Pre-Season Training | Almería, Spain

January 2025 marked another huge step in Evan’s journey.

With the freshly wrapped Kawasaki ZX6RR loaded into the van and trailer, we set off on a three-day drive from the UK to Spain for Evan’s first real block of pre-season track training. Swapping winter rain and freezing temperatures for sunshine and open paddocks, we arrived in Almería ready to see what both rider and bike could really do.

The villa quickly became our temporary race workshop. Bikes, tools, tyre warmers, fuel cans and kit bags covered every available space as we settled into race life abroad. For Evan, this was more than just another practice session — it was his first opportunity to spend consistent time on the ZX6RR and properly build confidence ahead of the upcoming season.

Once the bike was prepped, it was time to hit the legendary Circuito de Almería.

The first few days went smoothly overall, although not without a few reminders that racing is never completely straightforward. A minor gear selector issue led to an unexpected trip through the gravel, but thankfully Evan kept calm, stayed upright, and avoided any serious damage. Back in the paddock, our trusted team mechanic — otherwise known as Dad — got to work and soon had the bike ready to head back out again.

Evan began the trip running on Pirelli Corsa Rosso road/track tyres while he continued adapting to the bike and circuit. But once the switch was made to Metzeler TD Slicks, everything changed. Confidence grew immediately, grip improved dramatically, and Evan responded by knocking an incredible eight seconds off his previous personal best lap time.

Then came another important moment in the trip.

On the fourth practice day, Gary from Not So Fast Rider Coaching joined us at the circuit to work with Evan ahead of the race season. The coaching gave him valuable guidance on lines, braking, body position and consistency — helping turn raw enthusiasm into structured progress.

Each lap in Spain was another step forward. More confidence. More understanding. More speed.

And for the first time, everything was beginning to feel like a real racing programme rather than just a dream.