Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), meanwhile, could face a more difficult weekend. Honda and Ducati have ruled in Austria and the Suzukis, like the Yamahas, may need to pull something special out the bag to contend. But to finish first, first you must finish and the Spaniard was back on it at Brno after two uncharacteristic crashes from podium contention before summer. What can he do? And can Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and teammate Maverick Viñales – who hits 150 GPs – create any magic in the mountains? Yamaha were a force to be reckoned with at the Brno test, but Austria is a very different venue.
MotoGP heads to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg for the 11th round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship this weekend as the myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich takes centre stage.
Red Bull Ring is a 4,318m strip of asphalt set amongst the picturesque mountains of the Styrian region, but its beautiful location contradicts the demanding nature of the track.
Red Bull Ring
The circuit, with just two clear-cut left-hand turns and one very fast left curve, allied to the seven right-hand corners which give a lot of stress to that side of the tyre, all added to four straights and the highest average lap-speed on the calendar, plus a very abrasive track, makes Spielberg one of the biggest challenges for Michelin during the 19-race season.
MotoGP 2018 – Round 11 – Red Bull Ring
Since the Red Bull Ring and Austria returned to the calendar in 2016, only Ducati have won there. And that means, therefore, that reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) is yet to conquer Spielberg. Will 2019 be the year?
MotoGP 2018 Round 11 – Red Bull Ring – Jorge Lorenzo won in Austria last year on the Ducati in an absolutely brilliant ride
The increased top-end power of the 2019 RC213V might make the difference this year that will enable HRC to break Ducati’s stranglehold on the Austrian round.
Marc Marquez
“It has certainly been a busy return after the summer! Of course we are very happy about the result in Brno but now we must focus again and prepare for Austria. The Red Bull Ring is a very unique circuit that demands a lot from the brakes and from the power of the bike. In the past we have had some very exciting races there so this year I think it will again be very interesting!”
Dovizioso’s 2017 victory against Marquez was one of their many classic duels and the Italian was back on the podium at Brno after a more difficult few races. And then there’s teammate Danilo Petrucci, now a Grand Prix winner after that stunning victory at Mugello, and he could make it four different riders in a row to win for the Borgo Panigale factory. More than points, this weekend is pride on the line.
MotoGP Podium Austria 2017 – Marquez, Dovizioso, Pedrosa
And can Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) get in the fight? He was on the podium at Brno for the second time this season and, earlier in the year, was the only man to have overtaken Marquez for some time. He’s top Independent Team rider too, having pulled out some breathing space on Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) in the standings, who incidentally hits a milestone of 150 Grands Prix. Crutchlow could also be one to watch in Austria, having come home just off the podium last season and the Honda remaining a match for the Ducati…
Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), meanwhile, could face a more difficult weekend. Honda and Ducati have ruled in Austria and the Suzukis, like the Yamahas, may need to pull something special out the bag to contend. But to finish first, first you must finish and the Spaniard was back on it at Brno after two uncharacteristic crashes from podium contention before summer. What can he do?
Valentino Rossi – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
And can Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and team-mate Maverick Viñales – who hits 150 GPs – create any magic in the mountains? Yamaha were a force to be reckoned with at the Brno test, but Austria is a very different venue, and the top end horsepower deficit currently suffered by Yamaha could be very telling at the Red Bull Ring.
The man on top at that test though was Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT), and the rookie often doesn’t seem to play by the formbook of the factory team. Leading Rookie of the Year comfortably, he’ll likely have his sights set more on Crutchlow and Miller ahead of him in the Independent Team rider standings.
Fabio Quartararo
“We know that it won’t be an easy track for us, but we’ll use the factory Yamahas as a benchmark. We know that some other bikes might have a little bit more power and that Spielberg has many long straights, but we’re going into the weekend really calm and not about to make stupid mistakes. It’s a totally different track and it’ll be nice to try out a new challenge on the YZR-M1. It’s a track that has always been positive for me in Moto2 and Moto3 and I know I’ll enjoy riding there a lot, but we’ll have to wait and see what will be possible on Sunday.”
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
But he’ll have to contend with teammate Franco Morbidelli, who will be eager to bounce back from a crash that was no fault of his own, and fellow Independent contenders like Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini).
Franco Morbidelli
“It’s going to be a difficult weekend for sure, but we’ll keep believing in ourselves. We’ve been able to be very fast on some occasions this year and this will be a weekend where we have to understand how to be fast all the time. We’ll gather lots of data and study hard to make the best out of it. It’s a circuit where I’ve got good memories though, and I really like riding the track. With our bike and all the straights I know it’s going to be tricky, but let’s just wait and see how tricky it will be.”
