“I have a one-way ticket, no return” | Relief

Jorge Prado arrived at the Red Bull headquarters in Madrid, where this Monday he held an exclusive meeting with some media outlets, including Relevo. Smiling after his second world title in the sport he always dreamed of. Even with the emotional hangover that all of this entails, and especially with family and friends around.. An almost perfect story for all those athletes who, like Prado, had to leave behind the daily routine of their lives to achieve a lifelong dream.

In just a few hours he will fly home to continue preparing for the last test of the year. However, the Galician visited Relevo, where he revealed some details of the celebration, which ended up being delayed, and also talked about his supercross projects, his next destination (in the absence of official confirmation) and the dream of a lifetime.

I think even with a hangover…

Yes, it’s true. Yesterday we finished late, between the celebrations there was one thing or another, the night dragged on a little. We arrived in Madrid this morning and from there we headed home to do some more work before the last tests of the year.

Being home, I think it was even more special.

The most special thing is that I was able to win the title at home and celebrate with all the fans. When I was presented with the medal and plaque, the World Cup, all the Spanish fans were present under the podium, in the middle of the track, and it was incredible. Hearing my name and celebrating with everyone was the best part of the year. It was a great prize and made me feel super secure since Saturday, but on Sunday even more people showed up and I was able to really enjoy every turn, every lap.

What were those previous hours like?

I was calm, I think mentally I was calm, but my body was not. I knew that there was a lot at stake and so I also needed a lot of concentration in order not to fail and for everything to turn out well. My goal was to win the World Championship, I couldn’t make a mistake as I had the same chance of winning as Gajser (his opponent), but I was able to balance everything and achieve it.

On Saturday, when you won the qualifying round, did you feel like everything was coming together?

Yes, it was fundamentally important for me to start the weekend with a victory on Saturday in the qualifying round, because we also have points there, these are two points that were in my favor from Saturday to Sunday. Then I realized that the start on this track would be decisive; it was very difficult to overtake. But I got off to a good start and was able to win the first race and do very well in the second and also win the top prize.

Does winning your first MXGP title feel different compared to your second?

Yes, I generally think that every title, every season is a world of peace. They were all different, they lived differently. This season, for example, it was very difficult from the first test to the last. This is my only title where I’ve made it to the final option test, which means extra pressure which has been good for me because it’s an experience I’ll take with me into the future.

Despite this, this has been one of your most consistent seasons.

This season I saw an evolution. I saw that if I compare last year’s season to this one, I had progress, a better rider, faster, stronger and fewer weaknesses than last year. I’m very happy because at the end of the day I work every day to get better and this year I won the title, but I also see progress, which makes the season very good.

What do you think your rivals say to you in praise?

Well, I think they are not so happy because they want to win (laughs). But it’s true: I accept that I deserve it, and I can say it openly because I was the driver who did the fastest laps, the one who led the most laps all season, the one who started the race first. in most cases it is the driver who has won more sleeves and more great prizes. It would almost be unfair if I didn’t win the title and I really think about it and I’m glad that I managed to become champion for another year.

Have you ever doubted yourself?

No, don’t ever doubt me, but there are many other things that are beyond my reach, like a mechanical problem, anything can happen in motocross. Even a little unlucky with other riders, touching, falling, but not for a single second.

What was the most difficult moment this year?

I would say that this last part of the season was the most difficult because I was second in the championship, it was difficult for me to lose points from first place, because when I was first, he was second and he never managed it. cut many points. So yes, the last part of the season was very difficult, although I won the last three races.

There were three GGPPs in Spain this year, would you say that you have changed motocross in our country?

It’s nice to see that every year there are more and more wonderful prizes in Spain. This year has already been something of an exaggeration: there have been three great awards here in this country. But it also helps motivate people to take part and become world champions one day.

What do you think that child who had to emigrate to achieve this dream would say if he saw all that you have achieved?

I don’t think I could have imagined it because I tend to live in the moment and focus on it. But yes, I achieved what I set out to do, which is very nice because it is very difficult. Every effort has its reward in the end. Yes, it is true that everything needs to be worked out, there are many people who try very hard and do not succeed, but in my case I was lucky and I was able to work things out in the best possible way.

Do you feel like you’ve outgrown MXGP?

My goal is to always win. This season my goal was to retain the title, especially being number one I was very excited. And winning is very difficult, maybe people sometimes reach a point that seems easy, but every round you win, every Grand Prix is ​​very difficult. So it doesn’t seem like a small thing to me, but I’m, well, looking for new adventures, and now is a very good time for me to take this step.

Already have a flight to the USA?

Yes, it’s already ready (laughs).

No return…

Not the one at the back.

How do you feel about this?

Supercross is a completely different discipline than motocross, I need to gain experience and I’m sure the first year or first seasons will be difficult, but I also believe in myself and my goal is to win, my goal is to win. Supercross title and I hope so.

Well, you’ve already won the round…

Yes, but it is true that I won the race under some special circumstances, because I won it in the mud, although a victory is a victory. I think with very good preparation and a little more focus on the championship, because this year I went there to gain a little experience and learn a little about what it is, but of course my goal was the world championship, not the world championship . compete there. So if I focus well, I believe that good things can happen, good results, and when you work, most of the time they come.

You are used to changing your life, so I think it won’t be difficult to get used to it.

I think I’m quite used to changing my life, my country, first to Belgium, then to Italy… But going to the United States is a completely different matter, and with so many changes it will be extremely important to be able to create a base. and feel a little comfortable once the results come out.

Would you like to bring Supercross to Spain?

Yes, why not? Also, Supercross is a discipline where spectators can feel more comfortable because it is held in stadiums, you have a very good view of the race, much more of a spectacle. It would be nice to have a supercross event in Spain.

Now that you have two titles, have you received a call from Ormigero yet? (Last year he was not accepted)

I don’t think they have my phone number, but the people around me, well… I don’t think so, because I’m going home today. (Laughs).

Thank you very much for your service, let’s relax.

Thank you.