Angus Grenfell took time out to pen this column for AMCN…
SCORCHING ACROSS the finish line at the iconic Portimao circuit to secure my first FIM JuniorGP World Championship points was far bigger than just the race itself. It was the culmination of three years of literal blood, sweat and tears here in Europe chasing a dream I’ve had for as long as I can remember.
My passion for twisting the throttle on a motorbike kicked off as a little boy so to now be reflecting on my journey in this sport feels a tad surreal. From the dusty dirt tracks of Victoria to the truly awe-inspiring international circuits in Europe, it has been one heck of a ride.
The chance to live in Spain and race alongside the best young talents on the planet is certainly a privilege and I am forever grateful to have the chance to be here doing what I love. That said, it hasn’t come easy.
I am competing with the fastest guys on the international racing scene while hailing from Australia where the levels are quite different. That’s the reality. It’s tough, especially on the mental side, but work ethic and determination isn’t something I have ever lacked.
I’ve been described as your quintessential Aussie battler and it’s a tag I wear with pride. I work very hard, day in and day out, and my weekly training schedule is beyond one’s imagination. It’s not just motorbike skills that you have to train. Fitness is a major part of this sport – both mental and physical. Trust me, racking up 16 laps in a race on these large circuits during a European heatwave is not for the fainthearted.
On average my training week will include running 60km to 80km, at least one extended cycle, a couple of swims and two gym sessions with my personal trainer.
On the bike I hit the kart tracks three days a week and a day or two is spent training at flat track or trials. The physical conditioning needed to perform at the elite level is something I take pride in and really enjoy.
When I was home in Australia over Christmas, I worked full-time to buy my own trials bike so I can ride out the back of my Spanish home, Sallent, which is north of Barcelona and about an hour from Andorra. There are plenty of kart tracks nearby and it’s not overrun with tourists, so I get a proper feel of Spain.
It’s a big change to move over to Europe – everything from having to learn a new language just to communicate, to the sacrifice of me and my mum being away from my family and friends for nine months each year. It’s a different way of living and has its challenges but I feel I have adjusted really well and enjoy living here. Even things like having to work on my own bikes and making sure everything is prepared for when I want to go training, like changing my own tyres or even the simple things like changing the oil, making sure the chain is tight and lubed. It’s those things that dad would always take care of when I was younger, and I have to remember to do them now.
Some things do stay the same… like school. For the past three years I have been completing my education remotely and I am now in my final semester of Year 12. Luckily, I have a couple of months of summer break to hit the books and get it all done.
As for the actual riding and the championship itself, I would chalk 2024 up as a positive season so far. I returned to Spain in February for my first test at Almeria as I was switching from a Honda to a KTM for this campaign, along with new management of my team, new tyres with Pirelli… it felt like new everything.
I adapted to the bike and the tyres relatively fast and ended that test, together with the next three, feeling super happy. However, the start of the racing season didn’t go well due to overriding and not enjoying myself. I realised I needed to make a significant change for Round 4 in Portugal and just have fun.
So I just rode, braking where I felt was right instead of trying to brake incredibly late, and opening where I thought was correct. And yep, the fun returned. In qualifying I fell back into the habit of overriding again and didn’t get a great position; I wasn’t too stressed because my overtaking game is strong.
Race one I slotted into the top 20 on the first lap, got into a consistent rhythm, set a solid pace for myself and focused on moving up the ranks. I finished P14 to snatch my first world championship points and so I feel like the rewards are finally coming.
Overall, it feels great heading into the break satisfied with my efforts and knowing I give it my all.
And that’s exactly how I will approach the next couple of months to continue the momentum at Jerez when the championship resumes in September.
WORDS: ANGUS GRENFELL
