” I have really great feeling after the practice race. Yesterday’s rain has also helped competition organizers with the preparation of the track to the best level possible. Today’s sun has made a superb atmosphere, so I am expecting a large number of home crowd. Based on current practice results, I will need to repeat or improve my result if I want to stay on first place also at the end of the day.” – said exceptional Klemen.

Gerčar stays in the lead after 1. run. Current leader in MX3 World rankings has gathered his advantage already at the beginning, and proceeded in calm, mature and tactical manner throughout the finish line. He stays fully optimistic…

“Great track conditions, great fans, and my exceptional performance are highlights after 1st half. I have had some problems on the first turn but I managed to stay in front and finished on top. It is not over yet, I will be focused 100% in second run so accidental mistakes will stay out of my way. ” - says Klemen before final appearance in Brežice.

As the day has started, it has also ended. With nice performance and convincing win, it has become another day to remember in Klemen’s book of successful performances. He has dominated also in second race on home track of AMD Brežice, where his performance became best possible expectation two weeks before FIM GP in Odessa – Ukraine.

“What can I say! Victory is fully deserved, and the crucial moment of second race was definitely the start, where I greatly extended the lead in front of competitors. It has been important to stay in same rhythm with high level of concentration…I have been missing that in previous GP races. Tomorrow is however a new day and new chance for proving. I start to feel better and better, also current form is on higher level, which is a good sign before my departure towards Ukraine” – said just few moments after nice victory in Brežice Klemen Gerčar..

Aljoša Vekić

»First Slovenian rider who has done it«

Despite the fact, that he has been second time in a row close but still far from highest podium, Klemen does not have a need to be unsatisfied.

Bulgarian Troyan, where the second race for GP MX3 class was held, 21 year old rider from Lukovica showed impressive performance. However presence of some minor mistakes cost him the place on the highest podium.

»In the first part of the race I have been most time in the lead, and if I would not do small mistake, I would certainly retain position. Unfortunately I finished as second. Second run was more or less race against time. I needed to make up for a lost time, but unfortunately crashed at the third corner, which took too much of my time. At the end I was fifth, third overall, and I am fully satisfied«, Initially states Klemen Gerčar, who’s aware that the win was in his reach.

»Naturally there is some bitterness present, however podium is still podium. Race in Bulgaria will surely be a motive for future development. I have seen, things parts of my weaknesses, which I need to improve to be better and more convincing. When competition is strong, each mistake can reduce a chance to be successful. Better concentration levels and moderation in enhancement of the rhythm are two elements where I need to improve significately, if I want to start winning in upcoming races«, adds Klemen.

Final 4th and 3rd place in Valkenswaard and Troyan brought Klemen 1st place overall, and has become also first Slovenian who has done it.

»This fills me up with pride and joy. Competition this year is exceptional and each of the riders is willing to put 150% effort for ultimate success. Opening race in Valkenswaard on sandy surface, which I am not used to, confirmed my feelings, that I can compete with best riders in the world. Now it is time to correct few minor things that separate me from better results«, admits rider from Lukovica.

There is no time for rest. Best Slovenian motocross rider is already getting prepared fort his weekend, where he will be competing fort he European Cup on his home track in Brežice.

»This will be new great indicator of my form. I always say, that competition is the best practice for us to see where biggest reserves are hiding. Given the fact that it is a home race, and I am one of the favorites, I will do everything to win and transform achievement to a great motivation for next race in Ukraine Oddesa, at the end of this month (25. and 26. of May)«, finishes Klemen Gerčar.

Aljoša Vekić

                           ”Thats my home track so I want to win!”

After a great performance in Netherlands Valkenswaard race for Slovenian Cup is just about to begin.

Brežice, is Klemen’s home place, so he is familiar with the track itself and the stand-alone goals for 21 year old rider are strict.

“It is completely understandable that I want to start new season of Slovenian GP with the best result. I know the track up to a smallest rock, so I expect from myself  flawless performance, which would bring me closer to the desired overall result set-up before the season.”- initially states Klemen

In previous three weeks he has put more attention in development of technical and tactical skills…

“I have certain reserves in each segment, which I will try to improve throughout the season on a higher level. I have spent a lot of time in Croatia, where we have put close attention to basic starts and engine durability. Among other things, I had to get used to little harder surface, since I haven been competing in Valkenswaard a month ago. I am expecting an interesting race with the result in my favor. 

