Home town favourite Edgar Torronteras took gold in last nights best whip competition at the final night of the 2013 X-Games Barcelona.

The voting took place online by the fans watching LIVE on the internet, ET gained the most votes for his insane tricks ahead of Ronnie Renner, Thomas Pages, Twitch Stenberg, Nate Adams and Josh Hansen.

Renner and Hansen battled it out in a tense and somewhat long winded “Step up” event to finish the night off, Renner saved the best until last with a huge leap of 32ft.

“That was a battle, probably one of the hardest battles I’ve had,” Renner said. “[Hansen's] a sharp rider; I knew he’d get this step up thing figured out.”

“In Foz, I let my mouth do a lot of talking,” Hansen said Sunday in Barcelona before attempting 31 feet. “Tonight, I’m letting my riding do the talking.”

Added Renner, “How ironic is that, me and him end up on the battlefield together in the end? It’s hard to block all that stuff out, honestly, but I knew I was here for the right reasons and take it real serious.”

“I made the best of it. I got beat by one of the best, so I’m going to work hard and come back and make it happen next time,” Hansen said.

Image by Ray Chuss

Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart, who missed most of the second half of the 2012 season, made a comeback of his own by grabbing the Motorcycle-Superstore.com holeshot in Moto 1, garnering one point toward the overall championship holeshot bonus of $25,000 in the 450 Class. However, keeping the lead wasn’t an easy task as three other former 450 Class Champions and several returning contenders chased the 2008 champ early on.

Villopoto took over the lead on the opening lap with Stewart and defending champion Ryan Dungey close in tow. The trio diced it out in the first half of Moto 1 but it was ultimately Villopoto who locked in the moto win, with Dungey in second and Stewart in third.

Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Trey Canard returned to the Hangtown Motocross Classic for the first time since his 250 Class championship-winning season in 2010. Canard made a statement early on as he jumped in behind the lead battle and even closed in on Stewart near the end of Moto 1. Just behind was the epic battle for fifth place between Canard’s teammate Barcia, BTO Sports/KTM’s Andrew Short, Lucas Oil Troy Lee Honda’s Malcolm Stewart, Smartop/MotoConcepts Mike Alessi and 450 Class rookie Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson. Malcolm Stewart, Alessi and Wilson experienced issues that dropped all three in the running order, while Canard and Barcia prevailed, rounding out the top five, with Short sixth.

James Stewart began Moto 2 in similar fashion to the first, grabbing the Motorcycle-Superstore holeshot once again and taking over the points lead in the season-long chase for the end-of-the-year cash prize. From there, Stewart engaged in a battle for the lead with Dungey, while Villopoto followed close behind. Near the halfway mark, Villopoto made his move to the front, leaving Dungey and Stewart to fight for the second place position. Dungey bested Stewart for the second place spot in Moto 2, giving the Minnesota native second overall for the day with a pair of second place finishes. Stewart, the 2012 Hangtown winner, scored (3-3) for third place overall. Villopoto went on to secure the first overall win of the 2013 season with a score of (1-1).

“Hangtown has always been a rough place for me so for the bike to feel like it did today was amazing,” Villopoto said. “I’m obviously happy with that and happy with how I rode. I feel like we’re in a really good place and it’s only going to get better from here.”

The 250 Class was set to be a showcase with a full lineup of returning contenders, including defending 250 Class Champion Blake Baggett. Fresh off a wrist injury, the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider had no reservations about getting to the front early on as he grabbed the Motorcycle-Superstore holeshot in Moto 1. However, the Red Bull KTM duo of Marvin Musquin and Ken Roczen quickly gained control of the lead. Musquin led three laps before his teammate commanded the lead for the remainder of Moto 1.

GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac began the first moto just outside of the top five but made his way into podium contention early on. Tomac first set his sights on Musquin and then made his way around Baggett to eventually secure second place in Moto 1. Baggett finished third, while Musquin took fourth and MyPlash Star RacingYamaha/Metal Mulisha’s Cooper Webb rounded out the top five in his Pro class debut.

