On September 18th, Richard Bird will finally see his childhood dream realised when he takes to the start line of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. The Motocross of Nations is probably the biggest stage of all to make your international debut but it is one he is eagerly looking towards. With the event now just days away Enduro.ie gets the thoughts and feelings of our final member of the Irish trio heading to St Jean d’Angely in France as he prepares for the biggest race of his life….
Enduro.ie: Congratulations Richard, this will be the first time we get to see you riding for Team Ireland in the Motocross of Nations!
Bird: “Yes, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a real honour to be picked. This is something I been wanting and working towards my whole life. It’s the biggest race in the world and I’m proud to be able to ride for my country.”
Did it come as a surprise when you got the phone call to say you’d been picked?
“When Laurence phoned me up, it sort of came out of the blue to be honest. I was shell shocked for a moment and it took a while for it to sink in! I’d felt that I have been riding at my best this year and hoped I’d be considered for it. With Wayne Garrett and also Graeme Irwin injured I suppose it opened things up a little so I’m delighted to have made the team.”
What class will you be riding in?
“I’ll be lining up in the MX3 class.”
We know this is your first time riding the Motocross of Nations but is it also your first time in Europe at GP level?
“Yeah, racing in St Jean d’Angely will be my first time at GP level. I know it’s going to be a big experience but we have good support behind us. As along as I have a clean day and stay out of trouble things should go well.”
At the recent International in Downpartick and also the Red Bull Pro Nationals you put in some solid results against a talented line up, you must be happy with your riding?
“Overall I’m feeling good. Those events have given me a good bench mark to judge where I’m at. I thought I might have done better in Downpatrick but some crashes held me back. In the opening race I got away well but crashed on the second lap and had to work my way back to tenth. Again in the final race I was having a really good fight for fifth with Tommy Merton but washed out the front wheel in a corner and ended seventh. Desertmartin went well and I had two strong rides to get sixth overall in MX1.”
We’ve got a good young squad to represent Ireland in France, you must be looking forward to working with your teammates?
“Definitely; this is a team event and I think we’ll work together well. We’re all young and have grown up together, so to be racing together will be fun. Both Martin and Stuart have the experience of doing it before so I’m sure they’ll help me along and keep everything relaxed.”
Although it’s a proud achievement to represent your country, it must also feel good to be able to reward those who have helped you reach this level, both family and sponsors?
“I think that’s one of the biggest parts of getting picked. Getting to do this is the best way to thank all those who’ve supported me, from my parents, my family, Sorcha, Chris, Roly at Bodytech, Adrian Lappin and Watt Motorcycles; it’s their support of the years that have got me this far. I can’t wait to get going, it’s going to be interesting; thats for sure!”
Best of luck in France Richard, I’m sure you’ll ride the wheels off her!
Expect Dicky to give it his all...
If you missed the previous interviews with our other hopefuls Martin Barr and Stuart Edmonds, well then you should click these links….
Stuart Edmonds: Des Nations Calling
Martin Barr: Des Nations Calling