Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128365
Ro§§i and Edward§' Snow Job Recent X Games Snowcross gold medallist Blair Morgan had better look out, because two of MotoGP's biggest stars have taken to the slopes. Gauloises Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards swapped the racetrack for the snow last week as they took to the slopes of Santa Caterina in the Italian Alps on Yamaha RX I snowmobiles. The villages of Santa Caterina and Bormio are currently hosting the 200S FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, and Yamaha took the opportunity to bring the two sports together in spectacular style. After three days of testing in the heat of Sepang last week, the subzero temperatures on the slopes were something of a shock to the World Champion and his new teammate, but both enjoyed the chance to show off for the press and the many fans that had gathered. Six-time World Champion Valentino Rossi, who will celebrate his 26th birthday this month, talked about his hopes for the 200S Championship. "We are looking forward to another great season," Rossi said. "Last year was unforgettable for me and the entire team. It's going to be really hard, but of course we will try to win again! The bike last year was good, but we came to the limit with its development, and now Yamaha has made us a bike that is almost completely new. It's already fast, but of course there is more work to do on it. I think this will be a very exciting championship; it's clear Ducati have made some improvements, and of course Biaggi and Gibernau will be competitive, so there is a big challenge for us!" Rossi's Texan teammate Colin Edwards returns to Yamaha this year, having previously raced for the Japanese manufacturer in the World Superbike Championship. "I'm really glad to be back, and it was an easy decision to make," Edwards said. "It's all going good so far, and Valentino and the team already had the bike pointing in the right direction when I joined! This is my third different manufacturer in three years and, of course, any change to a new bike is always a challenge. But I've been searching for a bike that suits my style, and I think that the Yamaha is it." Edwards is looking forward to this year's new addition to the MotoGP calendar, laguna Seca, and to finally having the chance to ride in front of his home fans on a MotoGP bike. "I'm really excited about laguna Seca. It should be a fantastic race with great fans, plus Iget to spend The familiar 46 on a more time at home," he added. not 50 familiar vehicle. Gauloises Yamaha team director Davide Brivio spoke about the recent changes to Yamaha's managerial structure, commenting: "There are big changes this year: Yamaha Motor Racing has moved from its previous home in the Netherlands to Yamaha ltalia's headquarters here in the Lombardia region of Italy. So, now the administration and management of the factory team is all in one place." Rossi and Edwards, both keen snowboarders, were pressed to reveal their predictions for Sunday's Men's Downhill event, the finale of the World Ski Championships. Edwards stayed loyal to fellow countryman and top championship contender Bode Miller, and Rossi agreed with Edwards, joking, "Bode is very fast, and I think - just this time - the Americans will beat the Italians'" Teammates Rossi and Edwards ham it up for the media in Santa Caterina, Italy. Online poll results from last week With the World Superbike season getting under way at the Losail Circuit in Doha, Qatar, February 26, who do you think the title favorite will be? To cast your vote, log on to www.cyclenews.com. WEb INSiYE Cyclenews.com reader poll question of the week With the first round of the 125 East Supercross series getting under way next weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana, who do you think the title favorite will be? A. Grant Langston B. Troy Adams C. Greg Schnell D. Joshua Hansen E. Steve Boniface F. Other G. Brock Sellards H. Ryan Mills I. Joaquim Rodrigues J. Shae Bentley K. Davi Millsaps L. Joshua Grant M. Kelly Smith N. Branden Jessemen O. Matt Walker P. Eric Sorby A. James Toseland, Team Ducati XEROX B. Norick Abe, Yamaha Motor France C. Pier-Francisco Chili, Team Klaffi Honda D. Chris Walker, PSG· I Kawasaki Corse E. Fonsi Nieto, Team Ducati SC - Caracchi F. Troy Corser, A1stare Suzuki Corona Extra G. Garry McCoy, Foggy Petronas H. Karl Muggeridge, Winston Ten Kate Honda I. Noriyuki Haga, Yamaha Motor Italia J. Regis Laconi, Team Ducati XEROX K. Lorenzo Lanzi, Team Ducati SC - Caracchi L. Yuki a Kagayama, A1stare Suzuki Corona Extra M. Chris Vermeulen, Winston Ten Kate Honda N. Andrew Pitt, Yamaha Motor Italia 0, Ben Bostrom, Team Renagade Koji Honda 269 78 83 38 14 620 33 21 428 95 7 13 626 25 842 (8.43%) (2.44%) (2.60%) (1.19%) (0.44%) (19.42%) (1.03%) (0.66%) (13.41%) (2.98%) (0.22%) (0.41%) (19.61%) (0.78%) (26.38%) Total Replies: CYCLE NEWS • FEBRUARY 16,2005 69