Vital MX Forum QNA: Christophe Pourcel

mx_563
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8/16/2016 2:10pm
Je suis un américain d'origine polonaise , mais je tape en français alors espérons vous répondre . Dont la circonscription de style pensez-vous ressemble le plus à la vôtre? En outre, ce qui est une partie de votre musique française préférée pour écouter ?
WillyB
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8/16/2016 2:11pm Edited Date/Time 8/16/2016 2:12pm
Hey Chris. I've always enjoyed your laid back/mellow attitude in your interviews and it totally translates in your riding style (one of my favorites). No real questions for you but thanks for taking the time to do this and good luck this weekend!
hvaughn88
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8/16/2016 2:13pm
Christophe, I appreciate you taking the time to do this.

First: what is your opinion on the French team for MXDN this year?

Second: what are some of your favorite activities outside of moto?

Third: are you pretty involved with the Jett boot design?
MXMattii
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8/16/2016 2:14pm Edited Date/Time 8/16/2016 4:05pm
Hi Christophe,

How are you? We've met an couple time and I've enjoyed talking with you time after time! I don't wanna put you in a difficult place, but what are your thoughts on the French MXON selection?

Mine second question is about the Supercross Lille. Are you on the line-up of 2016? Are you gonna race any Off-Season Euro Supercross races?

I hope you can get the best out of the rest of your career and also, when your career ends we get a chance to read your story in biographic book.

PS: Did you knew that Clément Desalle and his wife became parents from a little girl.




The Shop

8/16/2016 2:28pm
Happy Birthday Christophe!
Sully22
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8/16/2016 2:51pm
Hello Christophe. I'm a huge fan, followed your career from you GP days, loved it when you won the sx titles, and was gutted in 09 at the wick, and Pala 2010.

Injuries are a part of the sport, you've been impacted greatly in the past by injuries and there's been talk about how your injuries have impacted you and changed your riding and training due to the injuries you've sustained. That being said, there's been quite a few injuries this year in the outdoor MX series, including your own neck injury at washougal. In your opinion, what could be done to help reduce the number of injuries we've seen and how would you go about implementing those changes? Would you like to see them groom the tracks more in between motos and get rid of the deeper ruts in straight sections and landings off jumps? Are you in favor of the dirt/saw dust/bark chips/sand being brought in to the different tracks, or would you like to see them leave it alone?

Also, do you feel you are covered fairly by the mainstream US Moto media? As a fan of yours, I feel like sometimes there's unfair criticism levied against you for what you say, or in some cases what you don't say, that other riders never receive.

BugsBunny
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jacksonville, FL US
8/16/2016 3:06pm
Thanks heaps for taking the time to do this!
Why do you think that you are able to qualify P1 so much of the time in Sx but can't back that speed up in the main event? Does it have something to do with confidence from a few years off racing Sx or do you feel qualifying is just your strong point? Love you work!! #377 #aussiefan
ocscottie
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8/16/2016 3:50pm
part-timer wrote:
Happy Birthday Christophe!
You beat me to it.

Happy Birthday Christophe Cool
Steely Dan
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8/16/2016 4:11pm
Is it true that part of the condition after your back injury is your body having difficulty regulating its own temperature?
8/16/2016 4:42pm
Hello CP377, and thank you for participating. Your 2009 and 2010 seasons provided some the best racing in the history of this great sport. And for that you should be proud.
I have always thought that riders from France (Vimond, Demaria, Bayle, Sorby, Pichon, Pourcel, etc.) exhibit a unique riding talent that seems to emphasize something other than WFO, with a much greater emphasis on line selection, corner speed, and stringing sections of the track together. Generally speaking, a more "cerebral" approach to going fast. I have also been curious as to why this is. Is there an individual or a training facility than instills this in young riders? Could it be attributed to the track conditions of France?

Once again, thank you and best of luck for the future. P.S., I haven't been this excited since I wrote a letter to Bob Hannah when I was 10 years old!!!!!!!
mxmaniac
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8/16/2016 5:30pm
Thanks for continuing in the sport after your injuries. You are fascinating to watch.
Have you ever considered coming to Australia for a race/holiday??
TeamGreen
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8/16/2016 6:01pm
How do you manage to ride very few laps, namely very few complete laps, on a Supercross track and then BAM!

