Australian talent Jake Cannon has embarked on a new chapter in his motocross career, taking on the highly competitive EMX250 championship and adapting to life in Europe. Cannon is now settling into the GP paddock, facing unpredictable weather, stacked competition, and the challenge of learning new tracks. We caught up with him to discuss his transition to France, the chaos of EMX250 racing, and his ambitions for the season ahead.
GateDrop: Jake, we’re two rounds into the EMX250 series. Just how do you find the championship? It’s probably something very different and probably you’re not used to this type of racing?
Cannon: I know for sure it’s different but I’m getting used to these mud races so I’m feeling there’s going to be a few more like this. This weekend started good, I had a good practice, good qualifying, a good start to the first race. I kind of didn’t focus on me and just rode a bit tight and some of the mistakes that I wouldn’t usually be making. I ended up coming together with another rider and he put a hole in my engine case so that put me out of the first race. Moto two, I got a good jump but a bit of soft dirt a few meters out front of my gate kind of slowed me down and I was buried in the pack on the first lap. There were some dramas with my tear off, I couldn’t pull that so I’m back a few more positions and just try to charge as good as I can to ninth. I know what I can do and I just keep working on from this second round.
GateDrop: In that second moto, how did you find getting a bad start coming through the pack? EMX250 is known to be pretty chaotic, so many good riders and everyone’s fighting…
Cannon: Yeah, riders are going everywhere, and they’ll take you out for 15th position so I don’t know, I’ve got to be on the A game even battling through the pack but it’s a big learning experience right now. I know where I can be, and I know I can fight for podiums but I guess today is not my day.
GateDrop: Going back to Cozar, them conditions were crazy, it’s been a long time if ever I’ve seen a GP like that, what was it like to ride in those kind of conditions?
Cannon: It’s been a long time, I’ve ridden in those conditions myself but that was just survival of the fittest, whoever doesn’t crash, you will end up either on podium or top five.
GateDrop: You are with a French based team, you’re living over in France, just when did you get here? because you were in America and stuff and how’s it all going in France? Very different to what you’re used to, are you learning any new language or anything like that?
Cannon: Yeah, I was in America in January doing the futures for Supercross and got over here early February, so I didn’t have too long to prepare but I’m loving it so far, having a team mate and where I’m living is right across from Bud so it’s easy. Just where I’m living is nice.
GateDrop: What’s the weather and the culture like compared to what you’re used to back home, did it take a bit of getting used to?
Cannon: Just the weather honestly. It can look sunny and then two minutes later it’ll rain but I’m getting used to it. It’s been cold but I definitely bought a few pairs of jumpers.
GateDrop: Your experience in America was short but you spent a lot of time I assume doing motocross and supercross over there, just what was it like being over there?
Cannon: It was nice, a bit of a break from motocross, it was just straight supercross. Unfortunately the end of the American trip didn’t go to plan but it was nice, second time in America so me and Hugo my mechanic had a great time.
GateDrop: You did get to do a race there, it probably didn’t go how you would like but what was it like being in the paddock just being part of the night setup and supercross and stuff like that, did you enjoy it?
Cannon: It was unreal, the crowds were crazy, just the atmosphere was something I haven’t seen before so it definitely gets the nerves up just being around it.
GateDrop: Being in this paddock what did you expect and it’s only been two rounds and a lot of mud but how are you finding it all so far?
Cannon: It’s nice, I mean this is way bigger than Australia so it’s cool, you walk down the pits you see Febvre, or you see Gajser in the series. Pro riders like that and they’re in I wouldn’t say trucks, they’re more like houses which is cool but no, it’s all new to me.
GateDrop: In terms of the EMX250 championship was that a series you would have watched like a few years ago or did you maybe only do a bit of research once you found out you were going to be racing it or is it something you know a lot about?
Cannon: No, I’ve been following this for a long time so I just thought I’d get my name out and try go overseas. This is the perfect place, perfect team so yeah.
GateDrop: A lot of Aussies when they come over they don’t even know a lot of the riders they’re racing against so because you watched it I assume you know the competition so you knew coming here it was going to be hard – that must help that you knew a little bit about the series?
Cannon: Yeah I know a few riders, some I know but I’m learning and then you can find out who to watch out for that’s for sure. But you know I’ve got a fellow Aussie that I’m racing against so yeah it’s nice.
GateDrop: Just on Janis Reisulis, you were following him for a few laps yesterday what was it like following him, that kid is special…
Cannon: He was riding really good yesterday. I was too busy about them and not riding like myself where I know I can battle or be up the front too. But yesterday I couldn’t really show that.
GateDrop: For the rest of the season have you set any expectations you’d like to achieve or because it’s your first year, will you just take one race at a time?
Cannon: Yeah for sure I want to win a round or win a few races so I’ll just see how it goes. I just keep learning, keep progressing and that’s the main thing.
GateDrop: You’re also going to be doing the French Elite Championship, how did you find the first round and what’s your goals for that series?
Cannon: The first round was really nice; it was my first race in Europe with a fifth overall. I kind of got my feet wet and this weekend coming is round two. I’m excited for that and hope that will be a bit better.
