Name: Erik Willems
Nickname: Rickets
Date of birth: May 22, 1998
Birthplace: Wauthier-Braine
Profession: Going to school
Federation & class: bmb & Picardy
Achievements: I don't ride championships, I always pick the best circuits!
Favorite track: Casteleau de Lévis
Favorite rider: Ken Roczen & Clement Desalle
MXM; You turn 22 on May 16, but you already ride an MX1 motorcycle, why?
I first broke my skipper's leg and then my collarbone, so I couldn't ride the European Championship 125cc because I wasn't prepared. In addition, I am 1m84 and weigh about 80kg, so a heavier bike suits me better. It is a 350 engine, but that is really perfect for me, I have a good flow on it and the riding goes really smoothly.
MXM; Your favorite rider, Clément Desalle, also rode a 450cc machine at a young age. Do you think you can more or less follow his path?
I have no idea, in any case I will always give the best of myself. Desalle was not exactly the best at a young age, but he made very good progress later in life. So, anything can happen.
MXM; You live between Brussels and Nivelles, there are not many circuits there, where and how many times a week do you train?
That's right, unfortunately we don't have many circuits here, not to say none. But I do a lot of enduro riding in the woods around here, again just like Desalle used to do. On Wednesdays I dare to go to France to train or somewhere in the sand. Or if I have the time, I sometimes go to Olmen to train on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Tfinally a huge thank you to my father, Yves Devlaminck, team tilloy, warrant and all my friends and family who support me!
Text & photo: Frederik 'VePix' Van Eeckhoven