Many forget just how huge, prominent pure road racing is in the Czech Republic.
One of the nation’s most popular, accomplished competitors in recent memory is six times top fifteen TT finisher Michal ‘Indi’ Dokoupil.
14 years since first joining the TT rider ranks, the lure, other worldly nature of the Mountain Course remains just as pulsating, galvanising.
Reflecting recently on qualifying action from Monday, he stated:
“The conditions were perfect, everything was working fine, bike was working well as well.
We were using the standard fuel tank, we were testing if the fuel will last, it lasted but it was a little bit too tight.
So, we are now working out to get the bigger fuel tank for the race week.
At the minute was are trying to transfer it from England over here but all is good because it was very difficult to get a spare fuel tank and bigger one, because everyone is looking for one, happy days.”
11th quickest on Monday in the Super Twins class, Dokoupil has no doubt about the potential of Aprilia’s RS660 model.
“I have to say the handling of the bike is brilliant, it’s far better than the ER (ER6 Kawasaki), ER was to heavy and very difficult to steer.
This bike steers very quickly and the frame is completely different, it’s very small the bike so it gives you a lot more opportunities to go faster in the bends.
Power wise, it’s really good too, we have a standard engine, we haven’t touched the engine, must say it’s a really good bike, really happy with it.”
“User friendly, the electronics are great you have traction control, all these systems.
It’s really a different bike, big step in this class in the Lightweight class, suddenly you have a chance to beat the Patons.
With the ER’s it was more difficult I would say.”
Looking back on placing second within the sole Super Twins race at the Horice located, 300 Curves of Gustav Havel meeting, he stated:
“In Horice we had a great time, I was leading the race for a couple of laps then Marek Cerveny passed us.
I could fight with him a little bit for the win but then I said, after I seen there was a big gap behind us, like 20 seconds after four laps, I said ok you have the TT coming it’s more important.
So, it was a good test run for the bike, we tested everyone, so I’m happy for the second place.”
When asked about whether pure road racing is continuing to grow back home, ‘Indi’ stated:
“The sport is getting better but apparently there is less circuits to go, because it’s difficult to run a new circuit, so we have Horice, then the IRRC at Horice again, then a couple more.
But I’m only going to Horice meetings because the other events for me, I don’t want to ride on the airfields, I don’t like to ride on the short circuits, more into road racing!”
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou