He won't miss the IDM race in Most. Patrick “Pax” Hobelsberger, who moved up to the World Championship after winning last year's Supersport, is set to compete as a guest rider this coming weekend with his sights set on victory.
For the 25-year-old from Bavaria, who is traveling to the Czech Republic with his private crew and his Yamaha YZF-R6, there’s more at stake than just the win. He needs race kilometers to get back to his former form. Hobelsberger had been injured before the third round of the Supersport, which was held in Estoril. He described a horrific crash that occurred during a track day at the Slovakiaring. A rider had crashed in front of him. His motorcycle slid through the run-off area, but the rear wheel got caught in the grass and was thrown back onto the track. His right arm was injured. “But I’m 90 percent fit,” he estimates now.
Despite making the leap to the World Championship, Hobelsberger has never lost sight of the IDM, even though the top of the standings has changed. “I racked up seven wins last year,” said the champion. “Max Enderlein has won all four races so far this season, but didn’t win a single one last year. The top of the standings isn’t as tight anymore, especially since Thomas Gradinger has now been injured as well.” A win at Most is “Pax’s” plan: “Otherwise, I wouldn’t go there.” As a guest rider, however, he won’t earn any points.
But there’s a formidable opponent waiting for him, as none other than Glenn Van Straalen (pictured left)—the 21-year-old Dutch rider who is currently fifth in the World Championship—has also entered the IDM race in Most. He finished the 2021 IDM season in third place overall, with two wins to his credit.
“Pax” on his colleague, who is coming to Northern Bohemia with his World Championship crew: “Van Straalen is in incredible shape. If he hadn’t crashed, he might be even further ahead in the World Championship.” Hobelsberger and Van Straalen are also using the IDM round as preparation for the Supersport in Most, which will take place on the track from July 29 to 31.