2017 MXGP of QATAR: HIGHLIGHTS Qualifying Races

Check out the highlights from todays two motos. A win for Jonass and a win for Gajser

Stefan Everts MXGP Comments

Stefan Everts interview – MXGP

The greatest rider of all time, Stefan Everts. He has ridden with the best of his era and beaten them. He has also suffered injuries that nearly ended his career. We sat down with Stefan and asked him about the toughness of the MXGP class and also what he thinks of the big four (Gajser, Herlings, Febvre and Cairoli).

MXLarge: Stefan, we talk about this MXGP class every year, how strong it is. This year so many GP winners and world champions. Pretty similar to 2005 when you and Ben (Townley) and Mickael (Pichon), and Joel (Smets), Steve (Ramon), and Josh (Coppins) all raced against each other. So many GP winners and world titles back then, and also this year.

Everts: You mean 2003? The year they combined the classes?

MXlarge: No, 2005, that to me was a really good year. You think 2003 was better?

Everts: No, 2005 was good, but I remember them combining the classes in 2002, 2003 and then again in maybe 2005 when Ben and Steve came to the MX1 class. This year looks interesting with a lot of potential GP winners. Of course we will only have a few potential champions. The question is who will it be.

MXlarge: Who do you think?

Everts: I think Tony showed some things in the pre-season, I am not sure I have seen him that good in the pre-season. I think for Romain, it was a bit of a disaster, that first year of defending your championship is very difficult, and I think that is what he faced. For Tim we will see if he can do it right. For Herlings there is a lot of pressure, we know he can only be satisfied with winning, and with an injury it isn’t going to be an easy start. It’s a stacked class and it is going to be interesting.

MXlarge: When I think of a stacked class I think of the 1980s with guys like Geboers, Thorpe, Jobe, Malherbe. Can you compare now to then?

Everts: It is very difficult to compare times. I think we should just look back into the past with great memories and not start to compare things. I mean it’s apples and pears. The rider’s attitude has changed, the bikes have changed, the tracks are different. It’s a new generation and I think every generation, in every sport, they all have great moments. People say now it’s not as interesting as it was 20 years ago or 10 years ago, but they said the same thing 10 years ago, so it’s hard to judge.

MXLarge: You obviously want to keep your record of 101 GP wins and 10 world titles. Antonio has shown this winter that he might be back. Do you get a little nervous for your record, or you don’t care?

Everts: You know, it’s very early, and I don’t get nervous. Of course I want to keep my record, I worked hard for that. Tony came close a few years ago, then he struggled, but he would need to win this year and then again next year to equal it. Then he needs to do more than that, but if it’s like that, it’s like that, and I will not die from it, and whatever happens, happens, records are there to be broken.

MXlarge: Have you had an injury like Jeffrey has?

Everts: I had some injuries my hand, and a broken bone is six weeks, so if you want to ride before, it’s going to be with a lot of pain, that is for sure.

MXlarge: What does Jeffrey have to do to stop making these mistakes?

Everts: Pfffff, he is definitely the fastest, but it isn’t always the fastest who wins or who is the best. You need to bring it to the line in one piece and I don’t think it’s his rivals who are the big danger, but himself. He is his biggest rival.

MXGP - Qatar

Gajser wins MXGP qualifier

Riding sick early in the day, the HRC rider Tim Gajser has won the MXGP qualification race at the Grand Prix , after leading easily and then putting up with a typical Antonio Cairoli charge at the end of the moto. Eventually Gajser won by just half a second from Cairoli and Paulin a further 15 seconds back.

“I actually only felt sick in the first practice,” Gajser said. “Then in the second practice and the race I started feeling better. So tomorrow it should be ok. I just hope the track is lets with the ruts and stuff, it should be better tomorrow. The race went well, I had a good start and was able to move into the lead early. I made a couple of mistakes late in the race and Antonio could catch me, but I could hold on for the win.”

Gajser takes the holeshot from Cairoli, with Febvre in 8^th and Herlings back in 15^th place. Top ten on lap one are Gajser, Cairoli, Nagl, Guillod, Paulin, Tonus, Febvre, Simpson, Anstie, and Tixier.

