Tom Vialle Talks USA Transition

Aldon Baker Launches His Own Bicycle Company, Alcavi

 Alcavi Bicycles

 

Clermont, Florida - Alcavi Bicycles is a brand born from the passion and experience of two sports legends, it is set to make a major impact on the Bicycle industry with its highly anticipated release. Cofounded by Aldon Baker and Alfredo Campo, Alcavi hits the market with world-renowned research and design, sure to impress cycling enthusiasts and athletes alike.

Aldon Baker, retired top MTB World athlete and Professional Motorsports training legend, has revolutionized the Supercross and Motocross industry. Baker’s knowledge and irrefutable training program has formed 16 champions from the past 22 Monster Energy Supercross series, in addition to 13 AMA Motocross Premier Class Titles.

Adding to his accolades, Baker has also produced a MotoGP World Championship with Nicky Hayden, as well as multiple World Stage appearances in athlete-turned-business partner, Alfredo Campo. Campo, a 2x BMX Olympian, PanAm Games Gold Medalist, and a World Champion athlete, began his relationship with Aldon Baker in 2015. Shortly after, a vision was born to merge their profession with their passion, and the wheels were put in motion to engineer their dream bicycle.

 

Baker and Campo began research and development in 2018. With years of experience, and thousands of miles put in on two wheels, the duo worked together to create a bicycle backed by the high-quality standards and attention to detail both athletes used to succeed in their own careers. They are now ready to share Alcavi with the world and empower more athletes and cycling enthusiasts.

Alcavi’s much anticipated debut came with the release of its prestigious product, Alcavi V1. Engineered with the Baker’s Factory winning DNA, Alcavi V1 comes pre-assembled in a unique triangular box and will take only a couple of minutes to assemble. Featuring a high tensile strength and high modulus T1000 carbon fiber frameset combined with NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) airfoils for best-in-class aerodynamic performance and responsiveness. It is equipped with iCR (internal cable routing) system on every model that reduces wind resistance and drag, the Alcavi V1 delivers the best experience to maximize efficiency with every pedal stroke. Also, it utilizes the ROLLA [R] wheelset, with its unique width of 28mm and 45mm depth rim, DT SWISS HUBS, 28c PIRELLI P-Zero TIRES. Alcavi V1 is available in three build options.

“Throughout my career, I was fortunate to work with many top-tiered bicycle brands, and with all that experience, this bicycle was created. We want to empower more athletes and cycling enthusiasts with this bicycle” said Aldon Baker, Alcavi’s Co-founder.

“When Aldon and I started envisioning how our dream bike would look, we never thought it would lead us to this day. Alcavi V1 is a dream turned into a reality and we want to share it with as many people as we can. Cycling can truly change lives, as it has for us” says Alfredo Campo, 2x Olympic athlete, and Alcavi’s co-founder.

Alcavi will also offer cycling gear, water bottles, and merchandise. With the slogan #GetsYouThere, Alcavi is committed to inspiring its users to achieve their goals with a bicycle that is the perfect balance between style and performance.

Alcavi launched its official website on November 15th, 2022 and will begin by using a direct-to-consumer business model. Following the initial launch, Alcavi will be open to working directly with bike shops and distributors who align with Alcavi’s vision.

For more information, visit alcavibikes.com.

King Ken!

Roczen crowned the 2022 ‘King of Paris’ Supercross

Section: Competition Post: Alex Gobert

Resurgent Australian Moss seals 'Prince' title with 250 overall.

A commanding final night saw Ken Roczen crowned the ‘King of Paris’ Supercross on Sunday, clean-sweeping all three premier class finals as Matt Moss earned the SX2 class overall with a perfect outing of his own.

Saturday evening saw Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion Eli Tomac go 1-2-1 to lead the overall standings, however, Red Bull-backed Honda rider Roczen starred by winning all three mains on day two to claim the overall.

It was a spectacular performance from the recently-crowned world champion, whose future remains up in the air entering the 2023 season, and victory in France will add to his stocks under a current free-agent status. This weekend he was with the Fire Power Honda/Honda Genuine Honda Racing team of Yarrive Konsky once again.

After riding to 3-1-2 results on Saturday, Roczen edged Tomac by two points under Olympic scoring as the latter went 3-2-2 on the second night. A 5-3-3 scorecard was enough for Roczen’s Honda Genuine teammate Justin Brayton to secure the final place on the podium, with the top-five completed by Red Bull KTM duo Cooper Webb and Marvin Musquin.

