By A multiple Super Twins class winner at Chimay and Terlicko, a solid 13th in the Bennetts Lightweight race of TT 2017, Optimark Road Racing’s Xavier Denis is the next rider to take part in Road Racing News, ten questions challenge.
A Mountain Course competitor since 2013, the Frenchman’s answers to the popular series of questions, are as follows:
Q1: Favourite National Roads Meeting?
“Unfortunately in France we are protected from ourselves, that’s why there’s no road races here. So I can say that Chimay is definitely my favourite national meeting, I would love to compete at an Irish roads event though.”
Q2: Favourite Racing Bike?
“My Super Twin (called MiniMiss), as we build and improve it year after year with my dad, it’s like our baby.”
Q3: What’s the best part of competing on the roads?
“The atmosphere of pure passion for the races, it’s like from years before the continental Grand Prix circus.”
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Q4: TT, North West 200 or Ulster Grand Prix?
“The TT stands on it’s own, you can’t compare it with anything. But favourite out of the events above, has to be the Ulster Grand Prix.”
Q5: Most Respected Rival?
“Chris Dixon. We were newcomers at the 2013 Manx Grand Prix. He won, even with a 30 second penalty!”
Q6: Best roads moment thus far?
“My first Super Twin races at Chimay in 2014, racing alongside Paul Shoesmith. Two races, two great battles for race wins with a great rider, and only 0.008 of a second covering us on the finish line, at the conclusion of the second race!.”
Q7: Is their one place or country in the world, where you would like to see a roads meeting held?
“Every time I see a flowing and funny road I think, it would be great to have an event here! Ideally though a meeting at home in France, would be awesome.”
Q8: Who’s your road racing hero?
“Ian Hutchinson. The only man to win five races from five starts at the TT, and probably the only racer who has sustained really bad injuries and was able to get back to his best level again. Massive mental strength.”
Q9: Supersport or Superbike?
“Superbike”
Q10: Pole position or fastest lap?
“Fastest lap”
Words by Stevie Rial
