Defending MXGP champion Tim Gajser picked up his 30^th Grand Prix of his career yesterday in Russia and joined Clement Desalle as a two-time winner around the hard pack of Orlyonok. Just like he did in the opening two rounds in 2020, he completely dominated his opposition, even the rider known as the fastest motocrosser in the World, Jeffrey Herlings.

There is no doubt Herlings came in underdone, but the Dutchman explained to us a few weeks ago that he needs to build his confidence to get to his maximum speed, and you can be sure Gajser will be doing everything in his power to make sure that element of doubt remains in the head of his biggest rival.

So, while “The Bullet” is working hard on his speed leading into the second round at the magnificent Matterley Basin circuit in England in two weeks’ time, you also know Gajser will go home and work harder than ever to make sure that clash of the two best motocross riders in the World is just as exciting as it was 15 months ago.

We caught up with the Russian victor after his win and did a quick interview as he set off for his flight to Slovenian on Sunday evening.

MXlarge: Tell me, you seem to have again gone to another level. We saw it in those first two rounds in 2020 when you just ran away from Jeffrey, and today in that second moto, you again totally dominated the field. Do you feel that while racing, that you have improved yet again?

Gajser: Yes, for sure, I am learning every year and I am more experienced. So overall it was a good Sunday of racing, and I am so happy to be back racing again. I hope we can carry this momentum to Matterley Basin.

MXLarge: Coming in as a champion again, like you have done a few times now, how do you deal with that pressure?

Gajser: Defending the title is always the same pressure but I try to put that to the side. It’s a new season, everybody is starting from zero and I just need to stay consistent, be smart as it’s a long season. I’m also looking forward to Matterley Basin, it’s one of the best tracks and I’m really looking forward to racing there in two weeks’ time.

MXlarge: When you went off on the first corner of that second moto, can you imagine you would win the moto, on a circuit like this one, which is hard to pass on.

Gajser: Well, I had a good start, and I was there with Prado into the corner, and I was thinking I will be second or third out of the corner. Then somebody on a Yamaha just took me down and I jumped off the bike (rode it side-saddle), but I managed to jump back, I was like at the back of the pack, maybe even last and I made a good race. I searched for some lines for the first couple of laps and tried to make as many passes as possible and managed to get to Tony [Cairoli], then took a couple of laps to see what he was doing and then I made a pass for the win, so I’m happy.

MXLarge: Still a great comeback and really the perfect way to start the season?

Gajser: I mean, it was a good day for me. In the first one, I had a good start in fourth or something, then I went outside and so many riders went inside, and I took the lead and then I controlled the race. I was enjoying today so much, the track was rough, and I could use some different lines to pass and in that second race, I was dead last, and I said to myself, relax you have the speed, and I had a lot of fun. It was a good Sunday of racing and finally we are back, and it has been a long time. I had a good start in the second one, but somebody came up the inside and pushed us all wide. We worked really hard in the winter.

MXlarge: As you said the track looked nice, much better than normal, is that what you felt?

Gajser: Yes, the track was in really good shape, they watered the track a lot and there was a lot of lines on the track, I think everyone enjoyed riding it today.

MXlarge: Obviously we all remember Matterley Basin and Valkenswaard last year, with you and Jeffrey. Today he looked a little slower, maybe not enough bike time and he has been out longer than everyone else, but do you expect him to come back at Matterley and you guys have another great battle?

Gajser: Of course, with the more races, the more everyone will get a better speed and we haven’t raced for a long time, and we will all improve. I really like Matterley Basin and again I will try and do my best and try and be consistent, get good starts and try and enjoy it.

MXlarge: You are one of the riders that spends a lot of time at home, also using that beautiful circuit you have, right near your home. Do you think that has given you maybe a more comfortable preparation than normal and given you a lot of motivation coming into 20201?

Gajser: I mean, yes, I am really happy with my personal life and how everything is going at the moment. I always say a happy rider is a fast rider, so definitely it helps a lot.

MXLarge: You had added another Grand Prix victory to your list, and you go into the next round again with your red plate, what are your plans now heading into the second round at Matterley Basin?

Gajser: We fly back today and just train more and be ready for Matterley Basin. I’m really happy that we are back racing. It has been a really long period without races, and it is great to see so many fans here in Russia. I’m very happy with how it all went this weekend.

Bavo Swijgers images