And then, of course, there’s the home manufacturer: KTM. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) just can’t seem to stop impressing and has been one of only two riders to have scored in every race this season – the other being Petrucci. He’ll want to put on the show of the season on the Austrian factory’s home turf, especially after losing out on the chance last season through injury.
And teammate Johann Zarco, fresh from taking KTM’s first front row last time out, will be out to prove a few things too. Can Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and teammate Hafizh Syahrin showcase some pace as well?
Hervé Poncharal -Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Team Manager
“This Grand Prix is going to be for sure a very special one for us, being at the home for both, Red Bull and KTM. We feel we need to deliver a very special weekend in terms of results, in terms of availability to the media, to the guests and of course this is a place – more than anywhere, where we would like to shine to thank both, Red Bull and KTM for their investment, for their support. We arrive in Spielberg with an interesting and fruitful day of testing in Czech Republic on the Monday. Both riders were happy with the outcome of the test. Miguel received some upgrades that were already used by the factory KTM riders and he liked these new items a lot. Hafizh worked a lot on his riding style and understanding of the KTM RC16 and I believe we arrive in Spielberg ready to produce a good show and to make the KTM fans happy and proud about us. For sure there will be many orange flags around the circuit and hopefully this is going to be an event to match their expectations. We arrive full of confidence, full of energy and hopefully there will be a smile on everybody’s face of the Red Bull KTM MotoGP operation on Sunday night.”
Lawrence Pro Motocross debut set for Unadilla this weekend
Section: Competition
Younger brother to Hunter set for Pro Motocross appearance at round 10.
Image: Supplied.
Australian teenager Jett Lawrence, younger brother to Hunter, will make his Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross debut this weekend at Unadilla after coming off a strong campaign at Loretta Lynns’ 2019 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.
Lawrence turns 16 today, making him eligible to race in the pro ranks under a new ruling that allows amateur racers to contest up to three Pro Motocross rounds or score a total of 40 points while remaining as an amateur.
The Amsoil Factory Connection Honda rider came heartbreakingly close to capturing a title at Loretta’s last week, his hopes crushed in the 250 Pro Sport division when he suffered a mechanical malfunction, while in Open Pro Sport, he finished just shy of the top spot in second.
“I’m just ready for Unadilla,” Lawrence said in an interview with RacerX. “I can’t say what I can do – I was coming here thinking I was going to get a fifth place first moto – so I can’t say what I get now. I just have to see what comes to me, and if I get a good start, I get a good start. If I don’t, I don’t. I just have to ride 100 percent. I might not even qualify. I’m not sure!
“So basically we have all the papers filled out and all that stuff, so Wednesday we have to send the papers out so we can get signed up and that stuff. I wanted to do more the sand ones, like Southwick, RedBud, they’re more my style, but we have to wait until I’m 16 then to sign up.”
After last year’s intrepid odyssey around the UK on Triumph Explorers, this time around for 2019 it was to be a somewhat back to the future expedition on early model Honda Fireblades.
Get Routed specialise in shipping motorcycles to Europe and thus arranged to ship two of my early CBR900RR machines to the UK ahead of the 2019 Isle of Man TT.
Motorcycles being prepped for container transport from Australia to the UK with Get Routed
Thus the peregrination for the Fireblades started a long time before our own globe-trotting got underway. Of course the bikes were sent by sea, while ours was a very much quicker journey by air.
There is some paperwork that needs to be filled in some weeks prior to shipping the motorcycles but no actual paperwork required on the day. The most important requirement is the ‘Vehicle Import Application’ from the Australian Government. That’s right, despite the bikes being originally sold in Australia, and currently licenced in Australia, you need to fill in forms in order for them to be allowed back in to the country.
Motorcycles being prepped for container transport from Australia to the UK with Get Routed
Thankfully this is largely facilitated on-line but still requires you to register an account with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development. You will need a scan of your identification documents, be that a drivers lience or passport, and your account approval may take a couple of days. Then the Vehicle Import Application can commence. For which you will require clear and legible photographs of the ADR identification plates on your motorcycle, ensure the VIN number is easily read along with the relevant ADR approval numbers.
