GEICO Honda’s Matt Bisceglia
Matt Bisceglia went pro last season, competing in both the 250SX and 250MX classes aboard the GEICO Honda CRF250R. Bisceglia, originally from Oregon but residing in Texas, put in solid performances, earning 2014 Motocross Rookie of the Year. He continues with GEICO Honda for the 2015 250SX and 250MX championships.
Ultimate MotorCycling’s Andrew Oldar: What was the most difficult part about learning to ride Supercross last year?
GEICO Honda’s Matt Bisceglia: Honestly, I took to it pretty well last year I think. The most difficult part though was probably learning to go through the whoops. The other thing I faced was learning how to test and set up my bike correctly, but those were things that I learned throughout the year and I’m pretty good at them now.
UMC: What were some of the main things that you learned in your rookie season of Supercross?
MB: You have to be there every weekend. You have to be consistent, get good starts, and you definitely have to be in good shape. Some people say you don’t have to be in good shape to race Supercross but that is false. It’s definitely physically demanding. This year I’ve been feeling a lot better. I’ve been a lot smarter with my training and I’m excited for the series to kick off.
UMC: Your best finishes came at the Indianapolis, East Rutherford, and Las Vegas rounds last year. What was it about those nights that clicked for you?
MB: I think it was a combination of putting together the whole race as a package by getting a good start, not falling, or having any problems. Those were the races that I was able to put stuff together and get some good starts. Actually, East Rutherford I got a 4th but that was after I crashed half way through and led about half the race before that. Everything just came together a lot better those nights and getting those good starts were the most important thing.
UMC: What do you feel are your biggest strengths coming into this season?
MB: My biggest strength coming into the season will be how I’ve prepared in the off season. I’ve been really smart in my spare time trying to train correctly. I’ve feel like I’ve done a good job so far.
UMC: Have you adjusted your training regimen at all from last year? If so, what have you done differently?
MB: I’ve definitely changed it up quite a bit from last year. I’ve been educating myself about my nutrition, my body and a lot of heart rate related stuff. I’ve focused on mainly the little things that a lot of people overlook. So far it’s been really good and I feel really good on my bike, better than I ever have. I’ve changed it up quite a bit and it’s been awesome.
UMC: What is it going to take to achieve your first win?
MB: It’s going to take a combination of everything really. I need to get good starts, make clean aggressive laps, make very few mistakes, break away from the pack at the start, and not let the other guys get in my head.
UMC: Where have you set your goals for the 2015 Supercross season?
MB: In the 2015 season, I definitely want to get my first win. I also want to be on the podium and be up there every weekend to be in the points chase for sure. If you can be on the podium every single week, you’re going to be there in the end. I also want to put everything together and be consistent each weekend. That was one thing I struggled with last season. I would have a good weekend, then a bad weekend, and then a decent weekend. I want to be in contention in every race this season.
