In 2024, Iker Lecuona has his third year in the World Superbike Championship, again with Team HRC, and he’s starting next year after a winter in which he was able to “switch off”, rest and come back with new confidence, especially after a minor surgery.
At the team presentation, the rider, who in 2023 finished the year in 13th place in the world, spoke about what he did during the months without competition: ‘I’ve really enjoyed the off-season. I love the winter and love the cold, and am lucky enough to live in Andorra, which is the perfect place for skiing. So I do a lot of alpine skiing but then also some motocross and flat track. I love the winter season as I can relax and take time for myself’.
He went on to explain how he occupied his time and how he had surgery: ‘I’m very happy to be a factory rider with the same team for a third year and it means I’m motivated to work hard during the pre-season. I had a small surgery on my hand in early December so that I would have time to recover and then have the right energy and attitude to get back on the bike and work hard in January. I know my goal, I know my aims, and I know where I want to improve, so I’m trying to focus on those areas with the aim of being able to fight at the front in Australia and beyond. Let’s see what happens…’.
This was followed by a few words about Tom Jojic, his new crew chief:
–To be honest, changing crew chief is never really a problem for me. I think I’m a friendly, open person and so I’m always happy to work with new colleagues and have always had a good relationship with members of my crew. My initial impression is good, and Tom seems to be a very cool guy with a positive, cheerful outlook. So far, so good, and I look forward to developing our relationship throughout the season.