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8 Exclusive - A detailed career interview with the 1980 world trials champion Ulf karlson |
It was with these young man that I had my first taste of success on the Montesa.
What sort of sponsorship were you getting from the Montesa importer at this stage, at the age of 18? Are you getting a free bike or a cheap bike?
I borrow a bike from the importer, they also give me some parts and when the season was over he will take the bike back.
What sort of sponsorship were you getting from the Montesa importer at this stage, at the age of 18? Are you getting a free bike or a cheap bike?
I borrow a bike from the importer, they also give me some parts and when the season was over he will take the bike back.
Exclusive - A detailed career interview with the 1980 world trials champion Ulf karlson
What was the trials environment like back then in Sweden? We're there many people riding?
Back then it was not so busy. Here in Sweden with the trial there were more riders when I was riding then there is now. Now in the top class in the Swedish championship there is maybe only 12 or 15 riders, like in the world championship now. When I was riding there were maybe 50 or 60 Riders in the world championship in the top class, the trial was more easy for everybody to use today, it is very special everybody can not do it, it was different in my time but everybody could make it to the end of the section in most cases.
Back then it was not so busy. Here in Sweden with the trial there were more riders when I was riding then there is now. Now in the top class in the Swedish championship there is maybe only 12 or 15 riders, like in the world championship now. When I was riding there were maybe 50 or 60 Riders in the world championship in the top class, the trial was more easy for everybody to use today, it is very special everybody can not do it, it was different in my time but everybody could make it to the end of the section in most cases.
Exclusive - A detailed career interview with the 1980 world trials champion Ulf karlson
Here in Sweden you are a long way away from most of the world championship of trial, did you ever think at any stage that you might have to relocate further South?
No never no no no.
Every year did you always come back to Sweden?
Yes always always. I have my second home in Holland with the importer for Montesa in Holland, Vim Surker. He help me with the bikes and with the engines and I could go to his place whenever I wanted to sleep, or to eat, for the washing, because Holland is quite central in Europe. This arrangement I had was in the late 70s 79 80 81 maybe 3 or 4 years before we go to the competition in Europe and then back England back Northern Ireland then back and there was much travel but later at this time I have told you we go back to Holland and stay there.
No never no no no.
Every year did you always come back to Sweden?
Yes always always. I have my second home in Holland with the importer for Montesa in Holland, Vim Surker. He help me with the bikes and with the engines and I could go to his place whenever I wanted to sleep, or to eat, for the washing, because Holland is quite central in Europe. This arrangement I had was in the late 70s 79 80 81 maybe 3 or 4 years before we go to the competition in Europe and then back England back Northern Ireland then back and there was much travel but later at this time I have told you we go back to Holland and stay there.
Exclusive - A detailed career interview with the 1980 world trials champion Ulf karlson