With the 2013 season starting a month earlier than usual, all the teams and riders are busy organizing their race clothing and are getting their bikes all stickered up and preparing to make sure that the opening round of the FIM World Motocross championships they look professional and just as importantly colourful.The look of the teams and riders has become very important as the FIM World Motocross Championships are now viewed by more people than ever via internet, with websites and the live streaming on www.mx-life.tv, plus live television around the world.
The Grand Prix photographers have been busy shooting the riders and teams with Spanish photographer Juan Pablo Acevedo, British photographer Ray Archer, and Italian photographers Massimo Zanzani, Stefano Taglioni and Davide Messora have been shooting images of the factory teams of KTM, Suzuki, Yamaha and TM in the last weeks.
Riders find their appearance important and six times World Motocross champion Antonio Cairoli is very busy with making sure everything is in place for his sponsors and fans.
”I really like to have colourful riding gear and sometimes something special,” Cairoli said. ”It is always fun to do the shoots and see the images later one. Every year we see something different and something that is really fresh for the fans and sponsors.”
Ken De Dycker who also did his photo shoot with the Red Bull KTM factory team in Sardenia had a little more time this year to get organized with riding gear and test his new bike.
“Last year I joined KTM really late,” De Dycker said. ”And to be honest at the opening round in Valkenswaard I didn’t even have the official KTM clothing. This year we have everything organized and I am sure throughout the season there will be surprises in the clothing. It is something I enjoy and I know KTM take it very seriously.”
TM Factory rider Shaun Simpson who recently finished the factory tm TM shoot loves the look of his new riding gear and bikes. Simpson spentd time in Italy riding the white dunes for some really special images.
”Every year you have different riders wearing new clothing or have a new team to ride for. I’ve ridden for a few different teams in the last five years and always enjoy putting on the new gear and seeing the gear in images.”
Of course the first chance the riders will have to all get together on the same day in their new riding gear will be at the grand prix of Qatar, which will be held in three weeks time.
By: Geoff Meyer