Gajser and the others MXGP boys | Season Review

MXGP Review

RD5 Future

One of the most shocking storylines of the 2022 season was when multi-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross champion Ryan Dungey announced he was returning to race Pro Motocross for Red Bull KTM. After five years away from the sport following his retirement in 2017, Dungey found an in with his old team as Cooper Webb sat out the Pro Motocross campaign. Dungey was initially slated to just do two races, but after finishing fifth and seventh respectively at the opening two rounds, the 32-year-old was locked in to contest the whole season. What was initially an itch that needed scratching for Dungey suddenly became much more as he continued to sniff the podium week after week. Suddenly, the rumors were hot that Dungey would come back full-time moving into 2023. When asked about it at mid-season, Dungey did not deny it and rather explained that he had some things to figure out.

Well, when the checkered flag waved at the final round at Fox Raceway, Dungey quietly slid back into retirement without much notice. His final line from his 12-round return saw him finish sixth in points with seven fourth place finishes in the 24 motos, just narrowly missing that elusive podium time after time. So, what kept Dungey from pulling the trigger on a full-time return? Steve Matthes caught up with Dungey on this week’s PulpMX Show to hear from the man himself.

Racer X: We haven’t talked to you since you announced that you weren’t coming back. Near the end of the year it seemed like you had decided to come back (for 2023). I’d heard they were [offering] maybe supercross, maybe just motocross again. Then at the last minute it was like, “No, he’s done.” So take us through that decision not to come back again because to me it was a successful outdoor season for you. You almost got on the podium, ran up front. I don’t think anybody could have asked for more with you being off for so long. So take us through the decision to not do it again.
Ryan Dungey: Yeah, for sure. The initial, getting the opportunity to go racing, it worked out. I got to be in Minnesota. We just had little Banks at the time. He was like four or five months old. So, I didn’t have to uproot the family and it just worked. I could fly to and from the races, leave Friday and get home Sunday. So it was kind of always a short-term plan to do the outdoors and it did develop into talks of supercross of course. There was the opportunity to continue to go racing and KTM was kind to open the door there. You know, it didn’t weigh on me, but I thought about it for a long time just because here’s this chance and this opportunity. The pay was great, the opportunity to go racing supercross only, it was a great deal. So for two months I just kind of teeter tottered kind of trying to make a decision. When it really came down to it, having to move and uproot the family and put them back in Florida, we’ve got two kids now, we’re away from the family, it was just a bigger decision than me and Lindsay now. I got family involved. I needed to go back to racing (because) for one it was the challenge, but two it created a lot of closure for me of after racing. After the outdoors were done, I was happy, and I was content. I’m good, and I don’t need to race anymore. That was my own stuff I needed to work through. For the most part, it was a good season. Did I want to get on the podium? Heck yeah. Did I want to be up there contending for wins? I did. But the fact is, I was happy. I can’t be mad at myself. It was five years, like you said. Did I want more? Yeah, absolutely, but I was completely content with how it went.

You had the GEICO thing going for a little bit and then I know you had tried to go racing on a Honda, and then you eventually came back with KTM. So you say you’re happy and in a good spot, my next question was going to be, do you have another sort of passion that you want to follow athletic-wise? I’ve always thought you should do some triathlons or do mountain bike racing.
No, for sure I have other things I’m working on and that’s good. Things didn’t come to a stop just because I went racing. The racing was good in a sense of yeah, there was a goal and a purpose. You’re getting up every day and you’re training. But at the same time, I realized that the bigger thing I need is just to be around it. I need that adventure side, that traveling to the races and seeing the guys and the team, the people, and the friends. Do I need to go out on the gate again? No. Do I need to go up in the mountains of Colorado and ride the fire roads or go to the track and ride my dirt bike? Yeah. I need to do those things and be around the sport. I think I thought I could walk away. Especially after the GEICO thing, I thought, “You know what? I’m completely done with this. I don’t need this anymore or need to be around it.” And I was wrong. That’s where I went wrong. For me, I just always want to be a part of it in some way or somehow. My foundation helps me do that as well and we do a lot of good through that. So, that’s been very good. I’m very much involved with the community and the industry. Beyond that, kind of reestablishing that relationship with KTM in a good way and helping them out. So, I’ll be going to some races. Is it going to be full-time? No. Do I want to sit behind a desk and work on business all day? No. I need to get out, workout, and ride my dirt bike, but it doesn’t have to be lining up on the gate again.

For more info on Ryan Dungey’s charitable foundation, check out https://ryandungeyfoundation.org/.

Jeremy Says "It's Showtime"

2023

Before a sell-out crowd inside Angel Stadium of Anaheim, on January 23, 1993, Jeremy McGrath of Team Honda powered to the first premier class main event supercross win of his career. The sport stunned by the result, McGrath reached for a higher gear and never looked back, winning seven AMA Supercross Championships. The most accomplished and beloved supercross racer in the sport’s illustrious and spectacular history. Racer X talked with McGrath about Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton and the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.

“I thought the showdown between Tomac and Sexton this year was great,” said the Californian. “Just when you thought Sexton was going to take over and become a champion that day and that he was going to be a part of the changing of the guard, Tomac has one of his best and boldest races ever! It was like, ‘Whoa, Eli isn’t ready for that yet!'"

“I think the sport is healthy,” furthered McGrath. “You have Eli Tomac, who has been unbelievable. He had the best season of his life in 2022. I certainly think Chase Sexton is the next guy. I think Honda is sitting in a really, really good position with Chase. I’m a fan of Chase. He’s an unbelievable rider.

“I think we’re going to see some epic battles in supercross between Tomac and Sexton. Eli is topped out as far as confidence and ability. He’s a veteran and he’s been in the game a long time. And Chase, when he’s on, he’s pretty unbeatable. The question with Chase will be if he can get his mental side of the game really, really, really on point because Eli does have that.”

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!