Expert motorcycle racer Paul DeCouto departed for Wisconsin earlier this week with high expectations ahead of this weekend’s Michelin Pro Series and Champions Cup Series races at Road America.The Bermudian has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season with a plethora of podium displays, including seven top three performances competing at Carolina Motorsports Park last month.DeCouto, 42, will now be looking to pick up where he left off when racing commences in Wisconsin at the weekend.“I am optimistic on placing well as my bike is running and handling excellently,” he said. “Road America is one of the largest tracks in the USA and is also a favourite for most racers, including myself.”DeCouto is bracing himself for what he anticipates will be a highly competitive field.“This is a national event and on the AMA Pro schedule so it promises to bring out the country’s finest,” he said.The veteran athlete is being accompanied in Wisconsin by family members and local novice racer Gerald Saltus.DeCouto will compete in the Expert GTO, Expert Unlimited Superbike, Expert Formula 40, Expert Unlimited GP, Expert Unlimited Supersport and Expert Unlimited Michelin Pro Superstock events on his modified GSXR 1000cc.In the lead up to this weekend’s event the Cycle Care co-owner has gone to lengths to get himself in the best physical shape.“I have stepped up my cardio and weight training program and my fitness is improving, I have lost about 5lbs last month,” DeCouto said. “I brought pre-cooked organic food with me for the flight and drive (from Maryland to Wisconsin) to maintain a high standard of nutrition and to minimise the jet-lag effect.”DeCouto will get the opportunity to iron out any kinks during tomorrow’s practice at the over four-mile long Road America racetrack.