New Rhythm Idea from Australia

Split Rhythm supercross concept to debut at Adelaide 500

Post: Alex Gobert

Richardson, Waters, Metcalfe and more to contest innovative event.

Image: Supplied.

Adelaide 500 organisers have confirmed that a ‘Split Rhythm’ supercross will form part of the 2018 event between 1-3 March in South Australia.

In place of the Enduro-X events that have been staged in recent years, the 450-metre New Holland Split Rhythm concept will be more closely related to supercross in a world-first.

The Split Rhythm circuit will see riders launch out of the gates together through the first set of obstacles, before the track splits into a pair of standalone lanes in the mid-section. Two turns later and they rejoin side-by-side for the run to the line via a whoop section and final set of rhythms.

Adelaide 500 general manager Nathan Cayzer is excited to welcome the new attraction for the 20th anniversary event: “The Adelaide 500 offers so much more than just one race. We are constantly looking for new attractions to deliver a premium offering of entertainment for fans and 2018 will be no exception.

“In previous years we have seen Enduro-X and Super Enduro-X take the event by storm and I am excited announce that in 2018 fans can look forward to another innovative international two-wheeled attraction.”

Situated by the main entrance to the event, there will be plenty of New Holland Split Rhythm action across the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event, with multiple sessions on all days for fans and newcomers to the sport.

Today’s announcement has confirmed the first group of racers set to compete in Adelaide, including Australian SX2 champion Jackson Richardson, America-bound Todd Waters, plus South Australian duo Brett Metcalfe and Luke Arbon. More are to be announced in the coming weeks.

Barcia Extension?

Yamaha extension in the works for in-form Barcia

Full supercross season on the cards following three podiums.

A revitalised Justin Barcia is expected to finish out the season with Monster Energy Knich Yamaha after claiming three Monster Energy AMA Supercross podiums in four races aboard the factory YZ450F.

Barcia, still only 25 years of age, has been a revelation this season in a six-race deal to deputise for Davi Millsaps, however his newfound form is almost certain to lead to a contract extension to complete the year.

Four rounds into the new season and Barcia has delivered a convincing haul of results for Yamaha to sit second in the point standings, nine out from current leader Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) as teammate Cooper Webb is in P11 following his season-best eighth in Arizona.

“No news is good news, right?” Barcia commented post-race at Glendale, where he finished second in the 450SX main event. “No, I definitely plan on being with the Monster Energy Knich Yamaha team the rest of the season, for sure – definitely working on it.

“It’s been good for me, I think the whole six-race thing was just a great opportunity to show I still have that fire from a couple years ago… It’s been a while. All in all, I think it’s worked in Yamaha’s favour and mine. It’s great, so I hope to continue the relationship.”

After splitting with JGRMX at the end of last season and lining up in the Monster Energy Cup on a privateer Honda, the factory lifeline from Yamaha has led to a significant run in the early stages of 2018. He event contemplated retirement at one point before opting to race-on.

“You can go for a while in this career, but for me I needed to figure out if this is what I actually wanted or if I wanted to just retire, because I probably could have had an alright life retiring last year,” he added. “But for me, I just kind of had to take a little break and clear my head and think about things. I was going to go try to obviously race on my own because I still wanted to race, but luckily this opportunity at Yamaha came up.

“It just shows when you get your mental game back in check and you get a strong team behind you and a good, new motorcycle, I was given all the puzzle pieces and kind of just gluing them all together. I changed my training, I changed everything, but luckily mentally, I think going through those tough years made me a lot tougher of a person and able to get through stuff now. What I thought was hard back then is really not that bad.”

Cairoli Unbeatable in Italy

Posted on February 04, 2018

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Antonio Cairoli is simply ageless as he rolled into another season, with a 1-1 result in the opening International race of the season. The Sicilian was perfect in everything he did today, from his rocket starts, to his beautiful sand riding skills. While many people are looking at Jeffrey Herlings as the favourite for 2018, the nine time world champion has other ideas

Herlings as mentioned previously crashed in the opening moto, DNFed, and didn’t qualify for the superfinal, but no doubt, with only minor injuries, he will be back and arrive in Argentina healthy.

Max Anstie went 2-2 to show his MXoN performance was a good indication of what he is capable of. Also to shine on the day was Jeremy Van Horebeek with 3-4 results, and Romain Febvre with 5-3 results.

Cairoli once again led from the start of the superfinal, ahead of Anstie, Van Horebeek, Febvre, Jonass, Bernardini, Vaessen, Ostlund, Leok, Ravera, Coldenhoff, Paulin, Faccetti, Vlaanderen and Lawrence in 15^th.

Febvre passed Van Horebeek to move into third place and Jonass remained in fifth place, while Lawrence dropped back to 38^th. Nagl out early on his TM.

