Insight: Roger DeCoster

Candid MXoN thoughts from Roger DeCoster

Roger DeCoster led Team USA into action yet again over the weekend and also had more candid thoughts to offer up once the final scores were tallied up. The United States finished sixth overall, despite a first-lap crash that left one member with a hand injury, and can take positives from a day of sand surfing beneath rain clouds. DeCoster looks at the event in a similar light but has some grievances that he airs in the exclusive MX Vice interview below.

MX Vice: Again, it was not the result that Team USA wanted or deserved. Last year I think we left RedBud saying, "What happened?" This time I think we are leaving here just saying it was bad luck and I guess you'll get them next year.   

Roger DeCoster: Yeah. I really am happy and thankful for many things. The effort from the riders by coming in early, working hard for it and being positive. Then for all the help we got from the Europeans, from especially the IceOne team and also the Yamaha team that helped [Justin] Cooper. It's bad that a crash that happened in the first few corners of the first moto took out Cooper and [Jason] Anderson together. Then Cooper's hand was pretty badly injured.  

 

He showed a lot of toughness by wanting to race the second race after finishing that first race with no clutch and a badly hurt hand. It sounds like it's becoming a tradition for us to do bad, but I really feel that there was a big change in attitude and positiveness with the team. We are not going to give up. I think podium was… Third place, I think we deserved it today. It was realistic. We did not get it but there will be next year.  

Was there a point between motos one and two where Cooper was not even going to ride? Was he always saying that he just had to go out there and do it for the team? 

No. When I saw how bad it was swollen and all that – and the doctor said that he thought maybe a couple of fingers were broken – I suggested to him that it was okay to not race. I knew… By then we all knew that winning and being on the podium would be very unlikely. I did not want him to damage his hand more for a result that was not going to be very good anyhow. They took x-rays and the bones were not broken. They were badly bruised. He wanted to race. He didn't want to quit. I'm really thankful for his attitude and for the effort he put in.

I guess all of this bad luck just makes it even more unbelievable how well everything went from 2005 to 2011. The bad luck hit all of the other teams. You constantly seemed to avoid these weird first-lap crashes. Now though, you cannot get away from them.  

Yeah. By doing the ‘Nations this late, we are looking for this kind of weather. I think it's time that if we are going to do a ‘Nations this late in the season, then we have to go to the south in a country where we don't have pretty much guaranteed bad weather.

What did you think of holding the event at this venue? It's very different to RedBud, Matterley or Ernee. It's something different, but what did you make of it? 

I'm not a fan of artificial tracks. It's great for the infrastructure, for the paddock and the facility. That's great, but for motocross I like elevation changes and a more natural course. Even if it is a sand course, I'm okay with it, but I like it to be basically an outdoor course. That's my opinion. 

Did the testing that Zach [Osborne] and Jason did before this race work? After practice and the qualifying races yesterday, did they overhaul the bikes completely and just change everything?

No. It helped and I'm sure that they learned from the time they spent on the sand track, but then conditions changed completely today with all of the water. I don't see it as a negative that we came in early. I think it's a good thing. It did not help so much in today's condition. 

 

Ernee next year. We have got to ask this. We ask it every year. Everyone's scared that Team USA aren't going to show up and without Team USA this event loses everything. You are going to keep coming, right?

I want to, but there is a fairly big entourage who will come with us and will expect to get some tickets and all that. The organization, they make fun of us when we come and want 60 tickets or something like that. When you look at that, there is practically no prize money and how much money that we put in… Between the factories and a little bit the AMA, it's probably close to $300,000 to come for this event. Then even as a team manager, you don't have a spot where you can see the race properly.

You have to fight the public. You need all these passes, and even with an all-access pass you end up at the place and you have to fight people to be able to see the track. You have to park a mile away with 100,000 other people. I think we deserve this, but not only the US team. The participants and the people who work… We deserve better treatment, I feel.