Passing all over the place as at the end of the lap its Gajserr leading by two seconds, then Cairoli, Paulin, Bobryshev, Febvre, Van Horebeek, Tonus, Anstie, Nagl, Desalle, Butron, Tixier and Herlings. Simpson is in last after a solid start.

Gajser is flying with a three second lead over Cairoli on lap two, with Paulin a further four seconds back. Febvre is all over Bobryshev for fourth place.

After four laps the tp tne is Gajser, Cairoli, Paulin, Bobryshev, Febvre, Van Horebeek, Tonus, Anstie, Nagl, Desalle, Tixier, Butron, Strijbos and Lupino. Herlings can’t get out of 15^th spot.

Looking a lot smoother Gajser is now four seconds ahead of Cairoli and cruising. After seven laps its Gajser, Cairoli, Paulin, Bobryshev, Febvre, Van Horebeek, Tonus, Anstie, Desalle, Tixier, Nagl, Butron, Lupino, Coldenhoff and Herlings.

Febvre went down and lost a handful of positions and handing his team-mate Van Horebeek fifth position. Herlings seems satisfied with his 15^th place with two laps to go.

Cairoli started catching the world MXGP champion with three laps to go, and while Gajser didn’t look like he was pushing too hard, the gap was getting closer and closer.

Gajser held on, and still looked in control despite the charge from the Italian legend.

MXGP – Qualifying Race – Classification

1 243 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS Honda 25:05.634
2 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 25:06.251
3 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM Husqvarna 25:21.543
4 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MFR Honda 25:23.032
5 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB Yamaha 25:25.657
6 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI FMS Yamaha 25:27.190
7 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM Yamaha 25:31.457
8 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU Husqvarna 25:34.555
9 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB Kawasaki 25:35.896
10 911 Tixier, Jordi FRA FFM Kawasaki 25:37.354

2017 Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series // Round 01 Highlights

The Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series presented by PRI Powersports Insurance kicked off its 2017 schedule with the opening round of the season at MotoVated Sports Complex near Gaston, South Carolina, where Coastal Racing’s Ryan Sipes claimed a 32-second victory over SRT Racing’s Steward Baylor

EnduroCross Series

Bonnier Motorcycle Group Assumes Operation of EnduroCross Series

February 21, 2017

Bonnier Motorcycle Group, owners of popular motorcycle media properties, including Cycle World, Motorcyclist, Dirt Rider and Hot Bike, has agreed to terms to take over ownership of the popular EnduroCross indoor off-road race series from TEN: The Enthusiast Network (TEN). The AMA-sanctioned series is known for exciting action that brings all of the elements of extreme off-road motorcycle racing indoors. EnduroCross allows the top off-road motorcycle racers in the world to showcase their talents in front of thousands of race fans that can enjoy the action from the comfort of an arena seat.

“We see tremendous growth potential for the EnduroCross series,” stated Corey Eastman, Director of Consumer Engagement at Bonnier Motorcycle Group. “Off-roading is a foundational part of motorcycling in the United States and EnduroCross is the only form of indoor racing that puts all of the skill and excitement of off-roading in an easy to watch format.”

Longtime Director of EnduroCross Sales and Marketing, Lance Bryson, will be joining the Bonnier team to continue his role.

“I have worked on the EnduroCross series for more than ten years now and it is an amazing show that allows the riders, motorcycle manufacturers and aftermarket accessory companies to showcase their skills and products,” Bryson stated. “Joining the Bonnier team will help increase the awareness and growth of EnduroCross. To add EnduroCross to their already existing portfolio and leverage the strength of DIRT RIDER is huge and will showcase the synergy between all their properties.”

Also, part of the acquisition, Eric Peronnard, the creator of EnduroCross, the US Open of Supercross, two-wheel sports organizer for X Games, MiniMotoSX, Tennessee Knockout Extreme Enduro and trusted advisor on events around the globe, will also be joining the Bonnier team.

“The enthusiasm of the Bonnier Motorcycle Group team will be a great catalyst for the growth of EnduroCross,” stated Peronnard. “I’m extremely excited to be part of the Bonnier Motorcycle Group!”