A similar race to the first one as Cairoli controlled the action, just as he so often does. A bit of an anti-climax with Herlings not competing in this race, and lets hope it isn’t all on way traffic in 2018, like the start of 2017. 

Surely Herlings will recover from his minor injuries and be hungry to turn the tables on the defending champion.

Amazing ride by Jonass in fifth place, with the next best MX2 guy is Vaesson in ninth, and Bernardini in 14^th.

Also good to see two British flags in the top six, as its an Italian leading a Brit, then a Frenchman, Belgian, Latvian, Brit, Swiss, Estonian, Dutchman, and Frenchman in 10^th. International this event sure is.

After six laps its Cairoli by less than a second over Anstie who is doing quicker lap times than the Italian and Febvre in third was also clicking off quicker lap times than Cairoli. Van Horebeek was 10 seconds back from the leader and Jonass a long way from the Belgian.

Cairoli though turned up the speed and got to six seconds ahead of Ansti, while four Yamahas followed in Febvre, Van Horebeek, Seewer and Simpson, with Jonass dropping back to 8^th place.

Late in the race Seewer and Simpson dropped well back in the official results.

 Superfinal - Results

1 222 CAIROLI Antonio ITA MX1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 16 30:42.326 

 2 99 ANSTIE Max GBR MX1 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Husqvarna 16 30:45.507 

 3 461 FEBVRE Romain FRA MX1 Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGPYamaha 16 31:04.644 

 4 89 VAN HOREBEEK Jeremy BEL MX1 Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGPYamaha 16 31:41.326 

 5 21 PAULIN Gauter FRA MX1 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Husqvarna 16 31:50.346 

 6 1 JONASS Pauls LAT MX2 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX2 KTM 16 32:01.271 

 7 7 LEOK Tanel EST MX1 Husqvarna 16 32:15.946 

 8 911 TIXIER Jordi FRA MX1 KTM 16 32:17.893 

 9 259 COLDENHOFF Glenn NED MX1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 16 32:28.399 

 10 98 VAESSEN Bas NED MX2 Honda 15 30:47.911

450 MAIN EVENT HIGHLIGHTS | 2018 OAKLAND SUPERCROSS

Anderson wins Oakland

Anderson wins Oakland

Posted on February 04, 2018

After recovering from a big crash in practice, Jason Anderson continues to be the favourite in this years AMA Suprcross championship after a stunning battle with Ken Roczen for the win in the Oakland Suprcross. Roczen had led the race with Anderson passing with two laps to g. The two exchanged the lead with the final pass going to Anderson.

Cole Seely took the holeshot from Roczen, Marvin Musquin, Blake Baggott, and Anderson, but Roczen passed Seely on the 11th lap and led for the next 12, before Anderson took the lead and went on to win.

Eli Tomac continued his mixed season with a 14th place finish after starting in seventh place, just ahead of Australian legend Chad Reed who had his best finish of the year in 14th.

In the championship points its Anderson 115, Roczen 100pts.

2018 MXGP Italy

Cairoli wins MXGP moto

Posted on February 04, 2018

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Antonio Cairoli once again showed his brilliance by winning the opening MXGP moto of the 2018 season. Just as he so often does, he took a brilliant start and just cruised away from his rivals. Will we see the Sicilian great continue to dominate his rivals in 2018?   

His KTM team-mate, Jeffrey Herlings had a good start and look likely to come out of the first corner in around fifth place, but then got out of shape and went down hard. He was ridden over by a rider, but KTM officials have mentioned he is ok, just a little bruised.

The MXGP moto started with a massive crash as Jeffrey Herlings went down hard. Cairoli led from Anstie, then came Febvre, Van Horebeek, Simpson, Butron, Paulin, Febvre, Lupino, Monticelli, Leok, Coldenhoff, Krestinov, Jasikonis. Herlings was out of the race.

After two laps Cairoli had extended his lead over Anstie, followed by Van Horebeek, Simpson, Paulin, Febvre, Lupino, Leok, Jasikonis, Monticelli, Butron, Coldenhoff, Krestinov, Nagl, Forato in 15^th.

Unlike the MX2 race this was very uneventful as Cairoli walked away from Anstie, and the rest of the MXGP riders.

After nine laps it was Cairoli, Anstie, Van Horebeek, Paulin, Simpson, Febvre, Lupino, Leok, Jasikonis, Seewer, Coldenhoff, Monticelli, Nagl, Krestinov, and Tixier 15^th.

Paulin went past Van Horebeek for third place, and Simpson was passed by Febvre. After 11 laps it was Cairoli, Anstie, Paulin, Van Horebeek, Febvre, Simpson, Leok, Jasikonis, Lupino, and Seewer 10^th.

Febvre was really riding well as he closed up on Van Horebeek and Paulin, but time looked likely to run out for the Frenchman. 

