The EMX Open series took place at Lommel and despite sand not being his most favourite conditions, Pierre Goupillon was still one of the favourites. Everything went well and he clinched the championship and the French rider was buzzing which was great to see.
We caught up with Goupillon to talk Lommel and plans for the future.
On winning the EMX Open championship…
It feels amazing. I am really, really happy. Sand isn’t the best condition for me and I only did a few days riding in the sand to prepare so to win the title here is really good. I feel so happy. To win this title as well as the French Elite MX2 championship has made this season the perfect season for me. Also, a big thanks to the Tech 32 KTM team for making this possible.
Expectations coming into Lommel…
Coming into the weekend I knew as I was fast and that I could challenge for the win, I wanted to be on the podium and I knew if everything went well, I could challenge so it feels amazing to be able to win the championship. The track was so rough and bumpy, the rain actually made the track better but it was even more difficult and deeper. I knew there were a lot of sand riders racing this class that suit these conditions more so I am so happy to be able to beat them.
What’s the plans for the rest of the season…
I now hope to go to America and race at least one round of the AMA Nationals. I am not sure yet how many rounds and what tracks but I will do at least one round. I will race the 450cc and seeing the level there, I think I can do a top ten if everything goes well.
What’s the plans for 2024…
I will stay with the same team – Tech 32 KTM and move up to the 450cc full time. I will race the French Elite series and hopefully challenge for the title. As well as that I plan to race six rounds of the MXGP World Championship. The level is very high in MXGP but I miss being in the GP paddock on a regular basis since racing the MX2 World Championship so I am looking forward to 2024.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Images: Nigel McKinstry
