“It’s important how you finish, not how you start.”
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160762/1/espargaro_important_how_you_finish_not_how_you_start.html
By Leandra Graves
A perfect way to sum up the 2010 season so far for Moto GP Pramac rider Aleix Espargaro. After a turbulent start to the season for the Spanish rider, he has found some consistency with solid points finishes and will be looking to improve on that form in this weekend’s AirAsia British Moto GP at Silverstone.
“Yes progression is coming. At the start of the season, we had a few problems with the bike and with finding the right set-up and I crashed a lot. Then we improved a little bit and we finish ninth in LeMans which is a very difficult circuit. It was a big step up and then we finished eigth in Mugello last time out. We must continue this way to make big steps.”
The new Silverstone track is of course a big discussion amongst the riders after the switch this year to the Norhamptonshire circuit from Donington. The 20 year old was full of praise for the new track, “The Silverstone circuit is very beautiful. I looked at the circuit yesterday and I did a few laps today. It’s completely different from all the other circuits we go too. There are so many fast corners.”
It’s a family affair for Espargaro as his younger brother Pol races in the 125cc class and he is always on hand to help him, even if it’s in an unusual way with the role being Pol’s umbrella man! Aleix quipped, “I think I’m a better rider than umbrella girl. In the 125 race I try to be with my brother to help him a little bit and if I have to be his umbrella girl, then that’s what I do!
“I think I will finish the motogp race and get changed fast and then run to the grid to be Pol’s umbrella girll! It will be really strange to race for the first time before my brother. (As the race schedule for Sunday has changed as Moto 2 is the first race of the day, with the 125cc race after the Moto GP.)
The likeable Ducati racer certainly put some smiles on the hundreds of fans in the sunshine yesterday, when he auctioned off the team shirt he was wearing to raise money for the riders charity Riders.Org. However, he was then subject to some teasing on stage at the popular Day of Champions event on Thursday. With his national team Spain losing in their first World Cup fixture, he made the fantastic quote of, “It’s important how you finish, not how you start.” The same clearly applies to his Moto GP season and he will be hoping for a great result this weekend in front of the British fans.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Jorge Lorenzo: MotoGP is still the most exciting sport in the world!
Jorge Lorenzo: MotoGP is still the most exciting sport in the world!
Bradley Smith: I think MotoGP needs sprucing up!
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160772/1/lorenzo_motogp_most_exciting_sport_in_the_world.html
By Leandra Graves
Jorge Lorenzo was in doubt when asked whether Moto GP was still as enthralling to watch, compared to the lower 125 and Moto 2 classes. With just sixteen riders on the MotoGP grid in Mugello and the same for this weekend in Silverstone, there had been questions raised by many within the sport and by the paying fans about the excitement levels of the elite category.
The revised Moto 2 format has 41 riders on the grid and has been packed full of action, with countless overtaking throughout the field, as well as numerous crashes. Scott Redding said at the AirAsia Media Event held at Lords Cricket Ground on Wednesday, that it will be “crazy” to see 41 bikes on the new fast, flowing circuit in Northamptonshire.
The 125 category has also been extremely lively, as you would expect with so many eager and enthusiastic youngsters, once again with around 32 riders on the grid.
Lorenzo dismissed suggestions for more riders in the MotoGP category, firmly stating that he believed, “MotoGP is still the most exciting sport in the world!”
However, 125 cc rider Bradley Smith had more thoughts on the subject, “Unfortunately what happens in MotoGP” he sighs, “Is the technology is able to run so open and free, that you’re always going to have some races that the Yamaha will work on some tracks and the Honda will work better on the others. Unfortunately unless they cap it, within particular parameters, it’s always going to be like it is. When the bikes are as close as they are with the current electronic packages, you are talking about 0.1, 0.2 of a second, every single lap, it’s impossible to fight.
