Kristof Salaets returns to ONK Emmen
After a fourth place in the ONK MX1, Kristof Salaets (Nestan-Jumbo) was super motivated to fight for a top ranking again. Unfortunately, 'Stopsel' seriously injured his knee in March. In the meantime, the sand specialist from Booischot is back in action. Just before the ONK in Emmen, MXM visited the cheerful Salaets.
How are things going now?
Kristof Salaets: “That's fine, it's been five months since the injury. I will be back on the bike for a few weeks and before that I had been working on my fitness for almost a month. Unfortunately, you then find that even that physical training is not enough to immediately be able to participate as you would like. That's quite a shock. After about six weeks of training, you think you will succeed. Not so nice! After about 10 or 15 minutes, fatigue sets in inexorably. But with more competition rhythm, that will work out fine! Just having a nice drive is the most important thing now. Then you can also enjoy winter in a pleasant way. Otherwise it will be extra difficult next year.”
What exactly had gone wrong?
Kristof Salaets: “A week after Mill, I unfortunately put my foot down in a crash during training in Hélécine. A fall like I've probably had a hundred before! Only now my knee went the other way and my cruciate ligament on the right knee broke. There was no other option but to operate. It was my first knee injury in so many years of racing. Hopefully it's my last too! In terms of pain it wasn't too bad, but it just takes a long time before you get back to your old self. You cannot speed up that recovery process either. I had to experience that with shame and shame. I pushed through training for a while, but I contracted an infection. Then you have to rest again….”
Despite an injury, you finished fourth in the ONK last year and you also had a strong winter. That's a double bummer?
Kristof Salaets: "Certainly. I had started the season well. That preparatory match in Valence went quite well. Despite the strong competition, I finished tenth in Mill and I felt there was more to it...
How did the team respond to this setback?
Kristof Salaets: “They actually took it well. Moreover, they also know that this can always happen. It's a shame, but that's the way it is.”
Do you already know where you will be working next year?
Kristof Salaets: “It's still too early for that. I would like to continue with the Negaan-Jumbo team and I also really enjoy riding the ONK. We'll see what comes out of it.”
Fortunately, it has not been all doom and gloom in recent months. You also became a father for the first time?
Kristof Salaets: “Indeed, straight from twins even! A boy: Milo, and a girl: Noor. That is a fantastic experience, very pleasant. But it is also difficult, especially with two babies. That's why it was a blessing in disguise that I was at home and my friend Evy was able to lend a hand. Now everything is going well, they are almost six months old and they sleep well. That's really nice, especially if you have to get up early every morning like me (note: Kristof is a postman).
Good luck in Emmen!
Kristof Salaets: "Thank you!"
Photos credit: CDS, Plan-B
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