There will be an interesting and busy weekend, since straight after the race in Brežice, Klemen is traveling southern part of Europe to Blugarian Troyan for a next race of World GP. He has qualifying race on Saturday and main event on Sunday.

“I have already won a race in Bulgaria so this year I do not expect and want nothing less. The track itself suits me really good, I am in great physical shape, with the expectation to make a step forward compared to my performance in Valkenswaard” highlights one of the most promising motocross riders.

Aljoša Vekić

Klemen Gerčar, 21 years old Slovenian National motocross team rider, has been just few small steps away, where he would be able to start a season in Valkenswaard with victory. In second part of the race, when he was in the lead, he made few mistakes which cost him podium.

Final 4th place just confirmed Klemen’s form for a next season, and tells to fellow motocross riders, that he will put up hard fight to achieve what he mostly desires.

»I have to be satisfies with my performance and final result in Netherlands  Given the fact that I am most used to the sandy track like it is in Valkenswaard, I have to look on 4th place overall as a great achievement. The experiences on sand were well used by home riders, where those type of advantage gave them opportunity to position themselves on podium. Again, I am satisfied to see, that I am one of the favorites  who will be battling fort the crown throughout the season« – says Klemen.

Klemen continues…

 »There are few riders who will not attend all the races in the season , so chances for top result overall are even bigger. Clearly  everything will still depend on me and my performances. Since next race in Bulgaria on 5th of May, I have time to improve my overall conditioning and competitive form. Serious illness which caught me just a week before the race, has left few consequences, so in short period of time I was not able to prepare myself up to that point, as I was before.«

So we can therefore see the real Klemen in Troyan Bulgaria?

»Definitely I will be readier in all aspects, beside I have also had a great feeling on a track in Troyan. 2nd place last year, was a really good result, and confidence level is therefore raised. Now we are going on a harder surface, which is similar to the one I have been practicing throughout the winter. It will be interesting to see, what other riders who are used to sandy surface will show. With little help of sports luck, and if everything comes under same roof, I do not see a problem why I would not be able to raise up the ladder«- finishes Klemen Gerčar.

Klemen Gerčar, the best Slovenian rider, who set up his high goals already after last season, is making final changes in his development,these days with his coach Nenad Šipek. In the beginning of January, he started his main part of pre-season in Italy, Sardinia to be exact, where he due to the everyday habit of practice, made also race appearances in Mx Open and MX1.

»That’s right. Like you have mentioned already, those were the races for Italian Open Championship, which are ranked on top amongst the races before the season. Competition is every time very strong and welcome, since it gives me a straight on insights about my current level of readiness.« Initially comments Gerčar, who has been satisfied with the outcome of the results.

»Given the fact, that these races were in the first half , when i was practically still under the developmental process, the result was not important for me as it was testing of my current form. On first two races (1st on Sardinia, 2nd in Rome) I have finished on 11th place, while my third race on Lake Garda, in Arc to be exact, on 14th.«

Klemen points out the importance about the pre-season to stay healthy and focused towards main goals.

»It might sound a bit odd, however it is important to have an actual goal. Without it, nothing can be done in the world of sports. Therefore, I am with my performances on races in Italy totally satisfied. Even doe, I have not finished in top 8 places , it brought me a lot of positive things and responses. I have seen, where the majority of my reserves are hiding. The fact however is, that I can fight for top places, so I’m highly anticipating the very beginning.«

Bearing in mind, that first race of Slovenian Cup in Vrtojba was cancelled due to the bad weather and flooded track, Klemen’s first real test on Slovenian soil will be in the upcoming Sunday in Sevnica.

»This will be actually a true test, which will show to me the effect of improvements on my form,  I have done in past month. My current physical condition is not on the level I expect, so I still need few extra days to develop in that way and become optimally prepared. I do train based on the similar program from last season, where I added few extra elements. My expectations are, to be fully ready before the first race for GP in Valkenswaard in first half of April.« – finishes Gerčar.