In Moto 2, GEICO Honda’s Zach Bell grabbed the Motorcycle-Superstore holeshot but it was once again Roczen who jumped out front on the opening lap. Roczen set the pace early on and Baggett remained close in tow throughout the first half of the race. Roczen eventually put a gap on the defending champion in the final laps of Moto 2, going on to secure his first career victory in the 250 Class.

“Coming here, I didn’t really know what to expect because I sort of took some time to have fun during the week off [between supercross and motocross],” Roczen said. “It’s important to me to keep things fun but next week it’s time to put in some work and make my performance even better.”

Baggett’s score of (3-2) was enough to give him second overall for the day, while Tomac went (2-3) for third overall. Musquin captured a pair of fourth places to claim fourth overall, while GEICO Honda’s Zach Osborne rounded out the top five overall with a (9-5) score.

New Zealand’s Courtney Duncan took the opening round of the Women’s Motocross (WMX) Triple Crown by storm, sweeping both motos of the day in her WMX debut. Duncan bested Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Sayaka Kaneshiro, who finished second overall with a (2-3) score and Texas native Taylor Higgins rounded out the overall podium. Six-time WMX champion Jessica Patterson finished second in Moto 2 but bad luck in the first moto gave her 10th overall for the day.

The WMX Triple Crown returns to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship June 8 for the GEICO Hangtown National in Mt. Morris, Pa. Round 2 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship heads to Lakewood, Colo. for the Rockwell Watches Thunder Valley National next weekend, May 25.

For tickets and additional information, please visit AlliSports.com/motocross and LIKE the Pro Motocross Facebook page and follow @ProMotocross on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and additional information on the latest Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship news.

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
Red Bull Hangtown Motocross Classic
Prairie City OHV Park – Sacramento
May 18, 2013
Round 1 of 12

450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (2-2)
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (3-3)
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda (4-4)
5. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (5-5)
6. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki (8-7)
7. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM (6-10)
8. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki (12-6)
9. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki (9-9)
10. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki (13-8)

450 Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Seattle, Wash., Kawasaki, 50
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM,44
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki,40
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda,36
5. Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda, 32
6. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki, 27
7. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 26
8. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 24
9. Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki, 24
10. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 21

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM (1-1)
2. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (3-2)
3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (2-3)
4. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (4-4)
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda (9-5)
6. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha (8-7)
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki (12-6)
8. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha (7-13)
9. Joseph Savatgy, Cairo, Ga. KTM (10-11)
10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki (13-9)

250 Class Championship Standings
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 50
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 42
3. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 42
4. Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM, 36
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 28
6. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 27
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 24
8. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 22
9. Joseph Savatgy, Cairo, Ga. KTM, 21
10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 20

WMX Class (Moto Finish)
1. Courtney Duncan, New Zealand, Yamaha (1-1)
2. Sayaka Kaneshiro, Japan, Honda (2-3)
3. Taylor Higgins, Mesquite, Texas, Honda (4-4)
4. Mackenzie Tricker, Australia, Yamaha (3-6)
5. Jacqueline Strong, Sedona, Ariz., KTM (6-5)
6. Alexah Pearson, Sacramento, Calif., KTM (5-8)
7. Mariana Balbi, Brazil, Kawasaki (7-7)
8. Sara Pettersson, Sweden, KTM (8-9)
9. Hailey Larson, Mill Valley, Calif., Honda (9-10)
10. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (30-2)

WMX Triple Crown Points
1. Courtney Duncan, New Zealand, Yamaha 50
2. Sayaka Kaneshiro, Japan, Honda 42
3. Taylor Higgins, Mesquite, Texas, Honda 36
4. Mackenzie Tricker, Australia, Yamaha 35
5. Jacqueline Strong, Sedona, Ariz., KTM 31
6. Alexah Pearson, Sacramento, Calif., KTM 29
7. Mariana Balbi, Brazil, Kawasaki 28
8. Sara Pettersson, Sweden, KTM 25
9. Hailey Larson, Mill Valley, Calif., Honda 23
10. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha 22

HUSQVARNA STARTS A NEW ERA OF GREAT SUCCESS
Following the acquisition of Husqvarna by Pierer Industries AG and after careful analysis and evaluation of all aspects, it was decided to reunite what came out of shared roots 25 years ago. In other words, Husqvarna will enter a positive new era by combining its own rich heritage with Husaberg’s state-of-the-art technology.

