Five riders to watch out for this year
By Infront Moto Racing on 23rd Jan 16
A year ago they were saying that the MXGP class had the toughest field of riders ever, well guess what, 2016 is even tougher. This years MXGP championship is massive in the context of depth. Six former or present motocross world champions in the class, and a lot of young riders coming through to try and seek their own glory.
I doubt anyone would be willing to bet who is going to win the season opener in Doha, Qatar in five weeks' time, and I know for sure picking the winning is nearly impossible. Names like Febvre, Cairoli, Desalle, Paulin, Nagl, Gajser, Guillod, Townley, Strijbos, Bobryshev and Tixier make this the most demanding motocross series in the sport and one that is producing the most amazing racing.
We thought we would look at five riders we think will make a big splash in 2016.
Romain Febvre: The defending champion and possibly the future king of this class. With a year of experience, and a world title already in his pocket the smiling, quiet Frenchman must be in a good place. Another year on his factory Yamaha 450cc machine and a new deal with clothing giant Alpinestars and you can bet Febvre will look the goods this season.
Antonio Cairoli: Still seems weird putting his name behind anyone's, as he has been the master of the class for a bunch of years now. His determination to come back from an injury riddled 2015 season would seem enough to make him a heavy favorite to regain his MXGP title. The years are catching up with the legendary Italian, but riders like Cairoli always pull something special out of their pocket and 2016 might just see him claim world title number nine.
Gautier Paulin: Preparing in America with famous American trainer Aldon Baker sounds like the second of the leading French riders is more serious than ever with his efforts. Paulin shows consistency in 2015, and although his speed was down somewhat compared to 2014, he will have learnt more about his HRC machine and figured out some bugs he might have had. He is also recovered from his knee injury.
Clement Desalle: The tough Belgian rider lines up with the Monster Energy Kawasaki team, and while the team still probably has nightmares about their 2015 season, Desalle will make sure this bad dreams end quickly. One of the most determined riders in the world and a multiple GP winner. Can the Belgian win his country their first world motocross championship in nine years?
Tim Gajser: Throwing the youngster under a bus here. Coming into the toughest series in the world after his MX2 championship success is going to be difficult. He has the style to move nicely into the big boy class, and with HRC backing his every move he has the right support. If he can handle the rough and tumble of the MXGP class, then his natural talent will shine. Hopefully some strong results in Qatar and Thailand, will give him the confidence to run up front often.
