Dutch MX talents: part 3
We have now come to the third and final part about the Dutch MX talents. Last but not least, international youth coach Yves Devlaminck, better known as 'Holeshot', evaluates the potential of Davy Pootjes, Bobby Zundorf, Nigel Blömer, Luca Nijenhuis, Bas Vaessen and Christian De Jong.
About Davy Pootjes: “I believe Davy is only 12. He is one of the youngest riders on my list. His name already has some resonance because he became European 2008cc champion in 65. Despite his age, he already has a lot of experience: European Championships, ADAC, international competitions... Pootjes and his family have already traveled a bit! Last season was a learning year for him because he rode important races on 85cc large wheels for the first time. I think he handled himself well. Davy is small in stature, one Tom Thumb as we say in French, you still have a disadvantage. An 85cc already has quite a bit of power these days. I think he is just over 1.30 meters tall and weighs under 30 kilos. In general, Pootjes already makes a quite professional impression. The way he organizes his weekend and works strategically for training, qualifying and races is promising. He is also doing well physically and mentally. I saw him take the holeshot, where he does have an advantage with his weight, but then he stayed in the lead for 10 to 15 minutes. You just have to do it! In 2009 he was also slowed down a bit by a wrist injury.
Some think that Davy skips stages. He indeed quickly went from those 65cc to the 85cc large wheels. He hasn't ridden the 85cc small wheels for a long time. That does not necessarily have to be negative. It is difficult to compare these talented boys with the average youth rider. Just a little comment about his material. Davy already has top gear. A real little rocket. He can therefore make very little profit in that area, because he is already close to the limit. That is a margin that will disappear if he himself becomes better and faster. That is a conscious choice, although it obviously remains an important factor when comparing drivers. Now it is important for him to keep working constantly, make systematic progress and avoid injuries. We certainly haven't seen the last of Pootjes!”
Bobby Zundorf, Nigel Blömer and Luca Nijenhuis: “I discuss these three drivers together because I think they have a lot in common. All three are pure KNMV products: riders who are extremely strong in the sand. Internationally, however, that is not enough. Purely in terms of potential, I therefore rate them slightly lower than Lars Van Berkel, Micha-Boy De Waal and Davy Pootjes.
Zundorf became Dutch champion 85cc large wheels last year and was third in the ONK 85cc. Nigel Blömer will compete in the European Championship 125cc two-stroke with a TM MX125. Bobby Zundrof will ride in the 125cc MX, only Nijenhuis will continue to ride 85cc. However, all three need to improve their technique. The technical level will certainly be very high, especially in the European Championship 125cc two-stroke, because these are the same tracks as in the MX1 and MX2 World Championship! Anyone who ventures into this without thorough preparation is very vulnerable.
These boys are not super talented, but that should not discourage them. With the right attitude, a lot is possible. Tony Cairoli was made fun of, so to speak, when he was about 13 or 14 years old. Clément Desalle has never won an important youth title and I can list examples. There you have it. Of course, the season starts on a low note for Luca because he broke both arms in a fall in Goes.”
Bas Vaessen and Christian De Jong: “Bas and Christian are my wildcards. It is difficult to estimate what they are worth. Vaessen finished third in the 65cc European Championship race in Poland. He also became Dutch champion in the 85cc small wheels. At the age of eleven, he also did well in the 85cc European Championship, immediately scoring points on his debut in Bulgaria. Christian De Jong is also regularly up front. These are not exceptional youth riders like a Roczen or Herlings. However, with a good dose of work ethic, you can compensate for a lot.”
As said before: don't worry for those who aren't there this time. Motocrossmag did not have the ambition to create a complete list of Benelux talent with this series of articles. It goes without saying that we will continue to follow MX talent in 2010. It's up to you to prove on the track that we weren't paying attention and that we were grossly mistaken!
Click here to read the second part of the series of Dutch MX talents. The first part you can find here.
Text: Yves Devlaminck
Photos credit: CDS, Ronnys photo, Joey MX
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