When it came time to interview one of the riders for this week’s MXP Chatter, I had trouble thinking of just one guy. So to change it up this week I spoke briefly to three MX1 riders after the second moto in Sand Del Lee. The riders are Brett Metcalfe, Tyler Medaglia and Cole Thompson. While Cole had a great day winning the MX1 overall, points leader Metcalfe and Tyler both got docked ten positions in the first moto and had to play a lot of catch up all day. Here is what they each had to say.
Brett Metcalfe: 3rd Overall
Q: Hey Brett, how are you feeling right now? Do you have mixed emotions about today?
A: Riding wise I’d say no, I felt like I rode really well today. I wasn’t too pumped on the track in practice but it sure came around for the motos and I felt great.
Q: You had an amazing ride in the first moto to come back from a first turn pile up and finish second, but you ended up getting docked ten places for jumping on a caution flag. Can you take us through what you saw?
A: I actually have no idea. I never saw a flag so it was a pretty messed up situation. I definitely jumped, I know that, because I was freaking out in the air when I saw a rider down on the landing, but I never saw any flag up before I took off. We were in a pretty heated battle and I was focused on that. Tyler was right in front of me and he jumped, Teddy was behind me and he said that he didn’t see any flag. I know it’s for our safety but it’s not really black and white and it’s not like we can appeal it or anything. It;s just really frustrating.
Q: Well, as you said you felt great on the bike and that incident doesn’t take away from just how good you rode today. That charge in moto one was pretty special to watch.
A: Thanks a lot. That means a lot to hear stuff like that. I was just dialed in and going for it. When I picked myself up from the first turn all I was thinking was to just put myself in the position to get the overall in moto two.
Q: Even in moto two when you were out front you were finding lines here and there, you were missing a lot of bumps, it was a lot like how you rode in Calgary when the track got rough.
A: Doing that has always been a specialty of mine and when the tracks get rough like that, you have to search out lines and try and be smooth. I was still pretty mad from that decision in moto one so I was pushing hard for that win the entire race. I had a little crash but I had a big enough lead that I was able to hold on for the win.
Q: So we’re in the home stretch now, will this week be the same schedule for you?
A: I’m actually going home this week and seeing the family. I’ve been staying out east since before Gopher so it’s going to be nice to get home. With the little guy now, it’s extra hard being away from home.
Q: Well thanks for your time Brett, good ride today and we’ll see you in Quebec.
A: Thank you, I’m looking forward to getting home and then getting back at it next weekend.
Tyler Medaglia: 7th overall
Q: Hey Tyler, can you talk to us real quick about your day. That charge in moto two was incredible.
A: I think that second moto today was the best of the year for me by far. I fell in the first turn and got up and just laid it down and charged so hard, I felt great out there. In moto one I thought I rode okay, we made a small change with the bike and it worked really well in moto two.
Q: You were one of the riders who got docked for jumping on the caution flag. From your perspective can you tell us what happened.
A: I saw the flag at the very last second and slammed on the brakes and ended up catching a little air. It’s a joke, no one wants to jump on a red cross flag but there has to be some discretion about how much time you’re allowed to have to slow down. On that jump we’re approaching it so fast that if a flag is thrown up at the last second, there’s no way we can slow down quick enough.
Q: Did that incident fire you up a bit for moto two?
A: Definitely, like I said though, I rode really well in moto one and I thought I deserved a better fate than what I got.
Q: During the start of moto two when the 30 second board went up you were waving your arms. Was something wrong with your bike?
A: I think the filter was wet or something because it wouldn’t start. Thankfully our bikes have electric start because I just kept pushing that button and it started. You got to love those KTMs.
Q: Last weekend was really tough on everyone and you ended up with heat stroke. Did you recover before heading into today?
A: Oh yes, I was fine. I took an extra day off this week and recovered fine. I felt great today and the track was perfect.
Q: Thanks Tyler, have a good week and we’ll see you next weekend.
A: Thanks Palms.
Cole Thompson: 1st Overall
Q: Hey Cole, great riding today. Why are you holding a plate that says second place?
A: (laughs) I don’t know, I guess they gave me the wrong trophy.
Q: Well, congratulations on your first big win in Canada. How was it?
A: Obviously today went really good. I felt great all day and the track was amazing.
Q: We haven’t seen you race much over the years because you’ve been racing in the USA. I forgot how smooth you are.
A: Thanks, I felt really smooth today and I was able to hit all of my lines and it just came together.
Q: You won the first moto pretty easily and then in moto two it looked like you were in cruise control. Were you just riding for the overall win in moto two?
A: Yes, I knew where I stood and what I had to do to win the overall. I mean, Brett was riding great but I had a little more to give. I just wanted to finish strong. When I was leading the first moto I was just really concentrating on riding smart and not making the same mistake I made last weekend. I was just as focused in moto two and I really wanted to win my first MX1 overall.
Q: You’re riding really well. You and the KTM must be really gelling.
A: It’s an awesome bike for sure and I feel great on it. Right from the first time I rode it I felt great and very comfortable. The team is great and they’ve really made me feel welcomed. I think that’s why I’ve been able to come in mid-season and adapt so well.
Q: What did happen last weekend in moto two?
A: I just hit a bad line and went over the bars. I think I cross rutted and it just kicked me so fast. I was lucky that the bike missed me and I didn’t get hurt, but the bike was way too damaged to continue.
Q: Well, hopefully we see you up front again in the next few weeks because it sure does make things more interesting. Thanks for doing this. I’ll let you go so you can get your real trophy.
A: Thanks Chris, I had a great day and I hope I have a few more like this.