Wednesday, 20 December, SHARJAH (UAE): Quinten Bossche said of his title winning season ‘If I surprised anyone it was probably me’.

The 23-year-old from Ostende has had a remarkable year, starting out as a rookie on the UIM-ABP tour to becoming world champion in just seven months. He grabbed a first Moto win and podium on his debut, taking his first pole and a second win in his next outing. Another pole and podium followed in Dubai and yesterday he capped his season with the world title. “It feels really good, for me and the whole team. We have been working hard all year, we have had out setbacks but in the end we made it,” Quinten said. “Before coming into this championship we didn’t think about doing so good, we would have been happy with fifth place and good finishes. Maybe we were hoping for some podiums but now we have won. It’s really incredible and to be honest I still don’t quite believe it. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I am very happy and I want to win it again next year because now I know I can. We will work hard and be ready for next season.

“Now I will try to win the Sharjah title but Kevin is racing really well and is very fast. Today we will have fun. Winning the championship was the most important. That is done, I am in second here and will go all out and we see if it happens or it doesn’t.”