Jeremy van Horebeek: He who laughs last, laughs best!
Almost all GP riders have already completed their first race. One of the exceptions is Jeremy Van Horebeek from Lot. The CLS Kawasaki-Pro Circuit-Monster Energy rider passed up Mantova, Lommel and Montevarchi. But this weekend 'the Jerre' will make his competition debut in Valence. Van Horebeek tells his story from France.
Because you haven't competed yet this season, we haven't heard much about you. What is the state of affairs?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “My preparation is going great. Everything within the team is in perfect order and my planning is well organised. At the moment everything is running smoothly. I recently went to the States to ride there and I had the time of my life!”
You sound very enthusiastic about America?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “Absolutely, it was a great experience. Pro Circuit had arranged everything perfectly: two engines, materials, tools... everything was ready for me. I also spoke with Mitch Payton (note: Founder and owner of Pro Circuit) in California, he is a great gentleman. The second day I went riding with Tyla Rattray. Unfortunately, he then started SX training, so I started training alone the next few days. I also went there to watch two Supercrosses. It really tickled me to ride SX myself! Pro Circuit had also suggested to try the Kawasaki SX circuit. Only Harry (Nolte) and the team didn't like that. They even expressly forbade me.”
What do you expect from Valence?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “I view Valence as a real test match. To see if everything is running well with the bike, what the feeling is like on the track and to build up a competition rhythm. For the rest it is actually not a special race for me. Because I drive for a French team, they want to do a good job. On the other hand, it's still the opening match, you know. From a sporting point of view, that is not the most important race of the season. We are going to start the season quietly and everything will be fine.”
The French championship is also around the corner?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “Indeed, three competitions for the French championship are scheduled one after the other in March: Sommières, Pernes-les-Fontaines and Romagné. They are more important for the team, especially for my teammate Steven Frossard of course. Although I'm looking forward to it myself. They are all beautiful trails. Like the day before yesterday, we drove to Pernes-les-Fontaines for a photo shoot. That's really enjoyable for me! Because these are the tracks on which I learned to race. We have been going to these kinds of courses since we were little.”
With those hard circuits you also get the right rhythm for the first GPs in Bulgaria (Sevlievo) and Italy (Ferno)?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “Yes, those French competitions are certainly good preparation. At the beginning of the winter I rode in the sand to gain some physical fitness, but now I have switched to hard circuits. The first GP is finally getting closer!”
What is the difference between the Pro Circuit Kawasaki and last season's KTM?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “The Kawa turns much easier, it steers better in my opinion. I can do my thing better with it than against the KTM. This is not to say that the Musquin or Simpson factory engine is a bad engine. It will certainly move forward. In terms of steering, however, I find the Kawasaki superior. As far as the block goes, it is simply the best I have ever had. It's a bomb! There is nothing more to say about it.”
Where do you hope to end up in the World Cup this season?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “That is very difficult to say. You also have to have a bit of luck to be spared from injuries... If that is the case, I know that a lot is possible. I'm not saying I'm beating the competition, but I at least want to play for victories. Last winter I worked harder than ever. I feel strong and I believe in it. But I don't know where the competition stands. I actually didn't follow the results of the preparatory matches either. Now, I'm not afraid of anyone. Let them come! If it doesn't work out this year, I have only myself to blame. Working again with Harry and Kees Van Der Ven, who later joined Pro Circuit, Jean-Jacques (Luisetti) from CLS… This team is really perfect, a dream team.”
You currently work with Gijs Balis, a trainer who is not well known in motocross. How is that different?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “That doesn't really matter. Everything Gijs does is scientifically substantiated. He is also affiliated with Peter Hespel's ABC top sort group in Leuven. These people know exactly what is physically needed. Just look at the cyclocross world champion, Zdenek Stybar, he has the same trainer! You still have to do the driving yourself, but I have full confidence in Gijs. So far the collaboration has been going perfectly, and I certainly have to thank him for that.”
Good luck in Valence Jeremy. Unless you have something to add to this?
Jeremy Van Horebeek: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kawasaki, CLS, Harry and Pro Circuit. It is a privilege to be able to drive in such a team and I fully realize that. Otherwise, to get such a coveted seat, you have to accelerate very hard. I didn't quite succeed last year. While many boys have finished before me who now have to make do with less material than myself. Nevertheless, I have still been given the confidence, which is why I am eternally grateful to everyone for this opportunity.”
Credit photos: Pascal Haudiquert, Team CLS & Kawasaki Europe
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