JERSEY’S Matt Le Brun proved he is up there with the nation’s elite riders this past weekend, after breaking through with a sensational overall victory in the sixth round of the British Supermoto Championship.
Le Brun showed his warrior spirit on the track to overcome several hurdles and ride exceptionally, en route to taking the S1 Elite title at the famous Oliver’s Mount course in Scarborough and turn a dream into reality.
Supermoto’s origins can be traced all the way back to the 1970s, when different motorcycle disciplines were pitted against each other on a course combining asphalt and unpaved terrain in the US.
This mix proved so popular that a new discipline emerged – riding supermoto.
Combining the technique and rebellious nature of motocross with the precision and flair of road racing ensures fireworks, and anyone who gets the chance to catch a supermoto race can expect to have an enormous amount of fun.
Sliding through corners, wheelies at corner exits – high-octane action is guaranteed on every bend in this thrilling sport while the daring riders reach electrifying speeds.
The British Supermoto Championship is the UK’s premier racing series in the sport, pitting the nation’s best against one another across the best circuits the nation has to offer.
Although Le Brun may have raced a few rounds of this illustrious championship before – competing this season at the Teesside Autodrome in May before July’s Three Sisters event in Wigan – this round brought with it an immense challenge, as Le Brun lined up against some all-time greats.
The most notable name on the list has to be Chris Hodgson, a living legend of the sport who has gone on to win an astounding 19 British titles across a 32-year career adorned in success.
Team GB rider Richard Sharp, and Ryan Cringle, who was invited to the opening round of the World Championship earlier this year, were also a big presence on the start line, with both known as fierce competitors at the top level.
With all the thrills and varying surfaces, supermoto racing is incredibly demanding and the first day of racing turned out to be a taxing one for the Caesarean.
Le Brun was quick to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in qualifying on Saturday to place seventh. That momentum seemed to carry on into the first race as he climbed all the way to fifth place – everything seemed to be going according to plan.
However, in the midst of battle, Le Brun lost a gear lever to be pushed all the way back to 19th place. That certainly stacked the odds against him and could have proved disastrous, but Le Brun refused to let it define him and pushed on.
The support from his family must have come as a big help, as his partner and daughter were there cheering him on. Even during the long 13-14 hour journey up to Scarborough, the entire family were singing all the way.
That fighting spirit was clear as the Jerseyman rebounded well in the second race to rocket all the way back up to 11th place, but Le Brun just could not catch a break. This time, the fork seals were “busted through” and that threatened an abrupt end to the Islander’s opening day.
Fortunately, the incredible community of supermoto came together and exhibited what the sport is really about, with Le Brun managing to borrow a bike to finish the day’s racing while everyone mucked in to help get his bike back out for Sunday.
Although his bike was out of commission, Le Brun kept positive on the track to finish tenth in the third and final race of the day, leaving him sitting at 12th in the overall standings.
After all the trials and tribulations the day prior, Le Brun would have surely hoped for his fortunes to turn around – but he seriously outperformed expectations to prove himself a contender at the top level.
An eighth place finish in Sunday’s qualifying allowed Le Brun to get off to a blistering start, placing fifth in race one with a best speed of 47.29 mph. Things only seemed to improve as he was running fourth at one point in the second race – but the front wheel washed out.
Fortunately, Le Brun was able to quickly get back on track and recovered well to finish race two in sixth place.
All the obstacles he overcame led to the final race, as the grid reversed to see him start at the front row. Such an advantage was not squandered by the Jersey rider, as Le Brun showcased his talent to lead the majority of the race.
However, with his 10-year old bike lacking compared to the brand new factory bikes of his competitors, there was only so much time he could hold off his competitors. Eventually, Hodgson and Cringle manoeuvred their way past, but what an impressive feat for the Jerseyman.
Such excellent riding saw Le Brun land a podium spot in the final race as he finished third, tallying up vital points. As Le Brun was riding Hodgson’s old championship-winning bike, that led to a warm moment being shared while standing side-by-side on the podium.
After deploying his joker card, that pushed Le Brun up the overall rankings to take top spot on the table and win the overall S1 Elite title at Oliver’s Mount.
“It was absolutely amazing to race the best riders in the UK – almost a bit overwhelming – and it was an experience in itself. But, to get ahead and take top spot was just unbelievable, even the opportunity of lining up at the front of the grid was just unreal,” said an elated Le Brun.
“The pace is just so quick. It really is proper racing in the UK – for 15 minutes, it’s intense, black-out racing with no room for error and you just have to be smooth. Although I was up against top riders, this course definitely played to my advantages and I really enjoyed it – my background in motocross definitely gave me an advantage in the dirt sections.
“This has been a dream all of my life – I’m so grateful to my dad who got me into it when I was four years of age and I’ve just loved it ever since. I just love the speed and I just want to go faster and faster each time.”
To go out on a 10-year old bike and conquer the nation’s best riders certainly proves Le Brun is a serious contender at this level and has heaps of potential going forward. He is already well-known on the local circuit with several unforgettable record-breaking rides, but the Jerseyman looks more than capable to be a sensation at the top level.
“I’d like to think that I have a good chance of winning the season at the national level, but it’s just a case of getting the support that I need. I’ve done all I can on my own, but I’m approaching the time now that I need that support to make it to the next level,” Le Brun continued.
“I just love motorbikes and I want to do as much as I can. I think I have the ability, it’s just a case of getting more time on the bike, racking up experience and seeing just how fast I can go.
“It would be absolutely amazing to get the support I need, as I’m trying to run a business while raising a family, so I can take this further – it’s my dream.”
If you would like to get in touch with Matt Le Brun and support him on his journey to the top, either email mlebrun64@hotmail.com, or call 07700 890010.
