From a press release issued by Martin Cárdenas’ publicist: How Martin Cárdenas Spent His Holidays Always loyal to his hometown, Martin Cardenas spent his holidays at home in Medellin, and on the coast of Colombia. “I wouldn’t trade Medellin for anyplace” said Cardenas. “Even though I have traveled around the world and visited many places, Medellin is always home.” Cardenas went on holiday after Pirelli tire tests at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. There Martin met the new lineup of Team M4 EMGO Suzuki and also had the opportunity to test the new Pirelli tires, new parts, and new equipment for the 2008 GSX-R600. He came back to Colombia very happy with the results of the tests and with lots of expectations for the 2008 AMA Superbike season. Martin Cárdenas “Basically most of the time we tested the new 2008 Pirellis, I like them a lot and the feeling was very similar to the old ones,” said Martin. “We had the chance to ride and test the new 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600 and also a new body. I’m very happy with the final balance of this test and I’m anxious to get back to work to the next tests, preparing everything for the 2008 season. The first event will be the Daytona 200 presented by Honda, March 5-8 in the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.” Once home for the holidays in Medellin, Martin like most Pro riders can’t leave the action for a second, spending his time between motorcycles, the gym, bicycle riding, friends, and family. Several times he has been riding his 2008 Suzuki QuadRacer R450, training at different local tracks like El Alto, Guarne, El Retiro, and Girardota. Martin trained together with his younger brother who is nine years old and who rides a Yamaha YFZ-450 and with his brother-in-law with a Suzuki QuadRacer R450, both of whom ride in different local Quad races. Martin also did many sessions in the gym and riding his bicycle for training purposes. Martin also spent time with a small and trusted group of friends, having fun, going to some parties and local concerts. Of course Martin also spent quality time with his family, which he missed during the racing season due to the tight racing calendar and sponsot commitments. A special star at the family gatherings was Martin’s nephew, now seven months old, who is starting to show progress in the growing process. Before Christmas, Martin headed to a family vacation home on the Colombian Coast, approximately two hours away from Cartagena De Indias, together with his family, girlfriend and close friends. There in a very familiar and nice environment, finally Martin relaxed with his Suzuki QuadRacer on a track he designed nearf the vacation house, putting in several daily riding sessions. For variety, Martin also played tennis, jogged, rode his bicycle and also practiced some water sports, skiing and driving his SEA-DOO 200SPEEDSTER boat. Martin Cárdenas “I will take this opportunity to thank all my collaborators for all the support during the 2007 season and to Team M4 EMGO Suzuki, Pirelli, American Suzuki, Arai, Berik, Parts Unlimited and all my other sponsors for believing in me. Thank You to everybody, and Happy New Year.” (Translated by Johann S. Sanchez)