Newcomer from the Motocross to the Enduro, Luis CORREIA (P – Yam), multiple Portugal Champion and accustomed to the podium in MX3 World Championship, take few minutes of his time for this interview.
Luis CORREIA, first of all… present you!
Luis CORREIA: “I come from Motocross where I made the National Championship last year. Now I’m a rider of the team Yamaha O. Pons and it is my first season in Enduro. I think I can make nice things in this sport that I really like.”
Your first apparition in Enduro was in 2009 for the ISDE in Portugal, why don’t you go directly to Enduro after that?
L.C: “At this moment, I had a lot of projects in my life. I’ve just finished them last year. So it was possible for me to race in Enduro this season and to do what I have to do there!”
Why you have decided to join the Maxxis FIM Enduro World Championship this year?
L.C: “Last year during the ISDE in Finland I really understood what the real Enduro was. It was really tough Six Days and I quickly felt good with the bike. Then, people from Yamaha whose Oriol (PONS) contacted me. I had a same project and I finally decided to join them!”
Why did you choose the E2 class?
L.C: “Good question… For me, I prefer the 450, they fit me really good. But I began to train this season, I started on a 250cc 2T and I directly loved the bike. That’s why I have chosen the E2 class.”
How was your first Grand Prix?
L.C: “First of all, I’m really happy to finish the both days! It was a very difficult Grand Prix, it was raining each evening and the track was muddy. But for a first Grand Prix, with a new team, a new bike and a new riding style I think that I was not so bad even if I hope to be better next time. This year my goal is to be in the Top 10 and I think that it is really possible!”
Don’t you regret MX?
L.C: “No I really don’t regret it. I begin to really like the Enduro and I want to have a long career in this discipline.”
Your second Grand Prix is taking place in Portugal, at home, how do feel it?
L.C: “It’s my country, my home, the weather will be excellent but the track is not really what I like the most. I prefer the sand but I’ll give my best. I know very good the special tests so I hope I will not do any mistakes and I’ll be very fast.”
What are your long term goals in the EWC?
L.C: “My main goal in the future is to win the World Title. I think that each rider in the paddock is thinking about this title but for me, it seems to be possible. With a lot of training and a good team behind me I can do it. I really can do excellent things in Enduro!”
Finally, what will be your advices to a MX rider who want to go to Enduro?
L.C: “If you like challenges, something really different and a new riding style, the Enduro is made for you. The most important is to stay on his two wheels during two days. In any case, if you need new challenges in your life… try the Enduro adventure.”
Prize list of Luis CORREIA:
- 2008: MX1 Vice-champion of Portugal;
- 2009: MX1 Champion of Portugal, MX2 Vice-champion of Portugal; 2nd in the E2 class during the ISDE in Portugal; Part of the Portuguese team in the MX of nations;
- 2010: MX1 and MX2 Champion of Portugal; Enduro European Champion by team; Part of the Portuguese team in the MX of nations;
- 2011: Motocross Elite and MX1 Champion of Portugal; 2nd in the E2 class and 5th in the scratch during the ISDE in Finland.
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I can achieve great things in Enduro!
