Team HRC’s Ruben Fernandez is preparing for the MXGP of Latvia, after a weekend off from the world championship series, meanwhile back in Slovenia, Tim Gajser has started riding again at his Tiga243land track after over three months off due to his broken femur he sustained at the Italian International at Pietramurata in February
Words | Press release
For Fernandez, Kegums holds a lot of great memories as it is the venue where he got his first ever MXGP podium last year, and the likable Spaniard will be hoping to get up on the box once again after just missing out in France last time out. Despite that disappointment, it was actually a positive sign of just how much the Honda CRF450R rider has improved because it was terrain where he never really felt comfortable, yet he rode smart and consistent and just put in two solid results.
Kegums is a pretty unique surface as riders have to get used to a soft top layer early on in the weekend before they reach the hard base underneath. This makes bike setup crucial, but it is something that Fernandez was able to do well in previous years and expects to be able to do again. Currently sitting joint-third in the MXGP championship, with a win at the opening round in Patagonia-Argentina, 2023 has been good for Fernandez and he’ll be hoping to continue that form this coming weekend.
Things have also got better for reigning MXGP champion Tim Gajser as the #243 finally got back on his Honda CRF450R after his injury layoff. Recovering patiently from his broken right femur, the Slovenian has been doing all the rehab necessary in order to make this moment happen, and now he’s finally been able to spin a few laps of his famous Tiga243land track. It is still too early to make a decision on when he’ll take his next gate-drop, but this is a positive step in his recovery and is great news for all his fans around the world.
Ruben Fernandez: “Kegums is one of my favourite tracks. It’s kind of sandy but also a little bit hard-pack but I like the terrain and I’ve done well there in the past. France was a difficult race for me, but I was still able to fourth overall so I’m happy with that, however now I’m looking to push once more for the podium spots and keep this run of good form going.”
