VLast weekend Amel Advokaat (27) made history during the very first Eco-Enduro in Denmark. Amel rode the Quantya to a magnificent second place. A great ending for the Noordeloser (South Holland) who earlier this year won the Dutch title in the E1 - the lightest World Championship class with two-strokes between 100 and 125cc or four-strokes between 175 and 250cc. Enough material to look back on the season with Advokaat.
Congratulations on your second place! What did you think of the Eco-Enduro?
Amel Lawyer: It wasn't too bad, a very positive experience. I'm not just talking about the end result, but also about the engine. I honestly didn't expect the electric motor to be that good. It's powerful and tractable, fun to drive. Before I went to Denmark, I had never ridden one either. It really took some getting used to the first time I was allowed to train with the motorcycle on Thursday. Because the brakes are on the handlebars, you don't have to operate anything and... you hear nothing! The first time I went too far and the battery ran out too quickly. In the first test on Friday I was immediately on the podium. A good sign, and that's how it actually went all weekend. Very unexpected because when you see who was at the start... Beforehand I would never have dared to dream of a final podium
On the electric motorcycle during the Eco-enduro
Maybe it makes a difference that you normally drive a light motorcycle compared to the E3 or rally raid participants?
Amel Lawyer: That is difficult to estimate. The other participants also quickly got away with it. I think that such an electric motor requires an adjustment from everyone. What was also crazy is the engine that still runs after you fall! In the MX you immediately start kicking, but here the engine was still running, but you didn't hear it.
How did you end up with the Eco-Enduro?
Amel Lawyer: I had already seen those Quantyas during a demo and my interest was already aroused. Suddenly an invitation arrived from the KNMV to represent the Netherlands at the Eco-Enduro. Of course I thought that was a great honor. At that time I was not yet Dutch champion, so it was not a prize or anything! As I indicated, it all went well and in itself it was just a very nice enduro with fun tests.
Apart from a problem with your knee, you had a great season?
Amel Lawyer: Certainly, everything was right this year. The engine ran well and I also felt physically strong. This was one of my best seasons, also in the European Championship. In the E1 European Championships I came eighth this year, but you notice that the level is simply increasing year after year. More and more boys are switching from the World Cup to the European Championship. In 2005 I came third in Europe, but the level was a lot lower then.
Relaxing during the European Championships in Italy
You chose enduro quite early, how did that come about?
Amel Lawyer: I had also been working on cross-country for about fifteen years. Then you get a bit tired of it. That's why I tried enduro and then you notice that I really enjoy it!
You still ride the ONK MX3, is that to maintain your speed?
Amel Lawyer: Exactly, you can improve your speed that way, but I still really enjoy doing it. Supermoto is also nice, I did that a few years ago. However, if you cannot combine enduro, MX and supermoto, it will be too busy!
What's on your agenda for next season?
Amel Lawyer: The ONK again of course, and I will also do the European Championships. I saw on the calendar that the European Championships were over early. That's why it would be nice to catch one or two WEC matches. We still have to find out whether that is possible.
Your favorite test in the past ONK enduro?
Amel Lawyer: There were several that were really nice. Each race has its own charm, there are some where the route is very difficult or through beautiful surroundings. I thought Hellendoorn was very successful. Super nice tests and it is also a beautiful route. Very varied in terms of speed, forest tests, extreme tests, nice climbs, no asphalt in it.
The Dakar is just around the corner, does that mean it's getting a bit itchy?
Amel Lawyer: Not right away. Never say 'never', but it's not a dream to ride the Dakar or anything like that.
Would you like to thank someone else?
Amel Lawyer: In the first place my father, Richard de Beer, René Kouveld and all my other sponsors of course!
Credit photos: www.ameladvokaat.nl