You will also need a copy of the registration documents for your motorcycle. It makes it easier if you have digital copies of these documents to upload with your on-line application. It costs around $50 and both requests for further information or approval documents are provided via email. You should then forward your approval documentation on to Dave in order for him to have the motorcycle released by customs when they arrive back in Australia.
Get Routed provide information sheets that help walk you through all the processes required ahead of the shipping. I must admit without their guidance I would have been well lost, red tape and me don’t mix all that well…
There was surprisingly not much preparation required for the motorcycles before they were checked in at a Spotswood freight depot on February 28.
Motorcycles being prepped for container transport from Australia to the UK with Get Routed
Meeting us at the depot was Get Routed proprietor Dave Milligan. Get Routed have been shipping bikes around the world for over 20 years. The destinations specialised in range from just across the ditch to Christchurch (New Zealand), Barcelona (Spain), Athens (Greece), and the most common option which is the seaside town of Felixstowe in Suffolk, England.
At Spotswood they were tied on to their individual shipping platforms before being placed in the container by fork-lift.
Motorcycles being prepped for container transport from Australia to the UK with Get Routed
Felixstowe is where the bikes were waiting for us after we flew out of Melbourne on the morning of May 18. By this time our bikes had been stored at a Felixstowe storage depot for three weeks, and thus had arrived in the UK around two months after we dropped them off in Melbourne.
As a precaution we had disconnected the batteries on the Fireblades and taped up the terminals before they went into the container. Dave’s right-hand-man at Felixstowe, Mike Smith, then saved us a bit of time by re-connecting the batteries for us a few days prior to our arrival.
The bikes still had a small amount of fuel in the tanks for the trip, enough to get us to a service station outside the docks and recoil in horror once again at the price of fuel in the UK, which is approximately twice what we pay in Australia.
The price of fuel in the UK is pretty horrendous. This works out to almost $100 to fill the two Fireblades.
We had also saved some hassle by fitting the Oxford tank-bags and tail-bags to the Fireblades before they left Melbourne, already filled with our gear ready for the trip. We had also put in a gear-bag with our touring suits and helmets in the container so we could fly in without having to cart a heap of luggage.
Oxford tail-pack on the 1995 Fireblade
Insurance in the UK and Europe is mandatory. This can prove extremely problematic via most insurance companies but Get Routed put us on to a German insurance company and the process was largely painless.
Travel Insurance is also something you of course need to consider prior to any journey. This can be a minefield while travelling by motorcycle. Those policies which say they cover motorcycle use, in the fine-print restrict that to 50 or 125cc maximums. Even some policy options where you tick a box for extra motorcycle cover that also in the fine-print restricts engine size to 125 or 250cc. Dave can also put you on to travel insurance companies that come recommended.
Your bikes will need to be washed before returning them to the Felixstowe depot for their return journey. Otherwise Australian customs might end up washing them for you and charging you a hefty fee in the process.
Dave also provides directions to the wash bay closest to the docks
The cost for the motorcycle shipping service to the Felixstowe depot in the UK is $3950. To have your bike dropped off and picked up from Athens or Barcelona is $4225 for a standard sized motorcycles less than 2.3-metres long, which includes bikes such as BMW’s R 1200 GS.
There are no problems or extra costs with having your bike shipped to one of those ports, and then picked up from the UK port. Thus you could pick up your bike in to Barcelona or Athens, and then drop it off in the UK after your extensive tour of mainland Europe. Get Routed also have shipping packages for people that wish to attend the Isle of Man TT, these are inclusive of hard to get ferry tickets for you and your motorcycle to the Isle of Man, plus 14-nights accommodation on the Isle of Man across the TT fortnight.
There are plenty of interesting places to explore on the Isle of Man away from the racing.
Check out www.GetRouted.com.au for more information and/or ask for Dave himself on 03 5625 9080 as he is the main man in the know for this motorcycle shipping business.
Popular classic road racing event returns on Australia Day long weekend.
Image: Russell Colvin.
A date has been set for the 2020 International Island Classic at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, scheduled to return on the Australia Day long weekend on 24-26 January.
Featuring a century of motorcycles from pre-war through to the new era machines, the event is a motorcycle-lovers’ paradise over a massive three days.
From Friday to Sunday, the circuit brims with people passionate about bike racing, engineering and two-wheel history with over 450 bikes, 300 riders and 50 plus races starring on a packed agenda.
Tickets to the 2020 International Island Classic are due to go on sale later this year, while further details on the event are expected to be released in the coming months.