“That’s why we see such great races between Valentino Rossi and Lorenzo. But you will never really see a great race between Valentino and Dani Pedrosa (as he’s on the Honda). Ok we saw the good race in Laguna Seca in 2008, (Rossi against Stoner) but that was because Rossi was riding tactically to keep Casey and his Ducati behind him. Casey had half a second on Valentino, but if Casey hadn’t have passed him, he would have gone and left him and that would have been the end of the race.
“I think that’s the situation it is at the moment. It would be nice to spruce it up a bit. However, that would take Dorna to sit down and make new regulations to put their authority across, rather than letting the manufacturers run the show.”
Bradley Smith: I think MotoGP needs sprucing up!
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/160772/1/lorenzo_motogp_most_exciting_sport_in_the_world.html
By Leandra Graves
Jorge Lorenzo was in doubt when asked whether Moto GP was still as enthralling to watch, compared to the lower 125 and Moto 2 classes. With just sixteen riders on the MotoGP grid in Mugello and the same for this weekend in Silverstone, there had been questions raised by many within the sport and by the paying fans about the excitement levels of the elite category.
The revised Moto 2 format has 41 riders on the grid and has been packed full of action, with countless overtaking throughout the field, as well as numerous crashes. Scott Redding said at the AirAsia Media Event held at Lords Cricket Ground on Wednesday, that it will be “crazy” to see 41 bikes on the new fast, flowing circuit in Northamptonshire.
The 125 category has also been extremely lively, as you would expect with so many eager and enthusiastic youngsters, once again with around 32 riders on the grid.
Lorenzo dismissed suggestions for more riders in the MotoGP category, firmly stating that he believed, “MotoGP is still the most exciting sport in the world!”
However, 125 cc rider Bradley Smith had more thoughts on the subject, “Unfortunately what happens in MotoGP” he sighs, “Is the technology is able to run so open and free, that you’re always going to have some races that the Yamaha will work on some tracks and the Honda will work better on the others. Unfortunately unless they cap it, within particular parameters, it’s always going to be like it is. When the bikes are as close as they are with the current electronic packages, you are talking about 0.1, 0.2 of a second, every single lap, it’s impossible to fight.
“That’s why we see such great races between Valentino Rossi and Lorenzo. But you will never really see a great race between Valentino and Dani Pedrosa (as he’s on the Honda). Ok we saw the good race in Laguna Seca in 2008, (Rossi against Stoner) but that was because Rossi was riding tactically to keep Casey and his Ducati behind him. Casey had half a second on Valentino, but if Casey hadn’t have passed him, he would have gone and left him and that would have been the end of the race.
“I think that’s the situation it is at the moment. It would be nice to spruce it up a bit. However, that would take Dorna to sit down and make new regulations to put their authority across, rather than letting the manufacturers run the show.”
Lorenzo: Right decision not to replace injured Rossi
By Leandra Graves
http://www.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/237277/lorenzo-right-decision-not-to-replace-injured-rossi/
This weekend sees Jorge Lorenzo as the sole Fiat Yamaha representative for the British Grand Prix due to Valentino Rossi’s broken leg. There had been many rumours circulating that the young British World Superbike rider, Cal Crutchlow, may have got the temporary ride during the Italian’s absence, but for Silverstone and Assen, there will be no replacement rider. Current championship leader, Lorenzo believes this is the right call by his team.
“I think they are doing right as they are showing their respect to ‘Vale’. He is in a bad situation at the moment and in a lot pain. It’s a gesture from Yamaha to be respectful of him. However, the limitations say we have to put another rider on the bike after two races and Yamaha will have to make their decision on who that will be. We don’t know yet which rider will be my partner. In some weeks we will know.”
