APRILIA SHINES IN THE S2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
19 April 2006 - Aprilia

There’s no doubt that the most striking market force of the international Supermoto was the arrival of Thierry van Den Bosch to Aprilia

In fact, if there is a representative rider for this discipline, it couldn’t be other than the transalpine. You can surely guarantee that he and the supermotard are one in the single thing. Its tracks go beyond human and challenge the laws of gravity. It raised enthusiasm and attracted even more people to the newest discipline of modern motorcycling. Two international titles and a long list of national and international successes earned him the name of “Mister Supermotard”. From the start of the year, he began taking his first steps in the seat of the bi-cylinder from Noale. Here are his impressions on the eve of the International Supermotard Championship where he will draw up the troops, just like the diamond in the Aprilia trident in the S2 class.

The International Supermoto will begin on April 30th. Are you ready to confront this new challenge and really concentrate on your third international title, the first in the seat of a bi-cylinder?
“There is still a lot of work to be done because many things are new to me. Starting with the motorcycle, a different cylinder and concept from what I used in the past. It totally changes my way of conducting the motorcycle in each situation. However, I have to say that I started off on the right foot. The consecutive victories are testimony, verifying the results of the first trial in the Italian championship at Varano although I was a bit unlucky at Castelletto. I’m not in top shape physically although the atmosphere surrounding the official Aprilia has team helped me a lot to improve and achieve an optimal psychological equilibrium. All of the components of the team, from the first to the last, are extremely motivating which is certainly a positive factor for me.”

How did the media and your fans take your move to Aprilia?
“I have to say well. Everyone seems interested and even a little bit curious about this new challenge of mine. In the past, I won with Husqvarna and Ktma and am now looking to do the same with Aprilia. Beyond racing in the S2, it is certainly interesting because you use a motorcycle that has half the cylinders of those that are in production. The media has also been more interested because my work reflects on a motorcycle that will be put into market production. A bike that is different from the norm, the bi-cylinder that completely broke all the off-road molds.”

What are the positive and negative aspects of your bi-cylinder?
“For me, my way of understanding the motorcycle means that there are never any negative aspects, only the positive ones. It is now clear that the Aprilia twin has no rivals when it comes to power. I really had to change my riding style, adapting myself to the new conceptual frame. On the fast circuits, everything is quicker while on the more torturous ones, the more dug up stretches you still need to work to keep up with the competition. However, I still maintain that I am fairly satisfied.”

What are the adversaries that you fear most in the worlds?
“I think that there are at least eight or nine riders that will be in contention for the title. Beyond my teammates, Bolley and Giraudo, you can’t forget about Chambon and Seel. However, I don’t feel like making predictions. I come from the S1 and can’t really appreciate the true abilities of my colleagues.”

How do you pass the time before the race?
“I don’t have any particular routines. We normally check on the technicians and the various settings of the motorcycle. I eat and drink normally; I don’t follow any pre-race diet. I pass the time looking calming to find the right state of mind for approaching the race.”

Before the start of worlds, would you bet on a final podium? If so, which one?
“Only for first place, the others don’t interest me.”

www.aprilia.com

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