OFFICIAL PROGRAMME we risk our lives .” After that emotional first race win Dominique and Ten Kate went on a spree that saw him win four more races in a row , then ‘ suffer ’ a blip of fourth in Race One at Most , then win three in a row before a first and second place at Magny- Cours . Then , the enforced no-show at Catalunya . A win in the only race of the weekend at Jerez , one podium at Portimao and one fifth place , and Aegerter was nearly there . Fifth and third in Argentina sealed the deal . Speaking of deals , guess who Dominique ’ s manager is ? Why , his brother Kevin , of course . Does that make things easier or more difficult ? As he laughed a little , Dominique said , “ It is not that easy always to handle things with a brother that is older , to be the manager and also a little bit to be the boss ! But many times it makes it much easier because he lives near my house , and I trust him 100 %. It is very nice that he helps me and stays behind me 100 %. In the last three years he made a job so that I could be fully focused on my training , or on the race weekend . He handles all the sponsorship parts , team parts , organisation for all the hotels and rental cars , travelling , etc . To find someone who can make all of this is not so easy . In the past I had some good managers who helped me a lot to find good sponsorship but in the other side , when they are just checking for sponsorship and teams , still there are a lot of other things to care about .” Aegerter has already mentioned how hard he trained but being Swiss , of course , things are a little different for him compared to many others . “ I am quite polysportif ,” he explained , “ running , cycling , in the gym , motocross , Supermotard . I have lot of experience with different trainers , psychologists for mental training . Plus food and nutrition - it is very important to stay healthy and light on the bike . In the winter I was two months in Spain , and there I have a trainer who helps me get ready for the season . In Switzerland I am also in the ‘ Sport Militaire ’ where I have a lot of good people around me to give me some good advice to make my training even better , to keep my body in perfect shape for the season .” Sport Militaire ? Do tell , Dominique …? “ In Switzerland it is obligatory to go to the military and for all the professional sports guys or girls they can go to a special place that all the special sports athletes train . There are different trainers there , and different tests that you can do . So you can compare yourself with other people to see where you could advance .” Discipline , or more correctly self-discipline , via this kind of military athletic /
“ The mental side is very important , because we have discipline that you learn and other things you learn there ”.
EXCITING CONTENT physical fitness set-up , is an important aspect for Aegerter . “ The mental side is very important , because we have discipline that you learn and other things you learn there . I think it helps me to get more serious , more focused , on the job that I do .” Dominique is not in the military per se , and he assures us that he does not have a gun and full army kit under his bed - but is ready and willing to help his country if called on ! And finally , in the list of reasons why Aegerter ’ s title will go down in history a little unusual , is that he was the champion of the final WorldSSP Championship as we know it , before it opens up to a much wider range of motorcycle engine sizes and concepts than ever before . WorldSSP has always allowed 600cc four-cylinder , 675cc triples and 750cc twins , but next year there is a definite new route taken for what will still very much be WorldSSP . Times change , models change , and any streetbike-derived World Championship is going to have to change too . What will not change for Dominique in 2022 is his racing class . Although his experience in WorldSSP before 2021 was zero , he had ridden top Honda
Superbikes at the Suzuka 8 Hours race - to podium finishes no less - and was rumoured to be in line for a seat on the official HRC Honda squad in WorldSBK next season . Why did it not happen ? “ This is a very good question ,” said Dominique . “ We tried a lot to go with the HRC Honda Superbike team . I was also really close to Honda with the Suzuka 8 Hours team and three times on the podium . I was the test rider last year . I don ’ t know why they took Lecuona and Vierge . I was a little bit disappointed because I think I did an amazing WorldSSP season with ten wins , 14 podiums and still two races to go . I had to miss two races too , but I didn ’ t get any offers to go to another team or go to Superbike .” Just as this feature was being written , official news came through that Aegerter would indeed remain in WorldSSP in 2022 to defend his title , with Ten Kate and the Yamaha R6 . So we will get to see him back to defend his title after his career was re-ignited so strongly the light could be seen all over the globe . Now he is settled in his team again for 2022 , he aims to make a bit more history
41