28 year old Clement Desalle has been forging the pace and chasing supreme excellence in one of the most difficult and expressive motorcycle racing sports for over ten years. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider has claimed MXGP Grand Prix wins in the FIM Motocross World Championship each season since 2009 – bar one – and is the second most prolific rider in the class. The un-showy but technically superb and determined Belgian enters his third season in Kawasaki colours and is a staple member of the leading sect of the premier class. A world title has only eluded #25 through injury and the juggernaut of results that is Tony Cairoli. He has finished in the final top three of the competition five times.

It was in 2009 – riding a semi-private Honda – that Desalle first won in MXGP. His mechanic at the time, Francois Lemariey, is now his team manager at the Holland-based factory crew. “His technique has grown over the years and his mentality is that of a high-level sportsman because he is always looking for improvement and is always honest with himself; he doesn’t like to find excuses,” the Frenchman says. “Honesty is important and the relationship he has with the team is key because he needs trust from people around him, and to give his own trust. This is what makes him consistent year after year with his results. He also keeps working to keep his level up…and that’s what make him such a pleasure to work with.”