Marc De Reuver colors your day
It is sometimes said of some riders that they add color to the race. Others also bring life to the brewery off the circuit. Marc De Reuver knows how to combine the two like no other. The Lommel Amstelvener is known for his cheerful and cheerful character, but in 2009 'Calimero' had little reason to laugh. His third season in the MX1 World Championship was largely ruined by a serious crash during training in Eersel. De Reuver had to undergo yet another heavy rehabilitation in just a few years. However, now he is back again thanks to hard work and willpower. He would like to continue that line next season. Don't talk, just clean. The sympathetic Beursfoon Suzuki rider was happy to make an exception for Motocrossmag. Still having a bit of fun!?
How are you now?
Marc De Reuver: Well, considering the period I have behind me, things are not going bad at all! There was very little to look forward to this season. Now everything runs fine. I feel good, the bike is going fast, the team is doing what it has to do and we get along well. I can totally see it again.
Were you afraid of switching to a private team? On paper it's a step back, right?
Marc De Reuver: That's true. You shouldn't forget that I have been riding as a factory rider for quite some time, from 2002 to 2009 if I remember correctly. Then you are also used to a certain standard. That's why I was a bit reluctant to watch that switch. Now I just have to conclude that Beursfoon Suzuki has done things very well! The Suzuki goes like a rocket.
Your in-house tuner Hoegee tuning has of course already proven a few things. Marc (Hoegee) is also not one of the least, with experience in the Supersport World Championship and MotoGP?
Marc De Reuver: Fortunately, this also appears in practice. Our engine has a lot of potential and the nice thing about a private team is of course that we are completely free to do what we want.
It took a long time before news came about your new team?
Marc De Reuver: Because it was very difficult to find a new team. I would have liked to stay with Honda-Martin and they wanted that too, but I soon realized that it probably wouldn't work out. Then I even went to investigate in the Czech Republic. And when I was told in Loket at KTM-Silver Action that they had already received Steve Ramon, I thought to myself: I better hurry! I didn't fancy ending up at, say, Sturm-Kawasaki. In the end I came to an agreement with Beursfoon very quickly. We have a lot in common because we are both from Amsterdam. John Beijer (owner of Beursfoon-Suzuki) is an old friend of mine. We have known each other for almost 20 years because John was even one of my first sponsors!
You are now happy as usual, but you suffered another serious blow just when things were on the rise. That must have been hard mentally?
Marc De Reuver: Yes, I can admit that I have been in a bit of a slump. Fortunately, everything is going well physically now, but it was really no fun. Besides, I couldn't do anything about it at all. The engine went into neutral from 4th gear... I don't want to whine about it any further. Although there are boys who start with a bit of luck. At least when you see the risks they take. And they still get away with it. Like Philippaerts ranted last year or Desalle this season. No, you wouldn't wish injuries on anyone, but certainly not such serious pelvic and hip injuries!
Everyone wanted to see you again at the end of the season. One of your favorite matches was just around the corner with Lierop. I can also imagine that the pressure from the sponsors was great. Especially because Honda-Martin also had to miss Kevin Strijbos?
Marc De Reuver: That was a factor, but in the end you do it for yourself. You want to belong again, to show that you are still there. Moreover, I wanted to give something back to the team and my mechanic. In retrospect, it was of course not a good idea to ride the Brazilian GP. After the Lierop GP I had problems with my back. In Canelinha I had no feeling in my foot and part of my leg while riding. This caused me to keep sliding off the footrest, which was life-threatening.
What does your program look like in 2010?
Marc De Reuver: First of all, the World Cup of course! I ride for a Dutch team and it makes sense that I will ride the entire ONK. In addition, a few BKs also want to participate. In preparation I do all the classic competitions: Mantova, Lommel, Valences, Hawkstone Park…
Can you tell us something about your sponsors for next season?
Marc De Reuver: Fortunately, many old acquaintances. I will continue with Axo for clothing and boots, Smith glasses, an Arai helmet like before. And what I am very happy about is that my collaboration with Red Bull is also continuing. You won't hear me complaining. I know I am lucky to have such loyal sponsors and fans! It will be a great 2010, I know that for sure. (laughs) Maybe because I have no sporting expectations! I just want to ride out and we'll see where the ship ends up...
A beautiful old and a fantastic new Marc!
Marc De Reuver: All the best to MXM readers!
Photos credit: (introduction photo) Rutgerpauw.com/Red Bull Photofiles , Ray Archer
Photo gallery: CDS
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