Keeno's Bercy feeling
Do you know the convinced, old-fashioned-everything-was-better preachers? The pints were fuller, the girls were nicer, motocross was still a sport for real guys and Bercy was the annual highlight of Supercross in Europe. It may all be true, but we know that Bercy 2010 has the most interesting field of participants in years, that Paris and the magical sports temple of Bercy have lost none of their appeal. Moreover, there is also a top Belgian rider at the start. There it is, there it is: Ken De Dycker!
Why are you now at the start in Bercy and not before?
Ken Dycker: “I didn't want to stay still for too long this season. That's why I picked out a few races and I've always loved riding supercross. The Bercy organizer called me after Trey Canard canceled and I didn't have to think twice. Bercy is fantastic just to experience it.”
In any case, your participation has generated additional interest in Bercy in Belgium. Did you notice anything about that?
Ken Dycker: “I am sometimes approached about it, yes. Even though it has been a long time since a good Belgian participated, Supercross is alive and well with the fans. Even though it was short notice, there are still quite a few supporters who bought tickets to watch.”
For someone with little SX experience, it is a tough nut to crack because the level is very high?
Ken Dycker: “That's right, on the one hand you have the 'Americans' like Barcia, Wharton, and Chisholm. They have plenty of experience, but the French pilots all also have an excellent basis in this type of work. Musquin, Paulin and Aranda are second to none. I have no illusions about my results. Where I end up doesn't matter, that's what I agreed with the organization. I don't put any pressure on myself. You learn something new with every training session, every lap you can do there.”
How important is it to be able to compete in Supercross in conditions like those in Paris?
Ken Dycker: “That is extremely important. In Bercy you know that the earth will be of perfect quality, that all obstacles are well constructed. Something like that gives certainty, the Supercrosses I rode in Germany (note: with Sarholz-Honda in 2004) were more dangerous in that respect. The sand was sometimes still wet, some parts are very narrow... Although you have to be careful everywhere and build in a certain margin.”
How do you prepare for Bercy?
Ken Dycker: “I trained a number of times at the SX circuit in Genk and we adjusted the engine as best as possible for this type of work. Since we still have to wait a while for all the 2011 material, I will just ride this season's CRF450, but I do feel like we now have a good foundation for Supercross.”
What is your earliest memory of Bercy as a spectator?
Ken Dycker: “That must have been when I was about 9 years old. I saw the match between Jean-Michel Bayle and Jeff Stanton in Bercy (watch the clip below)! Bercy remains special.”
What was your best SX experience as a rider?
Ken Dycker: “Without a doubt the Supercross World Championship in Arnhem in 2002. I came second in the 125cc after Marc De Reuver. The surroundings of the Gelredome were fantastic and the track was spacious and excellently constructed. You really got an AMA feeling! A huge difference from what I had previously experienced in Supercross. As a 125 pilot I did many of the Dutch indoor cross races, in Goes I was even a regular guest in the 80cc.”
Is there another Supercross on the agenda this winter?
Ken Dycker: “I don't immediately know where else I could get started. To be honest, it is becoming a bit difficult now to fit it into my schedule because I am leaving for Tenerife on December 2 for an internship. After that, everything revolves around the GPs. Too bad I can't do indoors or train for them anymore. With more experience I would like to see what I can do in America in supercross!”
Why is there such a big difference in terms of technology between Belgian/Dutch pilots and the French?
Ken Dycker: “Riding opportunity. Not only the opportunity to train Supercross but also the type of tracks outside. Why else would so many young people move to Germany or France? The circuits here are not difficult enough to work on your technique. I would like to do something about that. I am looking around for a piece of land or a hall to build a supercross track.”
Success!
Credit photos: CDS
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