WORLD SUPERBIKE - SYLVAIN GUINTOLI BLOG

Team Suzuki Press Office - March 26.

It's hard to think that four weeks have passed since the races in Phillip Island and although I have enjoyed the time with my family, I'm really keen to get back on the track. Phillip Island was like a dream and it was such a fantastic feeling leading a World Championship race - something that I've not done for many years. In the end, I only just missed out on a podium, but that's the way racing goes and I'm sure my time will come this year.

When I got back home, it took me a really long time to get over my jet- lag and it was quite a few days before I felt normal again. I spent lots of time with the kids, taking them to school and just doing normal things, like everybody else. It wasn't too long though before I was travelling again, this time to France. I went to see my family near Lyons with Caroline and the kids and that neatly coincided with two PR things for Shark helmets: One was at a Motorshow and one was in a motorcycle dealership and it wasn't so bad combining a bit of business with pleasure and good to see my family of course.

I haven't done a lot of training recently, but I have taken delivery of a Suzuki RMX450 and what a fantastic bike it is! I am not a big enduro rider, but the 450 is the perfect bike for sliding and already I love it. I used to ride a 250, but this bike has so much power and I am having so much fun riding it, even though it is a bit of an animal, and I think it's great for my training. I've had a few complaints from the neighbours, so it was good to go to France for a few days and not upset them further! I prefer training outside - cycling or riding the 450 - as I hate the gym. I used to go to the gym, but when I was there I felt like a hamster! I like being outdoors and I don't even mind the English weather. I've been in England a fair time now, so I am used to it.

We've had mixed weather in Portugal before, so I guess the race weekend could be good and it could be bad. I hope the weather will be good though because then the event will be so much better for all the fans. I'm looking forward to Portimao because it is such a challenging track and you get a real adrenaline rush when you do a good lap. Hopefully, my good lap will be followed by some good results but one thing is sure, I will be looking for my first podium with Suzuki Alstare.