What riders think of the 2016 MXGP calander
By Infront Moto Racing on 29th Jan 16
For many inside the Grand Prix paddock the trips to places like Qatar, Thailand, Argentina, Mexico and America makes the FIM Motocross World Championship just that little bit more special. The 2016 season is filled with exotic stops and amazing cultures.
Not every rider is a fan of flying, and Russian charger Evgeny Bobryshev is one that would rather drive to the races, than fly. Despite this the HRC factory rider does enjoy the far-away places.
"It is a lot of flying,” Bobryshev said. "I hate flying, but I still really like the Qatar/Thailand trip. I enjoy those two rounds and Argentina is also nice, but it's such a long way and everyone is in the same position. The travel is tough, with the time difference, the weather is different, it makes it really tough, but we have to get used to that.”
Two times World MX2 champion Jeffrey Herlings feels the overseas races are important for the growth of the sport. He also find the whole experience at times tough, but worthwhile.
"It's a nice calendar,” Herlings said. "It is also nice to go overseas, and to give people in those countries the chance to see us. So going to places like Thailand and Argentina is really cool, they hardly get to see riders of our level. It is tough on the body, and I do my best with that part of it.”
Suzuki factory rider Ben Townley who started his career in GP when there were not any fly away races is looking forward to getting to some of the countries he still hasn't visited.
"I am looking forward to the culture and experience,” Townley said. "I think a lot of people in the paddock might not like the travel, but I am used to it, I come from the furthest away point on the planet to be here, so I don't mind the travel and at the age I am I am really looking forward to soaking it up. When I was young I didn't care about the old buildings and the food. It comes with age I guess.”
Stefan Everts the owner of the Suzuki factory set-up has travelled to maybe more countries than any of the current day riders, and obviously heading to the opening round in Qatar this year means a lot to him.
"I mean, I am very excited to go to Qatar,” Everts said. "We have already made some changes with our overseas set-up, but to do the first GP in the new colors and the new team it's exciting. Most of the team will be there, also Sylvain, because it's my first one and he shouldn't miss that. I am happy we don't have three overseas in a row, and now the schedule is a lot better. The tracks are good and very different and my personal preference is to end the season in Europe, but we end it in USA, but I am ok and we accept it.”
All in all the long flights, and different foods and changing temperatures might not be for everyone, but for those that enjoy the experience of something new, then the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar is perfect for you.