Therefore, Lorenzo will have to fly the Fiat Yamaha flag alone and the team will only have one rider contributing to the valuable constructers points.
http://www.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/237277/lorenzo-right-decision-not-to-replace-injured-rossi/
This weekend sees Jorge Lorenzo as the sole Fiat Yamaha representative for the British Grand Prix due to Valentino Rossi’s broken leg. There had been many rumours circulating that the young British World Superbike rider, Cal Crutchlow, may have got the temporary ride during the Italian’s absence, but for Silverstone and Assen, there will be no replacement rider. Current championship leader, Lorenzo believes this is the right call by his team.
“I think they are doing right as they are showing their respect to ‘Vale’. He is in a bad situation at the moment and in a lot pain. It’s a gesture from Yamaha to be respectful of him. However, the limitations say we have to put another rider on the bike after two races and Yamaha will have to make their decision on who that will be. We don’t know yet which rider will be my partner. In some weeks we will know.”
Therefore, Lorenzo will have to fly the Fiat Yamaha flag alone and the team will only have one rider contributing to the valuable constructers points.
Monday, 14 June 2010
Speedway Grand Prix: Unlucky Zorro.
You had to feel sorry for the hard done by Magnus Zetterstrom, at the Copenhagen GP.
Scoring six points after his four rides, he desperately needed a win to guarantee a semi-final spot. He had seemingly secured it, with leading over Danish favourite, Hans Andersen. It looked as though the likeable Swede was due to be another spoiler, until Tai Woffinden lost control of his bike and the race was brought to a holt.
As ever, in speedway, when a race is re-run, the result is never the same. The 37 year old could only manage a third place, costing him the chance of making the semi-final for the third time in four GP’s.
Speaking to the Indianerna racer before the meeting, his confidence wasn’t high, “It’s not a track I really enjoy racing. It’s a really short track and reminds me of Eastbourne and Lakeside. This style of race-track doesn’t really suit me, so I think tonight will be difficult to repeat the success I had in Prague.”
However, any negativity was put aside once the helmet was on and for a track that he’s not at his most comfortable, it was another impressive performance. It wasn’t all bad for the Gdansk rider as the seven points scored on the night, increased his championship position, moving him to 9th in the standings. Ahead of more established rivals, Greg Hancock, Freddie Lindgren and Rune Holta.
Zorro is riding consistently well in the Grand Prix and if he can maintain this form, he has a very favourable chance of finishing in the top eight and booking his place direct for 2011 series. Not bad for an old guy! I caught up with him after the GP.
“I’m really happy with the way I am riding in the GP’s. I made a mistake in the semi-final and that’s it but I am enjoying my racing. This series suits me.”
The following day saw the Swede score 13 points in Poland in for his league team Gdansk and he helped his team secure an important win. There had been some criticism aimed at Zorro, by his Polish fans who were unhappy with his league performance when he scored just four points after his marvellous display in Prague when he made the final. Hopefully the double figures have put the smiles back on the enthusiastic fans!
Article by and courtesy of Leandra Graves.
http://www.worldspeedway.com/artman/publish/article_12759.shtml
Scoring six points after his four rides, he desperately needed a win to guarantee a semi-final spot. He had seemingly secured it, with leading over Danish favourite, Hans Andersen. It looked as though the likeable Swede was due to be another spoiler, until Tai Woffinden lost control of his bike and the race was brought to a holt.
As ever, in speedway, when a race is re-run, the result is never the same. The 37 year old could only manage a third place, costing him the chance of making the semi-final for the third time in four GP’s.
Speaking to the Indianerna racer before the meeting, his confidence wasn’t high, “It’s not a track I really enjoy racing. It’s a really short track and reminds me of Eastbourne and Lakeside. This style of race-track doesn’t really suit me, so I think tonight will be difficult to repeat the success I had in Prague.”
However, any negativity was put aside once the helmet was on and for a track that he’s not at his most comfortable, it was another impressive performance. It wasn’t all bad for the Gdansk rider as the seven points scored on the night, increased his championship position, moving him to 9th in the standings. Ahead of more established rivals, Greg Hancock, Freddie Lindgren and Rune Holta.
