Suzuki MX Teams Train In Portugal

Rockstar Energy Suzuki MX1 and MX2 Europe team riders Clement Desalle, Kevin Strijbos, Julien Lieber, Jorge Zaragoza, Jeremy Seewer and Markus Schiffer have returned from two weeks of intense pre-season training in Portugal.

The annual Team Suzuki 14-day camp followed an "octane-free" training program of mountain biking, cycling, swimming, running and power training under the watchful eye of team trainer Yves Demeulemeester and Team Manager Eric Geboers. The top class facilities and gentle climate of Monte Gordo in the South of Portugal is a known destination for top athletes from athletics to tennis and motorsports.

Joël Smets, who recently joined the team as rider coach could not attend the camp after a severe knee infection kept him in hospital for close monitoring. Smets' infection is under control now, and the 5-times World Champion left the hospital last Saturday. Fellow Suzuki-man Max Anstie, who is currently in the US to prepare his entry at the first five races of the AMA Supercross series, was also unable to join the teams.

Said Eric Geboers: "The training camp was really good. All the boys have worked extremely hard and were committed to Yves' training program. I think we have made a good basis for the 2013 season and the boys are definitely ready for their individual program back home. It's good to see them so eager to get back on the bikes after two weeks without their Suzukis!"

Kevin Strijbos added: "I've been on Suzuki's training camp before and I know it's a really good way to start your training program like this. It's nice being able to train in these conditions and with your team mates; it makes you push that little bit harder."

The riders will now prepare the 2013 World MX1 and MX2 seasons and get ready for their first outing at the Starcross of Mantova International in Italy on January 27th.