Stefan Everts was a guest on the MXGP studio show last weekend in Lugo as Paul Malin and Lisa Leyland caught up with a legend of the sport.
The 10 times world champion had some very interesting things to say which you can read or watch below…
On Liam’s impressive win in Portugal…
“The whole Portuguese weekend was very stressful in terms of emotions. In these conditions, I know what can happen at any time, and even though Liam seemed in control, I was afraid he would make a small mistake, go off the track or have a mechanical problem. There was a lot of water in the second race, anything could happen. I was tense until the checkered flag in the second race, and it was very emotional to see him win. It was incredible.”
On Liam’s technique and riding the ‘Everts’ way…
“Liam really impresses me. I know he has the ability to ride like that, he has been talented since he was a kid, but seeing him be so calm on the track for a whole weekend, and displaying his best technique, that impresses me. Having the right technique is what I installed in him from day one, standing on the foot pegs, learning to find his balance and that’s exactly what he showed. I had goosebumps in Portugal. It’s incredible how similar we are in our riding, it’s strange the way we pass on our DNA to our children, and how much they ultimately resemble us.”
On being a proud Dad…
“I am a very proud dad. We worked for many years to get to this point. Every parent in the paddock dreams of being able to take their child to this level, and I am one of those parents. I’m like them, we also worked hard to get here; we try to do our best. Obviously, we have a little more knowledge than the other parents, but that doesn’t necessarily make things easier and especially for Liam since he has to wear this name on his jersey: his father’s name, but also that of his grandfather. It hasn’t always been easy for him, and I’m very happy to see that Liam’s work is paying off. He is part of a good team, with good people and that is also part of the success”.
On Liam’s wins but also keeping his feet on the ground…
These victories boost his confidence but Liam is also very realistic. He knows that every weekend is a new weekend, on a new circuit and facing new conditions. We start from scratch each time, and he knows very well that just because he won the three rounds in Portugal does not mean that it will necessarily happen again the following weekend. He really has his feet on the ground in that regard, and he knows he has to fight every weekend to be on the podium.”
On being back working with Pauls Jonass who also won in Portugal…
“With Pauls, it goes back a long way. We worked together for a few years when he was at KTM, from 2015. He’s a really good guy, he comes back from difficult periods with big crashes, difficult days, difficult races and even difficult seasons. Last year, we already did some of the work to get him back on track, regain his confidence and so that he calms down a little on the track while enjoying riding. We all started riding motorcycles because we loved it and when you lose the pleasure aspect, it’s not good because it’s fundamental. Having fun is one of the most important things and it was also something he had to relearn how to do. I was obviously very proud to see him win his first GP in the premier category in Portugal, I couldn’t believe it. I was hoping he could make a podium this year because he is fighting for the top 5 in the events. Tim, Romain, Jorge, Jeffrey are too fast for him at the moment, but the conditions encountered in Agueda made this victory possible”