Fastest Lap!

At times, it seems like you casually look at the track & throw down a heater; again, how the heck do you do that?
slipdog
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8/16/2016 6:09pm
JMB or Jacky Vimond?
Uncle_Eddie
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Millbury, MA US
8/16/2016 6:16pm
Hey Christophe, I've been a fan since your PC days and my 9yr old daughter (whos birthday was yesterday) has followed. When I told her you were doing Q&A she wanted to ask a few questions so here they are in her words-
1. What tracks do you practice on and which are your favorite
2. What do you feel when your racing
3. Do you feel confident
4. Do you think about points
Thank you for your time and happy birthday, Chloe


JM485
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8/16/2016 7:54pm
CP377 wrote:
hey there, thanks for the question. 5 - 10 years I will probably retire from full time racing and possibly move on to endurocross in the...
hey there, thanks for the question.

5 - 10 years I will probably retire from full time racing and possibly move on to endurocross in the US and doing select european SX events. My wife and I would also like to open our own business, have children, live a simple life! For sure will rest in the US, I sold my property with the MX track and built a new home here in Florida.
Thanks for taking the time to do this. I'm already a huge fan, but if you went to endurocross after your MX career that would be awesome! I love endurocross and have tried the amateur classes a few times, so to see another moto rider transition over and find success like Mike Brown would be cool. How much have you ridden an endurocross track in the past? The matrix section has put me in my head quite a few times, so watching the pros breeze through like it's not even there is a little demoralizing!Laughing I would imagine your riding style would transition over well, so if you decide to give it a try good luck!

My next question is in regards to your training. It's been said over and over that you aren't able to train as hard as some other riders due to past injuries, so if you don't mind me asking, how limited are you when it comes to training? Some of the MX media seems to have some bias against you, so I'm curious how true those reports are and how significantly they effect your program.

Thanks.
8/16/2016 8:53pm
We haven't heard from CP in a few hours, hopefully he's out celebrating his Birthday. Joyeux anniversaire!!'
robkinuk
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8/17/2016 12:31am
Bonjour Christophe,
When you were young, who was your favourite rider, either Gp's or in America?

What's your brother Sebastian Pourcel doing nowadays? Will never forget his epic battle with James Stewart at Donnington Park MXDN in 2008! Words were exchanged afterwards as many on Team USA thought he was too aggressive!

Finally, what is your favourite track in MXGP and also in USA?
Rupert X
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8/17/2016 4:04am


Question
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8/17/2016 4:33am Edited Date/Time 8/17/2016 6:56am
Christmas time for me, I am usually not asking questions in Q&As but here I am !

To recap, I am big fan, I have been supporting you since a long time here especially during the search for a 450 ride, I have been an immediate fan because of 3 things:
I stopped MX and to follow MX a long time, I re started watching in 07, thanks to you (Phoenix!) and JS7.
I like the style on and off the track, a strong personality with a jmb riding style.
I liked when you supported Fredo (Sandouly) when he lost a spleen, an old friend from Auvergne (Ris, Néris Smile )

So here are some questions, feel free to pick up the ones you like Smile

1. It is still early to talk about it but what would you like to do after your career as a rider? Can you settle, do you want to do a school or to become a coach, or with your smooth style and such a margin, can you physically and would you consider a future in enduro then rallye with Husky like Pela?

2. Next year is the MXDN at Glen Helen: if not selected by the FFM, would you consider for fun to lead a team
Andorre like we did in 88 and like the US are doing with Puerto Rico?

3. Do you consider having a training partner for next season? Emulation is a key (possibly the key now of the Baker factory), it is my personal opinion but I am sure you would benefit from having a riding partner. Is it not the best for you (example, it improves the partners more than you), or would you consider training with a young fresh guy like Bloss or Ferrandis, plus a rider like Kroc or Wilson?

In all cases, Happy Birthday ! Thanks for stoping by and welcome to VitalMX !
Jrewing
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8/17/2016 4:44am
Christophe... My Jett Pros are dying! And my Portuguese is no good. Where can I get parts or new ones?

