Antonio Cairoli - Interview 14-08

Motocross - MX1/MX2

Having won two World Titles in the MX2 class already Tony Cairoli of the Yamaha Red Bull De Carli Team has now set his sight on the MX1 World Title to raise his tally to three

World Crowns.

With the Italian being at his maiden season in this series, taking the title would make Cairoli even more popular than he now is. Winning the most important Motocross series in the World is a great achievement indeed.

"If the World Championship was not there we would not have an official top series, this is my first year in MX1 and I am happy about all that is happening around me, I hope it will end well. I do not think people are supporting me just for the red plate, there are many people following me all over the world and I hope their number will increase in the future, I am happy when I think about their support."

Cairoli is one of the many people interested in the future of Motocross and reckons the growth of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

"Youthstream has taken a big step forward compared to the previous years and the World Championship is growing courtesy of them. With Youthstream we work very well together, the organization is really well and it is 100% professional. I would like to bring my own support to this Championship which can become even more important. I hope there will be even more coverage, I think now we have already overtaken some World road racing series. We are reaching these goals little by little, and I think this is a satisfaction both for us and for the organizers."

Cairoli is also one of those guys the media follow constantly, his flamboyant character generates a lot of interest around him, not just when he is racing but also when he is enjoying his life in between Belgium and Italy. Despite being very busy, Cairoli is always available for everyone.

"The media are very important for us riders and for the organizer, it is important to keep them close to us in order to give them the news live. Being on TV, on the magazines covers, if you are there it means that you are doing well and I am happy about it."

Cairolis future is in Motocross and he has found the right series to make the most of his talent.

"This year I am leading the MX1 series and I hope to keep it until the end. If this Championship was not there I could not grow professional wise, for me it is extremely important to race this Championship."

When you talk about or with Cairoli, what you see is what you get. People can talk about anything with the Italian, including troublesome issues such as doping.

"This is a topic which many people are talking about, some people mentioned other peoples names but I would never talk about other colleagues being doped unless I am 100% sure and I have all the necessary evidences. I think this is a form of envy or a kind of excuse, the controls have been always done every year. There are riding styles which make you more tired. I am riding light and I do not need a strong body like the one of other riders who are riding harder than me, it is all about the way you ride the bike. Anyhow I hope we can get all back together in harmony."

Cairolis eyes are not only on the MX1 series, he is also looking at the future of professional Motocross which now comes from the UEM EMX2 series.

"Well I never raced it but it was a choice we did with the team. There are many young teams now that are interested in this Championship and I think it is a good base to face the World Championship when you race it for at least one year."

Though the Italian is not looking overseas.

"USA are not a priority at the moment, it has never been a priority though, it was just a dream. Now there is a little crisis over there as well, I remain based in Italy with my team and I want to continue to do well with them as we have been doing so far."

Cairolis and the Yamaha Red Bull De Carli Teams season continues for two more Grand Prixs in Lierop and Canelinha, and you can bet they will continue to do well.

Source: Geoff Meyer

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