Compared to, say, 2011 when USA last won, how much harder is it putting a team together to come here? Is it harder than you ever believed it would be?

No. I knew how hard it was going to be. When I started to run the American team, I did it as the US was not coming that year. Then last-minute Dave Arnold and I, we were running a Honda team and at that time we had five riders on the team. I decided to take our team and come to Europe. Then Motocross Action got involved and got behind it. At the time, Bel-Ray Oil also supported it and all that. That's how I started doing it, because I felt it was wrong for a country like America not to be present.

Interview: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: ConwayMX

Grab A Handful

MXoN - The Cost

While thinking about the massive budget Roger De Coster spoke to Lewis Phillips from mxvice/racerx about, I got thinking. Now, “The Man” told Lewis (great interview by the way) it was $300,000us to run Team USA, which seems a lot of money, considering you can run a complete season of the GPs (a smaller team) for 300,000. In fact, Team Estonia, who finished fourth this year, spent around 30,000euro to go to the Redbud Nations last year, where they finished eight. 

I remember other team managers of teams who finished ahead of Team USA telling me a similar cost for Redbud and way off $300,000us. I get for that investement, it isn't worth if unless you are kicking the Worlds ass.

The question is, if the cost is a problem, and Team USA are finishing below Team Estonia anyway, why not cut the budget and make it Thomas Covington (who is rumoured to be returning to the GPs in 2020), Mitchell Harrison, and somebody else who is keen to race for their country, but happy with an air ticket, hotels and a borrowed bike from a factory GP team and not a million hangers on?

Would pretty quickly get that 300,000 down to probably 10,000 as the riders I mentioned will be based in Europe anyway, supported by their teams, and apart from that other rider costs would be limited. You think Covington and Harrison wouldn’t be excited to race for Team USA at Ernee and put in the effort to give Team USA a shot at a podium.

As we saw with Team USA this year, the GP teams will bend over backwards to help the Americans and that has always been the case and it won’t change soon, because that is the whole concept of this race.

When you hear that Kawasaki in America are pulling their effort and you start to hear what is costs and how the date is wrong and the rain and sand suck for the AMA boys, then you really start to think the whole concept is lost to the American team members, apart from maybe the riders, who just seem to want to race and enjoy the experience.

While the excuses by people in America are way less than previous years, talking about money, and dates and how the AMA guys are actually better than the GP guys, just rode bad, really tasted bad in all the GP paddock people’s mouths. Love the event or hate it, I love the idea that riders are coming to race just for National pride and not for the dollar and it is clear the riders love that concept also, otherwise they wouldn't be doing it with such passion.

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Team USA - Video

Zach Talks MXoN

 Zach Osborne on his MXoN experience

Zach Osborne is arguably more passionate about the Motocross of Nations than any other rider, which was evident by the amount of commitment and work that went into representing Team USA over the weekend. Although the results didn't pan out as expected, it was down to misfortune more than anything else. Osborne and his two teammates, Jason Anderson and  Justin Cooper, can take comfort in the fact that they clearly had the potential to battle for a podium on race day.

MX Vice: It was not the result anyone wanted. I think the way I sum it up is everyone left RedBud saying, "What happened?" Here you kind of leave it saying, "What are you going to do?" Luck wasn't on your side. That was that.  

Zach Osborne: Yeah. After yesterday we were feeling pretty positive about it. Justin [Cooper] was really good. He was clearly the best in the MX2, then today obviously he came together with Jason [Anderson] on the first lap and that was worst-case scenario. We didn't make any progress there. That is super unfortunate, so it is what it is. I don't know what else to say. I rode pretty good in the first moto.  

Mediocre in the second moto and had to stop for goggles. There are a million things you can say, but we were the sixth-best team today. I can really hang my hat on knowing that we came here, we did our very best and we put in a lot of effort. Both of the teams put in a lot of effort, IceOne and Kemea with Star. We gave it our all. There is nothing left to question except that we were not the best team today.

