Over the past couple of years Ben Almagor from Israel has been making the trip over to contest selected EMX125 rounds which is a very competitive championship and not easy to make such a long trip. However, Almagor is gearing up to race the full series in 2024 and has decided to make the trip to Matterley Basin this weekend as part of his preparation for next year.
Almagor is known as the fastest rider from Israel but the level in Europe is sky high with lots of talented riders so he’ll need time and a full season to adapt to the speed and different kind of tracks.
We caught up with Almagor to discuss racing in Europe and more…
On having to travel from Israel to race EMX125…
I travel from Israel which can be tough but I have to say my Dutch team, Grizzly Racing really really help. It means I can prepare in the Netherlands which is a big help riding rough tracks and good preparation. I also get official KTM support from Israel that allows me to race there and I really appreciate it.
On racing Matterley Basin this weekend…
It is very exciting to race on this amazing track at the final round of the EMX125 series this weekend and I am really looking forward to it. I am looking forward to even more in 2024.
On the level of the EMX125 class…
The level is very very high but riding against these top riders will only help me improve which is the goal for the future.
On plans for the 2024 season…
This year I contested selected EMX125 races but next year I plan to do the full series and hope to improve throughout the season and hopefully score points. I will also contest the full Dutch Masters championship next year as well which is exciting for me. I will spend a large part of my winter preparation in Spain working with John Van Der Berk to prepare for the season so I am looking forward to that and working closely with him.
Article: Andy McKinstry