Despite the fact, that motocross riders are already on the door steps of the new season, there is rather still much to do, for a perfect start. Success of the start also depends on 5 months of hard preparations inside the rider’s team. It is important at this stage, to look at the things which were done in the past, determine what was good and what was bad, what to remove from the plan and what to add/improve. One of the most valued successes were certainly all sponsors who have helped Klemen with financial an material resources:

“Thank you all for your cooperation, help and support! Many of those who think, that I have been resting throughout the winter is far from being a true statement. My holidays, if I may even say so, were extremely short, as me and my team have immediately after last race started to devote our time for realisation of plans for the upcoming season. Until the end of the season 2012, I was forced to take matters (PR, sponsorship, general organization, etc.) mostly on my own, which led to consequences, which are not supposed to happen in high class athletes. My current team, was after the season therefore expanded, with some additional members, who devote their time for various important matters (sponsorship, PR, formal affairs,…).”

Finally Klemen was able to concentrate and put all the focus on a training in un-snowy Sardinia, and showed a great progress in his development:

“ We have established a new Facebook page, so I was able to keep my fans informed on what is going on. I have to admit, that the response of fans was over my expectations. I always wish, that on Slovenian National championship races, crowd would be bigger, and people would accept sport of motocross as they have done with ski jumping, alpine skiing, soccer,… Looking at the number of likes on the site I just simply said to myself “wooooohuuu that’s it! We are on a good way! Good job team!” We will continue in that manner, not just because of me, but also with the side goal to rise up the awareness of motocross in Slovenia.“

Episodes (short video clips) are also made, where Klemen is presented little more into details. Fans, and laypeople can now have a glimpse on what is going on behind the curtains, and they can find out that riders are not just the people who know how to ride a motorbike, but are also athletes, who are aware of world around them.

Plans for upcoming season are to uphold the National champion title, improve the overall result on the World Championship and hidden wish to become a World Champion still persists. We have also established a new website, which has been updated to a comparable level to any site of world famous athletes. Currently it is written only in English, where Slovenian version will be following soon. It contains and will contain regularly updated videos, pictures, interviews and sponsor updates. For those who would like to attend the race, or know where Klemen will be in upcoming weeks, a timeline has been established with all the details. We did not forget about the team presentation. There is already a brief description of all the members, however more about each individual will be described in interviews throughout the season.

So what about sponsors?

Of all the goals we have set up after the season 2012, we managed to achieve almost all of them except one. As it is already known, to make season successful, money investments of each riders are big. To obtain sponsors and consequently sponsors, we have established a presentational brochure which is intended solely for in-depth presentation of motocross. We have got a lot of rejections, since they are not even willing to listen what is happening also in general when Klemen is racing. Promotion of the motocross in Slovenia has been so far on inappropriate level and therefore most of them are seeing it as highly financially demanding sport and are comparing it to Formula 1 or Motto GP. Calculations have showed us, that Klemen needs for a successful engagement on the elite level a total of 40,000€ in finances and material. One of the biggest costs represent him traveling on races, staying, coach, physiotherapist, and then there are also material demands such as engine services, complete equipment, promotional material… Problem in obtaining the funds arises also from amateur athletes who want to obtain funds, simply just by posting sponsor logos on the jersey, helmet, etc. in return for finances and not add some extra value/exposure.

“We have finally come to an end of the long summary of the plans and ideas for the upcoming season!”

To spice up things a bit more, we have prepared throughout the season some surprises which should remain a secret. Just for a hint, we can reveal to you, that you will be able to participate in certain tasks, where upon winning, you will be rewarded.

Follow us on Facebook and web-page where we will inform you regularly on what is going on throughout the season

He has paid recently visits to two auto-moto shows in Milan and London. He came back full of impressions and new motives.

“I was invited to Great Britain as a guest on so called off-road moto show. I have had few interviews and among all activities I have also presented awards to younger riders and have been involved in motorcycle giveaway.”

So you also took advantage of your “motocross celebrity status” outside of Slovenian boarders?

“I strongly do believe that those types of activities are important for successful athlete, if he wants to become known in international circles. There is no problem for me, to pay a visit to countries, which have keen ties with motocross and at the same time represent opportunity to breakthrough on international scene. For example, if a younger rider wants to make new connections with potential foreign sponsors, that he has to attend those kind of events. Even doe the event lasted for a day, I have to admit, I enjoyed it at full speed. “

Then you have paid a visit to so called most prestigious fashion capitol city on world, Milano…

“In Milan, unlike in London, has been an auto-moto exhibition. This means that on the mentioned exhibition were presented motocross ass well road racers. In any case, it is a much larger event and on bigger scale. I talked with several sponsors who were interested for cooperation; however it is too soon to expect anything. I will probably get answer in next 14 days. Let’s see than if there will be some closure.”

