Dangerous Lee-aisons

TMX: Looking back, you had a pretty tough year and only picked up two race victories – so winning the title was quite spectacular. Can you describe how it felt and what it has done to your confidence?

 

Lee: Well, I was a little disappointed only winning two races. I had some really good opportunities to win more but I missed my chances and came in second or third. A lot of poeple were saying finish safe, but really I wanted to win more races and overalls. Confidence wise I guess it's always good to have another title. It means so much to me, I work really hard at it and to win makes it all worthwhile. 

 

TMX: By claiming the coveted MX1 crown in your debut season do you feel you have met or exceeded expectations?

 

Lee: My goals were to win this Championship from 2010. I wanted to ride the 450 years ago because I feel more comfortable on it, but I had not achieved my goals in the 250 class so I stayed down untill I'd reached my goals and then it was the right move to step up to the 450 bikes. I knew what I wanted to do this year results wise, and I achieved it although I wasn't overly happy with my scoreboard. I had my worst year in four years points-wise – I feel I have more to give, and I certainly want more race wins in 2012. 

 

TMX: You've said that you're a big guy who needed a bigger bike but do you regret not going for the ‘triple double' in MX2 following your AMCA/ IMBA doubles in 2009 and 2010?

 

Lee: HAHA, well looking back, I guess maybe slightly. But I guess theres always going to be a ‘what if' situation... I'm happy with what I achieved for myself my team, and Kawasaki in the 250 class. Maybe the future we might see a 450 double year. Fingers Crossed. 

 

TMX: How easy was it to adapt to the 450 Kawasaki?

 

Lee: Pretty easy really. I love to ride the Kawasaki 450, the chassis and suspension and the way the power was delivered is all fantastic. So I tried to get my 250s to ride like 450s anyway – ie full of torque.  The Kawasaki 450 is a mega bike, and for 2012 it's just leaps ahead of anyting I've riden previously. It corners good, powers awesome and suspension stock even is fantastic. It's user friendly for all abilities and allows you to have fun.

 

TMX: How did the transition from the smaller class affect your overall performance?

 

Lee: When I race, I take each race as it comes. I prepare in the same way for a smaller race as I do for the bigger races. So no matter what cc bike I ride I prepare or each one exactly the same.  I guess if something works for you why change it? 

 

TMX: Have the different challenges you've encountered throughout the season refreshed your motivation?

 

Lee: Yeah to a certain degree. I had a huge boost at the start of the year motivation wise as I was on a new bike, with new goals, challenges, new kit sponsors – it's always nice going out there looking fresh and feeling good. 

And, of course, by winning the Superclass straight way I was pretty pumped too. I kinda used that all the way until nearing the end of the season and I was in with a chance at the European in my first year on the 450 too. I had only a few points separating me and two other guys with one round remaining in Holland. I knew I needed to ride good in the sand, so I worked really hard to get fitter and stronger. It payed off but unfortunately I wasn't fast eough on that day. But it left me with good feelings going into the last round at Norley for the AMCA British Champs. My head was high and we came home with the title. It's a great feeling. 

 

TMX: Your training regimes for previous seasons were quite intense, have you maintained the same levels of practice, fitness and training or made changes to cater for the bigger bike?

 

Lee: Yeah, I've had some pretty intense training now for a few years. On the 250 I had to lose alot of weight as I was really heavy and it wasn't helping. I sorted that out through a lot of determination and always persisting, although I'm sure if you ask Mark Hucklebridge he will say different. I used to complain and complain and complain some more to him each day we went training. Last year of course he was diagnosed with a nasty illness, so training wise I was training myself and also trying to help Mark and train a couple of other guys. I wanted to prove to Mark that he didn't have to worry about us because we were determined enough to see it though so he could concentrate on himself for once. I always keep all of my training Blogs from each year, and in fact last year at January I was the fittest I had been ever in five years or so it gave me a huge boost and I starting looking forward.  

 

TMX: Do you feel the changes have made an impact on any improvements or do would you reconsider your previous regimes?

 

Lee: Yeah change can be good. Especially when training in a routine. It's nice to mix things up a little. Makes it more enjoyable. I absolutely love the gym. I love seeing all the fitness instructors thinking they're the fittest thing EVER in the gym and then you smoke their rowing time that's written on the wall of fame. 

 

TMX: Are there many differences between prepping your 450 compared to the 250?

 

Lee: Set-up wise, a few things I run differently like bar positioning, and sag settings. I have bigger brakes on the 450 too. Minor really. I stay clear of the bike preparation though, I'm lucky enough to have possibly the best mechanic in the trade. My dad. 

 

TMX: How has your tech crew handled the changes?

 

Lee: Again, I'm really lucky. I have a great team behind me (Maxxis Henderson LPE Kawasaki). The team ran Gert in the 450's previously and so they knew what worked good and what didn't so I was already at an advantage when it came to engine and suspension settings, etc.  

 

FOR FULL INTERVIEW SEE TMX NEWS DECEMBER 16