Man, what a weekend it was in Abu Dhabi. To come out on top at the season opener, it just feels good, you know? It’s been a long off-season, and honestly, you never really know where you’re at until you line up against the best. And let me tell you, the competition was fierce. But there’s something about these big, international races that bring out the best in me.
I’ve got to give a ton of credit to my team and everyone who’s been putting in the work behind the scenes. My bike was dialed in all day, and it made all the difference. The track, it’s a bit different than what we usually ride, but that’s what makes it fun, right? A challenge. The dirt was a little slicker than I expected, and the jumps had a unique feel, but I was able to find a flow and build confidence as the race went on.
Now, there’s no way I’m going to take all the credit. Ken Roczen? Man, that guy’s a beast. He’s been looking really strong this season, and the way he handled the track, especially in the main event, was something special. I’ve raced with Kenny for years now, and I’ve always had so much respect for him. But this race was another level. You could see that hunger in his eyes, that will to win that hasn’t faded one bit. He’s been through a lot, yet he keeps coming back stronger. It’s impressive. He’s just a true professional, and honestly, he makes me want to be better. He’s one of the toughest guys out there, and to race against him, you’ve got to be on your A-game every time.
We had some great battles on the track. I think the fans really got their money’s worth with all the action, and at the end of the day, I’m just thankful to come out with the win. But don’t get it twisted—I’m not overlooking anyone. The field is stacked, and every weekend, it feels like the level just keeps rising. We’ve got a ton of great riders, and that’s what makes it exciting for all of us.
As far as my own performance, there’s always room for improvement. I made some mistakes in the heat race and felt like I could have been smoother in some spots. But that’s part of racing, right? You push hard, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.
Looking ahead, I know it’s going to be a long season, and we’re just getting started. There’s still a lot to work on, but I feel good. We’ve got a strong program, and the bike is in a great place. It’s just about putting in the work and staying focused.
In the end, this win is great, but it’s just one race. I’m already thinking about the next one. But yeah, props to Ken for pushing me, and to all the other guys who made it a battle out there. We’ve got a lot of racing ahead, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