Zorro is riding consistently well in the Grand Prix and if he can maintain this form, he has a very favourable chance of finishing in the top eight and booking his place direct for 2011 series. Not bad for an old guy! I caught up with him after the GP.
“I’m really happy with the way I am riding in the GP’s. I made a mistake in the semi-final and that’s it but I am enjoying my racing. This series suits me.”
The following day saw the Swede score 13 points in Poland in for his league team Gdansk and he helped his team secure an important win. There had been some criticism aimed at Zorro, by his Polish fans who were unhappy with his league performance when he scored just four points after his marvellous display in Prague when he made the final. Hopefully the double figures have put the smiles back on the enthusiastic fans!
Article by and courtesy of Leandra Graves.
http://www.worldspeedway.com/artman/publish/article_12759.shtml
Speedway Grand Prix: Polish Power!
The talk before the GP series was whether Jason Crump could retain his world championship crown despite his injury, or would we see the old Nicki Pedersen re-emerge back to his dominant self.
Or would the man who made all the headlines in his sensational debut GP season, Emil Sayfutdinov, be able to consistently fight for the top spot.
After Crump stormed to victory in Poland in the opening round of the series, it appeared a repeat of 2009 could be on the cards, but two Poles (and a Dane!) have proved to be this year’s surprise contenders. However, should we be surprised, especially by the power of the Polish riders? Jarek Hampel and Tomasz Gollob are both world class riders. Everyone knows the natural talent of Gollob and how dearly his hardcore fans would love to see him become World Champion. Arguably the best rider over recent years, currently in the GP series, that has yet to take the title. Could 2010 be the year he finally makes it? One win to his name after four rounds of the series, along with two second places, has been a fairly consistent one for the Gorzow rider.
Jarek Hampel, has always looked to be the natural successor to his fellow countryman, but perhaps he can achieve the ultimate goal that Poland has been demanding for many years. Under looked at the start of the season, Hampel finally got his first victory under his belt, along with two finals. A gutsy ride in the Copenhagen final saw him keep the feisty Gollob behind and gave him the lead of the championship. In superb form for his Polish club Leszno, he’s always been lightning away from the gate. This year he has excellent backing from a new sponsor – Exide, who used to sponsor Billy Hamill and Greg Hancock, back in their all conquering era of the 90s.
Hampel and Gollob have two Polish rounds of the GP series ahead of them, where you wouldn’t bet against a strong result for them both. Gollob is almost unbeatable around Bydgoszcz and for that to be the finale of the series, Gollob must be a serious threat come October.
The money would be on the veteran to finally make his dream come true for 2010, but will the pressure be too much for him? All eyes and expectations are on the more experienced Gollob, whilst perhaps Hampel can relax more, knowing he has more years ahead of him, to try and achieve his goal compared to the elder statesmen. The duel was clean and fair in Demark, but will the Vastervik racer be able to watch the young Pole take the glory ahead of him? Or will it turn nasty? A nation’s hopes rest on the two speedway stars and after an emotional year in Poland, will they have something to celebrate in October? We will soon find out…
Article by and courtesy of Leandra Graves.
http://www.worldspeedway.com/artman/publish/article_12758.shtml
Or would the man who made all the headlines in his sensational debut GP season, Emil Sayfutdinov, be able to consistently fight for the top spot.
After Crump stormed to victory in Poland in the opening round of the series, it appeared a repeat of 2009 could be on the cards, but two Poles (and a Dane!) have proved to be this year’s surprise contenders. However, should we be surprised, especially by the power of the Polish riders? Jarek Hampel and Tomasz Gollob are both world class riders. Everyone knows the natural talent of Gollob and how dearly his hardcore fans would love to see him become World Champion. Arguably the best rider over recent years, currently in the GP series, that has yet to take the title. Could 2010 be the year he finally makes it? One win to his name after four rounds of the series, along with two second places, has been a fairly consistent one for the Gorzow rider.
