Returning to form last weekend defending world MXGP champion Tim Gajser put on a podium finish and won a moto around the very tough Loket circuit in Czech Republic. It seems pretty sure that HRC Factory rider Tim Gajser has put aside the idea of racing in America (as we expected).
The former MX2 and current MXGP champion told our reporter David Bulmer that he loves his country too much and wouldn’t want to move anywhere else (see below). He is however looking forward to racing the USGP at the WW Ranch in Florida. Our man Bulmer sat down and talked to Gajser this weekend.
How have the last couple of weeks been while we had this two-week break?
Last couple of weeks I have been training a lot, because when I got injured I couldn’t train and I lost some fitness. It was good to train normally on the bike and my riding was good in the qualification race. I am closing to my good fitness and I try to enjoy a lot and if I can enjoy I can go fast. The start was important so I tried to get good starts.
How were you feeling coming into Loket?
I feel good. I mentioned the break of two weeks was good for me, because I missed the fitness and I put in the work, and the results are already here. I feel more comfortable on the bike and my fitness level is good.
How did you feel on Sunday?
I am really happy as the weekend has been really positive for me after many weekends struggling. Too now be back on the podium is great, I had a good first heat leading all the race. The second race I took the holeshot and for the first couple of minutes I was feeling great and then made some small mistakes, lost my rhythm and it was not easy to come back from that. I was struggling in the last couple of minutes. All in all, I am happy. It is the first weekend in a long time that I have enjoyed riding the bike, I am going to take all the positives from this weekend, focus on that and bring them to Lommel.
You could have done with a break in the series after you go injured, but missed a lot of races. How disappointing is that?
For sure, you don’t want that, but that is how it was and we can’t change that. I just focus now on the last couple of races. I try and be consistent, try and win some races and some GPs. The goal is to get to that winning feeling. The first race on Saturday that I enjoyed some nice scrubs and having fun on the track.
Maybe some supercross in the winter?
Maybe
Did you have a problem in the qualification heat, because Tony set the fastest lap, and then you set your worst lap? He caught you quickly.
Yes, I had some issues with the bike not such a big problem. I slowed down a little just to finish the race.
Who do you see [Antonio] Cairoli’s biggest threat?
You can ask Tony about that. Jeffrey [Herlings] has been fast the last couple of rounds, so Jeffrey, but Clement [Desalle] is also good. Depends on how they feel on the day.
Again, a lot of support from your fans in Loket.
Yes, and that gives a lot of motivation. It is nice to hear them, and it’s nice so many people support me. Not even a home Grand Prix and they travel like 700 kilometres.
I actually spend the week in Slovenia, and everyone I talked to knows who you are. That must make you very proud?
Its really nice, because motocross in my country isn’t big, it’s getting bigger, but in the past, nobody knew what motocross was. I help the sport grow in my country and of course I am proud of that.
Of course, everyone wants to know about America. We go there anyway in a month or so, how much do you look forward to that.
Yes, I saw some videos of the track, and it looks sick, so I can’t wait. Until then we have some sand races, so I will try and do some good races in Europe before we go to America. Still some races to go, so we are not talking about America, but for sure one time I want to go there.
A lot of riders have two homes, they live in Lommel and also in their own country. You stay in Slovenia, have you ever been tempted to move to Belgium?
No, I will never go there. I love where I live and I have peace there. Where I am now, I will stay there, I will never move. Sure, for testing we have to go to sand tracks, but moving and starting another life somewhere else, no.
Bavo Swijgers images