When you were watching that first moto and saw that both the guys were so far down the order on lap one, did that kind of change things for you? Did you immediately have this gut feeling that you have kind of got to do your job?

Yeah. It was worst-case scenario from there on, from the first lap of the first moto. It is what it is. What do you do? I knew that I needed to go out there and make something happen in the second moto, so they gave me the gate pick. I was able to get a fifth, which was decent. Just kind of got the ball rolling in the other direction. That was all we could really write home about today. 

You were not too happy after yesterday. Hard to judge too much, because of the conditions today, but do you feel like you made a lot of progress overnight?

Yeah, but also I just don't feel like I rode to my full potential either day. Whether I was putting too much pressure on myself or whatever, I don't really know. It is what it is and we'll just carry on.

After all of the testing you have done over the last month, did that kind of help? Did you come in after a couple of laps of practice yesterday and feel like you needed to overhaul the bike completely? Was your base setting pretty close?

We were basically both really close to our US-based settings. It was what we knew the best, but definitely the track was like nothing we rode in the weeks prior. It's super strange. It's super slick-feeling. Not much to really turn on. There is nothing really to be said other than that it didn't go our way. That's huge. If we could have had Justin, I feel like he was easily two times in the top fifteen. That would put us on the podium. It was really unfortunate for him to get injured or banged up in the first race and have a terrible day.

No regrets, right? You put a lot into this event. Your family did too. Are you sat here bitter and pissed off, because of that? Like you said, there is nothing you could do about this.

Yeah. I would have loved to have a trophy to take home or something. That would have been really nice for all the effort, but if I was asked to do it again then I would sign up straight away. No regrets at all. Like I said, I think that we can hang our hats on the fact that we came here when no one else would and put in a bigger effort than probably has been done in a long time. I'm happy with my guys. They picked the flag up and ran towards the battle just as I did, and that's all we can say.

This event means more to you than maybe any other American rider. You obviously desperately want to stand on the podium. You have had two shots and have not managed it. Is patience starting to wear a little thin? Are you starting to get a bit antsy and really want this to happen?

I mean, of course I would love for it to happen. It's a huge goal of mine. Even a win with Team USA would be awesome, but it's one of those deals where what do you do? It's a freaking hard race to win. I think that we were a little bit spoiled in the US with so many wins in a row and not really realizing the task and how big it actually is.

Then you have a day like today where it is just terrible weather. For me, I hope I get another chance. It's hard to get picked, honestly. Even with guys saying no, it's still a decision. I'm grateful every time that I'm mentioned in the conversation. We'll just keep plugging away and hope for another selection.

When you got selected you were quite vocal about wanting to change the set-up of Team USA and have you guys closer together again. Just looking at the paddock, it seems like you managed that. Do you feel like that was a big advantage compared to say Matterley Basin? 

For sure. We have a much better team atmosphere this week. It's one of those things where you change something and it doesn't go well, so then there's going to be criticism. I'm totally aware and ready for that. I think we did a much better job as a team than I've seen in a long time.

Interview: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: ConwayMX

KTM buying GasGas – what’s the story?

 

As KTM and GasGas join forces we’ve taken a look at the details behind the deal and what it might mean for enduro and the Girona-produced bikes in the future.

News emerged over the weekend about a deal between KTM and GasGas. Namely KTM Industries AG and Black Toro Capital signed an agreement to work together – saving the GasGas factory and boosting KTM product range.  

On the surface it seems quite a simple deal and the logical conclusion is we will see red bikes alongside orange and white ones in dealer showrooms. But what does it mean for GasGas and what is the point for KTM? Here’s what we know…

What’s the story?

It is an understatement to say GasGas has had an up and down recent history. Bankruptcy, staff layoffs, buyouts, re-launches, a fire and poor sales have put the the Spanish manufacturer, and all associated with it, through the mill. 

