Young Austrian talent Ricardo Bauer enjoyed a breakthrough weekend at the French round of the EMX125 championship, mastering some of the toughest and most technical conditions of the season to secure the overall victory. On a deep and demanding circuit that tested riders physically and mentally, Bauer showed impressive speed, consistency and maturity.
Despite a difficult start in the opening race, the young prospect fought through the field in spectacular fashion to keep himself firmly in contention for the overall. Backed by strong preparation and confidence in both his riding and his team environment, Bauer delivered when it mattered most in race two to seal an important overall win – his second of the season.
Reflecting on his performance across the weekend, Bauer was delighted with both his pace and race craft in the difficult conditions.
“I had some issues on the start but managed to go from seventeenth to second which was great. The second race I started in fourth and quickly made my way up to first. I am happy with my speed, pace, power and everything so I am really happy to see I am on a good level because I had a good preparation”, Bauer told GateDrop.com.
The French circuit proved extremely challenging for the riders, with deep ruts, rough sections and technical jumps making mistakes costly throughout the weekend. However, Bauer relished the challenge and felt comfortable adapting to the difficult track conditions.
“Conditions were really tough. The track was deep and really sketchy. Some parts of the track were also a bit dangerous but I liked the track a lot with its rhythm, jumps and speed. It was a fun and technical track”.
Bauer also revealed that the five-week break between Arco di Trento and France came at the perfect time for his recovery. During the break, he was finally able to remove the wire from his wrist that had been helping stabilize an injury, something he believes has already made a big difference to both his riding and confidence on the bike.
“In the five weeks we had off between Arco di Trento and France, I got the wire out that I had in my wrist that stabilized my bone because before there was no time to take it out. Now I feel way freer in my hand from moving and everything. It also changed my mind a bit to feel more free while riding”.
Although he continued riding through the injury before the break, Bauer admitted it had been difficult to feel fully recovered while racing at such a high level week after week.
“I mean, I wouldn’t say I didn’t ride often before the break. I rode as much as possible but there was just not the time to be 100% recovered”.
The Austrian rider also highlighted the importance of the atmosphere within the team and the benefit of training alongside teammate Moritz Ernecker, with both riders helping push each other forward during the winter months. Bauer also praised team manager, Thomas Traversini for the support and motivation he provides on and off the track.
“Moritz and I push each other a lot in the winter. We had some good trainings together and I think we both did already a really good job so far this year. The vibe in the team is really good, funny but focused so it’s good mix I would say. I like Thomas (Traversini), he is so nice on and off the track. He helps me where he can so it motivates me to be a better rider”.
With momentum now building after his impressive victory in France, Bauer remains focused on continuing to improve across all areas of his riding as the EMX125 season progresses.
“The focus right now is speed, consistency, and smart racing. At the end of the season, I want strong results”, Bauer concluded.
After conquering one of the toughest tracks on the calendar so far, Bauer’s performance in France could prove to be a major turning point in his season. If he can maintain this level of speed and confidence, the young Austrian could pick up plenty more wins.
