End of year message from Double U!
You can hardly speak of a flourishing FMX scene in our region. Although that does not mean that there are no riders of international level! William Van den Putte from Olen has been working hard for about six years. Even more, 'Double You' is one of the few FMX pros in Europe and he was also the first rider ever in the Benelux to succeed in a backflip. However, the likeable Belgian continues to innovate constantly and has a lot in store for 2010…
In recent months you have been practicing a groundbreaking trick in FMX, the double backflip. How far are you with that?
William Van den Putte: So far I have only done the double backflip in the foam pit (note: huge mousse container for a soft landing). However, I have already mastered it reasonably well: both the rotation and the landing are now good. Actually it was a playful process. I started with the BMX and the pit bike in the foam pit. This allowed me to do a double backflip fairly easily. Then I did it with an 85cc and that also worked.
Unfortunately, I was unable to train in the last few weeks due to the bad weather. I can't tell you exactly when I'll try the double backflip on dirt. After all, we are talking about one of the most dangerous tricks here. If the feeling is good and I don't have to force myself to do it, I will do it. I follow my intuition. That's how it always works, you can't possibly plan it.
The way you say it sounds simple, but of course that is never the learning process for such a trick?
William Van den Putte: As soon as I knew it was possible - because it went well on the BMX and pit bike - I wanted more. But about nine months ago I wanted to give up the double backflip! Things didn't go well during the first flip. I lost control and crashed hard on my motorcycle, injuring my back. My first reaction was: never mind, I've had enough. Still, I started it again. I really want to master the double backflip!
In the process, however, I realized that I needed another disaster. That's why I built a special folder and started training with a larger foam pit at Norman Verbeek's home. That was already an improvement, but I was no longer able to complete two full rotations. Then I had the inspiration to try it on a super kicker ramp that is steeper. I have now changed the gears on the bike so as not to drive too fast. Apparently that's the best combination. In America they were even surprised that my double backflip goes so high. This method works best for me, so far!
What does a professional freestyler do when he is not participating in contests or demos and cannot train?
William Van den Putte: (laughs) Then I'll finally sleep in! No, seriously, there is always plenty of work. We are working on the ramps, the foam pit or the engines. Last week I was walking around with a sore shoulder and it wasn't caused by falling. I had been tinkering with the engine constantly! In the meantime, I maintain my fitness with cycling training.
You ride for the European Sickrider Society team. What does your collaboration with Crusty Demons look like?
William Van den Putte: Of course, Crusty is mainly an American team so I don't hang out with them all the time. We do a lot together. I was the first European rider to be sponsored by Crusty. I rode the Unleash Hell Crusty Tour in England last year. Next year a European Crusty Tour is planned together with Italian riders and next year the DVD Crusty 15 will be recorded with European riders. I will be there too.
We saw you at work during demos at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, you also rode in Switzerland, Spain, the Czech Republic. Do you still have ambitions for FMX competitions?
William Van den Putte: Certainly! This year I rode two IFMXF contests. Normally I will ride the full World Cup in 2010. I'm really looking forward to that. You learn a lot from it and it is a great opportunity to prove yourself.
Time for the end-of-year questions. Backflipping a Harley XR 1200 seems to be all the rage in FMX these days. Chuck Carrothers did it at the Gladiator Games in Prague and Kain Saul did it in Australia. Which engine do you want in 2010 freak out?
William Van den Putte: It's getting hard to be the first with anything these days! Then give me a sidecar. That still seems cool to me. Prospective passengers can always register.
Your good advice for 2010 to our visitors?
William Van den Putte: Don't worry, be happy!
Would you like to thank someone else?
William Van den Putte: Crusty Europe, KTM Belgium, MX477, Scoyco, M2R, Sickrider Society and all my family and friends.
Photos credit: Sickrider Society
More information about William Van Den Putte at: www.sickrider.eu
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