Bussei at Mallory Supermoto

Today I rode over to Mallory to meet up with Giovanni Bussei who is racing in the UK round of the World Supermoto championship. I turned up just as he was rolling out for second practice. He looked off the pace.



When I went to his pit he was sat in obvious pain. Turns out he had a massive crash on the dirt section in the morning and could hardly breathe. I asked if he'd broken his ribs. 'I don't want to find out. If I don't know then I can just ride on. If I know I've broken them I've got to do something about it. It's better not knowing.'

I left him for half and hour then gave him the latest Sideburn. He perked up.

I checked out his bike. I don't know much about supermotos. I didn't know they had one-piece fork bottoms and brake calipers. Look, no caliper bolts. How wild is that?

Apparently, the organisers make riders running alloy wheels put plastic covers over their spokes. Someone said it was to do with them wanting Marchesini to sponsor the series. If they cough up, the rule 'may' be changed to allow the plastic's removal and everyone can see their wheels. Don't know if that's true. Probably libelous. So sue us!

I really liked the way the current champ (dunno his name. French fella I think), reminds the others he's the world champion - cycling style colour bands on his biceps.

I know a few Sideblog fans like old bicycles. Well, this isn't a fixie, but it is historic. Giovanni's 19-year-old Yeti.

Saw this teenage lad with a Ricky Carmicheal tattoo. Crazy kid.

I think this stall over-estimated the quality of the crowd. Seemed to be a lot of people drinking 500ml cans of Fosters and getting FIERCE sunburn to me.

The two supermoto races are on Saturday evening, 6 and 7.30pm I think. Giovanni says the track is dangerous. It could be carnage.