Many top riders from the MXGP World Championship Paddock were welcomed to Shanghai today as the Media Event introduced them to the ancient culture of the Fengxian District, in which The Oriental Beauty Valley MXGP of China will take place this weekend at the Shanghai International Off-Road Circuit.
The riders were introduced to the wonders of the Qingxi Ancient Town, before boarding several wooden “Wupeng Chuan” canal boats, each powered and steered by a single oarsman with a huge “Jiang” paddle, for an aquatic view of the district’s waterways, taking in the ornate bridges of Nanhong, Guangji, Sanzhu, before passing next to the beautiful “Covered Corridor” attraction and the final Zhongzhe Bridge.
It was then time to get stuck into some tie-dye craftsmanship in the traditionally-decorated Nostalgia Dali, picking up some keepsakes with a personalised Fengxian Folding Fan, or “Shanzi”, which riders like Quentin Prugnières of Team Honda Motoblouz SR Motul and Jens Walvoort of KTM BTS Racing Team used to help battle the heat and humidity!
Other riders, such as Kay Karssemakers of Bike It Kawasaki and Kevin Brumann of MX-Handel Husqvarna Racing, enjoyed some “Tang Hua” sugar candy shaped as Chinese characters. Another feature was the Magic Face Change show, with a spectacularly-dressed Bian Lian performer full of enthusiasm for his trade!
Finally, there was a surprise for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing legend Jeffrey Herlings, as the organiser had arranged a birthday cake and impressive LED celebration board as the Dutchman turned 31 years old today, and all the riders lent their, ahem, best singing voices to wish “The Bullet” a Happy Birthday!
- Other riders enjoying the experience were Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s MX2 red plate holder Simon Längenfelder, Rick Elzinga and Karlis Reisulis of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2, Camden McLellan and Guillem Farres of Monster Energy Triumph Racing, Tim Gajser from Honda HRC, Fantic Factory Racing MXGP’s Brian Bogers, Kawasaki Racing Team pair Pauls Jonass and Mathis Valin, as well as the MRT Racing Team Beta duo of Ben Watson and Tom Koch. Also taking part in their first MXGP Media event were wildcard MX2 riders Nellie Fransson of JK Racing Yamaha and KTM Australia’s Byron Dennis!
- With the usual cheerful and polite manner of the local guides explaining all of the key facts about the area, the riders were able to immerse themselves in some ancient Chinese culture before the serious business of the race weekend begins tomorrow!
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