KTM factory riders spent Thursday ahead of the Grand Prix of Portugal on the beach, relaxing, gathering strength ahead of this weekend’s third round of the world championship at Algueda. The break was a pleasant occasion for the riders who struggled through wet and muddy conditions in the second round at Bellpuig, Spain last weekend.
“Last weekend we had bad weather to contend with and on Monday we had a photo shooting, which with the guys working on some extreme shots, was also quite tiring,” Team boss Stefan Everts said. “We all trained on Wednesday and Thursday was a good time to relax in the sun.”
Everts made a point of working closely with Italian David Philippaerts (MX1) and South African Tyla Rattray (MX2) this week with a particular emphasis on training starts, an area where Everts believed last weekend showed room for improvement.
“We also worked with David and made some adjustments to the character of his bike and we hope that it w ill help to bring positive results,” Everts said. Philippaerts moved from MX2 to MX1 this season.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Barragan, Philippaerts’ MX1 teammate has been concentrating on healing an injured shoulder that hindered him last week. He has been resting, working with doctors and physiotherapists and can see a real improvement.
“I am no longer in a lot of pain and my shoulder is reacting well to treatment. I think it will be completely better by Sunday’s race,” Barragan said. After consultation with Everts, he was able to join the rest of the factory team for light training on Wednesday.
Tommy Searle, the teenage member of the factory foursome who rides with Tyla Rattray in the MX2 class, went home to the UK between the races. He has now rejoined the team and is fit and ready for the Portuguese event.
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