Cedric Soubeyras chooses his ride for Arenacross

The 26-year-old multi-time SX champion is one of a number of fast Frenchmen including reigning champ Thomas Ramette and 2014 champion Fabien Izoird who have signed up for the series. On the eve of the 2016 championship the AX team caught up with Soubeyras to find out a little more about him.

CS: I won the European Supercross Championship in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

For that last title I had to fight against former world MX2 champion Christophe Pourcel.

I have been a two-time champion in supercross in France and I was French Junior and MX1 champion.

CS: I would say maybe Geneva 2009 for my first race in the SX1 class.

I won the overall and became King of Geneva on a 250cc two-stroke.

CS: I know them really well. Thomas is couple of months younger than me so we used to race a lot together.

I have actually never finished behind him in a complete championship but I can see that last year he was the rider of the UK arenacross championship so I'm sure that he will be a serious competitor. Fabien and Cyrille [Coulon] are two guys that I have fought against since 2011 for the French title.

Fabien and I are the same level but Cyrille can be faster than us sometimes so it's going to be interesting.

CS: First I will learn a lot and it's all about results.

My goal is to go there to be on the podium of the championship. There are 11 rounds, enough to make a difference on a championship which is cool.

CS: I will take some rest and then get back on the bike just a couple of days before the first round. It's a long season and I have to be consistent throughout the championship and not just on top at the first one and tired for the rest of the championship.

CS: I'm a big fan of Josh Hansen, I like his style, his whip and I'm sure it will be good competition for the championship. Angelo is a friend. And for Smith and Chatfield, it's been a long time since I've seen them riding so I can't say.

CS: Never.

CS: Not yet but I heard a lot of good things about him and he has been around for some time.He has a huge experience of racing so I'm totally confident in his ability to put together a great team of people and resource around me.

I'm sure it will be nice to work with him and I will try best to make him happy.

CS: I don't know, myself? I have to work hard to stay focused and ride most of the time at the front.

For sure Hansen, Ramette, Izoird or [Florent] Richier will be strong and I'm sure I will be surprised by some British riders.

I hear there are some who are pretty quick and aggressive, I will be watching everyone.

CS: Actually, if I'm fast enough to win it, then I will not let anyone else win it!

CS: To be with Monster Energy in 2016 is almost a bit unbelievable - it's like a dream.

It is such a famous brand now in racing and to know that a big company like Monster trust in me to do a job for them - and wear that helmet - motivates me even more.