Jarek Hampel, has always looked to be the natural successor to his fellow countryman, but perhaps he can achieve the ultimate goal that Poland has been demanding for many years. Under looked at the start of the season, Hampel finally got his first victory under his belt, along with two finals. A gutsy ride in the Copenhagen final saw him keep the feisty Gollob behind and gave him the lead of the championship. In superb form for his Polish club Leszno, he’s always been lightning away from the gate. This year he has excellent backing from a new sponsor – Exide, who used to sponsor Billy Hamill and Greg Hancock, back in their all conquering era of the 90s.
Hampel and Gollob have two Polish rounds of the GP series ahead of them, where you wouldn’t bet against a strong result for them both. Gollob is almost unbeatable around Bydgoszcz and for that to be the finale of the series, Gollob must be a serious threat come October.
The money would be on the veteran to finally make his dream come true for 2010, but will the pressure be too much for him? All eyes and expectations are on the more experienced Gollob, whilst perhaps Hampel can relax more, knowing he has more years ahead of him, to try and achieve his goal compared to the elder statesmen. The duel was clean and fair in Demark, but will the Vastervik racer be able to watch the young Pole take the glory ahead of him? Or will it turn nasty? A nation’s hopes rest on the two speedway stars and after an emotional year in Poland, will they have something to celebrate in October? We will soon find out…
Article by and courtesy of Leandra Graves.
http://www.worldspeedway.com/artman/publish/article_12758.shtml
Saturday, 22 May 2010
'Team Bjerre’ aiming for more glory tonight
By Leandra Graves
As published in the Peterborough Evening Telegraph 22/5/10
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/speedway/team_bjerre_aiming_for_more_glory_tonight_1_637458
PANTHERS rider Kenneth Bjerre will be looking to repeat his Swedish GP success when he lines up for the third event of the season tonight.
Prague is the next meeting in the calendar and Bjerre and his team will be looking to increase their lead in the series.
A lot of effort goes into achieving a Grand Prix win as well as fighting for a World Championship and it’s the support of a strong team of people behind you that helps maximise your chances.
Neil and Barry Howlett, brothers from Crowland, have been working for ‘Team Bjerre’. Well known in speedway circles, there was as much joy for the two mechanics as there was for the rider.
Barry was working at his first GP for the Dane and was part of the team’s first victory. Bjerre said: “Barry had never worked at a GP before so he must have been a lucky charm for me! All riders need to have a good unit around them. You need people who can do the job and be trusted.”
Barry, who also works as a machinist at Perkins, was a happy man after being part of the pit-crew of the Huntingdon resident’s first victory.
He said: “My very first GP and we win! I was ecstatic. Once Kenneth reached the semis, I knew it was a meeting he could win. Once he picked gate one, nobody was going to beat him in the form he was in.”
The Panthers star clearly believes Barry can bring him some luck as he has asked him to be part of the team for this weekend in the Czech Republic!
Barry said: “I found working at a GP much more pressurised than a league match. I thrive under pressure so I enjoyed it. It’s hard work but it’s the same job as a league match, just with less sleep and more travelling.”
Older brother Neil has been working for 25 year-old Bjerre in the GPs since the start and has made the massive sacrifice of leaving his home in England to base himself in Denmark. Living in Esbjerg (Bjerre’s hometown) he works from April to October at Polish and Danish league matches, as well as the GPs.
It’s a busy schedule for him as he also mechanics for Lasse, Kenneth’s younger brother.
Neil said: “I first became a mechanic when one of my friends was riding for Peterborough Pumas in the Conference League and I offered to help him in the pits. That was around eight years ago.
“I then helped other riders in the Elite and Premier League. Soon after I began a partnership with ex-Panther Danny King and he asked me to work full-time for him in Poland for a season.
“Barry was then working for Kenneth as he was also letting him reside at his house in Crowland. The following season, Kenneth asked me if I would work full-time for him in Denmark.
