Suzuki stars Rockin’
By TMX Archives on 4th Jan 13
Rockstar Energy Suzuki MX1 and MX2 Europe team riders Clement Desalle, Kevin Strijbos, Julien Lieber, Jorge Zaragoza, Jeremy Seewer and Markus Schiffer have returned from two weeks of intense pre-season training in Portugal.
The annual Team Suzuki14-day camp was an ‘octane-free' program of mountain biking, cycling, running, swimming, and power training under the watchful eye of team trainer, Yves Demeulemeester, and manager, Eric Geboers.
The superb facilities and moderate climate of Monte Gordo in the South of Portugal, is a well-known destination for top athletes, from athletics to tennis and motorsports.
Joel Smets, who recently joined the team as rider coach was unable to attend the camp after a severe knee infection kept him in hospital.
Smets' infection is under control now, and the five-times former World Champion left the hospital last week.
Fellow Suzuki-man Max Anstie, currently in the US to prepare for the first five races in the AMA Supercross series, was also unable to join the teams in Portugal.
Eric Geboers explained: "The training camp was really good. All the boys have worked extremely hard and were committed to Yves' training program.
"I think we have made a good basis for the 2013 season and the boys are definitely ready to continue their individual programmes back home.
"It's good to see them so eager to get back on the bikes after two weeks without their Suzukis!”
Kevin Strijbos added: "I've been on Suzuki's training camp before and I know it's a really good way to start your training program like this. It's nice being able to train in these conditions and with your team-mates.
"It makes you push a bit harder.”
The team riders will now prepare for their 2013 World MX1 and MX2 seasons and get ready for their first outing at the Starcross International MX, which takes place at Mantova in Italy, on January 27.
