French rider Marc Bourgeois delivered some of the most unexpected results during the recent EWC GPs of Chile and Argentina. Coming back from two injury hit seasons, the hard working Team Armée de Terre FFM rider battled his way to a 3/6 result in Chile before again landing on the podium in Argentina with a 2/7 result. Currently sitting fourth in the Enduro 1 championship standings Marc is placed just four points behind runner-up Simone Albergoni. If his recent form is anything to go by then Marc is going to be a rider to reckon with during 2012…
Congratulations on some very impressive results at both the GP of Chile and GP of Argentina. Were you surprised with your performances?
Marc Bourgeois: “Yes and no. I knew I had the speed to do well as I proved it many times during the end of last season, but only on a few special tests. This winter I had the opportunity to train without any physical problems, without injuries. I made a complete off-season with lots of riding and training. My goal was always to try and reach the top five in the Enduro 1 class. Managing to secure two podiums in the beginning of the season is really great. It’s a very competitive class but I’ll have to be consistent all season to achieve my goal.”
After two seasons with injuries, how hard was it returning to the top once again?
Marc Bourgeois: “The last two years have been very difficult. I broke my femur in 2010 and a finger in 2011, so being away from a full season of competition for two years means it’s tough to come back. I have been very fortunate to have the great support of Team Armée de Terre FFM. They gave me the opportunity to return to competition in great shape. It’s been lots of hard work getting ready for the new season, and I had to be patient as my form returned, but I really have to thank all of the team for their ongoing support.”
You sit fourth in the E1 standing, and only two points behind Rodrig Thain in third. Will you readjust your pre-season goals and aim for more than a top-five championship result?
Marc Bourgeois: “What I think is that, like I have said, the E1 class is a very open and competitive class, and that it will be a long season. I want to grab the maximum amount of points at each race and to simply do my best… then the final result will be what it will be.”
What was your program during the off-season. What was it that allowed you to make such a strong start to the championship?
Marc Bourgeois: “Simply that I trained without any injuries, with the Team Armée de Terre FFM team. I’ve worked well on my Yamaha with my mechanicals, and I had fun during the winter with my teammates. But the big difference was that I was simply able to complete a full pre-season of training.”
You seem to be extremely well settled within Team Armée de Terre FFM. Is that the reason for your success?
Marc Bourgeois: “Everybody works in the same direction within the team. You must know that I’m a product from the FFM team and I made all of its many ‘classes’. The Team Armée de Terre FFM has acquired a lot of experience these last years and I know how well it works, which has helped me.”
After some seasons with Husqvarna Team Armée de Terre FFM now competes with Yamaha. You seem to be really enjoying your time on the 250 WR-F?
Marc Bourgeois: “Since my two injuries, I have improved a lot. I see things a little differently now. I guess I have matured. During my last two seasons with Husqvarna I was injured during the off-season and I couldn’t make any preparations. Today, the entire team works well and, yes, the Yamaha is also a very good bike.”