“This is my life now. It’s something I am really happy to do. I get to see the world, it’s something I enjoy and know I’m good at. My aim is to help Kenneth become world champion and Lasse to become Under 19 champion.”
Working with a Danish rider, based in a Nordic country, you would think learning some basics in the language must be essential for the job.
Neil added: “I can certainly get by in Danish. I know some basics. It’s good to learn as it helps with the language barrier and of course helps within the team. It’s one of the hardest languages to learn though!
“It’s very easy to work for a rider like Kenneth and within the team. We all get on really well and pull together to work to our best. It’s perfect.”
After Bjerre finished eighth in his debut GP season, ambitions were high within the camp for more success this year. “I think he’s just riding with so much more confidence this season,” added Neil.
“He’s making excellent starts, the engine is working well and the whole package is just a great combination.
“A typical week for me in Denmark involves cleaning the bikes from Poland as well as building the bikes ready for the GPs. I mechanic for Lasse during the week. In the lead-up to Gothenburg, I spent Thursday washing the bikes and left home at 3am to make the trip to Sweden in the van with Kenneth’s dad Ivan. That was a six-hour drive from Esbjerg.
“GP practice is on Friday. On Saturday it’s team breakfast at 8am and then I am at the track by 9am. Myself, Barry and Ivan then clean the bikes and prepare for the GP. From 3.30pm, it’s machine examinations, tyre checks and warming up the bikes from 6.30pm.
“After the meeting in Sweden, there was no time to celebrate as we had a 12-hour drive to Poland for a Polish league match. The work never stops!”
Barry explained: “I don’t think people realise how tough the job of a mechanic really is. It takes four to five hours to clean one bike so I will spend a whole working day cleaning two bikes. With the fixtures in full flow, it’s extremely busy.”
The life of a mechanic is not always easy. However, this weekend ‘Team Bjerre’ will be looking to see if they can be top of the world, yet again!
As published in the Peterborough Evening Telegraph 22/5/10
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/speedway/team_bjerre_aiming_for_more_glory_tonight_1_637458
PANTHERS rider Kenneth Bjerre will be looking to repeat his Swedish GP success when he lines up for the third event of the season tonight.
Prague is the next meeting in the calendar and Bjerre and his team will be looking to increase their lead in the series.
A lot of effort goes into achieving a Grand Prix win as well as fighting for a World Championship and it’s the support of a strong team of people behind you that helps maximise your chances.
Neil and Barry Howlett, brothers from Crowland, have been working for ‘Team Bjerre’. Well known in speedway circles, there was as much joy for the two mechanics as there was for the rider.
Barry was working at his first GP for the Dane and was part of the team’s first victory. Bjerre said: “Barry had never worked at a GP before so he must have been a lucky charm for me! All riders need to have a good unit around them. You need people who can do the job and be trusted.”
Barry, who also works as a machinist at Perkins, was a happy man after being part of the pit-crew of the Huntingdon resident’s first victory.
He said: “My very first GP and we win! I was ecstatic. Once Kenneth reached the semis, I knew it was a meeting he could win. Once he picked gate one, nobody was going to beat him in the form he was in.”
The Panthers star clearly believes Barry can bring him some luck as he has asked him to be part of the team for this weekend in the Czech Republic!
Barry said: “I found working at a GP much more pressurised than a league match. I thrive under pressure so I enjoyed it. It’s hard work but it’s the same job as a league match, just with less sleep and more travelling.”
Older brother Neil has been working for 25 year-old Bjerre in the GPs since the start and has made the massive sacrifice of leaving his home in England to base himself in Denmark. Living in Esbjerg (Bjerre’s hometown) he works from April to October at Polish and Danish league matches, as well as the GPs.
It’s a busy schedule for him as he also mechanics for Lasse, Kenneth’s younger brother.
