The Team GSM powered by Star Racing Yamaha rider arrived in Canada carrying the after-effects of a rough week, having picked up an ear infection on the flight home from Argentina.
But despite limited preparation and a challenging circuit inside BC Place, the Briton delivered when it mattered, holding off a relentless Coty Schock to make it two wins from two.
“It wasn’t ideal,” Anstie admitted after the race. “I had a sore throat in Argentina, then got off the plane and felt like I was underwater… went to the doctors and they said I had an ear infection.
I had a sore throat in Argentina, then got off the plane and felt like I was underwater…
“I’ve never had one before. Tuesday and Wednesday I didn’t do much – just took antibiotics – and thought, ‘I’ve got to go racing in a couple days.’”
Despite the disrupted week, Anstie adapted quickly to a track he described as “tricky” and “nothing like Argentina,” acknowledging that he struggled in the whoops compared to round one.
“I couldn’t ride over my head because there were times when I hit a few rocks and got a little squirrely,” he said. “Last year here I messed it up, so I just wanted to stay locked in and do my thing.”
Schock, who pushed Anstie in all three motos, had endured his own travel nightmare – including a cancelled flight out of Buenos Aires and less than 36 hours at home before flying to Canada – but produced one of the strongest performances of his World Supercross career.
“Last weekend the fans were nuts,” he said. “Everyone from Brazil showed up for that race with Enzo (Lopes). And then here, seeing all the fans for Cole Thompson… it’s incredible that we get to travel the world and have fans everywhere we go.”
Schock sits second in the overall standings, 16 points behind Anstie heading to Austalia at the end of the month.
I’m a late bloomer. I don’t have the amateur championships these other guys have – I just got better with age. I just turned 28, I just got married. I’m trying to be in the moment and enjoy it
The Rick Ware rider admits he may not have the same experience as some of his SX2 rivals but his battles with Anstie are becoming a highlight of the season so far.
“To be honest, it’s great racing Max – I want to beat him so bad. I’m going to be knocking on that door. But the racing between us is super respectful. I have a blast,” he said.
“I’m a late bloomer. I don’t have the amateur championships these other guys have – I just got better with age. I just turned 28, I just got married. I’m trying to be in the moment and enjoy it while I can still race at this calibre.”
