Seven YZ125 Cup riders selected by #yamaha Motor Europe N.V. have successfully concluded the intense Masterclass training programme from November 18th - 20th, at the Ottobiano Motorsport track in Italy. The upcoming young talents were taken under the wing of 2008 MX Premier Class (MX1) Champion David Philippaerts and Alberto Barozzi, #yamaha Motor Europe N.V.'s bLU cRU #racing Manager, to get a unique insight into all aspects of professional motocross training. The students' progress was carefully monitored by #yamaha Motor Europe N.V.'s #racing committee throughout the course, as only one rider will receive the opportunity to step up to the EMX125 Championship with Yamaha's MJC #yamaha Official EMX125 Team next year.
Tim Edberg (15 years old / Sweden), Jeroen Bussink (15 years old / The Netherlands), Arvid Lüning (15 years old / Sweden), Nicolo Folli (15 years old / Italy) and Rasmus Holm (15 years old / Sweden) and wildcards Hugo Johansson (15 years old / Sweden) and Gervasio Cañas (15 years old / Spain) earned their place in the Masterclass after a year of fierce competition in their respective national MX championships and a thrilling SuperFinale at the VELTINS-Arena on October 8th*.
Having been selected by #yamaha Motor Europe N.V.'s #racing committee, the seven young riders got to learn first hand all the ins and outs of the off-road #racing industry from Philippaerts and #yamaha Motor Europe N.V. bLU cRU #racing Manager, Alberto Barozzi, and that was not all. The MJC #yamaha Official EMX125 Team also made a special visit to support the YZ125 Cup riders and allow their bLU cRU riders, Rick Elzinga (14 years old / The Netherlands) and Thibault Benistant (14 years old / France), to train alongside them.
The YZ125 Cup riders arrived in Italy on Friday evening and assembled for a welcoming presentation, before immediately getting to work. Eager to get started they changed into their running clothes and went out for a jog with Philippaerts before having dinner together. The meal plan for the Masterclass weekend was arranged to educate the young students on the healthy lifestyle that a professional off-road career demands.
Having gone to bed early the day before, the riders were fresh for a 7AM breakfast the next morning before heading to the Ottobiano track. Knowing the vitality of physical fitness, Philippaerts taught the youngsters a quick and effective warm-up routine before the riders got to go out on track for Free Practice as soon as the fog cleared.
After a hearty lunch, the YZ125 Cup riders' afternoon training session focused on riding style, body position, technique, starts and more vital elements that contribute to a successful MX career.
The first day on track was concluded with a quick cooling down session before the riders got to warm up at the bonfire and roast marshmallows. Happy and satisfied after a long day's work, they headed back to the hotel where they were allowed to relax for a while and enjoy a healthy and warming meal.
The second day started with a physical check after breakfast to make sure the riders were in perfect shape for the final day of the Masterclass.
To give the YZ125 Cup riders a well-rounded view on how to ride their YZ125 bikes to their full potential, the seven youngsters were taken out on a hard-pack track to practice correct clutch usage. Following the practical session, MJC #yamaha Official EMX125 Team Principal Loïc Le Foll explained to the rider and their mechanics (parents/friends) some of the mechanical features on the bike that are important for take care it and discover more the YZ125's potentiality. After that Barozzi and Philippaerts gave a special ergonomic lesson to create a better understanding of the best interaction with their bike for a correct riding style.
More information on the press release
© Copyright 2024