by Steve Cox
5 Minutes with... Chris Pourcel
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 | 2:59 PM
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PrintAt the end of the night last Saturday, after most of us thought that Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Pourcel was long gone, he showed up at the GEICO Powersports Honda rig to congratulate Trey Canard on his championship and collect a bit of memorabilia from his competitor. While he was waiting for Canard to get him his collectibles, we did a quick interview with him. This is how it went.
Chris Pourcel: Nothing. I just stayed on the ground because I couldn’t move.
You hit that hard? What happened?
Yeah. I jumped that little step-up [that led into a left-hand turn] and then the bike just popped me off of it right away. It happened way too fast. I was surprised about it. I thought I broke my humorous, so I was saying right away to the medics, "Let’s go to the hospital and get it done." It turns out, the shoulder was just dislocated, but I couldn’t put it back in for like 20-25 minutes. So it sucks.
Have you had shoulder problems before?
Yeah, I dislocated the other one, and it was way worse than this one, but there were two doctors in the Asterisk truck and they couldn’t even put it back in! They said it was too tight. I’ve got big muscles... [Laughs] So they couldn’t get it in, and then finally they like punched it, and it went back in. I was like, "Aaahhh..."
It felt better, then...
Yeah, and then they gave me a shot of some stuff, and I was like, "All right, I’m going to ride the second moto..." [Laughs] Nah, nah... No way.
You never thought you were?
No, I couldn’t, because if I just lift my arm above my head, then the shoulder would just pop out again. And anyway, I was like 11 points behind Trey [Canard], and he’s not going to do worse than fourth or whatever, so what’s the point? I’m not going to push him out, so that’s how it is.
Chris Pourcel held the red plate for the entire series, but lost the championship with an injury at Pala.
Photo: Steve Cox
You came over here to the truck to get a souvenir from Trey. Why?
Because I think it was a good season, and I really like to ride with him. He respects me a lot, and I like to ride with Trey – and he won! He deserves the championship, even if I had bad luck here at the last round. But that’s all it was. He did really good and he won a lot of races this year. I have to respect the guy, and he respects me, so it’s good. That’s how it is. I don’t have to hate people to race against them. I’m not going to go sit on my couch and cry or whatever, you know? He won, so he won. He rode good this year, so that’s fine! [Canard walks up and says that he added the words "The Duck" to the helmet he signed for Pourcel, as "Canard" is French for duck, and Pourcel says to Canard: "Hey, you’ve got to give me a shirt, Trey. I need one. I’m going to put it in my house somewhere so that I remember that I lost this championship and put my dislocated shoulder up there or something like that, and then I’ll put your helmet right next to my bed or something (laughs), so that I can be like, ‘F#$&! He won!’ That’s how it is (laughs)."]
Do you think you might still be able to race for France at the Motocross of Nations?
That’s a good question. I don’t think so. [It was later announced that Gautier Paulin would take his spot on the team, as Pourcel will need to take a couple of months off from riding after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.]
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Good dude, Gets a lot of hate though
Pourcel is a class act. He deserves respect as a rider and I believe he will be a future AMA champion. Kudos to him for true sportsmanship. He and Canard both will be very refreshing in the 450's next year. 2011 will be AWESOME
I agree, He is setting a fine example of a true champion and he handles everything so calmly. Good luck to him in the 450's I think he will be a big threat for the title in SX and MX with his smooth effortless riding style. I
This was the gentlemen season. These two guys are true champions on and off the track. Sadly we won't see CP at MXoN but next year will be one for the history. Good job CP!! See you on January 8th.
i think Pourcel has won alot of fans over this year with how much class he has shown all season. and i also believe he has won even more fans over in how much class he showed in this interview and to Trey. its very tough to lose at anything, and to lose it like that and still to congradulate the guy and ask for memorabilia, thats a true class act in my eyes. both Trey and PC are both champions in my book.. great season boys..
CP did everything right this season, except win the title. Such a better example than a few other pros we all know. New big fan here.
Anybody know who Canard and Pourcel will be riding for in 2011?
It was pretty easy to dislike the guy when he first came over. After two years of just missing the title outdoors and the way his personality has started to come out as his English has improved, now it's hard for me dislike him. Better luck next year CP!
I would much rather watch Trey and CP race hard and clean and and still repect each other at the end of day than watch Reed and JS7 take shots at each other like a couple kids playing your it and trying to get the last hit in. Pourcel showed great sportmanship and amazing talent this season and that has made me a big CP377 fan. CP get wall soon and good luck for 2011.
