Radson MX2 Trophy: catching up with Jens Getteman
Jens Getteman starts on Sunday in Beervelde as one of the favorites for victory in the second round of the Radson Trophy. Despite a difficult run-up to the season, the Kemea-Reytec-Yamaha pilot has been gaining steam in recent weeks. A second place during the opening round of the MX2 European Championship in Valkenswaard is the provisional highlight. With Getteman, an East Flemish cross-topper has been in the making for a long time now. Although the 17-year-old realizes better than anyone that the road is still long.
MXM: Jens, first something about Valkenswaard. I assume you are satisfied with your second place in the MX2 European Championship?
Jens Getteman: “Definitely, I didn't really expect this. But on Sunday morning I immediately set the first time in my qualifying group and that immediately gave me confidence. The actual qualifying race, in which I finished second, also went well. On Sunday I started a bit hesitantly in the opening heat, but afterwards I was able to move up to third place. In the second moto I was like 7e away and I was able to get into the 2e drive the lap to the lead. From then on I continued to drive at my own pace. Until a few laps before the end I was also virtual leader in the European Championship, but then Van Wezel was able to move to 2e advance instead.”
MXM: Afterwards you seemed a bit emotional during the interview with Georgia Lindsay MX-Life.tv...
Jens Getteman: "Well actually yes. Even when I was flagged and crossed the finish line I could hardly believe that I had won. Gosh, it had been such a difficult run-up. During a fall on an internship in Spain, I broke ribs and collapsed a lung. In fact, I had only ridden one serious race before Valkenswaard, the opening round of the Radson Trophy in Mons. So it was actually a bit unexpected.”
MXM: You and Kevin Fors were the only Belgians who managed to score points. And yet a lot of Belgians were registered. Do you have an explanation for that?
Jens Getteman: “If you come from the Radson Trophy with heats of 20 minutes + 1 lap, the step to the European Championship is a big step. In the European Championships you do 25 minutes + 2 laps. And that time difference is clearly noticeable. Especially because there is a lot more talent around there.”
MXM: The next rounds of the MX2 European Championship are not until June, all on hard circuits. How do you estimate your chances of that?
Jens Getteman: “After what I saw of him in Valence, Ferrandis is the man to beat there. But I wouldn't dare underestimate Van Wezel and Tonkov on hard circuits either. Don't forget that Tonkov rode almost a whole season of MX2 GPs last year. I'm certainly not bad on a hard track. However, this season I haven't ridden much on hard tracks yet. But I'm leaving for Germany on Monday for a ten-day internship. It will be a stage in which we will drive a lot on hard tracks. If all goes well, I should be able to maintain myself in the top 2 in the European MX5 Championship, even on hard circuits.”
MXM: During the week you take lessons at the Limburg Center for Sports Training (LCS) in Lommel, where you will be guided by ex GP rider Stefan Van Asten. But you are also part of the selection of Topsport Vlaanderen (Motorsport Future). Can this be combined?
Jens Getteman: “Yes, during the week I am indeed supervised by Stefan Van Asten. He is in contact with Stefan Peetermans from Motorsport Future every week. That's the guy who draws up my training schedules. Stefan Van Asten informs him about how I processed those schedules. And if necessary, these will be adjusted.
MXM: At Kemea-Reytec-Yamaha you also have Marnicq Bervoets as a supervisor, in what area does he work with you?
Jens Getteman: “Marnicq is the sporting leader of the team. He mainly helps me with driving technique. He also comes to see us when we are working with the LCS, for example. training in Lommel. He helps me with my starting technique and also points out driving lines. He also did that in Valkenswaard.”
MXM: On Sunday you will be at the start of the second round in the Radson Trophy MX2. Do you start there as a favorite?
Jens Getteman: “Mmm, I don't know. I wouldn't underestimate Marc Boot in Beervelde. He won there two years ago. And this year he will be even more motivated as a leader. You should also keep an eye on Kevin Fors, in Valkenswaard he turned in strong lap times in the second moto. My ambition was to become Belgian MX2 champion, but due to the retirement in the first round in Mons, that has now suffered a blow. Nevertheless, I am still aiming for a final podium.”
MXM: Ok Jens, we are already looking forward to Sunday. Are there people you would like to thank?
Jens Getteman: “Yes, first of all the Kemea-Reytec-Yamaha team with Marnicq Bervoets in the lead. Also the people from Motorsport Future with Stefan Peetermans and Joël Smets, Luc Goffin and of course my mom and dad.”
Photo Credits: Motorsport Future/Ronnysfoto.nl
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