Good day and welcome to another edition of the Monday Gate Drop presented by Honda Racing Canada. I hope that everyone is back into the swing of things with school and whatever else fall brings. At least in Ontario we’ve been blessed with terrific September weather (for the most part) so hopefully it continues. The fall of 2016 officially arrives this week and with one of my favourite times of the year.
With the CMRC postponing their next SWO event event until October, all eyes were on Walton Raceway this past weekend as they held their final two races of 2016. For Saturday’s AMO event, Mother Nature did not cooperate and rain forced an early end to the day’s motos. With under 200 entries on Saturday (TVR did a little better with 350 entries on Sunday under sunny skies) obviously a lot of people had checked the forecast and elected not to bother travelling to Walton to get muddy. In two weeks it’s the opening round of the 2016 Canadian National AX Tour round in Sarnia, ON.
This was taken by Kaven Benoit and it’s looking out the back of Team Canada’s rented house. Not a bad view!
Of course even with this coming weekend’s events, I’m sure everyone will be keeping an eye on Italy and the 2016 MXoN. Our team, led by Kourtney Lloyd, has now assembled at a rented house near Lake Como while they make last minute preparations for this massive event. I was lucky enough to have travelled to this part of Italy five years ago for a day of riding and I can tell you that it’s one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever seen. Sitting on the southern side of the Italian Alps, the Maggiora track is a scenic thing of beauty, and beginning on Friday, it will host some of the world’s top riders. As you know, Team Canada is made up this year of Kaven Benoit, Shawn Maffenbeier and Tyler Medaglia, three heart and soul riders that will give it everything they have this weekend and do our country proud. To be successful at this event you need a lot of things to fall into place, from selecting the team’s gate pick to having the bikes run perfectly in strange surroundings. It’s not just about going out and turning the throttle, if it was then I’m sure our team would finish in the top ten each and every year. Just as her predecessors did, 2016 Team Manager Kourtney Lloyd has given our boys everything they need to have a successful weekend, so all the team needs is a little luck on the track and we should be fine. Let’s take a look at each of our riders and see what exactly they bring to the race track.
Tyler Medaglia is a rider that is capable of just about anything. As the unofficial Captain of Team Canada, a lot is unexpected of this fan favourite in Italy. Photo by James Lissimore
Tyler Medaglia:
While Tyler played second fiddle all summer to his Team Canada teammate Kaven Benoit, I still say that Tdags is the captain in 2016. With a wealth of experience and clutch rides over the years, Medaglia can be counted on in any situation. He is also a great starter when it matters the most so look for Tyler to be battling up front in the early stages of each moto this weekend. In Italy, he has his mechanic and his wife with him so there is no doubt that he feels very confident and comfortable heading into the 2016 MXON. One big thing that I love about Tyler’s riding style is his ability to ride in all conditions; he’s one of the most versatile riders I’ve ever seen. Judging by the videos I’ve seen of the Maggiora circuit, it’s going to demand as much mental focus as it will physical fitness. With its long downhills and tight corners, the ability to brake late and then smoothly apply the throttle is going to be extremely important. Tyler has always excelled in these types of conditions and with his ability to get good starts, look for him to be very fast in Italy.
Kaven Benoit is coming off three very successful seasons on the Canadian circuit. It appears to me that he’s never been more ready to make a huge splash on the World stage. Photo by James Lissimore
Kaven Benoit:
As we all know, Kaven is coming off three very successful seasons on the national circuit with two MX2 titles and a third overall finish this summer in the MX1 class. After the nationals, Benoit won the pro invitational at Walton Raceway and then finished 11th overall at the final round of the Lucas Oil Pro Championships in Indiana. In short, Kaven Benoit is on a roll and must be feeling very confident heading into this weekend. He also has his mechanic with him, as well as his trusted friend and KTM boss, JSR. If there was ever a time for Benoit to burst into the International spotlight it’s right now as all of the stars appear to be aligned for him. Benoit also has proven to ride well in different conditions, and at 28-years-old, he has as much experience as anyone in the field. If Benoit can find a way to be fast right from the beginning of practice on Saturday, then I believe his confidence will soar and he will turn a lot of heads this weekend with his smooth style and raw speed.
Riding in the MX2 class, Shawn Maffenbeier will definitely have his hands full on the hilly Maggiora track. But, this is Shawn Maffenbeier we’re talking about, he’s Canadian fan favourite for a reason and I expect him to do very well. Photo by James Lissimore
Shawn Maffenbeier:
Heading into this weekend, Shawn Maffenbeier is perhaps the rider with the biggest task ahead of him. To find success in the MX2 class on this hilly track will be very tough for any of the small bike riders. Maffenbeier is coming into this weekend having had a decent summer in the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals. At times his speed was good enough to win as he demonstrated at Kamloops and Regina, he was also incredibly resilient during the ten round MX2 series. I believe Maffenbeier is a great hard pack rider with the ability to carry speed through corners. These skills will help him very much this weekend and if he can get off the gate well, he should do very well. I also think that Shawn has the ability to seize the moment and will recognize that this is the chance of a lifetime. Without a doubt, Maffenbeier will give this weekend absolutely everything he has. With these three experienced and gutsy riders, this weekend has the makings of a great moment for Canadian motocross. Good luck Team Canada!
Well, that is it for me this week. With not too many great riding days remaining, I hope everyone is able to get some incredible fall riding in this week. With the World Cup of Hockey going on this week in Toronto and the 2016 MXON taking place this weekend, it’s a great week to be Canadian and to share the pride with the rest of our nation. Finally, I’d like to send out a big get well to Blair Harper. Blair suffered a big crash yesterday while mountain biking and although he’s pretty busted up, he’s recovering in hospital. Stay safe everyone and have a great week!.