Jurgen Van Nooten: Fixed value in BK
Jurgen Van Nooten has been one of the regulars at the Inters MX1 of the BMB for years. In addition to the Belgian Championship, the ONK MX1 is also one of his favorite hunting grounds. De Retienaar was the best Challenger in the BK MX1 this year and won the associated trophy.
MXM: Jurgen, congratulations on winning the Challenger Trophy, how did that go?
Jurgen Van Nooten: “Actually, the Challenger Trophy wasn't really my main goal. For this season I had set a top 10 ranking in the final standings of the Belgian Championship as a goal. That just didn't work out, I was a few points short of finishing tenth. In the Challenger Trophy itself I didn't have much opposition. A lot of boys were injured this season and that also played a role. On some circuits I have ever driven better than this year. But for non-pros like me, the two 3 minute heats were actually too tough. On hard circuits like Tongeren and Orp, I put a lot of effort this year to limit the damage.”
MXM: Do you think the Challenger Trophy is a good format?
Jurgen Van Nooten: “Yes, for sure. Firstly, you compete in your own race against boys of your level, with your own prize scale. This way you stay motivated as an amateur. Actually, the KNMV could also apply something similar in the ONK Motocross. On the other hand, Dutch importers do more in motocross. Some more support from the motorcycle sector for private riders or teams at BC level would also be welcome in Belgium. As a private driver, the bonus of 1250 Euro for the final victory in the Challenger Trophy was of course also a bonus.”
MXM: In 2011 the Challenger Trophy will be held as part of the Belgian Nationals. Are you aiming for a title extension?
Jurgen Van Nooten: "Not really. I don't think I will ride all the Belgian Nationals. I opt for quality rather than quantity. I don't need an overcrowded calendar. I don't necessarily have to be able to compete every week. I can also easily spend three weeks attending a big competition like Kester or Balen. Then I'll just train during the weekend. This year I rode the VLM competitions of Genk and Paal, in preparation for Tongeren. Hopefully they will be a bit more flexible towards BMB riders next year. Now you pay 30 euros for a day permit and then your entrance fee. Moreover, as a day permit holder you are not entitled to prize money. That way it just becomes an expensive training.”
MXM: Next year there will be three series of 20 minutes again in the BK MX1. Is that a formula that suits you better?
Jurgen Van Nooten: “Yes, of course. First of all, you don't train like a GP rider does. Recovery also plays a role. In a heat of 20 minutes + 1 lap you simply don't go that deep and you therefore recover faster. Now the short time between that qualifying race and the first heat was sometimes murderous. Especially if, like me, you still have to tinker with the engine yourself, together with my father.”
MXM: Classic question, how do you actually train?
Jurgen Van Nooten: “I used to train with motocross trainer Jan Spooren. When it stopped working, I started making schemes myself, building on Spooren's methods. I cycle quite a lot in preparation. Now this is mainly together with cyclists from my region, who are also preparing for their season. But sometimes I also go cycling with Marvin Van Daele and Kristof Salaets. In addition, there is of course motorcycle training, but that is now on the back burner. After the last ONK competition in Harfsen I didn't ride the motorcycle anymore. On December 26 I will compete in my first race during the End of Year Trophy in Lille.”
MXM: What does your program look like for 2011?
Jurgen Van Nooten: “Actually the same as in previous years, I continue to combine the BK MX1 with the ONK MX1. Because of the sand competitions, the ONK suits me a little better. If I am ranked well in the ONK from the start, I may opt for that and skip the BC competitions that overlap. I think that overlap is a shame. On the other hand, Mons will return to the Belgian Championship calendar. The “Bois Brûlé” is a circuit where I like to drive well. Many Flemish people are not eager to travel there, but I certainly welcome it.”
MXM: Machine-wise, everything remains the same for you?
Jurgen Van Nooten: “Yes, I will continue to ride a KTM from Motor Center Kempen in Turnhout. There have been discussions with a team that plays in the BMB, but they were canceled at the last minute. In terms of machine, I will continue to ride an SX-F 450 next season. It is a motorcycle that I have been riding for a number of years now and that I know now and that also plays a role.”
MXM: More and more riders are starting to become interested in the Enduro, something for you?
Jurgen Van Nooten: “Maybe so, I was once at the start of the Erzberg Rodeo. However, that was not a success. This year I had an offer to ride the 12 hours of La Chinelle. I had agreed, but had to cancel at the last minute due to a death in the family. Hopefully I'll be there next year. As a sand rider, I should also like the competitions in the ONK Enduro. Maybe that is also something I could do in the future.”
MXM: Ok, Jurgen, see you at the End of Year Trophy!
Jurgen Van Nooten: "Thanks for the interview."
Credit photos: Ronny's photo, mxphoto
Also to read
Perfect weekend for Maxi Nagl
The second race of the ADAC MX Masters was dominated by Maxi Nagl. The KMP Honda rider managed to triumph in three heats on the Dreetz circuit. Second place is…Kooiker wins everything, Mesters in the lead
The second match of the ADAC Youngster Cup was won by Dave Kooiker. The KTM rider managed to win all three heats on the Dreetz circuit. …VIDEO: Nancy van de Ven explains her work for MXGP Academy
During the MXGP of Spain, an MXGP Academy was held to guide young motocross riders. Nancy van de Ven hung up her helmet and is now an official…Ernecker wins again, Gregoire second!
Maximilian Ernecker (F4E GasGas) also won the second race of the ADAC Junior Cup 125cc in Dreetz. The Austrian managed to win both heats. Dean Gregoire (Schmicker Racing-KTM) became…
Your reactions