just as fast at the end of the race as I was at the start, so I will just keep working hard and it will happen,” the realistic Belgian said.

Rockstar Energy Suzuki World’s Kevin Strijbos has been showing moments of brilliance this year, already bagging a couple of qualifying heat wins. While the speed is there on Saturday, Sunday’s racing has been playing another tune, which has raised the question “Is the Belgian’s hip (an injury he got over the winter) giving him trouble the following day?” Strijbos responded last weekend when he took his tenth place qualifying result and turned it into a third overall for the MXGP of Trentino, which could be a sign he has fully recovered and is not ready to settle for anything less than the podium.

Let’s see if Team HRC’s Max Nagl can shake his new nickname ‘Mr. Consistent’ which he has received after hovering around fourth consistently for the last three MXGP rounds.  

MXGP of Trentino proved that Antonio Cairoli is human after all. After a disappointing fifth place, the seven-time FIM Motocross World Champion will be ready in Bulgaria to dust the dirt off his shoulder and try to snatch back those lost points. When asked about his lack of wins on the circuit of Sevlievo, the friendly Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider replied, “I think I have won there before, maybe in MX2 like a decade ago,” he laughed, “but you know, I always try to win and you never know what will happen, so we will see”.

Meanwhile, if the statistics are anything to go by, everybody’s money will be on Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Gautier Paulin since he has consecutively won in Sevlievo for the last two years. As if that wasn’t daunting enough for his competition, the stylish Frenchman has also ripped four FOX holeshots in succession and he is coming into this weekend extra fired up after a perfect 1-1 score at the MXGP of Trentino slid through his fingers thanks to a stone cracking his crank-case and forcing him out of the race.

2013 MX1 Podium

1. Gautier Paulin

2. Antonio Cairoli

3. Clement Desalle

2013 MX1 POLEMAN: Gautier Paulin

MX2

It would appear the MX2 class has upped the ante this year with already two riders to of beat the once very dominant MX2 World Champion Jeffrey Herlings fair and square. While Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings has in fact won every Grand Prix he has attended since the start of 2013, it seems the Dutch sensation is struggling, at least by his standards, this year to win races.

“At the moment my speed is not good so I’m giving the other guys a chance,” Herlings said at the press conference in Trentino, “I haven’t had much time on the bike this year, I have been injured and then I was sick after Thailand with a virus and then I was injured again. But this week I will ride as much as I can and hopefully be faster in Bulgaria”.

The MX2 red plate still belongs to CLS Kawasaki Monster Energy’s Arnaud Tonus who despite getting second overall, he wasn’t too happy with his riding last weekend in Arco di Trento. It will be interesting to see the Herlings, Tonus showdown when both riders are riding how they feel they should.  

Meanwhile, Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe’s Glenn Coldenhoff has two race wins under his belt and is picking up momentum quickly. If the Dutch sensation could put together two results which reflect his ability as a racer rather than just one, he could just be the biggest threat to the MX2 championship.

Standing Construct KTM’s Valentin Guillod shocked everyone with his speed in Arco di Trento. With the confidence from his solid lap times, qualifying heat win and fantastic result, the 2013 EMX250 European champion will be looking to back that ride up this weekend in Sevlievo.

Meanwhile Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre has become the dark horse. The young Frenchman can match the pace of the front-runners and when he has a race with little error, he is more than capable of being on the box.

As for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jordi Tixier, a lot of people are left scratching their heads. The young Frenchman was the solid bet for second place last year, yet sixth has been his best result so far in 2014. After taking home second in Sevlievo in 2013 with a convincing 2 – 2 result, this weekend might just be the turn around Tixier’s been waiting for.

Flying the flag for his homeland, Kemea Yamaha Racing’s Petar Petrov still feels he has a lot to prove this year. His team have gone on the record to say the Bulgarian is capable of a top five, and Petrov himself has proved it when he took fourth overall at the MX2 Grand Prix of Benelux last year. This weekend Petrov will have his buddies and his family in his corner and it would be nice for him to show his home country everything he has learned since moving to Belgium at a young age.

