Interview Jelle Grade
Jelle Grade extended his title with the Inters MX2010 A van in 1 VLM. After a somewhat hesitant start, Grade gained steam and looked like a steamroller. You can read about his ambitions for 2011 in this interview.
MXMag.be: Jelle, you dominated this season at the Inters MX1 of the VLM. How did that happen, was the opposition not strong enough?
Jelle Grade: Sven Breugelmans was injured and therefore had to miss almost the entire remainder of the season. That obviously played a role. If Peter Iven missed his start, which happened often, I had it quite easy. But besides that, I think I made the decision myself. I'm probably just willing to do more for it than the other riders. A number of VLM toppers will hang out together in the riders' park on Saturday evening or simply sit in the party tent. At the same time, I'm already in bed between 21 and 22 p.m. Not just on weekends, but every day during the season.
MXMag.be: However, it took a while before you really got going this year…
Jelle Grade: It took some time to get used to the new Yamaha YZ450F. The engine design was radically different from models of previous years. The manifold is now at the back and the exhaust runs close to the rear shock absorber. When the exhaust heated up, the shock absorber reservoir also came under pressure. That obviously caused problems while driving. Fortunately, technician Tom Wijnants from TRP Suspension helped us solve that problem.
MXMag.be: Are you also riding a Yamaha in 2011?
Jelle Grade: Yes, everything remains the same. I'll just keep up BeTeMo Yamaha. I will continue to be assisted on a technical level by Wim Van Hoof and Marc Bogemans.
MXMag.be: No regrets that you couldn't fully defend your chances in the FAM championship?
Jelle Grade: Well, it was of course a pity that the last test in Sint-Lenaerts never took place, because that title was still possible. But otherwise there is little you can do about it. And I also had the impression that the FAM championship has lost a lot of its feathers in recent years.
MXMag.be: What ambitions are you starting 2011 with?
Jelle Grade: The goal is of course to win a fourth title at the Inters MX1 of VLM. I would also like to ride the IMBA championship again. That's something that fascinates me. I already completed an IMBA campaign in 2004 and it went quite well. Until the last match I had a chance to win the title. But at that time I had just switched from a two-stroke Kawasaki to a four-stroke Yamaha and was therefore inexperienced on that machine. That may have cost me the title. The BK MX1 is also actually on my list for 2011. Now that VLM has left the FAM, I hope that something like this will become possible.
MXMag.be: Now that VLM has joined the UMC, there will be exchange competitions with the VMCF. What do you think of that?
Jelle Grade: Definitely a good thing. Since there are some top players behind the starting gate there, it will undoubtedly be interesting competitions. I'm looking forward to it. In such competitions you are of course eager to show yourself.
MXMag.be: Who will be your main opponents for the VLM championship in 2011?
Jelle Grade: I hear that Sven (Breugelmans) is training very hard. So you should definitely take that into account. But I also expect a lot from Jeff Cloots. He joined us for a number of races at the end of the season and he made a very strong impression. In addition, I think that my fellow countryman Glenn Berghmans will also provide opposition from time to time. On the other hand, I now hear that Peter Iven would quit.
MXMag.be: Jelle, what does your preparation for the new season look like?
Jelle Grade: I started training again since last week (the last week of November, ed.). For the time being, this is mainly running training. My trainer Frans Pelgrims draws up a personal training schedule for me every year. Normally I would also train with the motorcycle from now on, but the winter weather is throwing a spanner in the works. But these are busy days because now Saturday evening (December 11) is here my champion ball in the canteen of VC Langdorp. And the next day I have to be at the start in Stekene.
MXMag.be: Your season actually starts next week with the End of Year Cross in Stekene?
Jelle Grade: Yes that's right. In addition, I will also ride the MC Lille End of Year Trophy on Boxing Day. The 4-hour cross in Eersel is on the program in January. In addition, I will make my debut in the Goes Supercross in mid-January.
MXMag.be: So that will also be your supercross debut?
Jelle Grade: No not really. I previously rode a Supercross race in the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg in 2008. I brought a 250F engine with me for the occasion, because I thought it would perform better on such a track. It turned out that there were some serious riders at the start with Andrew Short in the lead and of course they were all on a 450. From a sporting point of view, that was not a direct hit. I hope to do better in Goes.
MXMag.be: Ok Jelle, thanks for this interview.
Jelle Grade: I would also like to thank my trainer and my mechanics. And of course also my team, BeTeMo Yamaha. On February 13 we will again organize the International opening competition of the BMB motocross season in Lommel. Of course I am also behind the starting gate. Also thanks for the interview.
MXMag: You're welcome
Photo Credits: MXFotorama.be, MXMag.be
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