Fresh from securing herself a thrilling WMX title in Fermo, Italy, redbull.com caught up with the new champion Stephanie Laier
So, Steffi, what has been your best moment of the season?
The best moment of the season was winning the race and the championship after today’s shoulder injury. I had to go to hospital, I had pain in the shoulder and I was very dizzy. The doctors weren’t sure if the shoulder was broken or not, so everything was very unsure, even if I could ride today!
And the worst moment?
My home race in Germany was very bad. I crashed many times as I’d put myself under too much pressure, so this was my own personal disaster. If I have to race in front of the home crowd, family and friends, I’m always much more tense.
Who was the first person you wanted to speak to after you won the championship here?
After winning the championship, there was no talking at all. There were only hugs, emotions, pictures and lots of champagne everywhere!
What are your plans, now the season has ended?
After the WMX, I still have a few national races left, so it is not quite over yet for me. When everything is done, I’d like to go on holiday to Namibia because I have some friends there and I like to see countries that other people tend not to visit. At least, I’m happy if I don’t meet other Germans during my stays abroad! In Namibia, I like that nobody else is there and there’s no access to the internet – I like to be able not to worry about anything.
'After riding, I have to take three showers to get myself completely clean'
Is the bike always perfect, or are there ever times during a race when you think, ‘I’d like them to change that a little for next season?’
The bike was always great, there were only small amendments necessary, but in general I was happy with it.
MX riding’s a dirty job. Do you have to take an extra-long shower to get rid of all the muck?
After riding, I have to take three showers to get myself completely clean, and then I always check myself in the mirror to see if all the mud has gone! Sand is very bad, you have it everywhere and it reappears every time you touch your clothes, gloves, etc.
KTM Images
How else do you relax after a hard day’s riding?
It’s difficult to relax and not to think about MX. Also, if I’m going jogging, I think of MX because then I think about my fitness, etc. But I try to keep Mondays free from riding so that I find time for my family and friends.
Who’s your ultimate sporting hero?
My ultimate sporting hero is probably Stefan Everts and also his father Harry Everts. I’ve a lot of respect for them, and even at this stage if I see Stefan riding, I wish I could ride like him.
If you went to an ATM and it gave you €10,000 instead of €10, would you hand it in or keep it?
I’d give it back… the chances are very high that you’d get caught!
'I’d like to thank KTM and Red Bull, and also my family and my friends'
What’s hot on your iPod?
There’s DJ Tiësto’s album – I like this music very much. I’ve seen PINK live already and I’m also a big fan of hers. I like the lyrics as well as the music, which is much better if you see it live than on the radio.
Where will you be and what will you be doing in 10 years’ time?
I’d like to still be in motocross – maybe as an instructor.
What are your final thoughts on the season?
I’d like to thank my sponsors, especially KTM and Red Bull, and also my family and my friends.
Steffi Laier was talking to Birgit Holzinger
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