TWhile other 16-year-olds spend their weekends gaming or relaxing, 16-year-old Vince van Hoof from Balen takes to the streets with… a handcart full of milk and potatoes. Not for pocket money, but to fulfill his European motocross dream. Source: VRTNWS
Yes, you read that right. Vince wants to compete in the European Motocross Championship this season. But anyone who thinks talent alone is enough is mistaken. Motocross is a very expensive sport. As a private rider, his family pays for everything themselves: equipment, training camps, registrations, permits, and international travel. And that adds up considerably.
Dreaming of International Competitions
Vince has two European Championship races scheduled for April in Italy: one in Sardinia and one near Lake Garda. He'll also be competing in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. This means a lot of kilometers, a lot of time off for his parents… and a lot of money. So Vince decided to take matters into his own hands.
No sponsor with deep pockets, but organic milk and French fries.
Vince picks potatoes himself from the farmer and buys milk from a factory. He then sells them door-to-door in Balen. The proceeds cover his registration fees, travel expenses, and some of his equipment. Deliveries nearby? On foot or by bike. Further afield? Then "taxi mama" steps in. And in the meantime, he's training hard: on weekends he's on his motorbike, and during the week he schedules cross-country and physical training sessions.
Motocross is in the blood
Vince has been riding since he was eight. His grandfather and father also used to race motocross. The passion was literally passed down from generation to generation. But passion alone doesn't get you to a European Championship starting gate. What Vince does is something you rarely see: no excuses, no complaints about missing sponsors—just working for his dream.
Photo: Vince van Hoof