NEW HUSQVARNA MODEL LINEUP TO BE PRESENTED IN OCTOBER
The new generation of Husqvarna models is already in progress: a new model range, with brand new exclusive design and the latest technology is being developed and will be offered in the Enduro, Motocross and Sportminicycles segments. There will also be exciting, newly developed products in the Supermoto segment – one in which Husqvarna has enjoyed a lot of success in in recent years.

DON´T MISS THE PRESENTATION OF THE NEW HUSQVARNA OFFROAD MODEL RANGE IN SWEDEN; PLANNED FOR EARLY OCTOBER 2013.
The new line-up will be presented to the big fan community at the international EICMA show in Milan in early November.

HUSQVARNA SPORTMOTORCYCLE GMBH, OPERATIONAL AS OF OCTOBER 2013
As of October 2013, the new group company “Husqvarna Sportmotorcyle GmbH” based in
Mattighofen, Austria, will be fully operational in the production and sale of the new model range to the Husqvarna network of dealers and distributors. Parts supply and Customer Service for all Husqvarna models up to and including Model Year 2013 are guaranteed for the years to come and will remain at the current business location in Biandronno (VA), Italy.

With weather being the main topic ahead of last year’s race, which turned into a lottery after heavy downpours throughout the event, the forecast is currently not looking promising for the race this weekend, and this is likely to play an important part in the results, which will follow the Super Final format seen at the previous overseas rounds.

However, for the Honda World Motocross team the aim is for solid motos, especially as this race is sponsored by Honda Brazil, and it will be important for both Max Nagl and Evgeny Bobryshev to put on strong performances for the many Honda fans in attendance that will be supporting the two racers.

Nagl has been improving his results race-by-race, and his goal is to make a good start to both motos, as this has been an area he hasn’t totally mastered so far this season, to enable him to get away with the front-runners.

Last weekend Nagl raced in the national German championship, which he is leading, and as the event was a big mud race, it may end up being perfect preparation for the race in Brazil. The German racer has been unwell this week however, with a fever and a cold, so he hopes to have made a good recovery by Saturday’s first practice.

Bobryshev has missed three races with injury and is keen to get back on the bike after fracturing his fibula in training just over one month ago. The 25-year-old Russian is still suffering with some pain in his leg, but has raced and ridden during the last week in preparation for the weekend, where he hopes he can begin to build his race pace once again.

Not only is it an important race for Honda with the event being sponsored by Honda Brazil, it’s also a special weekend for the Honda World Motocross team’s chief mechanic, Marcus Freitas, who is Brazilian and will also be hoping the riders put on a good show at his home Grand Prix.

Max Nagl #12:
“I did a big mud race at the weekend in Germany and that might be good practice for Brazil, as the forecast isn’t good. The bad thing is I’m really sick with a fever, and in my nose. I’ve been in bed right up until we left and although I’m a little bit better now, I need to be a lot better for the weekend. I’ve not raced in Brazil before, and the track looked really nice in the dry in an arena like setting, so I hope we can race in the dry. The forecast is for rain though, so this could be an important point, especially having seen what happened last year.”

Evgeny Bobryshev #777:
“After not riding Portugal I did some training before the Dutch championship race last week, and I used that event just to get comfortable and into the swing of things, as I haven’t raced for a long time. I have been practicing too, but not for speed, I have just needed time on the bike. The leg is still painful and not quite 100%, but I have been training in the gym and I’ve had a few days off the bike since we’ve been travelling, so by the weekend with some pain relief, the sharp pain won’t be like it was in Portugal. I am happy to be here as it’s a big event and it’s a Honda race with Honda Brazil putting so much effort in. I like to come here and it’s one of the best tracks we go to, with a really good design. It may be a mud race, but it’s the same for everybody. The goal is to stay on the bike and just take it session by session.”