Neil said: “I first became a mechanic when one of my friends was riding for Peterborough Pumas in the Conference League and I offered to help him in the pits. That was around eight years ago.
“I then helped other riders in the Elite and Premier League. Soon after I began a partnership with ex-Panther Danny King and he asked me to work full-time for him in Poland for a season.
“Barry was then working for Kenneth as he was also letting him reside at his house in Crowland. The following season, Kenneth asked me if I would work full-time for him in Denmark.
“This is my life now. It’s something I am really happy to do. I get to see the world, it’s something I enjoy and know I’m good at. My aim is to help Kenneth become world champion and Lasse to become Under 19 champion.”
Working with a Danish rider, based in a Nordic country, you would think learning some basics in the language must be essential for the job.
Neil added: “I can certainly get by in Danish. I know some basics. It’s good to learn as it helps with the language barrier and of course helps within the team. It’s one of the hardest languages to learn though!
“It’s very easy to work for a rider like Kenneth and within the team. We all get on really well and pull together to work to our best. It’s perfect.”
After Bjerre finished eighth in his debut GP season, ambitions were high within the camp for more success this year. “I think he’s just riding with so much more confidence this season,” added Neil.
“He’s making excellent starts, the engine is working well and the whole package is just a great combination.
“A typical week for me in Denmark involves cleaning the bikes from Poland as well as building the bikes ready for the GPs. I mechanic for Lasse during the week. In the lead-up to Gothenburg, I spent Thursday washing the bikes and left home at 3am to make the trip to Sweden in the van with Kenneth’s dad Ivan. That was a six-hour drive from Esbjerg.
“GP practice is on Friday. On Saturday it’s team breakfast at 8am and then I am at the track by 9am. Myself, Barry and Ivan then clean the bikes and prepare for the GP. From 3.30pm, it’s machine examinations, tyre checks and warming up the bikes from 6.30pm.
“After the meeting in Sweden, there was no time to celebrate as we had a 12-hour drive to Poland for a Polish league match. The work never stops!”
Barry explained: “I don’t think people realise how tough the job of a mechanic really is. It takes four to five hours to clean one bike so I will spend a whole working day cleaning two bikes. With the fixtures in full flow, it’s extremely busy.”
The life of a mechanic is not always easy. However, this weekend ‘Team Bjerre’ will be looking to see if they can be top of the world, yet again!
Friday, 21 May 2010
BJERRE IN THE FORM OF HIS LIFE
By Leandra Graves
Championship leader, Kenneth Bjerre, goes into this weekend’s GP in Prague, riding in the form of his life. After winning his debut GP in Sweden just two weeks ago, he has continued to set the world on fire (literally in one case!) with some outstanding performances on the continent and at his home track Peterborough.
He broke the track record at the Showground last week against Wolverhampton and equalled his best time of 58.9 against Belle Vue on Thursday evening.
With time to reflect after his maiden win, what were the Peterborough rider’s thoughts about his race in the final at the Ullevi stadium, with Tomasz Gollob to clinch the winning trophy?
“When I made the start, I was in the lead but then I went so wide. Gollob was pushing me, it was a bit hard, but he could have been harder on me. That’s speedway racing though, it was fair, so it was good racing.”
“I don’t think I was on a high after the GP win, I had to go straight to Poland for another meeting and slept in the van. It was just another day at work on Sunday. I just enjoyed it that night. I just hope to keep getting big points in my league meetings and the GPs.”
There was also the surprise of his bike catching fire at Kirkmanshulme Lane two days after his historic victory in Gothenburg. It certainly has been an eventful time for the Huntingdon resident.
“I don’t know what caused the problem but my bike caught fire when I came out of the start. I actually made the start, then the bike stopped and then it all just caught fire. It came from the engine.”
Looking untouchable, can anybody stop the man from Esbjerg from winning again and increasing his lead in the championship?
