Congratulations on securing your first world championship. How does it feel to be a world champion?
Christophe Nambotin: “I’m so happy to have finally won a world championship – hopefully it will be the first of many. I’ve been trying hard for four years to reach the top of Enduro 3 class and finally it’s come this year. It’s fantastic.”
How did the race go for you today?
“I knew the most important part of the day would be the enduro test. It was extremely technical and any mistakes would be costly. The cross test was quite fast and difficult to gain time on so I focused on not making any mistakes there and riding the enduro test as best I could. Straight away I felt comfortable on the bike and quickly found my rhythm on the enduro test. I was able to build a big lead and control the race.”
Were you nervous about winning the title on day one in Finland?
“No, not really. I knew that if I didn’t win on day one that it would still be possible to win the championship on day two. I just focused on my own pace and didn’t worry too much about everybody else and how the points were adding up.”
When you arrived in the awning, having just won the world championship, we finally got to see a release of emotion. How did it feel to enter as world champion?
“It’s weird because all season we work hard to remain focused on achieving this goal of winning the world title and don’t become too excited when we win a race or two. But now that compressed emotion was finally released and everyone was able to celebrate. For me, it meant a lot to win but also to reward my team for their efforts. I work hard but my mechanic and team work just has hard. It was an emotional moment arriving into the awning as a world champion.”
Overall this year has been a perfect season but looking back what race stands out to you most?
“It’s hard to believe that I only lost one race this year so picking one is difficult. But last week in Sweden was one of my best results. I had a big fight on day two with Aigar Leok. He was riding very strong and held the advantage throughout most of the day – it was probably the best he’d ridden all season. I really had to work hard to beat him there.”
With the championship now secure what are you goals for the remainder of the season?
“Right now I just want to let the feeling of being world champion sink in – it’s a childhood dream realised. I’m still motivated to win the Mika Ahola Brave One Enduro Test award and also the Husqvarna Xtreme Test Award. To add those titles to my success this year would be very special.”
Finally, are you looking forward to go to the final round of the season in France as world champion?
“Yes, very much so. I’m happy to have won the championship before my home race in France. Now I can go there without the pressure of racing to win a title and instead enjoy racing in front of all my family, supports and everybody that’s helped to make this title a reality. Even though I am now world champion, I will still do my best to win for them!”