Despite that “the brand” GasGas remains a strong one which is why when news arrived last week that KTM were buying a major share of the company, it came as no surprise. 

GasGas is joined to Torrot (e-mobility company) so KTM isn’t just buying a Spanish enduro and trials arm but a whole ‘e’ brand as well. As we all head towards a battery powered future that has to be significant.

We know KTM were not the only interested party and understand Sherco owner, Marc Tessier was also in the running.

 

What’s the financial issue?

Most recently the Girona-based factory underwent a temporary layoff of staff due to a fall in sales, which dropped from 39.3M Euros in 2017 to 22M Euros in 2018. It was the point at which parent company, Torrot, cried enough with mounting debts growing to 23 million Euros – putting the factory at risk. 

As recently as September (2019), GasGas received financial aid from the Spanish government who injected 4.6 million Euros to the company to reduce the chance of shutdown while a new owner was sought.

Enter KTM Industries AG 

KTM Industries AG (soon to be renamed Pierer Mobility AG) and Black Toro Capital last week signed an agreement to give GasGas a future and boost their own portfolio in terms of trials and e-bikes. 

“New models will be developed alongside the Trial and Enduro bikes of GasGas” says a statement by KTM Industries AG, which importantly also points out that production of GasGas and TORROT electric vehicles will continue in the GasGas factory in Girona, Spain. 

KTM took over the rights for Husqvarna Motorcycles when the then Italian produced brand was on its arse so this is nothing new. It is also not the first time KTM has shown interest in GasGas as the two brands tried reaching an agreement back in 2015. That deal fell through before Torrot took over. 

Orange bikes painted red in showrooms?

Black Toro Capital has also released a statement saying: “This agreement will allow the expansion of the GasGas product portfolio into different segments, engine capacities and models. The main new models will be four-stroke and electric motorcycles (including children’s models) as well as electric bicycles.”

So, a four stroke GasGas range again and a reliable one at that with parts back-up and a strong dealer network. About time. 

What is unclear at this stage is exactly how GasGas models will differ from KTM or Husqvarna models. We know of course the Husqvarnas share much with KTM models but we also know the strong points of the Gasser are its chassis and in particular its OE suspension. 

Chances of KTM Industries AG, owner of WP suspension, releasing a model range with KYB suspension are slim but we await news on this. 

Going forward with KTM produced engines, this means GasGas models will not have the same hurdles to jump regarding EU emissions laws they would have faced because KTM already has this in hand particularly with the fuel injected, two-stroke engines.

What else might it mean? 

This is speculation on our part but it could mean we see another “brand” racing in the World Enduro Super Series instead of it being quite so much of a two-horse race between orange and white teams. 

We also hope it means the continuation of a GasGas team in the EnduroGP world championship paddock and re-establishing its presence on the world stage in general at major events like Erzbergrodeo and Romaniacs.

KTM will have the possibility to include a trials bike under its wing at long last but we don’t exepct to see orange ones. The GasGas trials range has remained the bedrock for the company as it moved through the various ups and downs in recent years – the bikes are good and have a reputation. 

The deal could see the GasGas trials bike range growing however to include more models including potential four stroke but certainly smaller capacity models – KTM makes the smaller capacity engine for Beta’s 80cc models, we believe. 

E-bike collaboration

The deal will also mean a progression of the e-bike development with both Black Toro Capital and KTM Industries pointing to this in their separate releases about the deal. The KTM Group already makes a lot of electronic components for other brands and the trade between the two seems an easy fit.

KTM (and Husqvarna) and Torrot already have solid kids e-motorcycles which are on-par with the petrol-powered equivalent models and we expect this will only develop into the adult market in the future. 

Then there’s the rapidly expanding e-cycle/e-mobility market which is huge business globally and one which KTM Industries AG are very much into.  

