Postcard by Kenny Vandueren
Coincidence or not, KTM's series of successes was also continued in the MX2 European Championship. DAM-KTM rider Kenny Vandueren (20) won the first European Championship race in Cortelha, Portugal. A satisfying victory because the Bering native had to return after injuries in recent seasons. Vandueren tells his story for the microphone of Motocrossmag.
You were rated highly for the European Championships in advance, did you go to the first match as favorite?
Kenny Vandueren: “No, I had of course hoped for a strong result, but I did not expect to win immediately in Portugal. I went there to perform well, with a top-five finish in mind. The idea was just to do my best and see where the ship falls.”
Were expectations perhaps tempered because you did not have the best preparation due to your knee problems in Mantova?
Kenny Vandueren: “No, actually not because I have had a great winter. I just don't have too high expectations in general because for the first time this winter I was able to continue training well and was finally injury free. That little injury in Mantova was actually just a trash. My knee braces, which were a bit too loose, were also to blame. The problem with the bracing has now been resolved. For the knee I have to continue to do strengthening exercises to stabilize it. I will have to undergo surgery at the end of the season anyway... But I can keep that knee injury under control, it won't get in the way of a good season.”
You have been training with Marnicq Bervoets in recent months, what was that like?
Kenny Vandueren: “Great, Marnicq helped me very well. I also trained regularly with Tanel Leok and Davide Guarneri. We started building up very slowly, but I have still worked hard in recent months. That is now starting to bear fruit.”
How did your weekend in Cortelha go?
Kenny Vandueren: “I had a good feeling from the free practice because I was already fifth in the first free practice. Then I came third in the pre-qualifying which also gave me the confidence I needed for the qualifying race. I was able to move from second place to the lead and build up a lead. Towards the end I had some problems with the bike which meant I lost 2 seconds per lap and had to let Luke Hawkins pass, but I still finished second. On Saturday evening my dad worked for a long time to restore the engine.”
Was your first European Championship victory easy?
Kenny Vandueren: “I wouldn't say that. On Sunday I finished seventh in the first heat; Once I got into my rhythm it got better and better. I was able to move up well and went from four to three and by half way through the race I was in the lead. I won that first series ahead of Samuel Zeni and Lars Oldekamp. In the second series I wasn't doing great again and had to start a recovery. I systematically came to the front until I was in the lead after about ten laps. My physical condition was certainly the deciding factor because I was able to accelerate calmly while the others were getting tired. The Slovenian Irt then started to press, but since he was sixth in the first race, he was allowed to pass. I joined him and let him set the pace. Afterwards I was of course very satisfied.”
You obviously see the European Championships as a stepping stone to the GPs. What should happen next?
Kenny Vandueren: “First of all I would like to confirm next weekend in Castelnau de Levis (France). I want to prove that this wasn't just a fluke…. Of course I wouldn't say no if I could get a wildcard for Valkenswaard! Last year I also wanted to participate in the MX2 World Championship, but it is not so obvious to be at the start. Getting a starting permit is difficult and we did not want to join a GP team. Moreover, we do not have the resources for that. Now we are sailing our own course with the support of DAM Racing. I'm actually taking it one match at a time. Initially the plan was to compete in the first European Championships to put myself in the spotlight. In addition, I would have liked to ride the full BC. Who knows, maybe a spot will become available at a GP team where they will have to replace their rider.”
In the meantime, you are in the lead in the European Championship, then you have to make a choice between the full European Championship and the Belgian Championship?
Kenny Vandueren: "That's true. I would have loved to do the full BK MX2, but if I have the chance to go for the European title then that seems the most logical choice. Strong European results appeal more to the international imagination than being at the front in Belgium.”
Thanks for the conversation and good luck!
Kenny Vandueren: "Don't mention it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank some people and sponsors. In addition to my private sponsors, these are DT1, Wiseco, DAM-Racing, Acerbis, TMV, Moto-Master, Arai, BO-Motoroil and Oakley. Furthermore, a big thank you to my parents, friends, girlfriend, Marnicq and everyone who supports me.”
Photos credit: CDS & Rolf Verhagen (postcard insert)
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