For Meo 2012 will mark the first season he’s raced in the EWC with a team other than Husqvarna. A rider who has proved himself in both the E1 and E2 classes over the past two seasons, for 2012 Meo’s goal is a simple one – win KTM the Enduro 1 World title. If he can do that he’ll also secure himself a third consecutive #1 plate.

But as the new boy that many see as KTM’s E1 class leader does Antoine feel under any pressure from his new employers? “No,” is his simple answer. “There’s no real pressure within the team. Of course success is our only thought, but there are many great riders within the KTM team and we all want to win. We all know what our job is so we just have to get on with that. I think it’s going to be a very good year for KTM.

“Racing with KTM is a new experience I’m really looking forward to,” continues Antoine. “As everyone knows I enjoyed several successful years with Husqvarna, and have a lot to thank them for, but this new chapter of my career is one I’m really looking forward to.

“When you change your racing family it always takes time to feel settled. I have to learn how to work with new people, adjust to a new bike. Things are moving forward very quickly and really well. I feel really good about everything.

“There are many different things that you have to adjust to when you join a new team – every rider knows this. The bike is the most obvious thing. There are differences with all bikes, but I feel like I have really got used to the KTM very quickly, and very well. I feel very comfortable on the bike and I’m looking forward to starting to race with it.

“Last year was difficult for me because I had an injury before the start of the season. Testing is going well this year and I’m doing more and more riding. I will start to do some races, reduce my weight a little, and then I will be ready for the season.

“My goal is to win the Enduro 1 World Championship again, and to try and win some GPs overall. I feel I’m in a great position to do that, and with KTM’s support I believe I can have a very successful season.”