He’s a multi-time MXGP World Champion, a master of motocross on the world stage, but for Jorge Prado, the challenge of American Supercross remains a formidable frontier. History is littered with decorated European champions who have struggled to adapt to the unique, high-intensity demands of stadium racing. After a difficult previous attempt marked by setbacks, the Spanish rider is back in the U.S. with a renewed focus and a radically different approach. How has his preparation changed? What is his true mindset heading into the most competitive series on the planet? In a recent revealing interview, Prado shared several surprising and impactful insights that paint a picture of a rider who is more prepared, confident, and mentally sharp than ever before.
1. A Tale of Two Off-Seasons: From “Crazy” to “Perfect”
The difference between Jorge Prado’s preparation for this season versus the last is night and day. He describes his previous off-season as simply “crazy,” a frantic rush where he entered the season opener with “only like 12 days of riding” on a new bike, a situation made worse by crashes and injuries.
This year, however, has been “the opposite.” Prado calls his current preparation “perfect,” detailing a methodical and consistent build-up over several months. He has been putting in “a lot of laps” and, crucially, has had zero setbacks—no crashes, no injuries, just focused work. In Supercross, a discipline that mercilessly punishes a lack of rhythm and confidence, this advantage is monumental. It’s the difference between a rider merely trying to survive and a rider building mastery. Instead of rushing to be ready, Prado is building a deep foundation of comfort and confidence, a luxury he was completely denied last year.
2. The Technical Advantage: A Frame That Feels Like Home
A foundational reason for Prado’s “perfect” off-season is a surprising technical detail about his new Red Bull KTM: the frame is more similar to the one he dominated with in the MXGP series. This seemingly small detail has eliminated a critical variable that has plagued other riders making the transition.
This familiarity allowed his proven MXGP suspension setup to be applied during outdoor testing, making things immediately “click” and “work fine.” While he had the chance to revisit his previous ’24 setup, the team’s new base was so immediately superior that they focused all their efforts there. This technical synergy makes his transition “even easier” and flattens the learning curve. Instead of getting bogged down chasing a comfortable bike setup, he has been able to concentrate fully on his riding and adapting to Supercross—a key factor that directly enabled the consistent lap count of his perfect off-season.
3. Humility Meets Ambition: “I Don’t Even Know My Level Right Now”
For a decorated world champion, Prado’s goals for his rookie Supercross season are surprisingly humble. His primary objective, he states, is simply to “make it through the whole super good season.” This isn’t the false humility of an unprepared rider; it’s the realism of a prepared champion who respects the elite competition he’s about to face. He is refreshingly honest about his place in the pecking order, admitting he doesn’t know how he will stack up.
“I don’t really know what to expect. I don’t even know my level right now… I don’t know how fast I can be with these guys, ’cause they are the best in Supercross. So, I don’t know.”
But don’t mistake this short-term realism for a lack of ambition. When asked about his long-term goals in the United States, his answer was direct and unwavering: his goal is to win both the Supercross and Motocross championships. As he put it, “I’m not moving until I get it.”
4. A New Perspective: Valuing the “Small Things”
Following difficult seasons in the recent past, Prado has gained a new level of maturity and perspective. While he insists he is the “same guy,” his mindset has clearly shifted. He’s found a deeper appreciation for the process and the simple joy of riding his motorcycle, something that can be lost in the high-pressure world of professional racing.
“I really value the small things, maybe more than before, because I’ve been through very difficult years. And now, when I go to the test track and I’m enjoying riding, I maybe even enjoy it more. So that’s the only thing. For the rest, everything’s the same.”
This renewed appreciation isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a powerful source of mental strength. A happy, grounded rider is often a fast and resilient one, a quality that will prove invaluable during the long and grueling 17-round season.
Jorge Prado’s upcoming rookie campaign is shaping up to be a fascinating case study in preparation and mindset. He has swapped a frantic rush for meticulous planning. He’s armed with a bike that feels familiar and a team that knows him inside and out. He carries the humility of a rookie but holds the long-term ambition of a champion. Prado is trading youthful bravado for calculated veteran precision. The question isn’t if he’s fast, but if this newfound patience is the final, crucial weapon in his arsenal to conquer America.