The diminutive Dane was keen to play down any championship talk, “Everything is working at the moment for me, I just have to keep enjoying it. I just keep tying to make good starts, my bike is quick. I always believe I can win and even if I don’t make the start, I know I can still achieve victory in the race.”
There was certainly evidence of this on a warm, sunny evening at Peterborough. There may have been doubts from some supporters in the past of him not giving his full commitment to the Panthers, but this season, Bjerre has rode with passion and determination and has been mesmerising to watch.
With regards to Prague, the 25 year old is keen to treat it as another GP and reluctant to admit he is the rider that everyone should be watching and chasing for the crown.
“I am doing everything the same, I just want to win every race I’m in. Hopefully I will score enough points at the end of it, to be world champion.”
However, 1980 World Champion Michael Lee, a regular at Peterborough and GPs, is full of praise for the Wroclaw rider.
“I believe Kenneth can go all the way and win it. He’s flying right now, everyone can see that. He’s got great equipment and he’s fit for the first time in two seasons. I know from experience of riding like that, when you are in that form, you feel unbeatable and he’s in the form of his life right now.”
Can the Peterborough rider deliver the goods and go all the way? He is due to celebrate his 26th birthday on Monday, perhaps an extended lead in the standings will be the perfect present.
Championship leader, Kenneth Bjerre, goes into this weekend’s GP in Prague, riding in the form of his life. After winning his debut GP in Sweden just two weeks ago, he has continued to set the world on fire (literally in one case!) with some outstanding performances on the continent and at his home track Peterborough.
He broke the track record at the Showground last week against Wolverhampton and equalled his best time of 58.9 against Belle Vue on Thursday evening.
With time to reflect after his maiden win, what were the Peterborough rider’s thoughts about his race in the final at the Ullevi stadium, with Tomasz Gollob to clinch the winning trophy?
“When I made the start, I was in the lead but then I went so wide. Gollob was pushing me, it was a bit hard, but he could have been harder on me. That’s speedway racing though, it was fair, so it was good racing.”
“I don’t think I was on a high after the GP win, I had to go straight to Poland for another meeting and slept in the van. It was just another day at work on Sunday. I just enjoyed it that night. I just hope to keep getting big points in my league meetings and the GPs.”
There was also the surprise of his bike catching fire at Kirkmanshulme Lane two days after his historic victory in Gothenburg. It certainly has been an eventful time for the Huntingdon resident.
“I don’t know what caused the problem but my bike caught fire when I came out of the start. I actually made the start, then the bike stopped and then it all just caught fire. It came from the engine.”
Looking untouchable, can anybody stop the man from Esbjerg from winning again and increasing his lead in the championship?
The diminutive Dane was keen to play down any championship talk, “Everything is working at the moment for me, I just have to keep enjoying it. I just keep tying to make good starts, my bike is quick. I always believe I can win and even if I don’t make the start, I know I can still achieve victory in the race.”
There was certainly evidence of this on a warm, sunny evening at Peterborough. There may have been doubts from some supporters in the past of him not giving his full commitment to the Panthers, but this season, Bjerre has rode with passion and determination and has been mesmerising to watch.
With regards to Prague, the 25 year old is keen to treat it as another GP and reluctant to admit he is the rider that everyone should be watching and chasing for the crown.
“I am doing everything the same, I just want to win every race I’m in. Hopefully I will score enough points at the end of it, to be world champion.”
However, 1980 World Champion Michael Lee, a regular at Peterborough and GPs, is full of praise for the Wroclaw rider.
“I believe Kenneth can go all the way and win it. He’s flying right now, everyone can see that. He’s got great equipment and he’s fit for the first time in two seasons. I know from experience of riding like that, when you are in that form, you feel unbeatable and he’s in the form of his life right now.”
Can the Peterborough rider deliver the goods and go all the way? He is due to celebrate his 26th birthday on Monday, perhaps an extended lead in the standings will be the perfect present.
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