MX2 Preview
With Antonio Cairoli decimating the opposition in 2007 few would bet against the talented Italian on making it 3 world titles in 2008. However Cairoli has been keeping a low profile this season and has been riding a 450 in the Italian championships leading some people to believe he is not taking his title defence as seriously as he possibly should. Cairoli is true champion however, and he will be ready to take on the new field of hungry youngsters in Holland.
Tommy Searle was number 2 in the world last year and armed with a new frame, new engine and new speed if anyone is going to rival Cairoli it looks like it will be Searle. The pressure is on Tommy to win this year as this is his final season in the GPs before he heads stateside to take on the Americans in 2009, but KTMs prized possession looks ready to give Cairoli fits this season.
Tyla Rattary another KTM rider is hoping to get through the season healthy also riding the new perimeter framed KTM styla has a long term plan this season and is not wanting to peak too early, his speed seems to have improved in the off season and he is very good in sand a win at Valkensward wouldn’t be a big surprise. Rui Goncalves is the 3rd rider in a very strong Red Bull KTM team always consistent and always fast Rui will be looking to turn top 5s into top 3 results this season.
Shaun Simpson now riding for KTM UK has been on fire this season, after winning both motos at the British championship he promptly went to Belgium and did the double in their MX2 series as well. Shaun will be full of confidence and a top 5 result is a realistic target for the Scotsman this weekend anything outside the top 10/ 12 in the Championship will be a disappointment now. Another KTM prospect is Jeremy Van Horebeck, smooth as silk, Van Horebeck has the technical ability to become one of the top riders in the world but will he make the break into the top 5 this season?
Martin Barr like Simpson is in the form of his life. After a stunning performance at the Des Nations last season, Barr has been awarded premier status in the MX2 division for U- tag/ Dixon Yamaha. There may be added pressure but the stylish rider from Ballyclare is proving in the British Championship that he has the speed to justify his place. Regular top 10s this season in the GPs are surely what Martin is expecting and maybe by the end of the year it could be even better!
Molson Kawasaki just announced that Gareth Swanepole will be missing in action for the foreseeable future after not recovering from a damaged scaphoid in the off season, a huge blow for the South African who was looking to assert himself as a championship contender this season. Molson though have Stephen Sword back to ease the pain, Sword after 2 years of injury misery has been training intensely with 3 time World Champion Dave Thorpe, his speed is coming back, he leads the British Championship and as the season goes on race wins are surely not out the equation for the determined Scot. Frenchamn and current European Champion Gautlier Paulin is Molson’s ace up there sleeve in 2008. Preciously talented, the 16 year old former BMX world champion was the subject of a bidding war between Martin Honda and Molson Kawasaki for his first full year in GPs but Molson got their man, with Jacky Vimond in his corner Paulin has everything in place to become a world champion in the near future, 2008 may be to early for that but podiums and maybe even a race win by the end of the season will surprise no-one.
Nicholaus Aubin won his first GP last year and if the Ricci Yamaha rider can continue his rise through the ranks should be on the pace of the Rattary Searle and Cairoli. Whether he will be consistently on the pace remains to be seen but the talented Frenchman could be a dark horse for the title this season. Italian Team-mate Davide Guaneri should also be running up front more often if he can stay away from the injuries of last season.
Other notable riders to look out for in the top 10 are Pascal Leuret on a factory backed Swift Suzuki, Cairolis team mates Matteo Bonini and former youth World Champ Alessandro Lupino could have their breakthrough seasons. Suso Suzuki have got the experience of Carl Nunn and the youthful exuberance of Jason Dougan to count on. Sand Master Eric Eggens is always a threat , while Van Horebecks team-mate at champ KTM Joel Roelants could also turn a few heads as could Jeremy Tarroux who was riding at a new level by the end of the year in 2007.
With so many talented young riders looking for their time in the limelight, Cairoli can’t afford to drop his level of 2007 the pack are coming but Cairoli barring injury should have enough to hold them off, Tommy Searle though will beg to differ!
By: Jonathan McCready, Photos: Paul McCready