Posted: Saturday, 28th January, 2006 : 7:55 AM - - 6,242 Reads

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It was there that the two riders spoke about their training schedules for the upcoming season and Antonio asked Stefan: "why don't you come to Rome for a while. We can practice together - the climate is perfect!"

And that's how it went. The two riders, who in the upcoming season will defend their individual titles as Yamaha's motocross world champions, Antonio Cairoli (MX2 Team Yamaha De Carli) and Stefan Everts (MX1 Yamaha Motocross Team), spent a couple of days 'crossing each others territory' for the first time in Italy.

Stefan headed down to Rome to take advantage of the weather conditions, which had been good there for over a month. His new YZ450F arrived from the Rinaldi workshop close to Parma, along with a mechanic from his team. Unfortunately, it was wet on the first day and due to rain the regional race track was not suitable for any practice sessions. But the man who has been motocross world champion for the past nine years was not downcast and continued his meticulous preparations in Rome.

This clearly made a big impact on new team-mate Antonio, who said: "Everts really impressed me, he is such an incredibly hard worker and if you try to follow his practice schedule for the day you really need iron willpower and inexhaustible inspiration. Even in these circumstances you can see he is a unique champion."

Friday turned out to be an excellent day for practice, as the sun was shining all day and it stayed dry. Also present was Claudio de Carli, Cairoli's team manager, accompanied by his other rider Matteo Bonini (MX2 Team Yamaha de Carli), who was suffering from a troublesome cold. Everts said he was extremely satisfied with the YZ450F and its new aluminium frame. "This is the bike in the whole series I like most," he said. "It changed so much compared to last year, it's far more manageable and easier. (In) the coming days I will be testing the 2006 factory specification bike and I am very pleased and hopeful". Stefan lavished the young MX2 champion Cairoli, some precious advice and confirmed that he is keen to end the upcoming season with a final world championship victory.

After spending a couple of days training together, they were guests at Sandro Celestini, an official Yamaha dealer in Italy. They visited his new store and exhibition room, which is based in Civitavecchia.

While in Rome, Stefan also managed to see some of Rome's city centre, where he immediately fell in love with the Coliseum and the Piazza Venezia, promising he will definitely return with his family when he has the time.

Main Photo: Everts in Japan
Credit: Yamaha Racing

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