MXGP moto - Results

1 222 CAIROLI Antonio ITA Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 16 30:12.650 

 2 99 ANSTIE Max GBR Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Husqvarna 16 30:32.417 

 3 89 VAN HOREBEEK Jeremy BEL Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Yamaha 16 30:36.061 

 4 21 PAULIN Gauter FRA Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Husqvarna 16 30:36.089 

 5 461 FEBVRE Romain FRA Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Yamaha 16 30:42.518 

 6 24 SIMPSON Shaun GBR Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Yamaha 16 31:06.978 

 7 7 LEOK Tanel EST Husqvarna 16 31:49.121 

 8 91 SEEWER Jeremy SUI Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Yamaha 16 31:49.596 

 9 77 LUPINO Alessandro ITA Kawasaki 16 31:50.223 1:55.471 2 1:37.573 40

 10 27 JASIKONIS Arminas LTU Team Honda Red Moto Assomotor Honda 16 31:55.424 

The Engine Roar of Success...Maybe!

150 Pound CAKE KALK – Is This The Future of Off-Road Motorcycles?

Minimalist Swedish design can seem pretty extreme … shocking even. Don’t let that fool you or put you off when you think about the new KALK electric off-roader from Swedish company CAKE. With a weight of 150 pounds, and enormous 24″ wheels, the KALK is a clean-sheet design that deserves your attention.

CAKE Motorcycle founder Stefan Ytterborn is no novice when it comes to innovative design and building a successful company. He previously founded the bicycle helmet and armour manufacturer POC, and he appears to have taken a no-compromises approach to the design of the KALK, which features almost nothing off-the-shelf when it comes to components.

Ytterborn is serious about protecting the environment as well, with custom design, narrow tires minimizing damage to off-road trails, in addition to the zero emissions nature of his bike. He states:

“On the mission to speed up the journey towards a zero emission society, my new ride is electric. I’m extremely excited to announce that we are innovating new technologies for a sustainable approach to off-road motorcycling, allowing for an optimized riding experience yet being respectful to the planet.” 

CAKE is already offering the KALK in a limited edition first run of 50 bikes for delivery this summer (priced at €14,000), with regular production models scheduled for late 2018.

Here is what CAKE has to say about the KALK, followed by a video of the bike in action:

The CAKE KALK bike, built for light off-road performance, uses an industrial standard IPM motor, customized for CAKE and made in Europe.

It´s a 15 kW mid motor, powered by a 51.8 Volt, 50Ah battery for torque and range, conducted by specifically developed and tuned software, for the controller and dynamic performance.
With the intention of simplicity, promoting easiness in terms of riding as well as maintenance, it´s a light bike weighing in at sub 70 kilos, using a single pivot direct drive, reducing the number of heavy and moving parts.

The suspension is specifically developed, by Öhlins supporting the category of hi performance at minimum weight.

Nothing has been left aside and every part including axles, hubs, cockpit, sprockets and even the tires (to minimize wear and footprint of trails being used), have been explicitly designed and engineered for the ultimate experience.

The light and snappy ride, with it´s focus on off and on trail riding, in the outback, means that its main character is about torque and acceleration, while providing a quiet gliding and surfy experience.

Thanks to it´s digital pre setting it´ll let anyone fly at their own level.

MXGP Dissected: Coming Up

The circus begins again

The MXGP heavyweights are set to catapult themselves into battle for the first time this weekend, as the first of five pre-season internationals will take place in Italy. The season has truly begun for those who will be chasing glory in the FIM Motocross World Championship and the thousands of fans who follow their progress. It is easy to fall back on the cliche that these pre-season events mean nothing in the grand scheme things, but they have shaped the season ahead in the past.

Romain Febvre knocked himself out at an Italian round last year and, although we will never get a definitive answer of how much that hurt him through the opening rounds, there is no doubt that it did indeed hold him back. Perhaps he would have found some better settings had he not been robbed of precious testing time? The same can be said for Jeffrey Herlings, as a crash in an international race derailed his campaign before it had even started. Clement Desalle suffered a similar problem in his maiden term with Monster Energy KRT.

Antonio Cairoli will attract countless fans to the Italian events (KTM Images/Ray Archer)

The Mantova Starcross once opened the European season, but has now been replaced by Riola Sardo. The race, which acts as the first of three rounds, attracts more stars than any other pre-season event. Although that may be a bold claim, the entry list seems like a starting list for a round of MXGP. Antonio Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Romain Febvre and Gautier Paulin will all roll onto the small circuit on Sunday. Who will win? There is really no data to make predictions off of and that adds to the intrigue that surrounds the international event.

