Valentin Grimoux: heading to Nogaro for the 2nd round of the French Supersport 600cc Championship!

After a 9-hour drive, we have finally arrived in the Gers. The Paul Armagnac Circuit sign stands before my eyes, excitement overcomes me, Nogaro is a circuit I particularly affection because I won there in all the other categories (125, 300 and 500) in past years. I had a lot of pressure this weekend, because I had been suffering from tendinitis in my right arm for a few days, and although I received treatment and stretching at the clinic which allowed me to feel better – I thank the whole team by the way! – I knew this weekend was going to be complicated. The challenge of participating in my 2^nd race in the French Supersport 600cc Championship is therefore added to that of succeeding in fighting against this tendinitis. And unfortunately, during free practice, while I am on my 12^th lap, my arm hardens like concrete and I weaken. I was so afraid of having to skip the race! But I stay focused and after calling my sports doctor, where I am followed as a high-level athlete at the hospital in Laval, I get back on top. Saturday arrives with its qualifying practice. A bad tire choice relegates me to second to last on the starting grid… I don't give up, and here comes the fateful day: it is Sunday, April 29 at Nogaro… in the rain! It's time for the first race, even if the rain doesn't bother me, I am not a fan of my Pirelli tires in the rain at this moment. The other riders have other tires: Michelin, Bridgestone, Dunlop. I make a good start, but I also feel several warnings and loss of the rear, which feels funny when braking at 260km/h in the rain, it really changes me from the 300c category! In the end, I impose myself on the wet track with a 5-second lead, what joy! In the second race, after fighting hard for victory, I make a mistake and finish in second place. Too bad, I could have achieved a double, but the championship is long and it is better to score 20 points than 0! 1 victory and 1 second place on a wet track for my 2^nd race in the French Supersport 600cc Championship, I am very happy and surprised by my performance! Not yet knowing this category 100%, I am starting to enjoy more than 265km/h. Thank you to my LBSP partner who was present during this weekend, who supported me and expressed his joy at my results! I told my father on the way to Nogaro "Come on, this weekend, victory!", something he replied to me "Don't dream, it won't be easy"… You were right dad, it wasn't easy, I didn't give up… And this victory I dedicate to my cousin, one of my biggest fans, who left us a few days earlier.