Damian gave the prototype Kalex AV1 it’s dream road race debut with pole position and the race win at the first round of the German Pro Thunder Championships at Schliez.

The AV1 uses an Aprillia Mille engine, but the the KALEX engineering company have designed and built the rest of the machine from the ground up. The bike uses a computer designed frame, swingingarm, and Carbon Fibre body. Cudlin has taken on a development role in the team and he surprised the paddock with the new bike's rapid increase of speed. After a timid start, the KALEX team transformed the bike over the practice sessions as Cudlin got comfortable with the unique machine.

“This bike is really unlike anything else I’ve ever ridden. It’s incredibly light weight and it’s braking power is mind blowing. It’s also one of the most agile bikes I’ve ever ridden. It’s a buzz to ride.”

Using the final qualifying session as a chance to 'see what this thing could do' Cudlin stormed to pole position.

“Getting pole was a real surprise as we were really treating it all as a testing session, but once I got comfy on it, I really wanted to see what the bike was capable of. It sure surprised a few people.”

Action photo: Dennis Witschef

Starting from pole, Cudlin blasted into the lead and was never headed in the 12 lap race, winning by 5 seconds and leaving a hoard of Ducati 1098’s in its wake.

“I’m really happy to have steered the AV1 to its first race win and am so pleased for the KALEX crew. They’ve really done a great job with this machine and I’m really excited to be playing a part in something with so much potential. I’m sure this won’t be their last race win.”

Cudlin will do more development work with the KALEX group as plans for production of more AV1’s grows.

More information: www.kalex-moto.de

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