Wade Young, the talented South African hard enduro rider, recently joined Red Bull Leader Trade GasGas after an impressive eight-year career with Sherco Racing. In a candid interview, Young shared insights into his decision to switch teams, his recent performances, and his aspirations for the future.
Transition to Red Bull Leader Trade GasGas
When asked about his move from Sherco Racing to Red Bull Leader Trade GasGas, Young explained that it was a natural progression in his career.
“As many sportsmen go, they evolve, and things change. I had a great career with Sherco; we achieved a lot together,”.
Young said
However, over time, both parties developed different visions, leading to the mutual decision to part ways.
Joining Red Bull Leader Trade GasGas marked a new beginning for Young, offering a fresh and exciting opportunity.
“Everything’s exciting again and new,”.
he shared, emphasizing how well the transition has been working out for him
Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new team and bike, Young has managed to maintain a strong position, currently lying second in the World Championship.
Challenges and Triumphs at Red Bull Romaniacs
Reflecting on his performance at the Red Bull Romaniacs, one of the toughest races in the hard enduro calendar, Young described it as a grueling five-day event that tested his physical and mental limits.
“The first day was probably the hardest day in the mountain,”.
he recalled, highlighting the intense eight-hour ride that included a particularly challenging climb in the rain
Despite finishing fourth, Young remains optimistic about his standing in the World Championship.
“I wanted better, but it was a challenging race, and I’m happy to still be sitting in second place after that,”.
he said
Preparation and Strategy
Preparation for such demanding events is crucial, and Young emphasized the importance of building a solid fitness base, proper nutrition, and recovery.
“Romaniacs is not just a race; it’s a lot of mental strength,”.
he noted
Having a well-planned strategy and maintaining mental resilience throughout the event are key components of his approach.
A Season of Highs and Lows
The 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship season has been a journey of highs and lows for Young. One of the toughest moments was adjusting to his new team and bike setup, as there was no data from previous years to rely on. Despite these challenges, Young’s determination paid off with a victory at the X-Cross Hard Enduro in Serbia, a significant confidence booster.
“I was super chuffed with that, just being dialed in with the bike and comfortable,”.
he said, celebrating his first World Championship win since 2021
Looking Ahead: The Roof of Africa and Beyond
Young also shared his thoughts on the Roof of Africa, a race that holds a special place in his heart as it marked the beginning of his hard enduro journey. He expressed a strong desire to see the event included in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, recognizing the logistical challenges but remaining hopeful about its future potential.
Looking ahead, Young is focused on achieving his goal of becoming the World Champion.
“That’s definitely in the highest priority,”.
he stated. He also aims to stay healthy, injury-free, and enjoy the process of competing and traveling the world
The Future of Hard Enduro Racing
As a top competitor, Young envisions a bright future for hard enduro racing. He believes that the sport has immense potential for growth, especially with better event coverage and live broadcasting.
“It’s very entertaining for spectators, especially live when you can see how steep the stuff is that we’re going,”.
he said, highlighting the need for more comprehensive coverage to capture the excitement of the sport
Advice for Aspiring Riders
For young aspiring riders dreaming of competing at the highest level, Young’s advice is simple: keep it fun and stay focused on the dream.
“The dream is what carries you,”.
he said, encouraging consistency and dedication while enjoying the journey
As Young continues to push his limits and aim for the top, fans eagerly await his next moves in the remaining rounds of the 2024 season. With his talent, determination, and passion for hard enduro, there’s no doubt that Wade Young will continue to make his mark on the sport.
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