Honda’s CRF150R riders to be joined by World Champions at training camp
By Team TMX on 20th Feb 16
This year the Honda 150 European Championship riders will be joined by two World Champions at the pre-season training camp in Albaida, Spain: MX2 World Champion Tim Gajser and double World Champion Jean-Michel Bayle.
The young riders will be able to benefit from Gajser and Bayle's expertise and experience when they take to the track in Albaida, Spain. As part of the all-encompassing training that they will receive at the camp, the 11-14 year olds will receive expert guidance from the World Championship pair.
Gajser and Bayle, who was present at the 2015 training camp, will also play a part in deciding which riders from the shoot-out will line up at the start gates alongside the pre-selected riders in Teutschenthal.
Tim Gajser started the 2015 season as one of the underdogs of the MX2 championship. The Honda Gariboldi rider soon attracted attention after taking his first overall GP win at Pietramurata, before going on to to take the championship lead in Assen. The young Slovenian will be making his debut in the MXGP category this year.
Jean-Michel Bayle is well known for his two Motocross World Championship titles and three American Championship titles. The Frenchman has also been successful in Road Racing, winning both the Bol d'Or and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bayle re-joined the motocross paddock last year when he became Sporting Manager at Team HRC.
"It was my dream one time when I was young, younger even than these kids now, to be there racing at GPs”, says Tim Gajser. "My Dad has always been my trainer, from when he sat me on a bike at two and a half years old! We've always worked very closely together and he's taught me everything. He didn't have anything before as he was the first in the family to start with motocross, so he had to learn everything himself. I couldn't have done what I have without him, so having this support is so important. He's not just my teacher, he's my life advisor.
"I'm still young and I'm still learning, but I do have a lot of experience as I've been riding bikes for most of my life so I can bring this experience to these kids and tell them what I went through. When you're young, you don't realise how much work you have to do and the sacrifices. You don't have the sam e life as others when you're 15 with going out and late nights. You can't, as to be successful you must be totally focused.
"When I think of young kids with talent but no money, actually I see myself. My father worked everyday just to raise money for racing and testing, so the opportunity of this championship is amazing. It's such a big help for parents and everybody that good talent can show without needing a lot of money thanks to Honda.”
"I joined the Honda 150 European Championship Training Camp last year and was very impressed with the attitude and the performance of some of the kids, and it was a great experience to be a part of helping the next generation,” says Jean-Michel Bayle.
"I watched with interest throughout the season and there was some great racing at the front with kids who demonstrated that they have the right ingredients to take the next step – and that is what this championship is all about. Giving young riders the opportunity to prove themselves, and at the same time helping to develop every aspect of their performance.
"Not all the kids starting in motocross have the possibility of progressing up the championships with only family money so it is always nice if we can give the real talents the opportunity to stand out with the support of Honda.
"I wanted to again be a part of the Training Camp this year to see what new talented young riders we have coming to Honda that we can help and support. It's the future of the sport, and it's important that we work now to make it the best it can be.”
Davy Dousselaere, Honda Motor Europe Off-Road Manager
"I am very happy to have MX2 champion Tim Gajser joining us this year. He had a fantastic season last year and now he is going on to race in MXGP this year. I think the kids can really learn from his experience and enthusiasm for the sport. I am also very pleased to welcome back Jean-Michel Bayle to the training camp. Last year he provided invaluable advice to the riders and, in addition, monitored their progress throughout the season in order to provide advice throughout the year. I think the training camp in Albaida this year will be even better than last year and I think it will be quite hard to choose the final riders.”
