Ian Harrison told us on Friday that Aaron Plessinger had a great off-season and that he expected good things from the rider who is now in his third season with Red Bull KTM, and that is exactly what happened at the opening round.
Fan favourite AP rode strong all race for fourth place and we caught up with the always happy long-haired talent after to get his thoughts on his A1 performance. Read or watch below:
You came in under the radar, at least I had you under the radar! Ian Harrison said you were looking good in the office season, come out fourth and right on pace! Is that what you expected?
Yeah, I think I fully expected that. Like Ian was saying, I have had such a good off-season, I don’t know, I am in the best shape I have ever been in and the bike is working really, really good, I think it’s going to be a really, really good year. It’s my best start to A1 and yeah, I am already looking forward to next week and knowing what I need to work on, which isn’t much, which is awesome. Bikes working good, I’m working good, my mind’s good, I’m ready.
Was there many changes to the bike from this season to last?
There were some big changes. I couldn’t tell you what they were. Once you get into logistics and things I tune out! But yeah, all I know is that it’s working really, really good. The boys did their homework, I’m riding the Sh*t out of that thing.
At A1 when you get a good start and everyone is pumped up, are you riding on adrenalin or are you quickly into your rhythm?
I was pretty calm today, obviously I got pumped up a little bit, but overall I was really, really, calm and I think that’s credit to the fact I did my homework in the off season. I had six weeks of consistent days, it was really good, really awesome to have that. I haven’t really ever had that and it just feels good.
You rode Ernee MXoN, how much did you enjoy that but did you get a break?! Because next thing you are straight into this!
It was about two weeks! Three weeks off the bike, two weeks off training. You could say last year I trained for 50 weeks out the year! (Laughs). I think it helped me out, I didn’t let my body fully relax, it recovered but I didn’t let it fully get out of shape. I feel unreal and I think it’s a credit to me doing that and training for that much longer and yeah, I feel great, I’m pumped.
The fans, your dancing on the video screen (in opening ceremonies) I think the whole world wants you to get this first win after last year and this has to give you confidence going forward!
I need to click it off, it is about time, there is no better time than now. I’m stoked, I think it’s going to happen sooner than later.
Get Ian Harrison’s view of the 2024 KTM squad here:
Interview: Jonathan McCready
Image: Align