If you’re a fan of BMX, FMX, skate or Rally – X-Barcelona is not to be missed. Over the next few days MOTO will bring you highlights of all things FMX and more including video and images from each freestyle events from X-Games Barcelona.

Day 1

The venue is vast with 5 different venues on one HUGE site

The fans are chilled checking out what to watch and where to do

No FMX on Thursday but the BMX guys were out getting used to the their course

The ramp is massive but the speed and style course is tight

Queues for tickets were intense to say the least…

The Belgian finished third overall at Agueda for his fourth podium result of the season on the factory RM-Z450 and his fourth piece of silverware in a row at the venue. Desalle fought with Gautier Paulin and Antonio Cairoli during both motos under the Portuguese sun and a hefty crash on the penultimate lap of the second race meant the 23 year old had to take it easy in the days following round six.

“I’m feeling better but I needed a day or two to recover from that crash and was happy when a scan showed there was no major damage; I just needed to be a bit patient,” he said before riding the RM-Z450 for the first time on Tuesday. “I did some light sport like swimming and then mountain-biking and finally some enduro towards the end of the week.

“It was a pretty big fall,” he added of the spill that saw him nevertheless recover his motorcycle and see-out the distance to the chequered flag. “I think my head was the only part of my body at that time that wanted to finish the race!”

Desalle goes to Brazil – one of the more popular and busier Grands Prix on the schedule – along with team-mate Kevin Strijbos hoping for more garlands. He was victorious at Catalinha in 2009 and made the podium at Indaiatuba in 2011, suffering some misfortune with mechanical issues at Campo Grande in 2010 and then in the heavy mud conditions of Beto Carrero last summer.

Beto Carrero will host the Brazilian fixture for the second year in a row and the wonderfully-presented and tight and jumpy course is expected to be a sell-out once more. The layout is located on the fringes of the theme park complex and an hour north of the city of Florianopolis. Strijbos will have positive memories of the mud – one of the very few – as one of his three podium finishes in 2012 arrived in front of the enthusiastic Brazilian public.

The weather forecast for the weekend predicts changeable conditions with cloudy skies varying between sunny spells and showers. Temperatures are expected to hover around the 20-degree mark.

Wow and I mean Wow! What an amazing Supercross Season! First of I’d like to congratulate the entire Rockstar Energy Racing Team. Everyone did their part to make what was the best season ever. I have been going to races representing Rockstar Energy Drink for a long time now. We have won championships in the past, quite a few actually, but no season compares to this one. We did not win a title in Supercross this year, but it was much more special. Maybe it was because it was our first attempt at creating a 250 and 450 program on our own. Maybe it was the turn around our riders made when many had counted them out as being contenders, not just this year, but forever. Maybe it was the magic I felt every time the gate dropped. Maybe it was all of those things. I in fact had the same chills and goose bumps so many times that I have right now while I write this. Seventeen races in 18 weeks sounds and can be gruelling at times, but that was not the case. I was so excited for racing each and every week that SX flew by so fast; I can’t believe it’s over.

However, I harbour that enthusiasm and much more heading into Hangtown this weekend. The motocross discipline is by far my favourite of the two. Being out in the woods is much more relaxing to me than the bustling city. Thirty minutes + 2 laps on rougher tracks in the heat and humidity is what really defines this sport for me. While outdoors has not yet started, I already have some very exciting news regarding the 450 class. Ryan Sipes will be moving up a class to fill in for Davi Millsaps who will sit out the MX season to have his leg repaired, and Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 riders Clement Desalle and Kevin Strijbos will be coming over to the US for the Colorado and Tennessee Nationals!