February 11

Hawkstone Park

The Hawkstone International is now the most historic event on this list and will once again boast an impressive entry list in a little less than two weeks. Jeffrey Herlings, Gautier Paulin, Max Anstie, Tommy Searle, Glenn Coldenhoff, Pauls Jonass and some other noteworthy names will travel to the remote English setting. There is no doubt that the race, which often attracts an incredible number of spectators, will be the coldest on this list and potentially feature the worst weather, but that never dampens the prestige that surrounds the event. The MX1 and MX2 riders will compete in two motos each, then join up for a mixed race to conclude the day.

Max Anstie will be shooting for another win on home soil (Husqvarna/Bavo Swijgers)

February 11

Noto

The second round of the Italian series fits some of the stereotypes, unlike Riola Sardo, as the circuit features elevation and a hard-pack base. A lot of the stars who race the opening round choose to not follow the path to round two, seeing as there are some other events to choose from, but Antonio Cairoli and Romain Febvre will still headline this event. The latter will be one of the most intriguing stories to follow through the pre-season events, as some questions about his current form will be answered. It was quite clear that there were some holes in his programme at these events last year.

February 18

Mantova

Mantova needs no introduction, seeing as it has been on the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar for a number of years. The sandy circuit may be the best test ahead of the opening round of MXGP, for that reason, as the track is on the same level as those in the premier series. There is one hundred and twenty thousand euros up for grabs at the end of this three-race series, so this race will be interesting for that fact alone. Antonio Cairoli, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing duo and Wilvo Yamaha MXGP trio will all be in the mix for that loot.

Clement Desalle has flown very under the radar this off-season (Monster Energy Media/Ray Archer)

February 18

LaCapelle Marival

LaCapelle Marival could be considered the third-biggest event of the off-season, behind Riola Sardo and Hawkstone Park. Jeffrey Herlings, Max Anstie, Gautier Paulin and Clement Desalle will headline the premier division on the traditional hard-pack circuit in France. It seems as though this will be the only shot to see the Monster Energy KRT squad, consisting of Desalle and Julien Lieber, in action, as well as some of the smaller outfits like VHR KTM. There will be no more pre-season events following this weekend, as there will be just two weeks to go until the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina. It really is not far away at all.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: KTM Images/Ray Archer

Robert Wins AMA Hare and Hound Opener

Taylor Robert claims overall victory at round one of the AMA KENDA SRT Hare and Hound Championship.

The opening round of the 2018 series kicked off in the Spangler Hills, California with a full entry keen to get their season off to a good start.

Nick Burson led for much of the season's opening race in the Pro Class, gaining a strong lead on the opening lap after the rest of the field was stuck at a train crossing.

Burson gave up his lead to Robert through the rocky and technical section in lap two from where Taylor brought the win home.

After difficulties with his radiator at the end of lap one, Jacob Argubright climbed from fourth position to take second by the flag.

Kendall Norman pushed hard after helping another rider during the race to round out the podium in third.

Dean Ferris Racing Mountain Man

Australian champion to race in Toowoomba Mountain Man event

  

 CDR Yamaha's Dean Ferris won his second consecutive Thor MX1 title in Round nine of the MX Nationals at Echo Valley in Toowoomba last year. Nev Madsen

by Madolyn Peters

MOTOCROSS: Current two-time Australian champion Dean Ferris is looking forward to returning to one of his favourite tracks for the Mountain Man event.

"I've raced all around the world and Toowoomba is up there with on the best," he said.

Over the past 15 years Ferris has raced at Echo Valley for nationals and the Sunshine State Series, but this will be his first time lining up in the Mountain Man.

"Mountain Man is actually a really prestigious race that used to run back in the day and has been going for a few years," he said.

Ferris has been wanting to race in the Mountain Man for the past few years but it clashed with his New Zealand tour.

This year he has freed up his schedule and wants to make it mark on the event.

Motocross champion Dean Ferris will visit Toowoomba in March for the Mountain Man event.

"I'm hoping I can win it. That will put my name up there with all the greats," he said.

"It's going to be a good pre-season race for me leading into nationals."

This year Ferris is chasing his third Australia title in a row.

Toowoomba Motocross Club president John Armstrong said it was huge for the region to have someone of Ferris' calibre race in the Mountain Man event.

Ferris has not only raced in Australia he also competed in Europe and America for a number of years and represented Australia at the MX Nationals.

"The MX Nationals is like the Olympics of our sport where you ride for your country," Armstrong said.

"To have him turn up for our little event, it'll make the riders lift their game that's for sure."

Although it's not a little event at all.

It's one of the richest stand alone events in the country and has the biggest prize money up for grabs on the east coast of Australia.

Armstrong and his family first met Ferris when he was an up and coming rider in Europe.

"He was working out the back of his van with his mum as his mechanic," Armstrong said.

"We followed him and kept going from there."

The Mountain Man Motocross is a two-day event held across the weekend of March 10-11.