Time of Reckoning for Clement Desalle

Belgian Champion Clement Desalle is the new face in the factory Teka
Suzuki World MX1 team for 2010. The 20 year old winner of two of the
final-three Grands Prix of the 2009 FIM World Championship arrives
after a sensational season in which he reached third place in the final
MX1 classification.

A hard-charger and with a wonderfully aesthetic riding style, Desalle
is the hottest youngster in the premier class and will tackle the
upcoming campaign for the first time as a Works rider.

Clement, how was the winter period for you?


“Pretty good. We went to Portugal with the team and we got know each
other. I did not alter anything with my training schedule or programme.
I worked with my father, as usual, and we spent some time in Spain. I
have a friend who lives in Malaga and we travelled down for two weeks
and then visited again for another week. It was a good scenario because
Belgium, Germany and northern France were like ice at the start of the
year! I mixed riding and physical training there but took advantage of
the good conditions to get more time on the bike. My aim was to build
my condition step-by-step and that has been OK so far.”

Your profile and rise in the World Championship has also been
step-by-step. You said before that you always want to improve on the
previous season’s results. You were 3rd in 2009:


“Yes, so there are only two places left to go! I always look ahead and
how I can improve. This is the right team for me to do that. I am very
impressed by the professionalism and when I need or want something
changed or want to try something new, then it is done immediately. This
is quite a new experience for me.”

What about the factory bike?


“Well, it means a step up for me. This is a factory team and I can
change anything I want on the bike and really make it good for my style
and needs. I was riding the Suzuki in 2008 so I am familiar with the
character of the RM-Z and I like the chassis and delivery of the engine
power very much.”

Will you defend the Belgian Championship this year?


“No, because I will do four races in Germany and I cannot do the full
Belgian series. I will be at some races but it is very important to
take care of yourself physically over the season. I was really happy to
win the Belgian title last year and it was a special moment for me, but
now I will concentrate on the Grands Prix.”

You have a good style that has won fans. You won’t need to
change this or your race approach with the demands of being a
front-runner and a factory rider?


“No, no way! I cannot change my style and I want to have fun on the
bike. It will always be like this. I knew I would have more attention
and responsibility when I made the decision to come to this team, but
this is what I wanted. As for how the change will affect me, then we
will have to see during the season but I am not worried.”

What is the story behind your race number of 25?


“In 2001 I was racing the 85cc championship in France and I was given
this number. I did not think much of it but then in my first World
Championship season I finished 25th and it came back around and the
number grew on me.”

Finally, any particular aim for 2010?


“I get this question all the time! When I am on the bike I simply do my best; what happens will happen.”