MXGP

In 2019, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser became a three-time world champion after winning the MXGP class by over 200 points. His season included a record-breaking seven overall GPs in a row, and also a momentous victory in the deep sands of Lommel, as well as the thrilling battle in Trentino which sparked his 2019 campaign. He then rounded off the year with one-two moto results at the Motocross of Nations in Assen, making him the first Slovenian to win his class at the historic event.

In the meantime, Mitch Evans was competing in his first season in the FIM world motocross championship in the MX2 class, getting off to a good start at the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina, before settling into a year that was filled with some ups and downs, as he got used to life in the series.

Now though, with just a week to go until the start of the 2020 FIM World Motocross Championship, Gajser’s focus is fully on defending that title and putting the all new Honda CRF450RW on the top step of the podium while Evans hopes to continue his excellent off-season form into the MXGP championship and prove to everyone he has what it takes to run up front in the toughest motocross series in the world. We caught up with the duo to find out their thoughts heading into this new season…

Question: Just talk briefly about what that 2019 season was like for you.

Tim Gajser: 2019 was an amazing season. Already coming into the season, I was already feeling good, the bike was really great. I was hoping for a great season, and I was struggling a bit early in the season, making too many mistakes in the first races, but then after Valkenswaard we went to Pietramurata and then everything started going in the right direction and I started winning races, Grand Prix’s and eventually the title.

Mitch Evans: I got off to a great start by getting on the podium in Argentina, but things didn’t quite go to plan from then on. I struggled a little bit just with everything being new and perhaps trying to push myself too much in order to over-compensate for the results. It was a learning curve though and I’m glad I was able to come over here and do it. Obviously after that I got the call to join Team HRC, it was a dream come true for me, I’ve always grown up looking at the scene over here and HRC is one of the best rides you can have. I was a little bit speechless when it happened but I knew it was going to be a big challenge and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Q: What has this off-season been like and what can you tell us about the new bike?

TG: It was very busy, I didn’t have a lot of time off, and had a lot to do. I am thankful I could spend a couple of days at home in my own bed, and then beginning of December I started preparation for 2020. Right after Assen we had a few days with the new bike. I’ve ridden it a lot more this year of course but as soon as I sat on the bike, I felt really good and comfortable. Everything goes in a good way and we can have great races with that bike and a great season. I never try to stop progressing and Honda are the same, they always come with new things and together we can do big things.

ME: I went over to Japan just for one race at the end of last year and that was a really cool experience. It was great to see what HRC is all about and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there. Then I went back to Australia for a little bit over the holidays before coming back to Europe this year to ride the new bike and to just work with the team in preparation for the MXGPs. The first time I rode it was in Sardinia and right away I was impressed with what they had done. I was coming from a different place than Tim but I knew that it was a machine capable of winning races and that they’d put in a lot of time and effort to getting it ready for this year.

Q: What about your preparations for this coming season and how you plan to approach it?

TG: Last year I changed many things and I was super happy with that, so basically we try and stay with the same program, but you can always improve and I tried to improve some things and we try and do that every year, that is the goal. Every year, some riders from MX2 come to MXGP and it makes it bigger and there are more good riders. Already we have the great names, but this year even more good guys and the motivation is that you need to improve, and I always say it could be better. Even winning the races and the titles, I always feel I can do better.

ME: I’ve done a lot of gym work to make sure I’m ready for the extra size and power of the 450 machine. I started a little bit earlier, which meant that I could go to Australia and I think that was important as it refreshed me a bit. Last year I wasn’t able to go home and I felt a bit homesick so just those couple of weeks I think have made a big difference mentally and physically. I’ve tried to work smarter and not just harder, but now I’m back working with the team to get everything ready for this season and it’s all going well.

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in the MXGP class this year?

TG: Defending my title is definitely the goal, but of course, I want to have fun, enjoy the races and stay healthy. I just want to enjoy and if I am having fun riding my dirt bike, I can go really fast. A happy Tim is a fast Tim, so I hope we have good races this year.

ME: I would like to be one of the three or four guys at the front of the field by the end of the season. I know it will be a massive challenge, and I know that the class is extremely competitive with a lot of fast guys in it but I believe that is what I am capable of eventually. To start with, I just want to be consistent and make sure I am in the top 10 each weekend. I want to build my fitness and just work from there towards the front of the field. I’d love to get a couple of podiums and perhaps even a win before the year is out but I’d be happy with a couple of podiums.

Q: What’s it like having Tim / Mitch as your team-mate?

TG: Mitch is a funny guy and he is a good team-mate. We spent a couple of days in November together and we stayed a couple of weeks in Sardinia and riding and having some meals together. He is a good guy, fast, young. I am getting older, but it is nice having Mitch beside me and he is younger and hungry, and he wants to show he is fast. He already proved that he can win races so I think he has a chance to have a very good season this year.