Davi Millsaps: How could I not start with Davi? On paper the overall results say the same thing they did last year. Davi Millsaps: 2nd place. Although there is not a Supercross fan out there that didn’t see the difference in Millsaps. In the beginning there were the doubters. In fact in the middle there were still doubters, but at the end, they were silenced. Those who doubted have now become fans, and those fans now believe. They believe Davi can win it all next year and so do I. There is no question that he will be missed by everyone outdoors, but the truth is, he made the right decision. It’s not just his knee causing him problems. His femur never healed right either. A human femur usually goes from the hip to the knee at an 8 degree angle. Davi’s was at 20 degrees. So every time he rode, or even took a step, it was causing further damage to his knee. If there was any question of his commitment, I challenge anyone to endure that pain for as long as he did. In a of couple years he would have had to have a full knee replacement. So while his absence will be evident, we can all be happy that this will extend his career and make him even stronger. We will be seeing Millsaps at the top for a long time.

Blake Wharton: Blake had a very similar SX in 2013 to his 2012 campaign – third overall with one win. However things could have been very different. Wharton was less than half a lap from what then would have been his first win of the season. As he was entering the whoops for the last time, he altered his line choice to avoid lappers. Consequently he went down. It was one of those moments where you go from feeling on top of the world to falling into the cellar in less than five seconds. I couldn’t believe it happened. Blake was able to remount and muster only a fifth. Then a protest was filed about where Wharton re-entered the track. In one of the many controversial calls of the season he was docked another four positions. I feel that Blake got back onto the track in the safest way possible to himself, other riders and the track crew, but that was not the ruling. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, I am not an official. My opinion is simply that; an opinion. That however was the turning point in Blake’s season. Had none of that happened, things could have been much different. The points would have been very tight and would have come down to a three man battle in Las Vegas instead of two. But hey, in racing “stuff” happens.

Jason Anderson: I don’t think Jason’s overall finish in SX really shows the strides he made this year. It’s no secret that after Anderson’s first ever season that he was not looking good for the future. Then in his second season he made some progress but was still not living up to what was expected. This year he still barely tapped his full potential but the progress is now growing exponentially. He now needs to focus on his consistency and patience and he will no doubt in my mind be fighting for a SX title in 2014. He showed all of those things this year in Salt Lake City. Not only did he pass some of his top competitors and move into the lead early, but he held it to the finish. In fact as he pulled out a seven-second lead, he made no mistakes. It appeared as if he had been there before, with a sure victory in his grasp; like he belonged there. Well he certainly does belong up front. For me, after everything he has been through and the things I’ve seen being there with him, this was the best moment of my MX career, if you will. I’ve never been so excited for someone. I may have even been overheard comparing it to my sixth Christmas when I got the first Nintendo I wanted so badly. Or when I got A’s tickets for my 11th birthday and got to see my favourite team win. This was a real life, amazing moment and I’m so fortunate to have been able to be there and see it take place. I have been to every professional race of Jason’s career and I don’t plan on missing one anytime soon. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves……MX is coming and Anderson is even more confident on that style of track.

Ryan Sipes: Unfortunately due to a very scary pile-up, Ryan’s SX season was cut short. He broke a hand that has given him trouble in the past. He had it surgically repaired and hoped to be back by San Diego. The surgery did not work out and he was forced to have another. Sipes was finally able to return for the last three rounds, but was really just riding himself back into race shape. He had some good moments and will certainly be glad he was able to get out there. Ryan was given the nod to ride the 450 for the entire outdoor season which is something he was already really wanting to do. He loves the big bike and his style is very suited to the increase in power.

Nico Izzi: Nico suffered from a knee injury very shortly after getting on his new bike and joining the team. Much to his chagrin was not able to line up for even one Supercross. There was a slight possibility that Nico could return for the last couple rounds, but that just didn’t add up in the big picture. We all know that Izzi feels he has something to prove and I don’t disagree with that point. The kid is hungry and it is showing. It made more sense to let him really focus on outdoors and kind of get a head start on everybody. Now he can come into Hangtown 100% confident and 100% healthy and put his best foot forward. I for one cannot wait to see the #30 on the gate and come out of nowhere to land on the podium. It may take a couple races as it has been a while since he has raced, but I look at that as the next special moment in the sport.