Yamaha YZ250 with Power Steering?

Yamaha is currently dominating the Japanese Nationals with this system on a YZ 250

Yamaha develops electronic power steering (EPS) system for motorcycles, promises improved stability, agility and reduced rider fatigue.

• Yamaha develops novel new electronic power steering (EPS) tech for motorcycles.
• It’s called the Yamaha EPS Steering Support System.
• It promises to deliver greater stability at high speeds plus easier low speed turns.
• Tech could also reduce rider fatigue and first steps towards autonomous riding.
• Yamaha says it has ‘pefected’ it on its e-bikes, and will test it in dirt bike racing soon.

Justin Brayton Not Done Yet!

Following 20 years competing as a professional, Justin Brayton transitioned to a part-time career following Monster Energy AMA Supercross this season. Now focused on a series of international events, including the new World Supercross Championship and also targeting a fifth-consecutive Australian SX1 crown, the 38-year-old has no plans of slowing down on-track and features in this latest Inside

Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

Many ingredients are required for expanded moto-legal access to trails, particularly in California. Chief among those ingredients is the land manager, as without their support, no project can move forward. The northern Sierra Nevada range is fortunate enough to have Paul Hart, Trails Manager for the Tahoe National Forest – Yuba River Ranger District, who oversees 572 miles of trail.

From weekly 100+ mile singletrack moto rides in Downieville to racing the Ironman class of the Baja 1000, Paul is as core of a moto rider as it gets. Having him as an advocate for OHV-legal trails within the U.S. Forest Service is why access is expanding in a time where it’s shrinking in other parts of California. Paul joined the Tahoe eight years ago, and since then has driven the construction of more than 30 miles of new trail including Cal-Ida, Gold Valley Rim and 2.5 Divide, with another dozen miles of new construction starting in 2023. Without Paul, Downieville and Burlington Ridge near Nevada City wouldn’t be the same.

The tenacity required to race solo 1,000 miles across Baja is the same tenacity required to navigate the process of expanding OHV-legal singletrack opportunities. Cheer on Paul as he races the Baja 1000 on November 15-20 and guns for the podium.

“I’m stubborn and I won’t give up until the job is done right,” said Paul. “The more money we can secure, the easier my job of delivering the public more OHV access can be, which is why participating in 5 Bucks a Foot is so important.”

Twist the Throttle for Trails and purchase as many feet of trail you can. Each foot purchased enters you for a chance to win a 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F valued at over $13,500!

Get in it here: https://sierratrails.networkforgood.com/.../171180-five...

Thanks, KTM and Motorcycle Performance Center/mpcktm.com for the support!

SX Global Appoints Adam Bailey To Cheif Executive Officer

New SX Global CEO Adam Bailey (L) and new Vice Chairman Tony Cochrane

Following the successful pilot season for the 2022 FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), SX Global announced today that Adam Bailey has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Tony Cochrane will assume a new role as Vice Chairman of the SX Global Board of Directors.

Prior to the promotion, Bailey occupied the position of Director of Motorsports where he spearheaded development of the series’ unique financial model, negotiations, and onboarding of the 10 exclusive team licenses, as well as development efforts for the innovative competitive structure and race format for the up-and-coming global supercross series.

In his new role as CEO, Bailey will continue driving WSX forward to realize its vision of a truly global, FIM-sanctioned supercross series, dedicated to delivering world-class racing to supercross fans around the world.

“I’m both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to step into the role as CEO of SX Global,” said Bailey. “I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in such a short time, bringing this year’s ‘pilot season’ to life. Most of all, I am excited for what the future brings. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tony for his outstanding leadership and mentorship, bringing SX Global to life and securing the FIM World Supercross Championship rights. His experience has been pivotal to our early success.”

Having cultivated the relationship and secured funding with Mubadala Capital, Cochrane was instrumental in the initial development and successful roll-out of the WSX Championship. In his new role as Vice Chairman, Cochrane will continue to work tirelessly to deliver an even more elevated championship in 2023 by shifting his focus to securing new locations to expand the World Supercross Championship and commercial opportunities.

“I really enjoyed participating in another start up and all the challenges that brings. It’s been an exciting and demanding time for the whole SX Global team and I’m super proud of the ‘pilot season’ they created in an unbelievably short time frame,” said Cochrane. “I fully endorse, along with our Board, Adam’s new role as CEO. A position he has worked tirelessly for and one in which he will excel. I respect and admire his positive approach to the supercross industry, and it is very clear he has that respect back in spades from riders, teams, and suppliers.”

