Countdown to 85cc Junior World Championship with Luca Nijenhuis
The fastest kids in the world will be at the start this weekend in Dardon Geugnon, France for the FIM Junior World Championship. Certainly the 85cc Junior world title is one with a lot of resonance. It is also a class where talent from our region could achieve success. Just think about Brent Van Doninck, Brian Bogers (leader in the European Championship 85cc), Ludovic Brevers, Bas Vaessen, Daymond Martens and Axel Nijs. Unfortunately it will Micha Boy De Waal not being able to drive in France. Fortunately, there is also Luca Nijenhuis (Gebben Yamaha Team). With two rounds to go, Luca is leading the ADAC MX Junior Cup. MXM recently had a conversation with the multiple youth champion from Heerde.
How do you look back on the season so far?
Luca Nijenhuis: “We had some problems with the Yamaha at the beginning of the season, but now it runs excellently. I am currently first in the ADAC ahead of Brent Van Doninck and I also hope to win that German title. That would be nice!"
You clearly opted for the German championship because you missed some matches in the National Championship. Why that choice?
Luca Nijenhuis: “It's just a very nice championship. The competitions are much nicer than in the Netherlands. There is a large audience, the race takes place over two days and it is at a high level. The courses in general are also very nice there. I don't really have a favorite course, but like Aichwald, for example, it is a real classic. Very fun to drive and a lot of people.”
Last year you also drove ADAC, by the way?
Luca Nijenhuis: “That's right, last year I came fourth in the final standings. I do have the feeling that things are getting easier for me now. Driving is smoother and faster. Compared to the Suzuki last year, the Yamaha now suits me better.”
Just like for Micha Boy De Waal and Brent Van Doninck, this is also your last season on the 85cc. What will 2011 bring?
Luca Nijenhuis: “I'm switching anyway, but we haven't decided yet whether it will be a 125cc two-stroke or a 250cc four-stroke. Compared to this year it will of course be different with the European Championship MX2 that will also be included in the GPs. But on the other hand, if you choose the 125cc two-stroke, it will be more difficult in competitions outside the European Championship. It is not easy to ride a 125 against the MX2s!”
The audience thoroughly enjoyed the Future Stars against the GP Stars during Everts and Friends. What did you think of that match?
Luca Nijenhuis: “Yes, that was really fun! Normally you're disappointed when someone passes you by, but when Shaun Simpson or Jeffrey Herlings passes by, it's a bit different. I tried to catch on for a while. In the beginning it goes well, but then they drive away. That start is also fun, you look back and then you see all those top players behind you! That is very different from normal. You always see the boys riding on TV and now you suddenly ride with them.”
Anyone who rides at your level still has the ambition to become a professional and get as far as possible. Do you already work with a trainer, for example?
Luca Nijenhuis: “Jan Postema helps me before training. Fortunately, I can count on my father for everything else!”
How are you going with school?
Luca Nijenhuis: “That's going well, I go to the top gym and I can get time off for my sport if necessary. For riding, I always train on Wednesdays and I was a bit lucky with the timetable. This year these were all less important subjects such as religion, drawing and music. I was allowed to skip that so I could leave earlier. I could also just get Friday off to drive to an ADAC. I had to catch up on tests. But it was well organised.”
You also train with the KNMV talent selection. How does that work?
Luca Nijenhuis: “A few weeks ago we went to France for two days of training. Or sometimes that is on a job in the Netherlands. If possible, I try to be there because you always learn something from it.”
What is your ultimate goal or dream?
Luca Nijenhuis: “Become world champion or get to America. When you see what it's like in Supercross or in the Nationals there, it's just fantastic. I have a few SX competitions, but they weren't a huge success, so to speak. During the Supercross in Goes I fell short on a triple and broke both my wrists. Still, I really enjoy doing it. Of course you cannot compare those competitions in the Netherlands with America. Everything is much smaller and narrower…”
What are you doing well and what could be improved?
Luca Nijenhuis: “I sometimes hear that jumping is a strong point. Other than that I wouldn't know. My first round could definitely be better. I often lack some aggressiveness in the beginning. That way you leave something behind. In general, things are going well on the hard tracks. I also proved that in Germany. It's not like I'm just fast in the sand.”
Who do you look up to?
Luca Nijenhuis: “What Jeffrey Herlings does is very clever. He's just a little older than me, a few months. It is very nice to see that he is already doing so well in the World Cup. Try it! Jeffrey is also a bit taller and much wider than me. I haven't grown yet so hopefully I'll grow a bit bigger myself. I also think men like Townley or Stewart are very good and in the past Ricky Carmichael.”
This weekend you will be riding for a world title in France, isn't that a very special race?
Luca Nijenhuis: “That's really great. Two years ago, things went very well during the 85cc World Championships in Heerde where I finished 8th became. I was very happy with that. Let's see what happens this year because in Heerde I also had home advantage in the sand. It will be hard in France.”
What are you most proud of?
Luca Nijenhuis: “The Junior World Championship 85cc two years ago. I never expected to get this far. Qualifying for the World Cup as a 13-year-old was already nice and then I finished ninth twice, a total of eighth."
Now you're at your top on the 85cc?
Luca Nijenhuis: "Yes I think so. It can't get much faster, there's no more in it, but this year it's going just fine. That's why I want to try and aim for a podium place in the World Cup. That would be nice."
Motorsport was in your blood, so to speak, because your father Adrie started as a motocross rider but later became a good road racer (including 3de in the European Championship 80cc). Wouldn't he rather see you on the asphalt?
Luca Nijenhuis: “I got a dirt bike when I was five and immediately loved it. Later I started competing. I think my dad would like it if I went racing, but I don't like that myself. I do not like it."
Then we will never see you in the Assen TT?
Luca Nijenhuis: "No, I do not think so. Preferably in Lierop!”
Would you like to thank someone else?
Luca Nijenhuis: “Bought motorcycles and my parents of course.”
Photos credit: Olivier Evrard, CDS
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