SMgirls: Hi Davide, you get race from many years in the Italian and World Championship, but you were an Mx rider. How did you become a Supermoto rider?

Davide Gozzini: I was not so luckly in Motocross, too many injuries pushed me on Supermoto, it was not an easy choice, I needed time and bravery, but I choosed so!

SMg: Which features are necessary to become a champion? ( not only skills)

Gozzo: I think you need perseverance to get your goals. Who wants to do sport at this level have to know that you have to do renunciations and sacrifices. For example, I work on the weekend, when my friends get fun, and I'm free on monday when they work and have no time for me...

SMg: In Italy Supermoto riders age is old. We have few young riders. Which are the difference with foreign countries? For example, in Germany there are many young girls that take part to competitions and they're under 20.

Gozzo: In Italy costs are very high, we have not a category for young people and so beginners are not helped. They have to race against strong and fast riders and bikes. It's crazy we have not a championship for small bikes (250 4 stroke, or 250 2 stroke) where youngs would be make experience. During my travels abroad I understand Italy is one of the most expensive countries for Supermoto and many times passion for sport doesn't ride over money interests. Coming back to Germany I know there is a very nice girl... I got the news from Borella, eh eh eh (racer).

SMg: Unfortunately, mini-motard is not so diffused among children as mini-cross and mini-bikes. Do you think it's a limit for Supermoto? Many champions (motocross and motogp) were mini-riders. It would be the same with mini-motard?

Gozzo: I don't know. If I'd had to make a choice for my son I'd choose a mix of experiences, also to understand his skills and try to orientate him to the right direction (sport)... Surely mini-motard could be a good choice, but I think the bikes would be technically different.

SMg: You're a Champion but you're also a ride instructor. Do you think that a riding course could be help to start race for beginners?

Gozzo: I think it's very important for the beginners. Cause the begin is the hardest thing and all we need some help...

SMg: How is Gozzini with his pupils? Do you identify yourself with them? Or is it very difficult for an expert rider as you understand beginners needs?

Gozzo: It's very hard 'cause I started many years ago and I ride as I breathe and sometimes It's very difficult imagine what beginners think on their first curves or brake. But I try to give my best advices and understand the biggest mistakes they do.

SMg: Which are the skills for an instructor?

Gozzo: I think intuition and good relationship with pupils...

SMg: Are there difference between women and men (pupils)? Have they different way to learn in this kind of sport, very masculine and aggressive?

Gozzo: No, nothing.

SMg: Supermotogirls support women in this beautiful Sport, Supermoto. Which are the differences between women and men? Do you think force is important as in Motocross? Or the differences are only cultural and social?

Gozzo: It's not easy give you an answer, the number of women in Mx and Sm is grown and surely Supermoto is less harder than Motocross, but also for men, so I think the last step is in their minds (cultural) 'cause women have more difficulties to start riding bikes or car, because it is a men sport yet here in Italy.

SMg: From a poll on our forum we understand women have more difficulties to start racing. What's your advice for them? All riders had a first race. Do you remember your first race? (Also if I think it was many years ago).

Gozzo: My best advice is to be istinctive and listen their heart, if they feel passion for races, they have to try... in order to have not regret. At my first race I was 8 and I was in Vertova (BG) for a motocross race. I was scary of course. It was my first race, but I rode from the age of 4, so I had more miles on bike than a truck. I started very well and at the first cuve I understand I was in the first position, so I got panic and obviously I crashed after 2 curves... You can believe me, I remember everything of that track and the point where I crashed.

Thank you and my best regards to women that ride Supermoto, good luck to my friend Alyssa for hers injury. The last question moved my heart... THANK YOU.