>> SHERCO NEWS << October 2003

Headlines...

>> Interview with Sherco CEO Marc Teissier [ Go! ]
>> Sherco wins the French Championship Supermotard 50 cc again [ Go! ]
>> The Sherco Cup it's over [ Go! ]
>> Graham Jarvis wins the oldest trails in the world again, "The Scott Trial" [ Go! ]
>> Malcolm Rathmell Sport Open Day [ Go! ]
>> Debbie Evans Interview [ Go! ]
>> Tech tips and downloads from Wayne [ Go! ]

>> Interview with Sherco CEO Marc Teissier

"I can surely state that we have started
in the best possible way."

Sherco is celebrating its 5th anniversary this month. Back in November of 1998 the first of the 1999 2.5 trials model began being produced at the Caldes de Montbui factory. A total of 1,000 or these models were produced in the first year or production.
In order to commemorate this anniversary Sherco News is happy to provide this interview with Sherco CEO Marc Teissier. Marc had a dream to produce a world class trials motorcycle and it is obvious from the success that Sherco has obtained, that his dream is being realized. In fact it appears that Sherco has grown faster and larger than he might have originally dreamed.

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What do you have to say about the growth that Sherco has undergone in such a short period of time?
The work carried out by the Sherco team during these four and a half years has been truly remarkable, though we cannot forget that they were highly experienced people that stood on their ground perfectly. Hopefully we can apply the same successful method to the Enduro and Supermotard categories but, in the meantime, I can surely state that we have started in the best possible way.

Your entry in different market sectors - Trials, Enduro, Supermotard,… - Had it been previously planned or has it been influenced by the market evolution?
Although we had started working only on trials, we clearly aimed to become a firm specializing in cross-country bikes. Later, the possibility of acquiring the HRD trademark boosted the process by making things much easier for us, but the idea was not new. We have to consider, for example, that the recently released Enduro 4T engine has been for a long time in project and designing process, before rumours about its creation started going round.

Which are, in your opinion, the advantages Sherco has compared to other firms with a higher productive output?
Our ability to react and specifically, the passion put into their work by the whole team. Obtaining a high productive output is not difficult at all if the previous work has been appropriately done.

Why has the Sherco production been divided in two manufacturing centres?
The main reason is that each department has enough independence to make its own decisions, irrespective of other aspects other than those strictly related to motorcycle development. This specialization increases our ability to react to any eventuality.

When will we be able to see the Sherco Trials 4T?
Undoubtedly, early in 2004.

Could you reveal to us any new features?
I am sorry, but not for the moment.

What is your opinion about the future of trials with the 4T?
I don't have a very clear opinion regarding this matter, but on the other hand, this step was unavoidable if we take into account aspects such as anti-pollution regulations and the current trend favouring this type of engine.

What do you thing about the current situation of trials as a sport?
I think that, on a local scale, trials is in good health. But, on a world scale, the situation is totally opposite. Trials does not live up to the expectations of its followers. I'm thinking of withdrawing Sherco from the World Championship if the situation does not improve in a short time.

Are there going to be any changes regarding riders for next year?
We'll be having Sam Connor in England, Jarvis in the Spanish Championship, Guil in the Junior and also Joan Pons. We shouldn't forget the Sherco Academy created by Andreu Codina last year, which has become a beautiful reality this year, with 12 riders ready to compete in 2004.

What is Sherco trying to accomplish in the enduro category?
We have already had a good start in the 50cc category by winning the 2002 French Championship, and by also winning the Trophee Des Abeilles 2003 and becoming the 2003 French Championship runners-up. We are starting to work with Italian rider Stefano Passeri and other national riders with the 450. Our real entry in the World Championship will take place in 2005.

In which category would you place the new Sherco Enduro if compared to other models from rival firms?
The Sherco 4.5i is a true Enduro bike, not a modified Cross. It has been created for competing with the KTM, Husqvarna, etc.

Will the range be increased with different cc bikes or other types of engines?
There will surely be a 250cc in the future, it's a logic evolution.

Are there going to be motocross versions?
Not in 2004, but probably afterwards.

What are Sherco's future plans for the enduro and/or Supermotard with the new bike?
I've already answered about the enduro category. In the Supermotard case, we have started by obtaining an absolute success with the 50cc, winning the 2002 French Championship with Yoan Marche and in 2003 with Mike Valade. Following the example of trials, we have created the Sherco Cup, with 25 riders aged between 12-18 years. For the moment, 2004 will be a testing year with the 450i, but in the future we will surely become more involved in Supermotard with this bike.