Moving onto the GP season, it is still very early. It has been a bit up and down so far, with some highs and some lows but that’s normal and somewhat insignificant in a season so young. There are a lot more races upcoming and a lot more points to be gathered. I am grateful that I can watch every race online, and I do just that, every moto, every lap. It really allows me to stay in touch and see first-hand….well sort of, everything that is going on overseas. Even more exciting is that Clement Desalle and Kevin Strijbos are coming over here! They will join Rockstar Energy Racing and Ryan Sipes under the 450 semi for Thunder Valley and a new track to all of us, Muddy Creek in Bristol, TN. It’s always great when Eric Geboers and the whole crew can make it over here to catch up in person instead of just over email and telephone. It truly shows that we are all one big team, and it’s awesome to see it all come together. I’m very eager for those two races in particular. To see everyone again and have that many riders on the track vying for podiums is great!

Clement Desalle: I think Clement has been a bit frustrated this season. It seems on multiple occasions he has been the fastest rider on the track but some of the courses have been difficult to pass on. He certainly has been up front consistently, but I know he wants nothing more than to win. The GP in Agueda was no different. He was clearly faster but ended up third. I’m just glad after a very hard crash late in the second moto that he is not injured. I am pretty sure he will win again very soon and the MX1 points chase will tighten considerably. If history repeats itself, the title will once again come down to Clement and Antonio Cairoli, although Gautier Paulin has proven to be a spoiler as well. I’m glad I will be able to watch it all unfold. I have seen Desalle race in the US a few times, including at Unadilla a couple years ago when he battled then Rockstar rider Ryan Dungey for the overall win as they both landed on the podium. I’m confident this trip to the US will produce more of the same.

Kevin Strijbos: Kevin seems to be putting things together coming very close to an overall podium on a few occasions. One of his best races came when he battled his team-mate Desalle for nearly every lap of both motos in Sevlievo for the GP of Bulgaria where he bested him with a second in the first moto. It was very cool to watch! Kevin is a veteran who has won before and I believe can win again. I’m still waiting for both MX1 guys to podium together! It will be exciting to meet him and see him race in person for the first time.

Max Anstie: I remember Max being over here for several years as an amateur and racing Supercross. This year for the first time he came over for the West Coast 250 series as a Rockstar Athlete. He did pretty well and it was good to get to know him a little better. Anstie appears to have all the tools needed to podium in any GP. He just needs to add a good start and he will be there for sure. Watching him come through the pack in Bulgaria was very impressive! Just a case of putting it all together and it will come soon.

Julien Lieber: A youngster in the MX2 class Lieber was putting in some very good results. Unfortunately a knee injury has him out of the line-up for now.

Jeremy Seewer: The EMX250 class is only one race into their season where Jeremy finished third. Definitely a good start, but you could tell he was not satisfied. His goal is to not only win races, but win a championship. It’s inspiring to see that kind of fire in a young rider and coincidentally that is a trait you find in champions.

Photo: Justin Silvey

Ricky, so Europe-bound again…
RC: Yeah, and one of the things I love about coming to Europe is that the fans are so loyal, and so into the sport. They don’t go along because it’s something to do on a Saturday. It’s cool that they’re so passionate.

European fans and riders were able to sample RCU for the first time last year. What would you say to people who have not yet attended and are thinking about it?
RC: You know, I love giving back to the sport and it has lead to the Ricky Carmichael University programme. It is like an ‘experience’. I have all my sponsors involved with Monster and Fox and we have giveaways and the whole deal. We don’t want people to think that we are just there to turn up and take the money. We want them to learn something, and to have a great experience around us and throughout the day. We want the parents of the kids to have learned something, and riders of all ages to come away having had a great time, got some cool gifts and gained knowledge in terms of their riding. We also have the personalities involved with myself, Jeff Stanton, Jeff Emig and Grant Langston this year. I think we have tapped onto something really cool and I have a great time doing it and I think everybody involved does. In the end it is all about the experience, making riders better and helping them achieve their goals.