Anyways, we strongly believe, that our best motocross rider will continue to climb up the success ladder carefully designed with his team. Step by step he is closer to top. As long as he will be healthy and his financial situation will improve, we can definitely expect a tuff fight for World Championship title already in upcoming season.

After the excellent result in past season, Slovenian talented motocross rider Klemen Gerčar is already preparing tor the upcoming challenges and enthusiastically expects the spring. With all the undeniable talent and knowledge in motocross he poses, it will bring new responsibilities and pressure, where he will need to convert and merge into visible achievement on the international and
Slovenian races. Let’s hear what a 21 year old rider from Ljubljana – Lukovica has to say about his past and future events.

Although these years fourth place overall on World Championship MX3, it shows an increase on the International competition…

“I am more or less satisfied with last season’s performance. Clearly, it can be always better. Unfortunately you cannot win everything on every competition. The greatest importance is to
progress from day to day on and off the track, and with proper planning and quality performance, achievements will gradually come. I do not have a single doubt on it!” States the Slovenian National Champion in MX Open/MX3 Klemen Gerčar.

You have confirmed all of your qualities and talent on the final race of the season in Orehova vas, where you have won the Slovenian national champion title. Is this the exact “forecast” for the
upcoming spring, where new challenges await, particularly on the international level?

“I definitely want to go as high as possible in the overall rankings in World Championship. Given the goal I have set-up to myself, WCH will get more attention in following season, however everything is subordinated with available funds. It is not a big secret that given the world economy status, there is a chronic lack of funds. I will do everything to get close to the leading trio of WCH MX3 riders already in next season.”

Where are the critical reserves of your performance hiding? Perhaps in the team, in your races,…?

“Everything is distributed all-around like small pieces… Just to get clear, this si not a formal diplomatic press answer, it is just like it is. Everybody, including me, are just small parts of “mosaic” which needs to be assembled properly to het a beautiful outcome. As long as we strive together for progress (Step forwards) in each season, the result will come. I mentioned already before, the biggest motives in my future career are definitely international races, where I have not shown everything what I can so far. Despite tough competition, Slovenian motocross riders do not fall so far behind the elite and with additional financial support and believe in us from companies, everything would be easily achievable.

For the end, would you be able to trust us with your 2013 pre-season preparation plan?

“Generally, preparations for upcoming season have already begun after final race in Orehova vas. There is no space in motocross for mediocrity. Achieving future goals on already won titles will not bring the World Championship crown. I spend most time during pre-season abroad, to improve my skills and attend different motto shows, where I restore contacts with potential sponsors.

Klemen has put attention over his name with many successful performances on international area. There is not lack in his motivation so therefore he aims to improve his overall 4^th place in world cup rankings.

“When I “drag a line” under season 2012, I can safely say that I am extremely pleased. I will become 4^th time in a row national champion which is not easy with such a great competition. Today I expect a nice race and with another victory the end of the season would be even brighter” says Klemen Gerčar before last race.

What he thinks about his biggest rivals?

“Matevž Irt, Tim Gajser  and I will probably be leading main battle, for prestigious win. I have heard also that they might have some minor health problems however I do not worry about the competition. It is however always welcome, but personally I race to overcome it. I emphasize, I am interested only in victory!”

There is no doubt, which win matters him at the end of the season 2012 the most…

“I won the race for World Championship in Orehova vas. If I would need to choose which one is my favorite than this would be the one. It is always nice to win in front home crowd and share my success with them. I am also greatly satisfied with National team performances in Belgium, where whole team presented great levels to the world. We improve year by year and that is a nice fact!”

At the end of the interview Klemen presented us his future plans…

“Certainly I will need to defend National champion title. That would be my 5^th one, while on international level I would like to improve 4^th place overall. I am sure, that with slight sport luck I will be able to position myself at very top. So a fight for a World Championship crown beside defending the National champion title are my biggest challenges”.

Thank you for your time and all the best on last race of the season.