Interview: Wietse Brackman
Wietse Brackman is facing a breakthrough season. The teenager will complete an extensive program this year with his V-mac Suzuki RM-Z 250. During the Christmas holidays, Brackman went on a training internship in Spain. His companion on that Spanish trip was none other than MXMag.be resident columnist Elton Van Cranenbroeck aka 'The Privateer'. In addition to training, 'The Privateer' still found time to conduct an interview with the upcoming talent from Aalst.
MXM: Wietse tell us briefly about 2011, did it go as expected?
2011 started off well for me. With a victory in the 125cc class in Le Touquet. Afterwards, things did not go as planned. I had to switch to 250 4-stroke which cost me a lot of time. I just couldn't get used to it. Furthermore, I have occasionally had an outlier such as the 4de place in Beervelde at the Belgian Championships. And a 3de place at the Inters MX2 in Wuustwezel in the International competition. Afterwards it was with many ups and downs. I had many mechanical problems with the KTM. And so we switched to a V-mac Suzuki.
MXM: What are your plans for 2012?
It all starts on February 5 with the Enduropal Le Touquet where I will compete with the big men. Afterwards, there are some preparatory competitions on the program that will take place in Italy. The real championships that I will be competing in are the European Championships, Belgian Championships and ONK.
MXM: What did your preparation look like?
The season ended earlier for me than expected. After the European Championships in Gaildorf, where I had a very hard crash, I was in the mood for a while. I no longer enjoyed driving so I started my rest period. For the first time, I really took two months of rest and no motorcycle training. Then during that period I started BMXing, etc. I also did a cyclocross race for fun and I finished 3de ended up with the Amateurs A.
MXM: Your brother rides cyclocross at a high level, but you have no ambition to start doing that yourself?
That's right, my brother Jelle is having a very good season. He now has 7 wins in the Elite without a contract and already some good performances in the pros. But that's not for me. I like motocross. I would miss the roar of the engine way too much.
MXM: How do you prepare for your first participation in the 'big' Enduropale Le Touquet?
Last year I participated in the under-18s for the first time and it was not too bad. With 1th 125cc and 7de general. Now this year it is very new again. It's twice as long. A 3 hour race is no small feat. But I go there for the experience. For fun and more to work towards in the coming years. In terms of training, it is not that different from a normal winter. My trainer Marc Herremans takes the match into account and works towards it a little bit. But we are mainly working towards the actual cross season.
MXM: Do you feel happy on the sand circuits?
Difficult question, I really like riding in the sand, but I also really like hard circuits. But I think the sand of Le Touquet or other beach races is very special. That's a great feeling to drive in that. But I can't really choose... As long as there is some variety every now and then, it's good because doing hard or sand courses for a long time is not everything.
MXM: Riding at European Championship level requires a lot of training, are you a full-time motocross rider?
No, because I still go to school. So after school I do my fitness training. And on Wednesday motorcycle training. Usually during the week it is impossible to train on Thursday. Which I find very unfortunate. Because if I train 2 days a week I always feel a lot stronger. But yes, school is important to have a solid diploma in your hands.
MXM: Thanks for the interview, would you like to thank a few more people?
Don't mention it! Yes, I would like to thank my parents! All the people at V-mac who help me with everything! And of course I would also like to thank Marc Herremans for the good physical guidance!
Text and photos: The Privateer
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