Cochrane continued, “As a team, we have only scratched the surface with what we can bring to the future of the FIM World Supercross Championship, so it’s going to be an exciting few years. I plan on staying on this amazing journey in my new role as Vice Chairman and undertaking a key role in new events and continuing to be a mentor to Adam and the management team; but with maybe fewer crazy hours!”

Supercross vs Motocross

MX and SX are both dirt bike racing disciplines with rabid fans on both sides. Let’s explore what makes motocross move and supercross soar.

Written by Mike Berard

Motocross; The Original

Let’s get the most obvious difference out of the way: motocross is raced outdoors. It may seem like a small difference but consider all the might and fury that Mother Nature can dish out, and then reconsider what it means to race on an outdoor course. And while the races may not always happen in mud or rain, when they do it separates the pros from the merely hopeful. And it affects every other part of the racing discipline. From line selection, racing strategy, and the physical endurance, motocross pushes racers and their bikes to the limit.

Technical Elements at Play

While both motocross and supercross tracks may be man made, an outdoor track will always be more impacted by the elements. Consider humidity, wind and even the brightness of the sun. What this means is a more diverse racing skillset. While riders in both disciplines need to know how to hit a holeshot, scrub a jump, and corner like a demon, motocross riders do it in a much wider variety of conditions, more often.

Furthermore, motocross tracks may feature long straightaways that allow racers to get up to massive speeds. With long straightaways comes lofty airtime. On the other hand, supercross is crazy technical and it leads to an arguably more exciting race format. Closer quarters. More crashes. High emotion.

 

AMA Motocross Series

© Garth Milan/Red Bull Content Pool

Long and Strong

When you’re talking competitive motocross, the tracks can be downright punishing. Many outsiders think that motocross is “easy” because all you have to do is twist a throttle to make that bike go, but this is an extremely naïve viewpoint. Anyone who’s ridden and wrestled a 215-lb bike around a track will laugh you out of the room, and definitely win an arm wrestle or even a medium distance running race. Simply put, motocross breeds crazy fit athletes. Consider two to three-minute lap times around courses that are 1.5. miles or more. Now add in 15-20 jumps, whoop sections, berms, etc., and you begin to understand how much physicality it takes to crush laps and other racers in motocross. Of course, supercross riders are fit as heck too. In supercross, the races are shorter but the intensity is amped up. With more technical laps comes higher heart rates. Simply put, both motocross and supercross take superior physical fitness. Both are proper sports, even with a motor beneath every rider.

Superbly Sublime Supercross

Ready for the bright lights? Supercross takes place inside stadiums and arenas on short, tight courses. While motocross mostly happens in summer, Supercross is a springtime circuit , and is seen as the premier discipline. It makes more money for the riders and therefore means more attention. Supercross is all about tight turns and tighter jockeying for position.

 

AMA Supercross Series

© Garth Milan/Red Bull Content Pool

In addition to courses being short and tight, Supercross tracks are also narrower than motocross, with shorter straightaways. Features include tabletop jumps, whoop sections and a Supercross-specific bumpy jump obstacle named the “Dragon's Back.” But it’s the turns that make a Supercross champion. Knowing how and when to accelerate properly out of a turn is the mark of a winner, and with more—and tighter—turns on Supercross tracks, this is the primary skill. That being said, jumping still matters in Supercross, where racers will get as high as 35 feet in the air and soar 70 feet. The jumps just come faster and in tighter configurations. If motocross allows riders to get up to speed and sail long distances, SX is more interested in testing rider’s quick reflexes and under-rapid-fire decision making.

Each class races a main event, consisting of 15 minutes or racing plus one lap for the 250cc class. The 450cc class races 20 minutes plus one lap. But consider they race all day long in many, many heats to try to get into the final 22 racers of the main event.

Difference in Bikes

They must have different bikes, right? Wrong. Both disciplines feature both 250cc and 450cc—based on motor size—classes. The big, bad 450cc class is considered the top echelon of the sport. While two strokes were once the only way to go, now it’s strictly a four-stroke racer’s world. That’s where the similarities end though. For motocross racers who need higher speeds in arguably rougher terrain, the suspension needs to be tuned for impeccable contact with the ground, and control in whoop sections. Think softer setup, which will affect cornering ability and speeds on average. Fast and rough. Tough as hell. Supercross bikes—on the other hand—have tight suspension for tight cornering ability. It’s harder on the body but allows for ferocious traction when pinning it out of the turn. Supercross setup equals responsiveness and a lot of pop in the suspension.