How will the second European edition be a bit different to the first?
RC: There are always things you can do better…that’s human nature. I feel that we set the bar pretty high last time so we at least need to keep it where it is! I think we’ll change a few small logistical things and I believe we have a pretty good routine in terms of giving each individual rider their own bit of time with all the instructors. For the first few Universities in the U.S. I used to just float around but I will now keep on working a specific section and that way I will get time with everybody. That’s important to me. I want people to feel like they have gotten their time.

What about taking RCU to other countries in Europe?
RC: I think there is a big market for it over in Europe and we’re working on it but the biggest thing that worries me is the language barrier. There is so much dialogue, talking and explaining going on that I don’t want any of it to get lost; it would be horrible. I know we could do it in a lot of cool places like Belgium, Holland and France but there is a lot of talking!

Some kids from other places in the continent might feel like they are missing out…
RC: You’re exactly right! More European RCUs are definitely on the radar and we’ve had some serious talks about but we just need to figure out a way we can effectively convey our message. My biggest fear is coming over there, making the experience but people getting ‘lost’ because we’re talking too fast or there is a just a breakdown of understanding. We talk a lot because it’s the only way to convey how, where and what you should be doing for better results. It [more Euro RCUs] is definitely an avenue we want to go.

RCU seems to be getting bigger and more established…no slowing down for you then just yet?
RC: Yeah! But if I put more RCU on the table then I can turn down a lot of other things. I won’t be bogging myself down. My summers are pretty flexible and the only time it gets a bit crazy is during supercross season but I’ll do everything in moderation!

What about Grant Langston joining the team? A rider with a lot of experience but with Jamie Dobb helping with the European set-up there is a bit of juicy history there after their tussle for the 2000 125cc World Championship…
RC: There is some history there! But we all grow up and we’re all adults with children now. I think Grant brings a lot to the table. He’s a former World and national Champion and is very articulate. He’s great with people and that’s what it’s all about; to be able to give that personal feeling. GL onboard is a win-win for us.

And going back to the Fatcat circuit in July. How do you feel about that?
RC: I’m really excited about going back. Everybody at Fatcat and those that assist us over there like Jamie and his wife Naomi and a few other people behind the scenes helped with a phenomenal first experience. We did get lucky with the weather in the UK and I hope it will be the same this year. The track was great actually…and the best part was seeing all the smiles on the faces.

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The young Briton will fly to the city of Florianopolis and then make the short trip north to Beto Carrero for the second year in succession after using the pause in the wake of the Portuguese round to train and practice near his base at Hemet in the United States.

The compact and jumpy track constructed on the outskirts of the theme park complex in the province of Santa Catarina will again entertain one of the busiest and most atmospheric events on the FIM calendar. The Grand Prix is again expected to be a sell-out with the circuit comprising relentless grandstand sections that create a real ‘stadium’ feel. Inside the red Beto Carrero dirt is mostly hard-pack although the GP paddock fraternity will be hoping that the same torrential rain that turned the race into an authentic ‘mudder will not reappear on this occasion.

Anstie will face the fifth Brazilian Grand Prix this century knowing a sharp start on his factory-backed RM-Z250 and some fortune in the opening laps will mean contention for his maiden podium trophy since joining the team last October.

“We are really happy with the way we’ve been working on the bike with Max and reaching a point where we can begin to see our potential,” commented Team Manager Thomas Ramsbacher. “We feel that all we are missing is some good luck in the opening lap or two to be in with a chance of the podium. It is very competitive for that second step but we have seen that Max has the speed and the ability to pass riders and get near the front. He just needs to put himself in frame from the beginning and not give himself so much work to do.”

Brazil will be the last of the flyaway events in the 2013 campaign and will therefore be the final outing for the Superfinal that will mix the top 20 riders of MX1 and MX2 classes. The weather forecast predicts mild but changeable conditions for the weekend.