Antonio Cairoli interview
Eight times world motocross champion, Antonio Cairoli continues to show that his career is long but over. The Italian legend, from the Red Bull KTM Factory team put together a brilliant performance to go 1-1 at the Losail circuit in Qatar. He spoke with the press, as did Tim Gasjer and Clement Desalle.
How is did you feel about the weekend?
“It was for sure a great weekend. I am happy, it’s my 13th season in the world championship and happy to reach this goal. Not many riders have done it, and I have won a GP every year. The season started good with no injuries in the winter, so I could train better for the winter. I was looking forward to this GP. This week I was sick with flu and I took medication until Thursday, so I didn’t know how my reaction would be during the racing, but I enjoyed the racing. The track was pretty good and technical, so I managed to make some good lines, in some places. We saved some energy and I could push until the end of both motos. I am looking forward to the next one and we can have a good week of training. Even if we are not with the bike we can do physical training.
What about the second moto?
“The first moto I had the holeshot and everything is easy when you have the holeshot, so that made it a little easier. I made a good rhythm and made a gap. The second moto was also a good start and I tried to get close to Tim, but we made contact at the start and I thought I had broken my spokes. I was thinking I broke some spokes, because I kept hearing some noise, but it was just a stone on the disc. I started making better lines, but Tim was riding well and got away. Near the end I found some better lines and was able to get him again. In the end I made the pass. It was a spectacular race and nice to race with Tim like this. I hope we have more races like this, because it’s good for our sport.
How is your injury from last year?
“My elbow (injury from 2016) is ok now. Actually it was a nerve, that gave me problems all last year, and I didn’t have any feeling in my thumb, also less power than normal. I wasn’t riding well on the bike. We did some tests with the shocks and the power and I feel good on the bike again.
Your first victory here. How does it feel?
“The first time we came here I only won the super-final and Clement won the MXGP moto. It’s a first time for me to win here. I hope it isn’t the last time. It’s a great facility and I hope we can come back.
What about the depth of this MXGP class?
“This class is tough, maybe one of the toughest ever. We only had like 20 riders, but they were all good and that is great for the sport. We have all the GP winners. It’s the most competitive class for a long time. We can mix up the season and the points and it’s good to have so many good riders on the star grid.”
Tim Gajser: Actually, I am happy with the weekend. It didn’t start well. I was sick all weekend and still now, so I didn’t feel the best. I was able to make two good races. The first moto I didn’t have a great start and we had a fight with Boby and Clement, the whole race. It was tough to pass, because there was one fast line, and the other lines didn’t have the same speed, so you lost ground. I am happy with a third in the first race. I took a better start in the second moto, but Tony was pushing really hard and I made a gap in the middle of the race, but the end of the race I was destroyed and Tony was riding really good and passed me. I am happy with the weekend. I am really looking forward to the next one.
Clement Desalle: You know, it’s good to start with a podium. Yesterday I wasn’t happy. I didn’t have a good start and could only do 9th place in the qualifier. Like Tim said it’s really difficult to pass, but today my start was better and I could get on the podium. I feel good in my body and on the bike and that is really important for me. I would like some good starts in all the races. I am happy to start the season with a podium, for the team and myself. I am looking for some victories of course and only with that will I be really happy. The first race is done and that is good. I am happy with everything. Actually, I didn’t change anything on the bike. It was more my mentality. Everything is going on in the second corner. If you are 8th or 9th you are already finished for the podium