After nine successful years Mario Roman will parts ways with the Sherco Factory Racing team – Enduro21 catches up with the Spanish Hard Enduro rider about the reasons for the change and what might come next.

Mario Roman has confirmed his departure from Sherco Factory Racing after nine years – something of a shock move you could say but one which Roman explains is amicable and that maintains strong respect for the team and all they achieved.

The Spanish rider explains to Enduro21 the reasons behind his decision and says, “I’m at a point in my career where I need to explore new paths and opportunities.”

E21: Is it true that you won’t be staying with the official Sherco team next season?

Mario Roman: “Yes, I’ve decided not to continue with the official Sherco team next year. It’s been a very difficult decision and one that took a long time to make, because we’ve been together for many years. They wanted me to stay and offered me a contract extension for several seasons, but I feel I’m at a point in my career where I need to explore new paths and opportunities.”

What led you to go your separate ways?

“The decision was taken for several reasons. After so many years, you start to feel the need for new challenges. On top of that, I’m motivated by having more freedom to manage my career and my personal sponsors, something that was complicated at Sherco.”

You’ve always spoken very positively about Sherco. How do you look back on this period? Do you think they could have done more to keep you?

“I look back on it very positively. It’s been nine incredible years, with many sporting achievements and a very close relationship with the whole team. I’ve always spoken well of Sherco and I’ll continue to do so.

“As for whether they could have done more, well, there’s always room for improvement, but I’m very grateful for all the work we’ve done together. As I said, I had an offer on the table to continue, and it was my decision to explore other options.”

“I’d especially like to thank Jordan Curvalle, who believed in me from the beginning and gave me the opportunity to grow as a professional. Also Marc and Thomas Teissier for their support over all these years, and Fabien Planet, David Boulanger and Loris, who have been my trusted people within the team.”

In general, do you think current factory team contracts are too restrictive for riders?

“Yes, without a doubt. I think current contracts can be very limiting for riders. It’s important to have a certain level of flexibility to manage our careers and personal sponsors.

“I’ve always taken my image and my work on social media very seriously, and that’s made many brands interested in working with me. But in factory teams you’re dressed from head to toe and you can’t even paint your helmet or personalise your kit, something that does happen in other disciplines.

“I think riders should have more freedom to choose which brands they want to work with. But as was the case at Sherco, and in other teams too, that isn’t always possible.”

Some people point to an informal ‘pact’ between teams in Europe to maintain the salary status quo and limit negotiation around sponsorship, kit and products, something that’s handled differently in other championships. Do you see it that way?

“Yes, I’ve heard about that debate. I think it’s important for teams and riders to work together to find a fair balance, and for the work and commitment of riders to be genuinely valued.”

You were also heavily involved this year with WERA (riders association), launched to gain more influence and better conditions for the riders...

“I think it’s essential that riders have more influence, better conditions and are valued more, especially considering how short a sporting career can be. WERA is a step in the right direction when it comes to professionalising hard enduro.”

It feels like this decision isn’t a leap into the unknown. Without committing yourself, what can you tell us?

(smiles) “Yes, there are things in the pipeline, but I can’t talk about them yet. I’m excited and really looking forward to sharing them. For now, I have to be cautious, but there will be news soon.

“As I say, making these decisions isn’t easy, but my way of understanding this sport is to always go after the challenges that motivate me most. In that sense, Marc Márquez has been a big inspiration for me: a rider who left a historic brand like Honda, stepped out of his comfort zone and fought to get back to the top.”

Is your plan to continue in the Hard Enduro World Championship with a factory structure or with your own project?

“My intention is to continue in the Hard Enduro World Championship, possibly with my own project. I’m evaluating different options and want to find the one that best fits my objectives.”

If you can give us a hint: what kind of bike would you like to race, or what type of machine suits your next step? Which continent is it built on?

(smiles) “I can’t say the brand, but I can say I’m looking for a bike that suits my riding style and allows me to compete at the highest level.”

Would your idea be to contest the full HEWC, and also select other major events like Erzberg and Romaniacs?

“Yes, that’s the plan: to contest the full HEWC and select some additional major events. I want to compete at the highest level and take on the best riders in the world.”

What will happen with the Sorry Bro junior team? Does it continue?

“Yes, the Sorry Bro junior team is continuing. I’m very proud of the riders who are part of the project and I want to keep supporting them on their journey.”

Beyond racing, you have a YouTube channel, an online shop and you run training courses. Is anything new coming there as well?

“Yes, I’m working on some new projects, including an ambassador role and also product development. I’m really looking forward to sharing everything very soon.”

Photo Credit: Future7Media