Bruce Anstey is to make a welcome return to TT action in the class and starting at his customary #5 for the Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles team while team-mate Davey Todd will be the first to head down Glencrutchery Road when the Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT runners set off on August 24th.
Clive Padgett’s team has won every year since the class – primarily for 250cc 2-stroke race machines – was introduced to the Classic TT in 2016, with the returning Anstey triumphant in 2016 and 2017 and Lee Johnston taking the honours 12 months ago.
Bruce Anstey (250 Honda/Padgetts Motorcycles.com) at Ballacraine during qualifying for the 2017 Bennett’s Classic TT.
However, this year will be the first occasion that the team has fielded two machines, with rising star Todd and the seasoned Anstey on a pair of Honda RS250s. The combination of rider talent, machine preparation and proven pedigree means the Padgetts team will line up as hot favourites for victory, and whilst Anstey’s competitive return to racing is a triumph in itself, don’t be surprised to see the 250cc lap record holder make a fairy-tale return to the Classic TT podium.
Clive Padgett hugs Bruce Anstey after his record-setting win in the Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT Race in 2017. Photo Stephen Davison / Pacemaker Press Intl
Reigning Dunlop Senior TT champion, Dean Harrison lines up at number 2 on the first of three Laylaw Racing Yamaha TZ250s, with team-mate Ian Lougher starting from number 3. Harrison made his debut in the class in 2018 and while he wasn’t able to challenge for victory in 2018, he finished just off the podium with a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, Lougher has stood on the rostrum in each running of the Lightweight Classic TT, taking second place in 2016 and 2017 and a third place in 2018. Phil Harvey lines up on the third yellow and white Laylaw machine at number 12.
Dean Harrison to join Lougher and Harvey on TZ250
Michael Rutter is set to start at number 4, but the seven-time TT winner and two-time Classic TT winner has yet to reveal what machine he will be riding, having previously ridden a 750 Ducati in the class.
Michael Rutter at the Gooseneck on his way to winning the Sure Junior Classic TT Race in 2017. Photo Dave Kneen
Joey Thompson – starting at number 6 – is the first of a three-man fleet of Honda RS250s for John Chapman Racing, with teammates Dan Sayle and Ryan Kneen starting at numbers 10 and 11 respectively.
2-stroke specialist Gary Vines will start at number 7 on one of the three Binch Racing Yamaha TZ250s. With a personal best lap speed just shy of 115mph, the 29-year old could provide an upset for the established TT riders further up the field.
Vines is joined in David Binch’s team by Jamie Coward starting at number 8 and last year’s winner Lee Johnston, who starts at number 13 having made the switch from Padgetts Honda to the Binch Racing Yamaha. Johnston will be onboard the same TZ250 that Adam McLean finished second on – behind Johnston – 12 months ago. To date, it is the closest that any rider or machine has come to besting the dominant Padgetts Motorcycles team and, with Johnston onboard, will surely be their toughest opposition to date.
Lee Johnston won the Lightweight Classic TT in 2018 on a Padgetts Honda RS250
McLeod Accessories and Fly Racing have announced the 2020 racewear range’s arrival in Australia, including the Kinetic, F-16 and Women’s Lite Hydrogen ranges.
The Kinetic line offers a ultra-durable set of kit, with innovative features, classic comfort and a focus on reliability, and is designed to suit weekend riders through to pro racers. The Fly Racing F-16 offers a race-inspired clean graphic line, with exceptional value and a classic fit and finish.
The Women’s Lite Hydrogen racewear offers gear specifically designed for women, with an all-new stretch construction and anatomically correct design, ensuring comfort and performance. Here’s a look at what’s available:
Fly Racing Kinetic Pant – Adult $179.95/Youth $169.95 RRP
The Fly Racing Kinetic pant offers a durable multi-planel 900D construction, with stretch-rib panels, comfort mesh liner and leather heat shields including DuPont Kevlar stitching.
2020 Fly Racing Kinetic K220 Pants
Laser cut ventilation ensures good breathability, with soft-flex rubber badging, while knees are pre-shaped and sized for knee braces and guards. The waist includes Fly Racing’s zipper lock system alongside a ratcheting closure system, with adjustable waist-belt.
The full floating seat is surrounded by stretch-rib material to ensure comfort and that it moves with the rider, while an internal pocket is also found inside the waistband. The Fly Racing Kinetic Pant is available for $179.95 RRP in Adult sizes and $169.95 RRP for Youth sizes in the K120 and K220 ranges at your local Fly Racing stockist.
