Moto 2 Interview: Jules Cluzel

I interviewed Forward Racing rider Jules Cluzel on Friday evening at Silverstone.
Of course, we had no idea Jules was going to win his first Moto 2 race that weekend!

When you were younger, you used to be a gymnast. You are now competing in the Moto 2 championship. Do you think everything happens for a reason?

Jules Cluzel : I started gymnastics very young. I was 4 years old. I stopped when I was 12 because of health issues but I was competing at a high level.

I give 100 % to everything I do.
I love Sports in general and I don’t like losing.
That’s also my problem sometimes!

I think Gymnastics helped me.
It is a good teaching ground to learn about your body, balance and discipline.
It is a tough sport.

In between, I drove Kart cars but the problem with Karting is that you need a lot of money to be able to progress.

My parents then took over a motorbike dealearship and asked me if I wanted to try Motorcycle racing.

As soon as I rode a bike, I told my mum and dad: “That’s it! I have found my true calling!”. It was a real revelation!

I think the experience I got from Gymnastics and Karting helped me realise Motorcycle Racing was “my thing”.

I felt very comfortable on a bike and entered competitions straight away.
I started winning races very quickly.

The year after my first ride, I was already competing in a World Championship.
It all went very, very quickly!
I think it is all because I felt I had really found what I wanted to do, what I loved.
I couldn’t get the sensations I get racing a bike with any other sport!

Being French myself, I remember Motorcycle Racing used to be on National TV when I was a kid. Now, races are only shown on satellite channels. What are your thoughts?

Jules Cluzel : It is a shame but it is also our duty (the French riders) to make sure France gets back to showing the races on National TV.
I think we need several French riders to stay at the front (like Randy De Puniet and myself) to raise interest from sponsors and National TV channels.

Last year, you were racing with no sponsors. Now you are in the Forward Racing team in Moto 2. Things happened quickly for you?

Jules Cluzel : Last year, I was in a very small team. We didn’t have the best gear but I still managed to prove myself.
At the end of the 2009 season, I was at the front fighting against Manufacturers bikes.

This year, I had the opportunity to join Moto 2 with Forward Racing and it was very important for me.
Forward Racing is a very professional team.
It is a big difference from 2009!
For me, this is the next step.

Last year, we were struggling one race at a time. We had no technology.
Now, I have a good team. Everything is well managed.

Randy De Puniet is the only French rider in MotoGP. Would you like to join him one day?

Jules Cluzel : Right now, I just want to win races in Moto 2.
Afterwards, we will see. It is too early to say!

I need to get good results in Moto 2. We are only at the start of the championship.