Look out 450 class. This guy is going to come out with a major "something to prove" vengeance. He is going to kill it next year! POURCEL IS TOP SHELF!
I am a TOTAL Chris Pourcel fan! Dude is a total class act!! He is what is right with our sport! After his weekend at pala, im 100% behind him!! (Mega Props to Ice Trey, He rocks!!!) god luck next season CP!!!!! Plus dude looks just like KW when he rides...
Did I miss the news flash that his name is now Chris, I kinda liked Christophe or however you spell it.
Lets be honest,, he will be fast on a 450,,, but he's going to get A LOT more tired on that
Pourcel is a class act as is Canard, and to see the respect and appreciation they have for each other and the sport is what it's all about. Both have come back from lots of injuries which shows what hard work and dedication can do.
Good point mxmofo. The flip side to that coin is, due to his crazy efficient style, he should tire a lot slower than the other guys making the transition. If you thought Dungey was consistent in supercross, this guy has something coming for the others. He is fast and consistent. Even though he says he likes outdoors more, I somehow see him winning the SX title before the MX one on the 450.
Pourcel you are a stand up guy! You just gained another fan! Get well and can't wait to see you line up at Anaheim on a Factory Honda next to Canard.
Our sport can benefit alot from racers and racing like we saw out of the entire 250 class this year. These guys have racing and winning on their mind and it shows. Congrats to Trey and..., Mr. Pourcel believe me when i say you have ALOT more fans than you did 8 wks ago . Good luck to you both in the 450 class ....things are about to get tuffer.
and to think some asses were booing him, what the hell is wrong with you guys?
I think Pourcel has gained a lot of fans after his actions with Canard after the Pala race. We're all better off having him here racing in the U.S. and I hope he never hears another Boo from MX fans again. I also thank you "Chris" for racing clean and allowing 20 minute battles to continue without any contact. Both he and Canard did a great job in that department and the fans won out because of it.
Pourcel shows wisdom far beyond his years. A true compeditor. A true rarity.
unbelievable rider, so smooth, until that crash he had it,, at pala they both had it ,,,and both lost it with crashes, it was tough racing, TC came out on top with his American never say die, wide open spirit and Pourcel has earned respect in the US and didn't expect it before he proved himself like a lot of guys here do. Cant wait to see him on the 450. good luck next year
What kills me is its 2010 and the guy gets booed for winning because he is French. It just shows even after a historic presidential run some things will still remain . Some fans are just biased. Dont get me wrong im all for American but show respect when its due. The Euro guys are getting faster too and they get hate bcoz some guys think that they are taking a ride from a local rider. Well, the truth is that they are just that fast and earn the spot. Next yr we have Musquin and 2012 Roczen so its looking like a euro invasion of the AMA.
Pourcel kind rubbed me the wrong way at frist. I think the media might of helped, but i have nothing but respect now. No excuesses, no whineing, no bad mouthing. The kid just gives it his all and leaves it at that. Much respect.
dgizzy... Christophe didn't get booed because he's french but rather because of his non-chalant / unfriendly attitude. Dont get me wrong i personally love the guy but i can see how the crowd doesn't get him and will therefore not really like him too much. It looks as though he's changing right now being friendly with Trey will help.
My favorite rider to watch, I yell at my son every time I'm watching a "lites" race on the dvr "wow, check this guy out.thats how you wanna ride man,fast-smooth-effortless. watching him in stupercross was a revelation. His sportsmanship this season has just added even more respect in my eyes to his vast repretoire.
I've always respected the 377. He is always pushing into the front. His perception problems fade with evry moto.
POURCEL? the guy couldnt even get up out of his seat to accept his award at the outdoor banquet. - ya ya ya he was on vicodin in pain totally disapointed blah blah blah when ama called him up he just sat there playin with his phone and when trey mentioned him in his speech he didnt even look up from his phone- hes an immature punk. ya im sure he was bummed, but immediately after he was partying and drinking at the after party totally fine. what a chump. basically said f all to the work his mechanics an team did the entire year to get him to 3rd which is better than half the other guys out there.
Pourcell & Cannard very cool story. I think these guys moving up to the 450 class and than you throw RV in the mix (because you know he's not done yet) JS & CR just may be done. Let's see Dungey, Metcaf, RV, Cannard, Pourcell, not to leave any others out but these guys seem to have the more heart! Bring on 2011 we'll see.
