But many questioned his physical fitness after having major surgery just after Steel City; then breaking his collarbone just before the Lites West was to start.  In Indianapolis the 21 year old Frenchman was quick to dispel any doubt that he will be (once again) the man to beat in Supercross.  We caught up with a relaxed Christophe just after taking the main event win.

By Jim Kimball

How did you like tonight?

It was fine, but I did not really like the track – it was not easy to pass on at all.  Since I set the fastest lap time in practice and just focused on the start - and then do as well as I could.  I tried to focus on finding the best lines and sticking with them.

Were you concerned with any of the guys after the timed practice sessions?

Well, you could see that number 45, Stroupe would be fast – as he was last year.  Also Metcalfe will be good; he broke his collarbone last year and missed the series; so he will be motivated,  There is also some other guys that will be good – so it was important to win this first race.

Christophe; how is your health right now?

I’m okay; I am 100% ready.  I do have a little pain in my collarbone after riding, but it’s not a big deal.

I know that you had some surgery right after the last AMA Motocross national – besides that how did you enjoy your off-season?

Yeah; after they took my plate out I just spent time in my new house in Orlando.  I really just worked on my track and my new house – I was pretty happy doing that and practicing for supercross. But then I crashed and broke my collarbone again – now it’s all good.

What made you choose to live in Florida as opposed to southern California like many of the other riders – and your teammates at Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki?

In Florida no one is around you, and the weather is very good – it’s very humid and I like that a lot.  I just like it the lifestyle there; it’s a very cool place to live – better than anywhere that I have been in America.

What are your goals for the rest of the series?

I always try to win every race – and get the championship.  I am not going to ever think about taking second or third.

Then next year you’ll race the 450?

It’s not decided yet, but yes I am very excited about racing the 450.  I really want to race the 450 and compete in all the supercross rounds – not just east or west.  I just want to get out there and do the 18 race series and the twenty laps – it’s really a big championship.  If you win the Supercross Championship on a 450, then you are the (Champion)!

That’s a good way to wrap up, but what do you want to add?

It’s all good; my clavicle is about 100% now!  The most important thing this year will be to get all the starts – and then I’ll be alright.