ME: Having Tim as three-time world champion as my team-mate is pretty cool. To be on the same team that he did it on is awesome because they know how to win as well. I couldn’t have anyone better to learn from, so I’m looking forward to improving from him and he’s a great guy, we get along really well so I’ve really enjoyed my time riding with him. We have a bit of banter when we can but when we need to be serious, we are, and its just a good dynamic between us both.

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So with a succesful off-season under their belts, the Team HRC duo of Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans will head to Matterley Basin, Great Britain for the opening round of the 2020 MXGP series full of confidence and ready to show that both the brand new Honda CRF450RW and themselves are ready to take on world motocross championship.

Photo Copyriight: Honda Pro Racing / Bavo Swijgers

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 18 February 2020 – Youthstream is pleased to reveal that MXGP and the Italian boot brand, Forma Boots will continue their successful partnership for 2020.

The collaboration between MXGP and Forma Boots has gone from strength to strength since it began in 2016 and from then on, both parties have worked closely together towards the same goal of growing the interest of motocross all over the world.

Since launching in 1999, Forma have worked hard to produce the most advanced boots in the world and thanks to its own research and continuous technical developments, the brand has been able to offer the market a complete product range with only the highest quality standards guaranteed.  

That is why Forma Boots and its Predator 2.0 high-end boot, is a favourite amongst the off-road and MXGP riders all over the world. This upcoming season you can expect to see some of the leading FIM Motocross World Championship riders wearing Forma boots, including Brian Bogers, Evgeny Bobryshev, Kevin Strijbos, Jordi Tixier, Tanel Leok, Kevin Horgmo and Iker Larranaga.

We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership with Forma Boots as we aim for greater heights in 2020.

The 2020 collection can be found on www.formaboots.com and the Forma Facebook and Instagram pages.

Copyright: Photo: Bavo Swijgers

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Forma Boots

Dear MXGP Fan!

With less than two weeks until the opening round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship at Matterley Basin, Great Britain, this is your perfect chance to get ahead of the game and secure your VIP GOLD SKYBOX pass TODAY!

Enjoy an adrenaline fuelled weekend and get even closer to the action with our most exclusive ticket available. With the MXGP VIP GOLD SKYBOX you will get access to the most exclusive areas of the MXGP venue including paddock access where you will have the opportunity to meet your heroes, the best teams in the world and the leading brands in the industry.

As a MXGP VIP you will also have access to our VIP Gold Skybox Restaurant, where you will be able to enjoy amazing food and the finest range of Italian wines thanks to our friends at 958 Santero Wines and to top it all off you can watch from a designated VIP area with the best views of the track! But of course, what is racing without the atmosphere, and you’ll get plenty of that with a front-row look of the pre-race rituals from our famous and VIP exclusive Skybox Terrace!

With the VIP pass, not only you will have access to the most exclusive areas of the MXGP venue, but you will also be treated to VIP Parking to make your weekend even more special from the moment you arrive at the track.

Don’t miss out as you will not get this experience elsewhere, so join us for an unforgettable weekend at any selected FIM Motocross World Championship round (Europe Only), as well as the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations that will take place in Ernée, France this year and do it in style with our VIP pass!

Get ahead of the action and purchase your exclusive VIP GOLD SKYBOX pass HERE!

If there is one guy in the MXGP class who might be the dark horse in the class, it is MXGP rookie Mitch Evans. The young Aussie, who lines up for the Team HRC effort alongside World MXGP champion Tim Gajser has started his 2020 preparation on fire, finishing top three on most occasions and even winning a race, ahead of legends Antonio Cairoli and Tim Gajser.

It was at the backend of 2019 that rumours started circulation that Evans was getting the full factory ride with HRC, and for the young Australian, who started struggling with injuries, the rumours soon disappeared.

“There was talk about it,” Evans said. “Then it went away and then maybe I would stay on the 250 and then maybe the 450. I didn’t focus on it really, because I wanted to still get good results, because I had spent a lot of money to get myself over here, and I needed to earn money to get by really. There were some things that didn’t go in our favour. It was a learning year for me, learning the tracks and whatever. I think it came to me being a big guy on a 250 and taking too many risks that I shouldn’t have been doing. It just bit me in the end. I had to be smarter, that would have been better.”

That 2019 season, despite the injuries and suffering was still not all doom and gloom. Evans finished on the podium twice and raced up front on many occasions. A year to prepare for 2020 was perfect for the Aussie.

“I mean it was good to do a year to see all the tracks and see how everything works, but I knew deep down I am more suited for the 450, I want to be smooth and that helps when you ride fast on a 450. I always wanted to be racing the best in the World on the big bikes and to be running up front already is pretty cool.”

