By: Eric Johnson - On Saturday evening, February 6, 1993, a then unknown rider from France won the San Diego Supercross on a private Honda. He then returned to Europe to contest the 125cc World Championship Series. Pichon came back in 1995 and won two consecutive AMA 125cc East Region Supercross Championships for Mitch Payton’s then-named SplitFire/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Team. In a certain way, on Saturday, January 13, 2007, history repeated itself. After placing second at the season-opening Anaheim Supercross, one week later at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, young French rider Christophe Pourcel won his first supercross. The 2006 MX2 World Champion, on loan from the GPKR factory Kawasaki team, was racing for Payton’s Monster Energy/Kawasaki team and using American supercross to prepare for the 2007 MX2 Grad Prix Series. Sadly, a week later, Pourcel broke his shin at Anaheim II and had to return home to France. From that point, he began a strenuous rehabilitation program to get ready for the opening Grand Prix of the season in Valkenswaard, Holland. He made it to the gate for Grand prix of Benelux and rode to strong 7/3 motor scores for fourth overall. On April 15, he traded moto wins with Italian Antonio Cairoli and now stands third in the 2007 MX2 World Championship point standings. A few days before the third round of the MX title fight — set to be held on the Iberian Peninsula in Portugal — we cornered Pourcel and fired off a list of quick questions. The following were his answers.
Christophe, a week after the Spanish, what are you up to?
I’m just training and preparing for the next Grand Prix in Portugal this weekend.
As far as your health and conditioning, how did you feel before the season-opening Grand Prix of Benelux?
†I felt really good, but I only had a couple of weeks to ride before the first Grand Prix due to the injury to my leg I received at Anaheim II.
How did you feel about your first Grand Prix of 2007? You appeared to have a lot of speed in the sand at Valkenswaard…
Yeah my speed was good, especially in the second moto. Also, my conditioning is not yet arrived at its peak yet due to my injury so I know I will be able to go faster for a longer time as the season goes on. Already, I know I am fast enough to race at the front.
For you, how helpful was racing American supercross in preparing for the 2007 MX2 World Championship?
For sure it was very helpful. I learned a lot during my time there and got to race with some very fast riders.
Can you describe the race team you ride for on the World Championship circuit?
The GPKR Team is organized by my father Roger Pourcel, and his partner Patrick Gelade. After we won the MX2 World Championship in 2006, the team became Kawasaki’s official factory supported team in MX2.
Where do you currently live and train in Europe?
During the season we live and train in Belgium. It’s the best place to be for the GPs.
What will be you approach to the 2007 MX 2 World Championship season?
†This year I feel I need to win more races, but to still be as consistent as I was last year. I want my momentum to build throughout the season. Already, I’m racing for the win and my condition is not yet at the peak. At the same time, my competition may have already arrived at their top level of conditioning, so we know where they are at and where I need to be.
What are your goals for the 2007 Grand Prix season?
To win the World Championship again.
Do you feel you can you win the World Title again?
Yes.
What riders will you have to be the most concerned with and why?
Obviously, Antonio Cairoli will be there and Tyla Rattray will be fast as well.
What riders do you get along with the best?
My brother, Sebastien.
Do you miss racing in America?
Yes, I really enjoyed my time there and working with the Pro Circuit team.
Do you hope to do more races here in the United States over the summer?
It’s not possible as I’m focused on winning the world championship and need to be here in Europe at all times.
Overall, what do you think of the American motocross and supercross scene?
It’s very professional and it’s very big. I like the stadium full of people — it’s exciting to race for them.
How well did you get along with the American riders while you were here?
Really well. We laugh and joke around together when we do the autograph signing and we talk in the truck while we watch the film from practice.
What did you think of Mitch Payton and the Pro Circuit team?
They are very good and they work very hard to give you everything you need to win. You can tell they want you to succeed.
In your opinion, how is the sport of motocross doing in Europe?
I think it’s very healthy.
In your home country of France, has there been a lot of interest regarding your travels on both the AMA Supercross and Grand Prix Motocross tours?
I think so, but maybe you should ask the magazine writers from France because I think they know better than me!
What do you like to do for fun?
Race go-karts with my brother. I also like to do other sports.
Who are your heroes in motocross?
Nobody. It may sound arrogant, but I just want to be myself and not try to be like somebody else.
What is your plan for 2008?
I want to go back to America and win a championship.
What are your long term plans?
My results will determine my plan.
Colton Haaker takes a third place finish at a fast wide open second round in Oklahoma
In the first moto, Villopoto took the measure of teammate Brett Metcalfe