Mad respect for both riders!
Not too worried about CP's endurance for SX. MX is more taxing and he won't be riding two motos, just 20 laps. The 450 SX field is going to be so deep in 2011. Can't wait!!
I really wanted to see Canard win because of his "come from behind" surge,but not like it went down.I feel sorry for Pourcel,even though he seems fine on what transpired.I have newfound respect for Frenchie and have a feeling this will be one of the best seasons for both SX and MX ever!!!!!
I am now a fan of Pourcel.. Good interview
I love that story from a while back. For those who haven't heard it, Erin Bates was interviewing Pourcell between motos. Moto 1 was apparently an epic battle and Erin asked him if he had 'enough gas in the tank' to do well in the next moto. Chris sincerely responded, yes, the mechanic always makes sure there is enough fuel in the bike to get through the moto. Instant classic! Looking forward to many more great battles.
A dislocated shoulder is the worst pain immaginable. I have ****tered my elbow (2 surgeries to date), broken a colarbone, and the pain is nothing even comparable to a dislocated shoulder. Your shoulder is never the same again without surgery. Hell, I dislocated it again just 2 weeks ago. Have fun not being able to lift your arm Pourcel!
Pourcel has many Americans on his side now..got to be bitter sweet. Awesome dude. Would be pretty awesome if he and Canard are team mates next year under Honda Red Bull.
Reed & Stewart have been on top for 8 years now, this sports' athletes don't age gracefully (Windham, Dowd, etc. being the exceptions to the rule). I'm questioning how much longer we can have #7 & #22 topping the podium w/ their seemingly waning interests (#22 V8 racing & #7 reality show stardom???) and the inclusion of talented gentleman like this to the class. There's going to be a lot of substories to next years drama.
I have always been a big Pourcel fan and I was disappointed after the first moto, but I have to say that Trey has to be the nicest guy in MX. You can't help but be happy for him. The reality is that Pourcel lost this championship over the last 6 races. If he would have clinched it early like RD5, this wouldn't have been an issue. I was hit by a truck on my ZX10 a couple years ago which resulted in a separated a/c and my triceps torn 95% off. Then in Jan of this year I dislocated the same shoulder on my KX 450 and the dislocated shoulder hurt way more than when I got hit by a truck! That should give you an idea of how bad a dislocated shoulder can hurt. Pourcel was somewhat lucky, it took 6 doctors/techs and 7 hours to get my shoulder back in. They finally had to wait for all the meds they gave me to wear off, bring in an anesthesiologist and put me 100% out. According to my girlfriend, they tied a sheet around me, 2 guys pulled the sheet, 2 guys held me down and two docs pulled on my arm.
I have been so impressed with Christophe's resolve and competitve spirit. He is a class act and an awesome racer. I wanted Trey to win from the start and this showed his mettle (both of them). They are both top shelf. Good Sport Christophe, and great win Trey!
DGIZZY, will you ever let the hate B.S. go?? Its not because he is Frech, he showed a little disrespect after the first moto at Steel City to Trey, and got booed. He showed a ton of disrespect to Dungey last year after Dungey won the 250 title. Calling him pus#y and all. Poor sportsmanship. And he seems to have learned from that and is changing his attitude some. He will win some more fans over, it will take time for people to forget those things.
CP377 has come up short 2 years in a row now, and he's not even slightly bitter about it.... that's awesome.... he's a really cool guy but I think as always the French language does not translate very well to English, so people often think he's a butthead ... seems to be a problem for many French people...of course some just are buttheads...lol.... But Chris is not, and he might surprise us on a 450.... Man the 450 class is going to be stacked like never before.....
I wish all racers had CP's attitude. The guys a true champ, even if he is French.
Hope we can have our young riders model themselves after the sportsmanship of CP377. I am as American as they get and was at Dilla in 09 when CP made Dungey his girlfriend. He was paralyzed from the waist down for eight months, yet still hangs it out. The next legitimate threat to the 450 throne for many years to come CP377. Let’s just hope Barc-dowg 17 has a wheel for him when he graduates. Epic season.
Never really had an opinion about this bloke before but he is growing on me. doesn't seem to act like an idiot.
Hey guys, Pourcel just posted a photo " now in facebook , check it out http://fb.me/ve09rUNl . He said he is not going to race but.... who is going to ride that bike in MX of nations ??? France decal and FIM, very strange !!