The Bonnier Motorcycle Group Consumer Engagement division produces several consumer programs, each with a focus on giving participants the opportunity for a great riding experience, all presented by GEICO Motorcycle. These experiences include: The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, HighPipe, Track Day Shootout, Adventure Rally Series and Hot Bike Tour. The EnduroCross series adds a dirt-bike racing element to Bonnier’s event portfolio.

“EnduroCross is a perfect fit for Bonnier and its stable of motorcycle-focused media assets,” said Norb Garrett, Executive Vice President and General Manager of TEN’s Sports and Entertainment Group. “We’re happy that the series will continue to grow under Bonnier’s stewardship as we continue to focus on digital transformation around our core brands.”
2017 Tentative EnduroCross Schedule

Las Vegas, NV August 19
Reno, NV September 23
Denver, CO September 30
Everett, WA October 14
Phoenix, AZ October 28
Boise, ID November 4
Ontario, CA November 18

JARVIS WINS HELL’S GATE 2017

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING’S GRAHAM JARVIS WINS HELL’S GATE 2017

February 19, 2017

JARVIS SECURES A FIFTH VICTORY AT THE ITALIAN EXTREME CLASSIS
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Graham Jarvis has cemented his place in the Hell’s Gate record books by claiming a fifth event win. Earning a hard-fought victory at the 2017 edition of the one-day Tuscan race, the recent Ales Trem winner finished more than four minutes ahead of his closest challenger at the end of the three-hour main race. Graham’s team-mate Billy Bolt ran as high as fifth in the main event, finishing the race despite an issue with his rear brake.

Putting his name at the top of the results at the end of the morning’s qualifying race Jarvis showed that he meant business in Italy. Quick off the start in the main event Graham’s time out front was short lived as Wade Young set the early pace. Never far from his South African rival, when Wade suffered a small technical issue Graham hit the front and never looked back.

Leading at the two-hour mark from Travis Teasdale, Graham steadily extended his lead as darkness fell. Maintaining his impressive pace during the final hour of the race Jarvis earned a well-deserved fifth Hell’s Gate victory, topping the podium ahead of Teasdale and Young.

Billy Bolt’s first ever Hell’s Gate outing was a largely positive one. Fifth in the morning’s qualifying race he found himself stuck behind a number of riders on the opening climb in the main race, just meters from the start. Battling his way to fifth at the end of the first hour of racing, soon after his refuelling stop he damaged his rear brake. Hampering his progress during the second half of the race Billy nevertheless reached the finish.

Graham Jarvis: “It’s been a great event for me. Winning the morning qualifying race was a bit of a surprise. I just made sure I didn’t make any mistakes and that was good enough to get the win. In the main race I got a good start but dropped behind Wade Young, who was running a really strong pace. He had some kind of a problem then, which allowed me to get ahead. I just kept a steady pace going then and things worked out great. There was a lot more man-made sections this year, which isn’t really my things. But to get a fifth Hell’s Gate win is great.”

Billy Bolt: “Generally, I’m pleased with the way things went for me. I didn’t get a great start in the main race and lost some time stuck behind riders in one of the early rocky climbs. I settled into quite a good rhythm then and was really enjoying things. About half way through the race I had an issue with my rear brake, so I rode the second half of the race only using my front brake. I think I clipped a rock. That was pretty hard on some of the down hills. I couldn’t push like I wanted then and just made sure I got to the finish. I learned a lot and enjoyed my first time at Hell’s Gate.”

Results – Hell’s Gate 2017

1. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 3:08:23 (14 laps)
2. Travis Teasdale (KTM) 3:12:34 (14 laps)
3. Wade Young (Sherco) 3:13:42; (14 laps)
4. Mario Roman (Sherco) 3:17:01 (14 laps)
5. Philipp Bertl (Beta) (13 laps)

Hell's Gate 2016 - Highlights

The iconic Hell’s Gate Hard Enduro takes place this weekend. Twelve months ago we witnessed Wade Young take down Graham Jarvis for victory, will 2017 deliver similar results?

Hell’s Gate 2017 Metzeler has some flavour of revenge. The epilogue of 2016 edition, in fact, has been severely impacted by the surprise of Wade Young, the young, strong South African, arrived in Italy even before his license… to kill, has stunned the entire history of the extreme bursting into Fasola’s Competition with an irresistible force. 

