Being a mechanic for a world class team or rider is not an easy task, but Frenchman Nicolas Noge wouldn’t have it any other way.
It is the guys like this who put in hours upon hours of hard graft in order to spin the spanners for some of the top riders in the FIM Motocross World Championship.
Today we chat with MXGP world champion Tim Gajser’s mechanic Noge and he talks about their pre-race rituals, strategies, must-have tools and what a typical day for a mechanic looks like …
What are the must-have items in your backpack before you take to the start line?
“The basic tools like the tools for the wheels if something happens. I also put inside things for the rider like, goggles, spare gloves, some paper to clean the lenses and that’s it”.
What is your favourite or most-used tool?
“The 8mm T wrench. It’s the one I use more for the plastics, the levers and so many other parts of the bike”
How important is the race truck?
“Yes of course I load the truck, this is one of the most important things because when you arrive at the track for the race you must have all the spare parts you need. Especially for us because HCR has very special parts that are not standard, so it’s even more important for me to have everything inside the truck in the correct place”.
You use a lot of key words on the pit board, is there a strategy behind them?
“We don’t have a specific strategy; it depends on the position that he [Tim] is. So, I give him advice on if he needs to push or not, in case for example if he didn’t make a really good start”.
What is your normal day routine, versus your race day routine?
“On race day, we start checking the bike to make sure everything is ok. You must use the time you have really well because we are always in a rush and we cannot relax for one second and it is forbidden to make any mistakes. A normal day, the situation is quieter. I work on the bike, but I can do everything and take my time without needing to rush”.
Being a mechanic is more than just looking after the bike. Would you agree that sometimes you also need to support your rider from a psychological side?
“Of course. The rider and the mechanic have a really strong relationship. The rider has to believe 100% in your work and not have any doubts about what you do on the bike, like that he can be relaxed and focus only on the race. Sometimes we even understand each other without speaking”.
Do you have any pre-trace rituals with Tim?
“Nothing special. Just before the start I wish him “good luck” and that’s it, I’m always sure that he’ll do his best”.
What does it mean to be a mechanic of a world champion?
“I’m proud to be the mechanic of Tim Gajser, and of course I’m really happy to be in this position”.
MEANWHILE, IN EXTRA NEWS …
Meanwhile, in breaking news, Gajser and his Australian team-mate Mitch Evans, who was 14th overall in the MXGP class last year, will miss the 2021 Internazionali d’Italia Motocross Championship after the announced delay to the 2021 MXGP season start.
The International Italian motocross series is currently set to start on February 28 and the three-round championship is the preferred measuring stick for so many of the GP riders and teams.
“Due to the MXGP season being delayed we’ve decided not to participate in the regular pre-season races in Italy. We’ll keep training hard as usual and wait a little closer to the opening round to start racing again,” said Gajser.
With a later start and finish, and no reduction in the number of rounds for the 2021 Motocross World Championship, teams and riders are now faced with a change to their season preparations. Train too hard for too long before the season starts and the finely-tuned athletes will face burnout and the possibility of injury.
Interview courtesy Infront Moto Racing
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