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/1497412
Triumph Reveals Motocross Test Riders A s everyone anticipates the launch of Triumph's all- new 250cc motocross bike, the company announced the signing of two former pro racers as their lead test riders. Ivan Tedesco will test the bike in the U.S., while former MXGP rider Clé - ment Desalle will handle testing in Europe. The new Triumph motocross bike is expected to make its racing debut in the 2024 AMA SuperMotocross and MXGP (MX2) Championships. Bobby Hewitt will lead the team's racing effort in the U.S., and Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni in Europe. "I'm super excited to be part of the new Triumph racing program and to be working with Ricky [Carmichael, who is asso - ciated with Triumph] and Bobby again," Tedesco said. "To have the opportunity to work with a new brand in our sport, to take a new bike and develop it to a race-ready package, is a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity. "The team that Triumph is assembling to compete in the SuperMotocross Championship is second to none, and together with the support of the engi - neers at the Triumph factory, I'm confident we will line up with a competitive bike for Anaheim 1 in 2024." Hewitt said, "I've known Ivan for many years now, as a multi-time AMA SX Champion and AMA MX Champion who has raced at the highest level, including being a member of Team USA multiple times at the Motocross of Nations. Adding someone with his experience to the program adds another layer of quality and racing experience to an already strong foundation at Triumph Racing here in the U.S. In 2014, I had the privilege to have Ivan as a team mem - ber and pro-rider on one of my previous racing programs before he retired. During that time, I per- sonally had the opportunity to work with him as a rider, experi- ence his attention to detail as a test rider, and more importantly see first-hand how he works and would mentor upcoming riders. "I'm very excited to add 'Hot Sauce' to the program," added Hewitt. "I truly believe this is another example that the future here at Triumph Racing is very bright!" Triumph's Off-Road Ambas - sador, Ricky Carmichael, said, "It's just another example of Triumphs dedication to the development of the off-road line of motorcycles. I have no doubt, that with guys like Ivan Tedesco and Clément Desalle and the knowledge they bring to the table from an R&D standpoint, that these bikes will be top of the line, from a race bike per - spective as well as a production model. These guys know what it takes to win at the highest level and will be a huge asset to the development of a great prod - uct!" CN WIND IN THE P40 Ivan Tedesco will lead Triumph's motocross testing program in the U.S.