Tom Vialle Interview: Detroit Press Day
February 02, 2024
Second year racing Supercross. How do your expectations differ this year as compared to last year?
I feel way more comfortable than last year. And I know what to expect; last year was completely new for me. I improve a lot during the winter; I had a great winter. I feel way better on the track… I would say especially the whoops and the rhythm; pretty confident. We all train all winter, but we want to know where we are [in relation to other riders], so it’s pretty nice to be at the first race. Let's see tomorrow! With a good winter, I can do pretty good.You were able to go back home, at least to Paris, right? [Yeah] Were you able to spend some time back home in Avignon?
After the nation, I spent some time in France, but for Paris, not much. I just went for the race and back to California.Do you feel like you've made a lot of changes since Paris? Improved a lot?
Yeah. We actually rode the ’23 bike in Paris and we changed quite a lot for 2024. So yeah, the bike is pretty different compared to Paris.Not only is it your first time racing Supercross last year, but also moving to the US Talk about that culturally. Is that a big change for you?
Yeah for sure. When you come over it's pretty nice, but after a few months it gets a little bit more tough. I just feel like this winter I had some fun and I enjoyed it way more than than last year. So that's pretty cool. And I feel like I’m getting into my life; into my routine a little bit, and that feels nice.What are your expectations for this season?
I want to be up front every weekend fighting for the win and podium. That's really the goal; let's see if we can do it.Who are you riding with during the offseason?
Julien, Malcolm, Aaron and I ride almost every time when I go to California. In Florida, not so much. I train with Chase in Florida.What is it like riding with guys who have more Supercross experience, like Chase? Does that help push you to the next level?
Spending time with Chase at the training facility is really good for me. I just learned from him… just watching him, and it's pretty cool. I think that the new program for the winter was, nice for me.Have you had a chance to look at the track yet today?
Yeah, I just looked at the track. It looks cool. The dirt looks actually soft, so we are gonna see. We're gonna have press and ride; feel a little bit the bike and the track and see where the track is.
