Interview: Sleny Goyer – “I don’t feel pressure”

French rider Sleny Goyer is rapidly making a name for himself in the EMX125 championship, having recently secured a podium finish at Arco di Trento. Now in his first season with the MJC Yamaha factory team, Goyer has transitioned smoothly from privateer status, demonstrating both speed and race maturity in a highly competitive field. Despite struggling with inconsistent starts during the weekend, he showed resilience and tactical skill to claim a strong overall result, signalling his potential as a serious contender as the season advances. Goyer reflected positively on his performance in Italy, noting a solid first race where he managed to close the gap on the leader despite a challenging track. The second race proved more difficult due to a poor start and a flat circuit that made overtaking tricky, yet he still managed to finish just outside the top five. He acknowledged the varying track conditions, describing the hard and slippery surface in the first race as unfamiliar and demanding, requiring a smooth riding style to maintain control. The young Frenchman is embracing his role within the MJC Yamaha team, appreciating the support and work put in by the factory outfit. Although currently the sole rider due to teammate Levi’s injury, Goyer insists he does not feel additional pressure and is looking forward to having Levi back for the French Grand Prix. His focus remains on consistency and maximising podium finishes, despite setbacks earlier in the season caused by engine failures that have cost him valuable points in the championship standings. Reflecting on his progression from last year’s privateer campaign, Goyer acknowledged the challenges of competing with limited resources alongside his father, including an injury that prematurely ended his season. He emphasised the high level of competition in the EMX125 class, where strong starts are crucial to securing top results. Goyer’s determination and adaptability suggest he is well placed to build on his early success and contend for the title as the championship unfolds.