It’s All About Spectating

Let’s be honest; watching racers go around a track is fun no matter what, but there are fans of one over the other. Supercross’ stadium tracks mean seats and beer and hot dogs and staying out of the weather. It’s more like a monster truck rally, with more potential for crashing or riders getting angry at each other, and a lot of fun fan-based behaviour. There’s also the obvious Supercross advantage of not having to leave your seat to watch the whole event, all day long if you want. In motocross, spectators can really only view one part of each racer’s lap, but the crowds are more chill and the sounds and smells and sights of an outdoor race are what the sport of motorcycle is all about.

Beyond watching local races, there are two popular series. In January, the Supercross series begins. It features a whopping 17 races and rewards racers with a points-based tally over the course of the season to determine the series champion. The final race is always in Las Vegas and has become a celebrated spectacle in motorsports. Riders get a month or so to recharge, tune their bikes to a new format, and practice for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series, which starts shortly after Supercross ends. The 12-race series starts in May. Each “moto”—or race—is 30 minutes plus two laps. When the checkered flag is waved at the 30-minute-mark, the winner is whoever crosses the finish line first.

Paris Supercross Preview

Edward Stratmann

Supercross of Paris 2022

The stars are back at the main European SX

Paris Supercross has a long and rich history and after two frustrating years due to the pandemic the show is back in town with many of the best Supercross riders in the world including Eli Tomac and Cooper Webb, the last two US champions! But it will not be a two-horse race as they will face strong opposition from Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin, each of whom have also confirmed their presence in Paris on November 12th and 13th.

As in the previous 38 events since the very first edition in 1984 the Paris Supercross has attracted the same overwhelming public interest; the Saturday evening show has already been ‘sold out’ for several weeks even though the Paris La Defense Arena is one of the largest indoor stadiums in the French capital. French and European fans clearly don’t want to miss this year’s event; only in Paris can you see such a great event with such a strong line-up. 

Eli Tomac is back in Paris

For the fourth time in his career Eli Tomac will race the Paris SX and never in the past has he been coming off such a great season! Eli doesn’t cross the Atlantic so often and the goal of the reigning US Supercross AND Motocross champion, winner of the MX of Nations with Team USA and a 56-time US Supercross winner will be to take home another French trophy after his win at the 2014 Paris SX. Cooper Webb has previously only raced in Paris once – in 2015 – but since then he has claimed two US Supercross titles – 2019 and 2021 – and won nineteen Main events. Eli and Cooper, the winners of the last four editions of the US Supercross series, will line up alongside two of their regular opponents. Ken Roczen will race in Paris for the very first time while French idol Marvin Musquin has already been a three-times winner at the Paris SX in 2016, 2017 and 2021. Each won a round of the 2022 US championship and the Transatlantic delegation is completed by Justin Brayton – on the podium last year at Paris – Kevin Moranz and Alex Ray.

The French riders

As usual the best French domestic riders will be present and once more they will fight for top results. Last year Cedric Soubeyras joined Musquin and Brayton on the podium, and he will again lead the French team alongside Greg Aranda, Maxime Desprey, Thomas Ramette, Anthony Bourdon, Adrien Escoffier and Julien Roussaly in the SX1 class. There will be even more Frenchies in the SX2 class as Paris is a round of the French SX Tour. The top ten riders in the standings will be present (after the first three rounds Brice Maylin is leading the classification ahead of Lucas Imbert and Yannis Irsuti) and for this event several wild cards have been selected by the promoter: Chris Blose, Jace Owen, Justin Starling and Cullin Park from the USA, Australian Matt Moss, Spain’s Ander Valentin and France’s Quentin Prugnières and Enzo Polias will give an international touch to the French series.

FMX 

In Paris the show has always been one of the priorities for the organisers, and of course the FMX riders will enthrall the fans during their appearances; Spaniard Edgar Torronteras, Swiss Matt Rebeaud, Belgian Julien Vanstippen and Frenchies David Rinaldo and Nicolas Texier will put on two big-air shows! Racing, show, lights, FMX, music, that is the combination which will once again make the Paris SX such a huge event. If you want to experience the event live then don’t lose time as there are only a few seats still available for Sunday afternoon; the show starts at 3 pm, but all tickets give access to the stadium for the practice sessions.