IIn the column #Watdoejijnou MXMag.nl looks at what former top motocross riders are doing today. Their family life and their current work. How do they look back on their careers, the highs and lows. This month we have a conversation with Donny Bastemeijer who 'back in the day' had to compete against Jeffrey Herlings and Max Anstie!
Briefly introduce yourself:
Donny Bastemeijer: “My name is Donny Bastemeijer and I am 26 years old and live in Heinoord in South Holland. I did motocross from the age of six to the age of eighteen.”
What do you do for your daily sandwich these days?
Bastemeijer: “To be honest, after my motocross career, I had to find what I wanted to do for quite a while. I then went 'back' to school and successfully completed HBO. During this study I had to set up a small-scale business and started as a personal trainer. This hobby eventually grew into my full-time job! This of course fits in very well with my top sports past.”
How do you look back on your motocross career?
Bastemeijer: “Although with mixed feelings. Of course I learned a lot in the field of people skills, so I still enjoy it in everyday life. My results were good and I really had a lot of fun, but I would have liked to go one step or two steps higher. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to various circumstances. Once again I have enjoyed my career immensely!”
The highlight of your career?
Bastemeijer: “The highlight was sixth place in the MX2 class at the 2011 Motocross of Nations in Saint Jean d'Angely. That was such a bizarrely beautiful weekend, you will never forget it! During training, being in the wheel of Americans that you are normally a fan of and standing next to Ryan Dungey at the starting gate certainly gives you a kick, I can tell you.”
The low point of your career?
Bastemeijer: “Having to stop obviously made a lot of difference. At the end of 2012 it simply happened with my career, but also with the serious crash in Croatia. In 2009 I had a serious fall there, which meant I had to stay in the hospital for three weeks and then had to recuperate for another six long and difficult months. Fortunately it all turned out well, but it was very tough.”
Best motorcycle ever ridden?
Bastemeijer: “The KTM SX85 from 2006, that was a really nice bike with which I could read and write!”
How do you view the current motocross world?
Bastemeijer: “I personally think the world revolves around money, which fortunately was very different 15 years ago! Furthermore, it is a shame that the circuits are no longer as 'natural' as they certainly used to be. I'll still follow it! In 2019 I went to watch a Supercross in Las Vegas with a friend (bucket list thing). In addition, I watch everything, especially the summaries of the supercross in America and the Grand Prix. It is therefore super cool to see how far Glenn Coldenhoff and Jeffrey Herlings have come. That sure does my motocross heart good!
Thank you for your cooperation!
Bastemeijer: “No thanks, nice that you thought of me.”
Door: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photos: Donny Bastemeijer IG, archive