Also love your style on and off the bike.
jojo378
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8/17/2016 5:05am
GuyB wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/16/147274/s1200_081616qna780.jpg[/img] This week's guest in the Vital MX forum QNA is Christophe Pourcel. Christophe has been an MX2 World Champ, and had already won his first...


This week's guest in the Vital MX forum QNA is Christophe Pourcel. Christophe has been an MX2 World Champ, and had already won his first U.S. Supercross before an injury suffered while defending his World title resulted in partial paralysis. After rehab, he not only returned to action, he took a pair of 250 Supercross titles in the U.S. He also just missed winning a 250 National title after crashing and breaking a collarbone at the final round. The Frenchman now calls the U.S. home, and is always incredibly smooth, deceptively fast, and notoriously private...which makes the opportunity for you to ask him questions all the more intriguing.

Bring your best questions, and he'll be peeking in here this week to answer them. As always, keep it respectful, and ask questions that you would like in a face-to-face meeting.

Bonjour Christophe j'admire votre pilotage et se que vous faites allez vous faire des courses de sx en europe comme Lille Geneve etc je vous souhaite un tres bon retablissement
8/17/2016 8:20am
Christophe,

Any theory on why French transplants, such as yourself, seem to have such a distinct style of riding the bike? Is it something about the tracks in France, the French riders you tried to emulate growing up, or some other reason?


Thanks for doing this!
CP377
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San Antonio, FL US
8/17/2016 9:52am
Calihusky wrote:
Thanks for doing this Christophe! It's great watching you race with such talent and smooth style! I saw right after the last Glen Helen moto you...
Thanks for doing this Christophe!
It's great watching you race with such talent and smooth style!
I saw right after the last Glen Helen moto you were getting some chiropractic/massage treatment for your neck. I think maybe with Dr. G? Does that play a large role in staying healthy for the season? It seems like a lot of riders will mention getting an injury worked on before, in between and after motos.
Also, with all the talk about safety do you feel that there are any changes you would like to see that could help? Such as track design smooth vs rough, protective equipment, bike displacement changes, etc. We hate seeing any of you guys get injured!
Thanks again!
HI there, thanks for the question.

I work with Dr Navarro on the weekends at the race and when I am in California. Then I have a therapist that works on me in Florida, Chris Errico. It helps for sure because racing is so rough on your body, and if you have a injury therapy is always good for recovery.

For sure there are changes that can be made, its sad to see that people have to get hurt for that to be realized. The SX tracks could be toned down a little so that more of the riders could be competitive with the top guys and that when you crash its not such a bad crash. For MX some times the tracks are too rough or some track work needs to be done. For protective equipment i always wear a chest protectors and a good helmet is important, I'm not comfortable to wear a neck brace, I'm not sure how they help.
CP377
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San Antonio, FL US
8/17/2016 9:56am
mx_563 wrote:
Je suis un américain d'origine polonaise , mais je tape en français alors espérons vous répondre . Dont la circonscription de style pensez-vous ressemble le plus...
Je suis un américain d'origine polonaise , mais je tape en français alors espérons vous répondre . Dont la circonscription de style pensez-vous ressemble le plus à la vôtre? En outre, ce qui est une partie de votre musique française préférée pour écouter ?
haha hey we can keep it english here, its an American web site ; )

i'm not really sure who has a similar riding style to me, and for french music, stromae is one of my favorite.
CP377
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8/17/2016 10:03am
hvaughn88 wrote:
Christophe, I appreciate you taking the time to do this. First: what is your opinion on the French team for MXDN this year? Second: what are...
Christophe, I appreciate you taking the time to do this.

First: what is your opinion on the French team for MXDN this year?

Second: what are some of your favorite activities outside of moto?

Third: are you pretty involved with the Jett boot design?
hey thanks for the question

The mxon team is a good choice, all 3 riders deserve the spot and they are from europe so they know the track better than anybody else, its always a tough decision, marvin is a good choice as well, unfortunetly there are only 3 spot and only 2 450. if anyone could ride any class then marvin deserves a spot for sure!

activities outside of moto would be swimming, call of duty black ops ps4, racquetball... i used to enjoy working on my track in the skid steer until the equipment would break haha

I worked very closely with Remo from Jett in 2011 to design the boots and the bootie insert, and I'm very happy with them. Now they are made in Brazil from Pro tork and the quality is still very good.

