Inteview: Cedric Soubeyras

Reigning Arenacross Pro champ Cedric Soubeyras will contest the 250cc Pro Lites class for the upcoming 2019 Arenacross Tour.

‘Soub’ will return to Arenacross with the FRO Systems team he enjoyed so much success with during the 2018 series. We caught up with the super-busy, super-fast Frenchman to find out more about his decision to change classes. 

AX: Firstly, how are you? What have you been up to recently?

CS: I’m good! I’ve been riding in Supercross events all over the world since my last AX. I’ve really enjoyed this season and am currently leading the French series. We have the final this weekend, then I’m going to take a holiday for a couple of weeks. 

AX: You’ve opted to race a 250 in next year’s Arenacross. What made you decide to do that?

CS: Next year in AX we’ll have two Finals and one Super Final and, under the new rules, the top six Litesguys get to take first gate pick. So, not being a great starter, but ‘not-too-bad’ a 250 rider, I prefer to have the chance of starting from the front. [AX; The top six Pro Lites riders ge the first six start gate picks in the Super Final Main Event].

AX: What bike will you ride?

CS: 250 Husqvarna 

AX: How do you feel about your 250 competitors? Quite a mixed group, but some very fast racers.

CS: I have no clue where I’m going to be in this class. It’s going to be interesting. I know that Joe Clayton will be strong and Adrien Escoffier as well. We will see! 

AX: How do you think you’ll get on against the 450s? What advantage/disadvantage will the 250 have?

CS: The 250 is lighter and tracks are small in AX, this will be an advantage. I will be able to tell you more once I’ve tried out my race bike when it’s fully prepped.

AX: You’re coming back with your FRO Systems team. You already know the team and riders. Does that make it easier for you?

CS: I really like the team from the manager to riders to mechanics. We have a good relationship and we will be a strong force. 

Soubeyras will line up against some very strong contenders in the Pro Lites class and they won’t make it easy for him. This is going to be a hugely-competitive class and the stage is set for some exciting and unpredictable racing.

2019 Pro Lites

#1. Joe Clayton, UK, Team Green Kawasaki

#6. Adrien Escoffier, France, Buildbase Honda

#7. Cyrille Coulon, France, SR75 Suzuki

#50. Martin Barr, Northern Ireland, Crescent Yamaha powered by Protein Water

#65. James Mackrel, Northern Ireland, Risk Racing

#84. Lorenzo Camporese, Spain, TBC

#85. Cedric Soubeyras, France, Team FRO Systems

#111. Calvin Fonvieille, France, TBC

#115. Billy King, UK, TBC

#259. Julien Lebeau, France, Wooldridge Demolition

#337. Glenn McCormick, Northern Ireland, Unique FitOut Husqvarna

#381. Scooter Webster, UK, Shocktech Kawasaki

#744. Diogo Graca, Portugal, Castrol Suzuki MBC