And now, entering into the opening round of the MXGP championship at Matterley Basin in two-week time, Evans is excited to get his feet wet in the MXGP class, and battle the likes of Herlings, Cairoli, Prado and his teammate Gajser.

“The goal is still the same, to finish top five there and get two good starts. I know if I get two good starts I can run with those boys and that is still the goal. I actually would like to finish on the podium, that would be really cool. I have finished on the podium at the opening round of the championships I have contested the last three years (in Australian and Argentina last year) and it would be cool to keep that going.”

So, for those who want to pick a rider who isn’t on the radar as yet, then the guy in red, riding with the number 43 might just be the man to put money on. A solid technique and a strong mind-set seem to be the perfect things to take this Aussie to places some might not have expected.

Photo Copyright: Bavo Swijgers

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 13^th February 2020 – MXGP and Gaerne have been working together for quite a few years now and in 2020 will continue this wonderful partnership as we head into one of the most exciting seasons of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Based in Coste di Maser in the Province of Treviso, Italy, Gaerne was founded in 1962 by Mr. Ernesto Gazzola, who gave the company its name using the first initials of his name. Gaerne started producing good quality mountain wear, before the firm’s growth saw the brand diversify into other sectors including the production of motorcycling boots in the mid-seventies and then cycling shoes in the mid-eighties.

Gaerne has been part of the motocross industry for many years, creating high-quality products since the need for motocross boots became a must for any rider. Their boots are made in Italy, with the highest quality of materials available, combined with 58 years of tradition and expert Italian craftsmanship.

For over 58 years GAERNE has been developing cutting edge products that have supported the world's best athletes push the limits of their sport, set world records and win gold medals.

The SG-12 Boots are the choice for riders who aspire to rise above the competition. Gaerne’s SG-12 boots are made in Italy by practiced hands that step-by-step layer support, security, and comfort into each boot. The premium SG-12 offers a streamlined toe box for precision control, a dual-stage pivot system for more aggressive riders, an anti-shock composite sole for better connection to the pegs, slimline inner grip guard panels for better control and grip of the bike, memory foam interior for a customized fit, and an adjustable shin plate for more room around the calves. In addition, their buckle system makes it easy for riders to get in and get going, so they can focus less on the gear and more on the ride.

Gaerne SG-12’s is the choice of many of the top FIM Motocross World Championship riders including Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis and Pauls Jonass, Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing’s Calvin Vlaanderen and Thomas Covington, Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna’s Mattia Guadagnini and Alberto Forato, plus Shaun Simpson, Petar Petrov, Samuele Bernardini and Jonathan Bengston among others!

Copyright: Photos: Huqvarna Racing

To find out more about Gaerne visit their website www.gaerne.com

Links

Youthstream

FIM

Gaerne

Jeremy Seewer is a man of many talents who knows how to get the most from his Yamaha – whether it’s his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP YZF450FM race bike or a one of Yamaha’s high quality Grand Pianos. As a schoolkid Seewer spent many hours studying the piano, and sat in front of the famous tuning fork logo whilst perfecting his musical skills. Little did he know at the time that his fame would be associated with another kind of Yamaha!

Founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha, the original Nippon Gakki Company – later to become Yamaha Corporation – became famous for its high quality pianos and reed organs. In 1955 Genichi Kawakami, then the 4th President of Nippon Gakki, took the momentous decision to diversify, and Yamaha Motor Company was founded. Driven by the same total commitment to innovation, technology and craftmanship, both companies strive for excellence in their mission to deliver Kando* to their customers: Two Yamahas, One Passion!

Despite the obvious differences between dirt-bikes and pianos and their typical environments, for once Jeremy Seewer enjoyed  both at the track to respectively prepare for the 2020 MXGP season and to practice his piano skills thanks to Yamaha Corporation.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

The arrival of a grand piano at the Cireddu Valley Motocross Park in Southern Sardinia caused a few raised eyebrows amongst those gathered at the side of the track to watch the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP riders preparing for the 2020 season. Much to the amusement of teammates Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus, Jeremy Seewer immediately parked his Yamaha YZF450FM and made the most of the rare opportunity to practice his piano skills on a Yamaha grand piano, while his teammates continued riding.

"My parents were very keen for me to learn the piano when I was younger. I always enjoyed it, but I loved more to be outside on my bicycle, bike or whatever. Now I kind of regret that I stopped with it. I eventually got to a point where my whole life became focused on racing motocross, although I will always remember how to play. It is kind of like riding a bike, you don’t forget completely. I am actually dreaming of having a Yamaha Grand Piano inside my house in the future, maybe Yamaha could sort this out for," he concluded, with a smile.

*Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6^th February 2020 – The 78^th issue of the MXGP Magazine is now available! This month features the new Monster Energy Kawasaki MXGP rider, Romain Febvre, as the Frenchman talks about his 2020 comeback, his new team and his goals for this year.

