Tim Gajser became the 2016 MXGP motocross champion with one race to spare. The last race of the season took place at Glen Helen Raceway, California. Gajser kept his cool and finished the season the same way he started it: on the podium.

He started the season strong by finishing first in both races in Qatar, and he came in third at Glen Helen. Gajser bagged seven wins – and a total of 16 podium places – in the 2016 season to become the youngest champion in the elite class of this sport, despite the fact that the stacked 2016 roster featured a total of 8 former champions.

Under the watchful eye of his father
Tim rose to fame under the watchful eye of his father Bogomir, and Tim has been trained by him since he was a child. More importantly, Bogomir showed Tim how to develop a champion's mindset. The 20-year-old’s driving technique is flawless, but he is also ambitious and has a never-say-die attitude. At the same time, he has remained humble.

A humble young man
Tim showed that he is still a down-to-earth young man after receiving a hero’s welcome from his fans in Makole. He took the time to speak to journalists and talked to local kids who look up to him as their hero. Štatenberg Mansion, where the reception ceremony took place, was draped in red and yellow – the colours of Gajser’s team. He shook hands and took pics with everybody who came up to greet him.

Eyeing new challenges
Gajser is now looking forward to new challenges: the National Championship, as well as the Nations Cup in Italy. He is also scheduled to compete in two Supercross races: He will race for Honda in Gelsenkirchen, and he is also set to compete in Las Vegas in October. It is no secret that the Americans would like to see him continue his career in the US, where the money is much better than in the MXGP championship.

Marko Polak, Val 202; translated by D.V.