2020 Fly Racing Kinetic K120 Pants
Comfort mesh liner helps keep you comfortable and cool
Multi-directional stretch-rib panels for flexibility
Internal pocket located inside the waistband
Ultra-durable multi-panel 900D construction
Laser cut ventilation for precision breathability
Leather heat shield panels with DuPont Kevlar stitching
Soft-Flex protective rubber badging
Ergonomically pre-shaped knee accommodates most knee braces and guards
Full-Floating seat surrounded by stretch-rib material moves naturally with your body
Exclusive zipper lock system keeps pants closed and secure
Ratcheting closure allows for adjustability
Adjustable waist belt for custom fit
2020 Fly Racing Kinetic Racewear
Fly Racing Kinetic Jersey – Adult $49.95/Youth $49.95 RPP
The Fly Racing Kinetic Jersey features multi-panel construction with mesh ventilation and an extended tail to keep the jersey tucked in, and a standard cut fit, without being too tight, or too baggy. Shorty elastic sleeve cuffs assist with a comfortable fit that allows riders to perform at their best.
2020 Fly Racing Kinetic K220 Jerseys
The Fly Racing Kinetic jersey is available for $49.95 RRP in Adult and Youth sizes in the K120 and K220 ranges at your local Fly Racing stockist.
2020 Fly Racing Kinetic K120 Jerseys
Tagless comfort-stretch collar
Relaxed shorty elastic sleeve cuffs
Multi-panel construction for maximum performance and comfortable fit
Mesh ventilation helps dissipate heat
Extended tail helps keep jersey tucked in
Standard fit: not too tight, not too loose
Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen Pant – $219.95 RRP
The Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen pant offers a lightweight design, with stretch panel construction, stretch leg cuffs with removable elastic, a ventilated comfort mesh liner and ergonomically pre-shaped knees to suit most knee guards and knee braces.
2020 Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen Pants
A full-float seat is surrounded by stretch-rib material to ensure natural movement with the rider, while leather heat shields feature DuPont Kelvar stitching. An adjustable waist belt allows a custom fit, with a women-specific anatomically correct fit.
The Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen pant is available for $219.95 RRP at your local Fly Racing stockist.
Lightweight minimalist design
Ventilated comfort mesh liner keeps you comfortable and cool
Full-Floating seat surrounded by stretch-rib material moves naturally with your body
All-new material with 90% stretch panel construction provides an anatomically correct fit for the female body
Ergonomically pre-shaped knee accommodates most knee braces and guards
Leather heat shield panels with DuPont™ Kevlar® stitching
Sleek adjustable waist belts for a custom fit
Women’s-specific design and cut
Multi-directional stretch panels for flexibility
Low profile stretch leg cuffs with removable elastic band
2020 Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen Racegear
Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen Jersey – $59.95 RRP
The Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen jersey features multi-panel construction, alongside mesh ventilation and a comfort-stretch tagless Lycra collar for comfort and an ideal fit, while shorty cuffs with elastic sleeves won’t restrictive movement. An extended tail keeps the jersey tucked in and like the Women’s Lite Hydrogen pant, the jersey is a women’s pro fit, designed for an anatomically correct women’s fit.
2020 Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen Jerseys
The Fly Racing Women’s Lite Hydrogen jersey is available for $59.95 RRP at your local Fly Racing stockist.
Mesh ventilation panels in key areas help dissipate unwanted heat
Shorty cuffs with elastic sleeves provide unrestrictive mobility, and a comfortable fit
Multi-panel construction for maximum performance and comfortable fit
Comfort-stretch tagless Lycra collar for increased function and fit
Women’s Pro Fit: anatomically correct women’s-specific fit
Extended tail helps keep jersey tucked in
Fly Racing F-16 Pants – Adult $119.95/Youth $109.95 RRP
The Fly Racing F-16 pants offer unbeatable value, alongside a 600D polyester construction, mesh comfort liner and multi-directional stretch ribbing.
2020 Fly Racing F-16 Pants
Low profile stretch leg cuffs ensure comfort, along with pre-shaped ergonomic knees with room for knee guards or braces, with soft-flex protective knee badges.
A ratcheting fly closure ensures a good fit, alongside adjustable waist belts, and a YKK main zipper offers high durability. The Fly Racing F-16 pant is available for $119.95 RRP in Adult sizes, or for $109.95 RRP in Youth sizes at your local Fly Racing stockist.
