The year of Dewulf!
With some riders you almost have to pull out the answers during interviews, but that is not the case with Jeffrey Dewulf. The teenager from Jabbeke made a complete breakthrough at national level this season. He also recorded a few highlights in the new European Championship 125cc. So it's high time to meet Jeffrey Dewulf. After an injury he made a successful comeback at the Keiheuvel where he won 2e was behind Nick Triest.
Jeffrey, you started this season as a private rider but now you ride for the MX Dreamteam. How did that deal come about?
“My victory in the opening match of the VLM at the Keiheuvel came as a bit of a surprise and generated a lot of publicity. In addition, I performed well during the ONK MX2 competitions in Mill and Halle. The fact that I am competing in the new 125cc European Championship apparently also played a role. The first contacts were made through Fly importer Nicolas Stampaert. In the week before the first BC competition in Beervelde, I reached an agreement with team boss Gerrit Peters by telephone.”
The MX Dreamteam is actually a Dutch team, does the ONK MX2 take precedence?
Maybe next year, but not this year. “I will certainly be at the start in Orp-le-Grand to defend my second place in the Radson MX2 Trophy.”
Is Orp-le-Grand a circuit you like?
“Quite, although it is not really my favorite circuit. I expect a little more from Pierreux (Mont-Saint-Guibert). It's like I'm doing a home race there. I don't know what it is but I just have more confidence on that track. And what's more, it is also the most modern and technical circuit of the BMB calendar. Perhaps also the circuit that is closest to the current GP circuits.”
People sometimes sneer about the level in the BK MX2, what do you think about that?
“With guys like Van Horebeek, Roelants and Verbruggen we could of course learn more. But the difference would be even greater. Triest already stands head and shoulders above the rest. The difference between GP riders and national level riders is simply enormous. But to be fair, a championship with GP toppers like the ONK MX2 simply has more prestige.”
In Balen you surprised friend and foe with a second place after that injury. How does this tough sand circuit suit you so well?
“I have been going to Loon-Plage every week in the winter for a number of years. A physically grueling sand circuit near Dunkirk where I mastered sand driving.”
You are currently 13e in the European Championship 125cc, although you had to miss Loket due to an injury. What do you think of the format of the European Championship?
“The European Championship is certainly interesting for a young rider. Especially because you learn the trade best on a 125cc. But the timetable is less. As a European Championship 125cc rider, you start the warm-up first thing in the morning, but you don't ride your second heat until 17:30 PM.”
Do you already have plans for next year, will you add another year of the European Championships 125cc?
“No, but I will probably stay in the same paddock, but in the MX2 European Championship. The fact that these competitions also take place in the support program of the GPs gives the European Championships a whole new impetus. The fewer long journeys and the fewer number of matches also make it affordable.”
In the European Championship you will of course ride a KTM SX 125, while for the Radson MX2 Trophy you will use the SX-F 250. Does constantly switching between two different motorcycles require a lot of adjustment?
“No, not in itself. Just look at Jerky Janvier, who trained with a TM 250F in Balen, but chose his trusted 125cc engine during the series. You usually train in advance with the motorcycle you will be riding that weekend, but that is not always possible. For example, I came back to the start in Tongeren without any familiarization training with the SX-F 250 after I had ridden the 125 a week earlier in Sweden.”
You are riding a home race this weekend during the Belgian National in Eernegem, even though you were selected for the Junior World Championship in France?
“I did indeed receive an email from BMB secretary general Stijn Rentmeesters stating that I had been selected. However, a week later this was reversed because apparently the age limits had not been taken into account. I'm almost 19, so I couldn't participate. Although I don't worry too much about that because if you don't have top material available, you probably won't play for the marbles. And then of course you also have to be in good shape that day itself. That being said, I still see Jordy Tixier as the man to beat.”
What do you expect from Eernegem?
“Well, of course it is an Inters open match there. Which in any case means that as an MX2 rider you are at a significant disadvantage compared to the 450 Fs. But I like the sandy surface and MC Mikkola will do everything he can to create an attractive circuit. For me it is certainly a home game because Eernegem is a sub-municipality of Jabbeke.”
Ok, thanks Jeffrey and see you Sunday in Eernegem.
“Thanks MXMag!”
Photo credits: CDS Images, Plan-B
Also to read
Jorge Prado takes pole on his circuit
Jorge Prado took pole position during the sixth round of the FIM MXGP World Championship. The GasGas driver wins the qualifying race ahead of Tim Gajser and Jeffrey Herlings. Calvin Vlaanderen is like…Sacha Coenen gives pole to Benistant
The sixth “RAM Qualifying Race” of the season was won by Thibault Benistant. The French rider gets the victory from Sacha Coenen who was the leader in the last round...Gyan Doensen takes the lead in the EMX125
At the Circuito MX Jorge Prado de Lugo, Salvador Perez had the home crowd cheering. The Spaniard won the first heat during the fourth race of the European 125cc Championship Presented by…Duncan beats Van Drunen in a beautiful duel
The first round of the third race of the FIM WMX World Championship was won by Courtney Duncan. The New Zealander fought a tough duel with Lotte van Drunen. Supervisor …
Your reactions