Julien Toniutti’s new projects after his Dakar motorcycle accident
In his last newsletter, Julien Toniutti explains why he got back on a motorcycle as an instructor three months after his serious accident in the Dakar and presents his retraining plans. Questions answers.
Two months after his follow-up to his, Julien Toniutti is back on the handlebars of a motorcycle … as an instructor. After supervising pilots for two days this weekend in Alès (30), the road rally explains its plans for the 2019 season..
- MNC file :
- MNC file :
- MNC file :
Hi Julien, how does it feel to be riding a motorcycle again ?
Julien Toniutti : It feels good, really! Every year I supervise a few runs at the Circuit d’Alès. Even though these two days had been planned for a long time, coming out of convalescence period, I was a little hesitant to do them. I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out. Deep down I knew I would get back on a motorcycle sooner or later. On the other hand, I had big doubts in terms of timing. Was it the right time? Would this speed up my rehabilitation and give me back motivation? Or was I going to take unnecessary risks? Finally, after these two days in Alès, I can say that it was the right choice, and the right formula.
The right formula ?
JT : Yes ! Coaching is really the right mix for me. When you are on track days, there is a special atmosphere and a lot of exchange of positive energy. On the one hand, in the "expert" category, there are the drivers who come to prepare for their season. It sweats passion, racing, hot and pilled rubber … In short, it makes you want to come back to my best level and it feeds motivation. On the other hand, in the "beginner" category, there are all these novices to supervise. They are also enthusiasts who are eager to learn and follow your advice. So it’s really nice to chat with them, to pass on some of my knowledge, of my passion for motorcycles, and to see them progress over the sessions..
Once on the track, what were your feelings ?
JT : When you coach, you ride "cool". OK, I did a few laps with one but it was just to see, for fun. To support the trainees, I mainly drove with a 100% original. This allowed me to regain sensations without worrying about the chrono, the settings, the tires … You put on the leather, the boots, the helmet and let’s go! It’s basic, but it’s enough for me for now.
How is your 2019 season looking since you announced that you would not be going to the Tourist Trophy this year? Is it a disappointment ?
JT : A disappointment, yes and no. Yes, because this 2019 TT was looking really good. I left with the same motorcycles as in 2018, the entourage and partners remained the same. Financially, some had even extended the budget to give me a little more leeway. With last year’s performances (), we had an agreement in principle with a TV channel to make a subject. In short, we had all the ingredients to make a good TT. And at the same time no because with the experience and the number of races that I have done in my career, I know that at the moment I am not ready, neither mentally nor physically, to take the risk of riding a TT. After the accident in Dakar, the hospital and the rehabilitation period taught me to live from day to day. Today, the most important thing is that there is a tomorrow. The sun is rising again. So I take a distance from the plans of the past. And then there are other projects that were on hold. This year I will have more time to take care of them.
Precisely, what are these projects ?
JT : These are things that I have already done out of opportunity and that I really like. The first project, which is already underway and which is really close to my heart, is the consulting part for a motorcycle video game. The second, which I will try to develop this year, is the "supervision" part, like this weekend in Alès. As a rider, it’s important for me to pass on my passion, to teach clients how to have fun on motorcycles, to know their motorcycle, to ride safely … There are already a few dates planned with partners (Ipone, Moraco) with the Alès circuit and with a motorcycle leisure center. It’s great ! I’ll see if it’s possible to fill the schedule a bit more. The third project is to collaborate more closely with a brand, either to supervise road-trips, or for press presentations – as during the – or for road-shows – as on the. Before becoming a rider, I ran a motorcycle shop for nine years. I like the customer relationship, whether with dealers, journalists or directly with bikers.
- 1290 Superduke R :
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