Interview: Alexis Fueri – “I’ve been putting pressure on myself for too many years”

Alexis Fueri faced a challenging weekend at the Arco di Trento circuit, a year after achieving his first EMX250 European Championship podium there. The MRT Beta rider entered the event with confidence but suffered a heavy crash early in the first moto on Saturday, which left him injured and in considerable pain. Despite these setbacks, Fueri managed to compete in the second moto on Sunday, securing a commendable fifth place under difficult physical and mental conditions. The crash resulted in significant injuries, including a painful elbow wound that required stitches and a back injury. Fueri described the incident as a racing accident but acknowledged some personal responsibility for the crash. He highlighted the mental strain of competing while injured, taking mild painkillers due to doping restrictions, and the challenge of maintaining focus and performance under such circumstances. His resilience was evident as he fought through the pain to deliver a solid performance in the second race. The Arco di Trento track itself posed additional difficulties, with its tricky surface conditions complicating matters for riders. Fueri noted the thin sandy dust layer on hard ground created sharp bumps and dangerous spots, especially on Saturday, favouring aggressive riders. As a more measured and perfectionist competitor, he found the track particularly demanding, which influenced his strategy to prioritise a strong start despite the challenging terrain. Reflecting on his broader season, Fueri admitted to struggling with the mental pressures of competition, which have affected his consistency and enjoyment of racing. He confessed to setting excessively high expectations for himself, leading to frustration and a loss of the joy he once found in the sport. Moving forward, Fueri emphasised the need to relax, focus on enjoying the races, and strive for steadier performances across both motos rather than fixating on championship standings. Despite the difficulties, Fueri remains optimistic about his potential and progress, citing strong moments earlier in the season and in elite races. He recognises the importance of combining these flashes of form into consistent results to improve his championship position. His candid reflections reveal a rider determined to overcome both physical setbacks and psychological hurdles to regain his competitive edge.