End user parts supply, new bikes, dealers? It gets confusing…

In terms of the end user, i.e. the customers who already own a Gas Gas and those who potentially might buy one in the future, it can only be a good thing – in the future. In the near future however GasGas as it stands has a problem selling the current enduro bikes (and any 2020 models already built). 

The grey area lies with what happens to existing bikes in showrooms, what GasGas dealers will do and in particular what happens to the current importers. In the UK one of the most fiercely loyal GasGas importers and someone who has been through a hell of a lot in recent years to maintain his business, John Shirt says the deal is “fantastic news, very, very positive and I’m buzzing.” 

What Shirt isn’t any clearer about than anyone else regards what that means for his business. Like all GasGas importers, he is heavily financially tied with a serious problem selling the enduro bikes he has in stock – in recent years people haven’t had the faith in the bikes – plus the production of any trials bikes dried up while the factory shut down this summer.

Times are tough but as Shirt says: “the future looks bright at the end of the tunnel, we just don’t know how we get there yet.”  

It is worth remembering there was a dormant period when KTM bought Husqvarna before we saw the new white bikes coming out of Austria. It is likely there will be a similar delay in any red bikes with KTM engines coming out of Girona – next May time would make sense when the new models from Austria are usually introduced.

What do we think at Enduro21? 

It has got to be good in the long run. Good to see the historically important GasGas brand surviving and coming back with a bang. Whatever you feel about the differences/similarities between KTM and Husqvarna enduro models, having a third option in red will indeed be just that, another option.

One thought is you could buy the last of the KYB-fitted Gas Gas two-strokes and keep it as a classic – last of the carbed two-stroke models, great suspension etc.

In reality where they (KTM) pitch the price of the red bikes, what suspension it will have, how the hell current dealers will fit a whole range of new bikes in their showrooms remains to be seen. 

Multi-year Kawasaki MXGP contract confirmed for Febvre

Frenchman to join Desalle in factory Kawasaki Racing Team from 2020.

Former MXGP world champion Romain Febvre’s move to Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team from 2020 has been made official, the Frenchman signing a multi-year contract to pilot the factory KX450.

The 28-year-old will transfer from Yamaha to Kawasaki alongside Belgian Clement Desalle, who will remain with KRT next year for a fifth-straight season.

“We turn to a new page, but the book is still open and there is a new adventure on the horizon!” Febvre commented. “I’m very happy with this choice – it’s never easy to change after five years on the same team, but I’m sure this is the best moment to do it.

“My injury late this season will delay my first days with the team, but I will be even more motivated later this winter when I can get back on a bike again – everyone in the team is highly motivated and I’m impatient to be with them and on the bike.”

Febvre is currently recovering from the broken femur he sustained at the Swedish round of MXGP. Prior to that in 2019 he took a double victory in the Czech Republic for the overall, won four motos in total and earned five GP podiums.

“As far as my injury is concerned it’s taking a long time, of course, but everything is going as planned by the medical staff,” he explained. “I will soon have the first examination six weeks after surgery – we’ll see how it is with the femur and we’ll be able to make our plans for the rehabilitation.

“I will take a longer winter break than usual, but patience is the only option and I don’t want to endanger any stage, so I will be able to start testing in good conditions and to open this new chapter of my career on a good basis. The team is 100 per cent behind me, they have a strong experience of racing and I’m sure we’ll achieve great things together.”

KRT team owner Thierry Chizat Suzzoni commented: “We are very happy to welcome Romain to the team alongside Clement. Both have a lot of experience and I’m convinced that they will join forces to cooperate and get the best from our Kawasaki – it’s a great bike which both of them will want to put on the podium.

“We know that Romain always gives 100 per cent and we confidently expect that both he and Clement will put the bike in the leading pack. It gives us great satisfaction to see one of this season’s GP winners so enthusiastic to join us. We are confident that the new KX450 has a huge potential. It’s a winning bike and we now have two GP winners on the team to show that to the world.”

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