CP377
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San Antonio, FL US
8/17/2016 10:07am
MOTO120 wrote:
1) Who stands out as one of your "favorite" teammates? 2) Regarding training, do you spend numerous hours on a bicycle each week like we see...
1) Who stands out as one of your "favorite" teammates?

2) Regarding training, do you spend numerous hours on a bicycle each week like we see a lot of other riders do?

Thanks!
It was pretty cool to have my brother as a teammate, thats something that not many get to experience. Then you have Jason who is something special also... a different team mate experience haha

I don't like to spend a crazy amount of hours on the bike, but deff daily, i prefer to spin bike inside or go mtb on the trails.
8/17/2016 10:08am
Been a fan since watching you at Matchams Park in 2005.

No question from me other than heal up and good luck for 2017 - I'll be rooting for you!
CP377
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San Antonio, FL US
8/17/2016 10:09am
BugsBunny wrote:
Thanks heaps for taking the time to do this! Why do you think that you are able to qualify P1 so much of the time in...
Thanks heaps for taking the time to do this!
Why do you think that you are able to qualify P1 so much of the time in Sx but can't back that speed up in the main event? Does it have something to do with confidence from a few years off racing Sx or do you feel qualifying is just your strong point? Love you work!! #377 #aussiefan
hey thanks

its good that i still have the speed but i don't think there is one reason why, its a combination of things and something we all work on as a team to get better!
CP377
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34
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San Antonio, FL US
8/17/2016 10:15am
Sully22 wrote:
Hello Christophe. I'm a huge fan, followed your career from you GP days, loved it when you won the sx titles, and was gutted in 09...
Hello Christophe. I'm a huge fan, followed your career from you GP days, loved it when you won the sx titles, and was gutted in 09 at the wick, and Pala 2010.

Injuries are a part of the sport, you've been impacted greatly in the past by injuries and there's been talk about how your injuries have impacted you and changed your riding and training due to the injuries you've sustained. That being said, there's been quite a few injuries this year in the outdoor MX series, including your own neck injury at washougal. In your opinion, what could be done to help reduce the number of injuries we've seen and how would you go about implementing those changes? Would you like to see them groom the tracks more in between motos and get rid of the deeper ruts in straight sections and landings off jumps? Are you in favor of the dirt/saw dust/bark chips/sand being brought in to the different tracks, or would you like to see them leave it alone?

Also, do you feel you are covered fairly by the mainstream US Moto media? As a fan of yours, I feel like sometimes there's unfair criticism levied against you for what you say, or in some cases what you don't say, that other riders never receive.

Hey thanks for the question.

For sure the tracks could be groomed more, prepped better or differently, its tough to say. Having a riders union would for sure help get some of these changes done though!

I think when you travel to any other country to compete you will be treated differently by everyone, fans, media, teams... its not fair but its something you have to accept! i try to focus on what i do on the track and keep up with the media, but sometimes its better to not read the negative things and just let people talk.
CP377
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San Antonio, FL US
8/17/2016 10:19am
Hello CP377, and thank you for participating. Your 2009 and 2010 seasons provided some the best racing in the history of this great sport. And for...
Hello CP377, and thank you for participating. Your 2009 and 2010 seasons provided some the best racing in the history of this great sport. And for that you should be proud.
I have always thought that riders from France (Vimond, Demaria, Bayle, Sorby, Pichon, Pourcel, etc.) exhibit a unique riding talent that seems to emphasize something other than WFO, with a much greater emphasis on line selection, corner speed, and stringing sections of the track together. Generally speaking, a more "cerebral" approach to going fast. I have also been curious as to why this is. Is there an individual or a training facility than instills this in young riders? Could it be attributed to the track conditions of France?

Once again, thank you and best of luck for the future. P.S., I haven't been this excited since I wrote a letter to Bob Hannah when I was 10 years old!!!!!!!
I'm not really sure why it is, maybe track conditions. its a different approach, definitely more thought involved than wide open through all the bumps tho.

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