The February issue also includes the 2020 Season Preview, as well as a special feature on the VIP GOLD SKYBOX ticketing and the newly returned MXGP of Finland!

Furthermore, you can read about Dave Strijbos’ Cagiva 1986 WMX125 in our Vintage section as well as the former Motocross World Championship rider, turned Team Manager, Marnicq Bervoets, in the MX Hall of Fame!

Click HERE to read the seventy-eight issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play.

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

The MXGP of Spain is back on the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar, and what a better way to enjoy it than with the MXGP VIP GOLD SKYBOX pass!

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of racing as the world’s best riders head to intu Xanadú in Arroyomolinos on the 18^th and 19^th of April for the newly returned MXGP of Spain!

The MXGP VIP Gold Skybox pass will make the weekend even more special and unique, offering fans the opportunity to get even closer to the action and enjoy the racing in style!

With VIP Gold Skybox fans will have access to the most exclusive areas of the MXGP venue, including paddock access, where you can get even closer to the teams and leading brands in the industry, as well as get the chance to meet your heroes and take part in exclusive activities and competitions. You also get access to the VIP Gold Skybox Restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy amazing food and the finest Italian wines, thanks to our friends at 958 Santero Wines, and enjoy the racing with the best views of the track from the designated VIP area!

And to top it all off, fans can enjoy a front-row seat at the pre-race rituals from our famous and VIP exclusive Skybox Terrace! Located just behind the start-line, the Skybox Terrace is the most sought-after location giving guests a behind-the-scenes look of what it’s like on the start grid before each race, as well as the best view of the race starts!

You will not get this experience anywhere else, so join us at intu-Xanadú for the MXGP of Spain and do it in style with our VIP pass!

Get ahead of the action and purchase your exclusive VIP GOLD SKYBOX pass HERE!

Dear MXGP Fan, 

Are you ready for 2020? You better be! Because there is less than ONE month to go, before we start one of the most exciting seasons of the FIM Motocross World Championship!

And HERE is your prime opportunity to be prepared for an unforgettable season of racing with MXGP-TV. Subscribe now and enjoy the FULL season of racing LIVE & OnDemand, including all the MX2 and MXGP races, the EMX125 & EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing, EMX250 and the brand new EMX Open battles as well as the Women’s Motocross World Championship and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations !

You really don’t want to miss it, as this year is bound to be exciting with the best riders and teams up for the challenge to claim the MXGP and MX2 World Championship titles. And it won’t be easy, as we’ve got some strong contenders for 2020, including the likes of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Clement Desalle and Romain Febvre, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer, Arnaud Tonus and Gautier Paulin and not forgetting Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s, Jorge Prado who is set to make things interesting during his rookie season in MXGP.

But of course, the series will also see the return of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings, two riders who are sure to put up a challenge to the defending MXGP World Champion, Tim Gajser, of Team HRC.

Meanwhile 2020 will also see GasGas make their MXGP debut, providing factory support to the team that will now be known as Standing Construct GasGas MXGP, with their leading man, Glenn Coldenhoff, looking to carry on with his 2019 momentum and mix it up out front in 2020.

While things are hotting up in MXGP, the MX2 class will see a brand-new champion be crowned at the end of the season but who will it be? Could the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory MX2 rider, Thomas Kjer Olsen make it finally happen in 2020 or will either Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Ben Watson and Jago Geerts or Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Tom Vialle among others beat him to it? The only way to know is to watch the racing and see for yourself!

Don’t miss out on all the best race action from around the world as the FIM Motocross World Championship kicks off for another year, starting with the MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin on February the 29th and March the 1st. 

Click HERE and purchase your 2020 MXGP-TV season pass NOW! 

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 3^rd Feburary 2020 – Youthstream and 958 Santero are excited to announce that they will continue to celebrate podiums together, during the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship season.

958 Santero Wines have stood side-by-side with champions at many MXGP and MX2 podium ceremonies and has since become a huge part of the momentous celebration as winners commemorate their triumphs by showering their team, fans and photographers in the Italian sparkling wine.

Founded in 1958, the Santero winery is located in Piedmont, Italy, at the heart of the wine growing region. Their history stretches back to half a century, marked by the passion for the vineyard, expert management and love for wine and sparkling wine.

Today, the production department continues to take great care throughout each phase of production; from the harvest of the grape, to the bottling phase, to produce the finest wine with a modern appearance but an age-old heart.

In 2020, 958 Santero will continue to be the sparkling wine of choice for MXGP and will also provide their wide range of labels to our exclusive ‘Skybox Restaurant”, giving our MXGP VIP GOLD SKYBOX guests the opportunity to sample the wonderful range of the Italian wines, while they enjoy the action-packed racing.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Santero Wines