No time to get his usually wrecker rhythm, and Graham Jarvis, winner of four consecutive editions from 2011 to 2014, found himself in the unusual position of pursuer. The exciting Wade Young‘s “ride” has ended, after three hours of spectacular hell, at the last gate of Hell’s Gate Metzeler 2016, in the arms of the frenzy public for bringing baptism to a new King of Enduro Extreme.

The story did not go in store. Not yet. It was still summer when Graham Jarvis asked for the date of Hell’s Gate Metzeler 2017, “providing” formally and prematurely his presence. It was clear that defeat, that the British star player attributed at least in part to the surprise, has not been settled, not in the most peaceful quaint of Sport. Jarvis’ preliminary request sounded very clear notes of the purpose of “revenge” which, however, animates the most gripping stories of sports.

Jarvis and Young were confronted in other, few occasions during the past season, but it’s to Hell’s Gate Metzeler 2017 that the two Extreme Champions will take such measures, this time no longer distracted by new and unforeseen factors. It is the promise of the duel, the great challenge of revenge, or better yet the ” vengeance ” and with it the essential leit motif of a memorable edition (as well as all of the previous 13) of the larger, key event of Extreme Enduro.

But the comparison is not “isolated” to the duel between the last two winners of Hell’s Gate Metzeler. The great action of the 14th edition of Fasola’s Extreme Race takes shape rapidly, filling the arena of the battlefield in a flash. The 120 seats are occupied, the right to a starring role in the arena of the Gladiators of Extreme was booked. After Wade Young has picked up the gauntlet thrown by Graham Jarvis, the other classified of the 2016 edition rushed to animate the “billboard

Breakthrough 33 : The Braxton McGee Story | Episode 3

In Episode 3, Braxton puts the finishing touches on his pre-season training in preparation for his GNCC XC2 pro class debut on March 5th. The GNCC series kicks off in Union, South Carolina at Big Buck Farm and Braxton will line-up for the first time on row number two as part of the XC2 Pro Class.

“Breakthrough 33: The Braxton McGee Story” is a multi-part series where FLY Racing attempts to answer the question: What does it take to make the move from the amateur to pro ranks in GNCC racing? How much hard work, dedication, and teamwork is required for an emerging offroad racer and his family to make the transition from amateur to the XC2 pro class in the 2017 GNCC series?

Cody Webb Is the USA's Leading Hard Enduro Light

Cody Webb

This rider isn't going to stop until he's cracked Europe's elite events. Find out how he'll do it.

By Lluís Llurba & Pablo Bueno on 14 February 2017

There's no doubting the raw talent of Cody Webb in Hard Enduro, where the American has mixed it up with the finest talents on more than one occasion.

The likes of Graham Jarvis, Jonny Walker, Alfredo Gómez and Wade Young are all well aware of who Webb is and what he's capable of, even if his greatest achievements to date have come in his native U.S. 

Webb is considered one of the finest specialists in the AMA EnduroCross Championship and at the X Games. He divulged his secrets to us, letting us in on how he's mastering the toughest of disciplines in Hard Enduro.

Watch the video below and get the inside track on his riding setup.

 Webb loves riding, pure and simple, and doesn't pass up an opportunity to get out on his enduro machine. One example is his ride around Donner Ski Ranch's pistes, along with Taylor Robert, to demonstrate his skills and check out some challenging terrain.

In last year's Red Bull Hare Scramble — widely considered the toughest and most demanding race on the Hard Enduro calendar — Webb showed that despite being an event novice, his technical abilities and pure speed were of a superior quality. It showed in the final results, as he astounded everyone with an unexpected second-place finish, a result that felt more like a victory to him.

"I'm the first American on the podium here,” said Webb at the time. “It's an honor to represent my country in Hard Enduro in this way."

Webb has really excelled in the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout, a Hard Enduro event that's quickly established itself as the leading extreme enduro race in the U.S.

"I know how to adapt to difficult terrain," he says. "That helps me make very few errors."

Science of Supercross | Episode 14 (Factory Transport) | Engineered by Kawasaki