Tim Gajser is one of the more promising talents climbing up through the MX2 ranks, and has acquired his fair share of hype from fans and media alike. For this reason, it was no surprise that some had touted him as the man that would challenge Jeffrey Herlings this year; even Gajser expected that of himself, it seems. However, it never happened, and the Slovenian now admits to maybe putting too much pressure on himself…
MX Vice: You looked like you were having a lot of fun on the bike today, was that the case?
Tim Gajser: Yeah, it was good out there; it wasn’t as bad as it looked. The ground was really hard too, when the rain came down it was just wet but not sticky in the warm up.
MX Vice: In warm up did you feel really comfortable? We only ask as you pretty much threw a whip on every jump!
Tim Gajser: Yeah, it was fun; I really enjoy riding in when it’s wet. But when it dried out it was really sticky. When the rain was pouring down the track was fine, but where they ripped up the start straight it was so sticky.
MX Vice: Obviously you’re happy about your second GP victory?
Tim Gajser: Yeah, really happy. The first one this year was good, but to get the win for my team in Italy is very special. It’s such a good feeling to be on the top of the podium. The track was really tough today; it changed considerably from not only yesterday but also this morning. Deep ruts and one fast line developed in the second race, the key was starts and riding smooth without trying to push. A third and a second were good enough.
MX Vice: What goals and expectations did you set yourself, coming into the season?
Tim Gajser: Coming into this year I think my expectations were too high. Last year I was on the podium six times and took the last race win of 2014. Maybe I was expecting too much of myself, and possibly pushed too hard coming in to the season.
I know this because I made some mistakes in the first few rounds, plus at the Qatar round the journey was not good. I literally slept for sixteen hours straight before the Saturday race, and then I had the issue in Thailand with not being able to ride. The beginning of the season was really tough. It was great to get back to Europe and take my first GP overall and I was feeling better, but then I had a few more bad races and my riding was not very good. I started to ride well in France, as it was the first time I could actually train normally after all the big crashes I’ve had, so now I’m starting to feel good again.
MX Vice: When you hit those dips in form, what do you do to turn it around?
Tim Gajser: The most important thing is to have fun on the bike, just enjoy what you are doing and not put too much pressure on yourself. Sometimes when I race I relax and it just feels like I’m practicing. When I feel good and one hundred percent I know I can get on the podium, especially in the rain (laughs).
MX Vice: We have some good tracks coming up, are there any that stand out for you?
Tim Gajser: Every GP is the same for me; I work hard with the intention to get on the box –that’s the target, to be the best I can be. Teutschenthal I’m looking forward too, last year I was second in qualifying, second in the first race and second in the second race, so looking forward to that one for sure. I’m really looking forward to the second half of the season.
Interview: James Burfield | Image: Suzuki Racing
