Motorcycling Australia (MA) sat down with Supermoto rider Ross Taylor to get the scoop on his new Spanish lifestyle and training regime as he competes in the Spanish Supermoto Championship. Taylor gives the inside edge on what’s the hardest thing about adapting to a new country and what motivates him to succeed.
Where are you currently competing?
Spanish National Supermoto Championships.
What’s the hardest thing about adapting to your new country?
Language is first and foremost the most difficult thing, as I don’t speak one word of Spanish.
The racing environment is also completely different in Spain in comparison to Australia, as racing tracks are open all year round to practice and train on. It makes it really hard to compete with other European riders when you don’t have the same experience.
What do you miss most about home?
I miss the tracks back home, because their more open and flowing. The tracks in Spain for tighter and more difficult to manoeuvre.
What is your preparation/training regime like?
Back in Australia I would train by riding Enduro, to keep my bike fitness up .
In Spain I have Enduro, Motocross and Supermoto racing bikes, and my team take me every week to a track to train. When it’s only 15-20 euro, it’s so easy to go to any professional racing track to practice.
What’s been a highlight for you this year?
Because I was supposed to be retired and then TM Racing Andorra contacted me to race with them in Spain, the highlight has been to ride for a team that has the support of big companies such as TM.
What is your single most motivating force?
I think my motivating force is also the opposite of motivation. Because I didn’t have anything left to prove in Australia, I am happy with whatever happens and wherever I finish because I have no expectations. I’m just enjoying working with a such a great and diverse team.
Tell us a bit more about what you hope to achieve and what you have already achieved in 2018?
I wasn’t really hoping to achieve anything in 2018, because I was anticipating to retire.
Currently, I have placed second in the first round of the masters class (over 35 y/o) which is a really great result.
My goal is to finish in the top 15 in the pro class, which I am currently close to doing as I’m already in the top 20.
What’s your strangest overseas experience been so far?
Driving on the wrong of the road, in the passenger side of the car.
Do you have a special message for your fans back home?
I hope that everyone gets in and supports the Australian Supermoto racing, whether that’s in Australia or abroad.
I’d also like to give my wife a shout out because she’s so supportive during this whole experience in Spain. Although she can’t be there in Spain, she organises everything for me like a team manager and I couldn’t be more thankful.
Favourite thing to do besides motorcycling?
Because there’s so many different styles of motorcycling, if I’m not doing one discipline and I’m trying out another. Basically, as long as I’m on a bike I’m happy.
Embarrassing fact about you?
I’m supposed to be a fit athlete, but I love pies and sausage rolls. Oh and I love beer!
Describe yourself in three words
Driven, serious, stupid.
This is the beginning of a series MA is producing to shine the light on Aussies taking on the world.
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