Mesh comfort liner keeps you cool and comfortable
Multi-Directional stretch ribbing for flexibility
Low profile stretch leg cuffs
600D polyester for strength and outstanding durability
YKK main zipper for maximum durability
Soft-flex protective knee badges
Ergonomically pre-shaped knee accommodates most knee braces and guards
Ratcheting fly closure allows for adjustability
Adjustable waist belt for custom fit
2020 Fly Racing F-16 Racewear
Fly Racing F-16 Jersey – Adult $34.95/Youth $34.95 RRP
The Fly Racing F-16 Jersey features a lightweight polyester multi-panel construction, with standard fit, and extended tail. Short elastic cuffs and a stretch-collour with tagless printed label ensure comfort.
2020 Fly Racing F-16 Jerseys
The Fly Racing F-16 jersey is available for $34.95 RRP in Adult and Youth sizes at your local Fly Racing stockist.
Comfort stretch collar with tagless printed label
Short and relaxed elastic cuffs
Lightweight, durable polyester construction
Multi-panel construction for maximum performance and comfortable fit
Classic and vintage styled charity ride set for this September.
Image: Foremost Media.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is set to embark on its eighth edition in 2019 as the classic and vintage styled charity motorcycle ride returns on Sunday, 29 September.
Over 125,000 motorcyclists around the world will suit-up in their smartest attire and unite in the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, with the aim of raising $7,000,000 USD for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives on behalf of official charity partner, the Movember Foundation.
The Movember Foundation is the leading charity dedicated to helping men lead happier and healthier lives. Together with The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, they are dedicated to addressing some of the largest health issues faced by men around the world.
Founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has raised over $18,500,000 USD for men’s health, with a goal of raising a further $7,000,000 USD to the cause in 2019.
With over one million men losing their lives annually to suicide and prostate cancer, this event is calling on the global classic and vintage style motorcycling community to stop men dying too young. This year, the ride will parade through the hearts of over 700 cities across 110 countries. For more information, visit www.gentlemansride.com.
Factory Kawasaki renews MXGP contract with Desalle for 2020
Section: Competition
Injured MXGP rider signs on for next year’s world championship.
Image: Supplied.
Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing has renewed its contract with Clement Desalle for the 2020 MXGP World Championship, which will see the Belgian rider embark on his fifth season with the squad.
Desalle, who’s been sidelined with a leg injury after a horrific crash at the MXGP of Russia, says the injury was no reason to end his career, and that he’s excited continue with the factory Kawasaki team.
“I never had any doubt about my future,” said Desalle. “I know where I want to go, I know what to expect and for me there was no reason to stop my career after my injury. I have a good feeling when I practice in different sports, and I still have a huge motivation.
“I know that even if the level of my rivals is very high I can battle for the win, and when I’m at the start gate my goal is always to win. And I have a great feeling with the team – you need a good team and a good bike to win, and I have all of this with KRT where they offer me great working conditions.
“I got the green light from my doctor to start riding my bicycle on asphalt, and in a few weeks I will be back on my mountain bike, then my enduro bike and finally my motocross bike. It’s great to be able to have some activities, and it’s a good mental stimulation – after my knee injury earlier this season the goal was to be back racing as soon as possible, but after this injury in Russia I knew that it would take a fairly long time as I couldn’t do any activities for several weeks.
“The goal has always been to take the necessary time to be back at 100 percent, so I have not set a specific date for my comeback. Of course it’s difficult to watch the races on television as you would like to be in action on your bike. We’re used to a very intense life – at each race we produce a lot of adrenaline and I’m missing that so much.”
Desalle’s current teammate, Julien Lieber, is also on the sidelines with injury, prompting the team to draft in Tommy Searle as a fill-in rider.
Ducati is tipped to unveil its 2020 models on 23 October 2019 with a Streetfighter V4, Multistrada V4, Multistrada S GT and a Scrambler Icon Dark added to its ranges.
And now a leaked document from the US Environmental Protection Agency lists the “Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour” and “Scrambler Icon Dark”.
Since the Multistrada GT will be powered by the 1262cc L-Twin engine as the name suggests, maybe the Multistrada V4 is on hold for another year.
Or they may be considering running two Multi ranges with twin and four-cylinder engines.
We also expect the Grand Tour will have luggage and a bigger windscreen.
As for the 803cc Scrambler Icon Dark, it is likely to have a blackened engine and matte-black paint instead of its iconic yellow.
Ducati Scrambler Icon
Whatever they release in October, Ducati announced in April 2018 that every model in their 2020 range will have blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control.
