Christian Iddon's summary of his latest test in Italy.
17-03-2009
Christian Iddon returned to the UK this weekend following another week of testing and training in Italy with his Supermoto World Championship team Motoracing KTM. Christian was joined by fellow UK and World Supermoto rider Richard Blakeman. In Christian's words:
"I don't think I've ever done as much riding in one week as I just have done. The first day at Cremona motocross (see track picture here from previous news entry) was a brilliant way to start and the weather started as it meant to go on under glorious blue skies. Both myslf and Blakeman were looking pretty quick on the motocross bikes but best of all, we were able to do race distances without too much bother. Everyone knows motocross is for the hard men and there is no better training so things were looking good. We then met up with the team for Tuesday and Wednesday testing at Ottobiano Supermoto circuit (see track picture here from previous news entry). I found the first day quite difficult as we worked through a number of different setting but didn't really seem to be making much progress. I was also trying really hard to put the times in and they were as consistent as you could wish for but I seemed to be stuck at a level. However, we were using the hard combination of tyres and managed to do the same times as what I had completed at the previous test. The 2nd day was much better and with fresh rubber (and a soft compund) I took nearly 1 second off the time immediately and it felt really good to be bang on the pace. With nothing more to test I spent the afternoon on the separate off-road section getting used to the KTM off road.
Thursday and we were back on our own at the incredible Dorno motocross circuit. I don't think I've ever been so excited to ride a track in all my life. It was prepared to absolute perfection and the riding experience didn't disappoint. We did lap after lap and have the blisters to prove it.
By the final day we were back on the supermoto bikes at Castelletto. This had the off-road section open but the changes they had made had made it very difficult and slippery on the gravel section. Despite only going out three times I managed to do a really good time and it seemed fairly easy to put the time in so it looks like we now have a good base setting going into the season.
By 2pm we had packed the 4 bikes, all our supermoto and motocross kit and a years worth of spare parts into the transit van and had set off home. I did 11 and a half hours of driving (stopping only to quickly refill) and managed to complete the 1300km back to Calais in time for the 2:30 am ferry. Getting back off at 4:30 Blakeman took over and we were home for 8:30 am
Needless to say I've slept for the last 2 days but I'm allmost recovered now and it's back in the gym for more training!"
Additional photos are in the gallery here.
Sponsors
Team StoneBaker.
For 2009 StoneBaker Racing is sponsoring four riders. Dan Linfoot, Gino Rea, Christian Iddon and Pat McDougall.
Dan Linfoot has joined premier BSB team Rob Mac Racing Yamaha to compete in the British Supersport Championship.
Gino Rea has joined leading WSBK team Ten Kate Honda to compete in the WSBK Superstock 600 Championship.
Christian Iddon competes in the Supermoto World Championship with factory supported Team Motoracing KTM.
Pat McDougall competes in the BSB Superstock 600 Championship in privateer team Beowulf Racing.
