HIGH FIVES - CLEMENT DESALLE
July 26, 2008
At 19 years old Desalle is definitely living his breakthrough season this year. The rider from Gouy les Pietons (Charleroi) is a top 10 regular and is currently second in the ADAC MX Masters standings behind Max Nagl. This weekend however « Panda » will be on United Telecom Trophy duty at Nismes.
What’s the reason you made so much progress this year ?
Desalle: Well, I always try my hardest whether I’m racing or training. And don’t forget that
I’m in a pretty good team (Inotec-Suzuki). Besides all that I have to admit that I can still
learn from my dad who is also my coach. And just don’t forget that I’ve quit school last year,
so that definitely helps as well.
While most kids of your age are still in MX2, you are already battling the best riders
in the world in MX1. No regrets about not being in MX2 ?
Desalle: No, not at all. In 2006 I had the chance to race in MX2. But finally I declined that
offer and choose MX1 instead . It’s a choice I don’t regret even when MX2 is a real nice
class.
If Joël Smets would offer you the MX2 spot for this year’s MX of Nations, would you
accept it ?
Desalle: Off course I would. I mean, every single motocross rider in the world
wants to be in that race.
There were some rumours about you doing the AMA National in Washougal next
Sunday. How come the deal fell trough ?
Desalle: Well, we had the chance to go to the US to ride at Washougal but it gets more
complicated than that. I could find a decent bike, but it definitely would have been
interesting to compare myself to the Americans. I have no clue how I would have performed
over there. But that’s just the point why you go isn’t it ? However, I wasn’t pleased that a
couple of sites took the rumour for real news. It’s just not right that they bring rumours as
real news.
Even at 19 you don’t hesitate when it comes to banging bars with guys like
Phillipaerts or De Dycker, how come ?
Desalle: Well I’m just not afraid to go into a duel with these guys. Why should I be afraid ?
All I’m doing there is defending my place. If certain riders don’t like that, than it’s their
problem, not mine.
You had quite a crash during the first heat in South Africa. Will that compromise your
riding in Nisme ?
Desalle: I crashed during the start of heat one with Coppins and t Pourcel. That’s how I
injured my pinky, shoulder and leg. But I’ll take it easy this week and I’ll be alright for
Sunday..
Did your good performances spark some interest from the factory teams ?
Desalle: Certainly, we’re talking to a lot of teams at the moment but until we’ve something
written on paper I prefer not to mention any names.
What do you think about the famous Saint-Joseph track in Nismes ? Can you finish
on the podium come Sunday afternoon ?
Desalle: It certainly looks nice, but to be honest with you, I have never ridden there! I
prefer not to say anything about how I’m going to finish. If you fail, such things will be used
against you. But there’s definitely going to be a lot of quality around a bit like last year’s
season final at Pierreux where I finished fifth.
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