33 Exclusive 2014 Thierry Michaud interview

page 33 Exclusive - 2014 Thierry Michaud interview

Thierry Michaud finished his professional riding career fittingly on board the marque that brought him most success. It was the 1994 Fantic KRoo.

2014 Thierry Michaud interview www.retrotrials.com

This photo of Thierry Michaud was taken at the 1994 UK World Trial at Houghton Towers by Mario Candalone. Thierry finished 21st and was coming to the end of his career having nursed an ankle injury since 1990. It's also fair to say that a new generation of riders had swept in with a new range of tricks and Thierry was the last remaining old guard. Thierry was team mate to Tommi Ahvala and they shared the same mechanic Fabio Biscardi who was the former Beta mechanic to Jordi Tarres and considered the best in the business.

2014 Thierry Michaud interview www.retrotrials.com Photo Trial Journal

Retrotrials has tracked down this last bike to the current owner, an avid collector of Trials bikes with a factory history. Kindly we have some unique photos of this special bike. This Fantic was ridden by Thierry in 8 of the 12 World rounds in 94. It is fitted with a special factory 6 plate clutch which is larger than the standard part. Plastic/resin non standard flywheel cover on the right hand side. Strong steel kick start fitted replacing the standard alloy part. MT handlebars. Many titanium nuts and bolts fitted throughout. Fast action custom rear shock fitted which is also slightly longer than standard. Fast action rebound front suspension. Strengthened swinging arm. Only small changes were made to the engine.

The actual factory 1994 Fantic roo of Thierry Michaud

2014 Thierry Michaud interview www.retrotrials.com

2 Brochure photos of the standard 1994 K-Roo 249

2014 Thierry Michaud interview www.retrotrials.com

page 33 Exclusive - 2014 Thierry Michaud interview

The actual factory 1994 Fantic roo of Thierry Michaud

page 34