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>> Sherco wins the French Championship Supermotard 50 cc again

Sherco and Mike Valade: The winning team

With its 8 events of two rounds each, the French Supermotard 50cc championships were enhanced by a magnificent victory by the Sherco team and its rider, Mike Valade from Cahors (46). Since the Championships opened in Eyguières, Mike Valade showed the magnitude of his ability by making his mark. He repeated his victories at Fougères and then at Lavilledieu, finally seizing the title during the penultimate round of the season. Over the 16 rounds held in 2003, Mike Valade was first over the finish line 8 times. Needless to say, Mike's domination over his competitors was overwhelming and consistent. This domination was also evident in the timed events as, in the eight confrontations; the Sherco rider was the fastest on seven occasions. Undoubtedly, the rider from Cahors knows how to combine speed and reliability. Reliability is one of Sherco's main qualities indeed, with regard to the two machines involved and running 16 rounds each, there were only two abandonment's, both times affecting Yoan Marche. He was the French Champion in 2002 but was unable to take the title a second time. At the end of a highly contested season against very strong competition, it is now Mike Valade, 17 years of age, who succeeds Yoan Marche at the top of these exciting French Supermotard 50cc. Championships The common point of course is that both riders are on a Sherco and that it is merely the number that moves from one machine to the other.
Sherco's official sponsors in 2003 are:
IPONE, MICHELIN, FRD, LEONELLI, FURYGAN

Final classification in the 2003 championships:

1	Valade Mike	Sherco	326 points
2	Biard Eric	Derbi	308 points
3	Auvray Guennady	Derbi	269 points
4	Marche Yoan	Sherco	256 points
5	Piquepé Angel	Conti Derbi	230 points
6	Sergent Cédric	Bultaco	200 points
7	Souidi Tony	Derbi	169 points
8	Bonnet Alexandre	Conti Derbi	163 points
9	Fulconis Maxime	CH Racing	153 points
10	Hébrard Damien	Derbi	151 points

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>> The Sherco Cup it's over

25 young men took part in this experimental series and they all had a fantastic experience

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Below is a full review of the Sherco Cup Championship. The championship has proven to be a perfect way to introduce young rider's to Supermotard competition. 25 young men took part in this experimental series and they all had a fantastic experience. This series has shown that it is a great way to introduce riders to the sport.

The suspense lasted right up to the last round.
The first event of the Sherco Cup took place in March of 2003. On the opening day of the series, all the riders who were participating in the Cup received their safety equipment from the promoters (helmet, boots, gloves, and leathers) and, of course, took delivery of the bikes that they were going to use throughout the season. The Sherco Supermotard bikes were all prepared by FRD and were selected at random. These bikes, similar to the road series models, are equipped with an FRD engine, an 26mm carburetor, an FRD racing exhaust and anodized wheel rims fitted with Michelin tires. The average age of the 24 riders taking part in this new Promotional Series was 15 ½ years. The season was highly contested because, over the 12 rounds, distributed in 6 events, 5 different riders won at least once. However, among these, one was particularly impressive due to his success. Jeremy Bagieu, winner of the race at l'Alpe d'Huez, Cagnes sur Mer and Belmont made his mark on this first edition of the Cup. Hence, it was only in the last round that everything had to be fought out between Bagieu, Verdier, Léonard and Banet, who were classified in this order at the end of the season. At the circuits and throughout the season, the machines and the participants took their place in the personalized pits, under a common structure where they were able to take advantage of Sherco's technical assistance. Mechanics and technicians were in place to provide all the advice and/or parts whenever needed for maintaining the Sherco's, therefore playing a very serious role. The specific tools for maintaining the machines and high-pressure washing facilities were also at the disposal of the riders of the Sherco Cup. Finally, the information, results and relaxation areas were most appreciated for meeting up and chilling out. There was an excellent atmosphere throughout the entire season in the setting of the Sherco Cup. A particularly attractive prize system was presented during the season and at the end of the whole competition.

The sponsors and partners of the Sherco Cup were:
IPONE, LEONELLI, MICHELIN, OXSTAR, KENNY, AIRSAL, FRD, UFO PLASTIC, CHAMPION, WR RACING, TECHNICENTRE, MOB CHOP, LE SLE, YO

			ESSAY		FOUGERES		ALPE D'HUEZ		CAGNES / MER		LAVILLEDIEU		BELMONT
		N°	M1	M2	M1	M2	M1	M2	M1	M2	M1	M2	M1	M2	TOTAL	TOTAL -2
1	BAGIEU	23	16	16	1	14	30	30	22	30	12	14	30	30	245	232
2	VERDIER	111	22	13	20	22	25	10	20	20	25	30	12	25	244	222
3	LEONARD	35	5	22	30	30	22	22	13	16	30	25	5	11	231	221
4	BANET	28	30	30	22	18	16	18	16	18	16	16	22	20	242	210
5	LABORDE	48	13	12	14	20	0	14	30	14	22	12	20	0	171	171
6	GORY	7	1	20	18	13	9	16	18	13	14	22	18	14	176	166
7	CALIGO	31	14	7	16	12	18	25	10	11	6	13	16	13	161	145
8	KLEIN	15	20	14	13	11	20	8	12	9	,,,	,,,	14	22	143	143
9	PONTIER	49	…	…	…	…	14	20	25	25	18	0	25	16	143	143
10	CAPRA Julien	29