De Reuver wants to make a splash in Valkenswaard!
If anyone has to swallow criticism on a regular basis, it is Marc De Reuver. Admittedly, after two difficult GPs it would be easy to see the Beursfoon-Suzuki rider's glass as half empty rather than half full. But is that really so? Because here is a rider who is returning from a serious injury. And... huppetup, we're still in the lead in the ONK MX1!
How are you doing, because until now you've been blowing both hot and cold?
Marc De Reuver: “Wow, it's starting to happen! (grins) Gemert was not the victory I had hoped for because I wanted to win twice. In the first moto it just took too long for me to get going. Guarneri rode away and took 30 seconds, which I couldn't make up for. I also had a good start in series two and was second behind Strijbos for a long time until I made a mistake. Too bad, in the end I came fourth, but I was still on the podium. And I also did a good thing for the championship. I am at the top and I was ahead of Söderström.”
Reportedly you've had suspension issues in recent weeks?
Marc De Reuver: “Nothing dramatic, we'll get it all sorted out. I will be working again with Toon Van Der Ven (Ven Racing Suspension), who always did my suspension during my KTM period. We drive with standard adapted Showa material, but there is nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, after all these years in the factory, the quality of our stuff is certainly not disappointing!”
With Valkenswaard on your doorstep, everyone looks in your direction. Is there now some pressure off due to the - otherwise justified - attention for Jeffrey Herlings?
Marc De Reuver: “I never had any trouble with that pressure, I don't care about that. And the fact that there is now a lot of interest in Jeffrey can only benefit the sport, right? We may have many training tracks, but motocross is much more alive in Belgium than in the Netherlands. It's just great to have someone like Herlings. I just have to be realistic for myself. I've come a long way back and without physiotherapy at least three times a week I can't get out of bed in the morning! I'm going for a top 5 in Valkenswaard, then I'll be very satisfied.”
Anyone who wants to score must first get past his teammate. Does it excite you that Strijbos is now getting back on track?
Marc De Reuver: “Yes, that seems to be how it should be, right?! No, that's especially nice for him, I have my own goals this season. One of them is becoming Dutch champion because it is important for the team and Suzuki Netherlands. So I am well on my way to that. I also want to reach the top 10 in the World Cup. It's that simple. If Kevin becomes world champion in the meantime, I will only applaud that. Those first GPs were very disappointing for me. Nothing has been lost yet, but I know full well that gas needs to be pumped up now!”
Does that fall you took last year really matter more than you would like?
Marc De Reuver: “Do you know what it is. If I make one more hit like that, it will be over. Then I'll just stop. So subconsciously that does play a role. If it's not 110% OK now, I'll keep an eye out. That's only human I think. Did you see that spectacular photo of Jeffrey (Herlings) where he jumped past Simpson? That was after three turns! That's how I used to be. When you're second, it can't happen fast enough. Have to go straight to the head. In Jeffrey's case there was absolutely no reason to attack there, because he was by far the fastest.
However, over time or through what you experience, you start to see things differently. In the first series I was just behind Bobryshev. I didn't pass immediately and he was driving quite fast. (dryly) Only he thought he was still on a 250 and went off to the right where he shouldn't! I finished fourth in that second series, so I had a pretty regular day. Then you think: this is how it can be done.”
Has the advantage of the sand specialists disappeared? More foreigners are going fast in the sand than ever before…
Marc De Reuver: “That certainly applies to Valkenswaard, yes. And in Lommel that home advantage is completely exaggerated, because that's where all the top players are already! There used to be one or two guys who stood out. That time is now over, we have to fight."
Thanks Marc, and get going this weekend!
Marc De Reuver: “You're welcome, we'll do our best.”
Photo credit: Samo Vidic/Red Bull photofiles, CDS, Ronnys photo
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