2013 MX2 Podium

1. Jeffrey Herlings

2. Jordi Tixier

3. Alessandro Lupino

2013 MX2 POLEMAN: Jeffrey Herlings

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

TIMETABLE

SATURDAY: EMX300 Free/Timed Practice 07:45; EMX125 Group 1 Free/Timed Practice 08:20; EMX125 Group 2 Free/Timed Practice 08:55; EMX250 Group 1 Free/Timed Practice 09:30; MX2 Free Practice 10:15; MXGP Free Practice 10:45; EMX250 Group 2 Free/Timed Practice 11:10; EMX125 Last chance qualifying race 12:20; EMX250 Last chance qualifying race 13:00; MX2 Time practice 14:00; MXGP Time practice 14:35; EMX300 Race 1 15:20; MX2 Qualifying race 16:10; MXGP Qualifying race 17:00; EMX125 Race 1 17:40; EMX250 Race 1 18:25

SUNDAY: EMX300 Warm-up 08:10; EMX125 Warm-up 08:30; EMX250 Warm-up 08:50; MX2 Warm-up 09:15; MXGP Warm-up 09:40; EMX300 Race 2 10:10; EMX125 Race 2 11:00; EMX250 Race 2 11:50; MX2 Race 1 13:10; MXGP Race 1 14:10; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Bulgaria

During the MXGP of Bulgaria, which will be held in Sevlievo on the 20^th April weekend together with MXGP and MX2, it will also take place the second round of the EMX125 championship and the first round of the EMX250 and EMX300 championships.

By clicking here you will be able to download the timetable of the event and the entry lists of the three European classes can be found here below:

EMX125 Entry List

EMX250 Entry List

EMX300 Entry List

There is no doubt the 2014 FIM MX2 World Championship has really caught the attention of the motocross world. From Australia to America and all the way back to Europe, it’s being called the most exciting class in the sport as young riders fight to become the next big thing in motocross.

While Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings is the clear leader in the class (despite not having the red-plate) his countryman Glenn Coldenhoff of the Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe effort is fighting his way to become the next man on the block. 

Having already won two motos this year and holding down second place in the series points, the always friendly and professional Dutchman has brought some new excitement into the MX2 Grand Prix series.

Since the opening round in Qatar, Coldenhoff has gone 3-12-2-4-5-1-8-1 and his tally of 148 points leaves him just six points off the red plate holder Arnaud Tonus. Last weekend in Italy he scored another podium finish and was happy to continue his brilliant season.

“It was good to be back on the podium again in Italy. Especially with that first moto result. I had a bad start and the track was very one-lined then. I was a bit too slow in the first 10 minutes and by the time I picked-it-up, I missed some momentum to make the passes. I finished eighth. The team suggested some set-up changes and I didn’t really agree but they paid off; so I’m really happy that  those guys are behind me. I followed Guillod until I could see that he would slow down a little bit. I took the lead and held it to the finish line.”

Now going into the Grand Prix of Bulgaria, Coldenhoff will be looking at trying to outscore Tonus and Herlings and put his name on the top of the MX2 points race. Last year in Sevlievo, Coldenhoff finished with 5-8 for 29 points and sixth place overall, although, the 2014 version of this fine racer is a lot more experienced and faster than the guy who raced in the 2013 season.

Coldenhoff would also like to add a GP victory to his 2013 win at the Grand Prix of Great Britain and under what could be wet conditions (as rain is expected in Sevlievo), it might just work out in his favour.

Coldenhoff won’t have it easy this coming weekend though as a handful of even younger riders are starting to show their speed. Names like Valentin Guillod, Tim Gajser, Jeremy Seewer, Romain Febvre and Max Anstie are also looking at pushing for a top three in Bulgaria and eventually in the series points.

MXGP-TV’s 26mn Magazine show covers all the action, both on the track and off with highlights from racing in MXGP and MX2, an on-board lap of the track as well as the inside scoop from the pits at each round of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Take a ride in helicopter and go paintballing with Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Van Horebeek and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jordi Tixier and get a fix of gossip from inside the paddock as MXGP-TV host Amy Dargan catches up with two MXGP fan favorites, the early MXGP points leader Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Gautier Paulin and the current MXGP points leader and seven-time FIM Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli.

Click here to watch MXGP-TV’s 26mn Magazine featuring the racing highlights from MXGP of Trentino.