2017 MXoN
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Five minutes with...
Christope
Charlier
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B
ack in 2009, Christophe
Charlier claimed the EMX250
title ahead of a certain Jeffrey
Herlings. But although he
showed flashes of brilliance in the
MXGP, he never quite seemed to
reach his potential. But 2017 has
proven to be somewhat of a revival
for the Corsican – taking victory in
the International Six Days Enduro and
following it up with a surprise selection
for the French MXoN team that ended
with him on the top step of the podium.
Ahead of the MXoN, with both Dylan
Ferrandis and Benoit Paturel out with
injury, Team France was left scrambling
a little for an MX2 rider. Team manager
Pascal Finot raised a few eyebrows
when he picked Charlier – likely
because he hadn’t raced MX in a year
and hadn’t been on an MX2 bike for
three.
Even with the ISDE victory under
his belt, some doubted Charlier’s
consistency and he travelled to
Matterley Basin with something to
prove. However, he silenced his
doubters with an outstanding sixth
overall and second in the MX2 in his
second moto – helping France to their
fourth successive victory.
The guys from Shot Race Gear sat him
down after the feat for a chat about
his year:
ISDE and MXoN titles arguably make
you the most complete off-road
motorcycle rider in the world now.
How does that feel?
Thanks! Very surprised first of all.
I quit motocross a year ago, so to
come back like this is not something
I had anticipated. Especially because
I had difficult weeks leading up to the
MX of Nations. To practice I didn’t
have a lot of time and just a standard
bike. However, for the weekend itself
everything was absolutely perfect. I got
the support from factory Husqvarna
and the MX2 factory team of Jacky
Martens has been brilliant. In fact,
everyone around me has been really
supportive for the MXoN.
Even the week before Matterley
Basin was pretty difficult because
you hit your head in the EnduroGP of
Hawkstone Park. You suffered a light
concussion, right?
Exactly, it wasn’t ideal. My head was
hurting during the weekend and for
two, three days my vision had been a
bit blurred. To be honest I’ve learned
so much about myself and my body
in enduro. That’s been a huge help
to get a better understanding of
how I feel and how to deal with such
issues. I knew that the headache and
troubles would pass so that I could be
in the best shape for the Motocross
of Nations. Enduro has helped me a
great deal to improve in my riding too.
Before I used to be out of my depth in
the mud but last weekend everything
went great. In the first moto I didn’t
have the best start, luckily I turned
things around in my second race!
Overall it was just an unreal weekend.
It looks like you’re stronger than
ever mentally. Not just the switch
from enduro to MX2 but coming into
a French team that’ve won the last
three MXoNs. That’s a lot to take on.
You’re right. I do think I’m stronger
in the head now. I can’t deny that it
has been a bit stressful though! On
the other hand, enduro is a lot about
handling well all the challenges that
are thrown your way. You have to stay
positive no matter what. To have stress
is one thing but you cannot let it affect
you. Bef