Five minutes with Yentel Martens
Dutch MX1 vice-champion Yentel Martens (21) made a promising competition debut at the BeTeMo-Kawasaki this weekend. The son of former world champion Jacky Martens won the Wintercross in Groesbeek and thus started the Betemo era favorably. So time for a quick chat.
Are you a typical spring rider? You were also good two years ago in Lommel. Last Sunday you won again in similar conditions on a frozen circuit?
Yentel Martens: “However, this is not my favorite or let alone my best period of the year! For me it's more at the end or in the middle of the season. Of course, a good start is always nice, it gives confidence for the next matches.”
As one of the few Belgians, you rode Supercross again this winter in the Netherlands and Germany, why?
Martens: “I just enjoy doing it and it is also good to improve your technique. I had a lot of fun, especially with the two-stroke. Lying still all winter is really not for me!”
Was that your idea, or was it your dad's idea?
Martens: “I wanted to ride supercross myself, at first our dad was very against it. He thought it was too dangerous, but I didn't agree with that and I still rode a few nice races. I also learned a lot from it, in supercross you are obliged to perfect your start and also important; dose yourself, driving too aggressively doesn't yield anything either!”
Do people approach you differently because you are the son of?
Martens: “That's not too bad. I always say that I want to learn as much as possible. You won't hear me say that I am a top talent, but I have already proven that I can ride a motorcycle. Of course I am no longer the young Inter that I was a few seasons ago, but I still think I have a margin for growth.”
For a young guy, you've been riding an MX1 bike for a long time. Understandable given your height on the one hand, or in retrospect would you have been better off riding 125cc or MX2?
Martens: "Don't know. At that point I definitely wanted to start riding 450. I did regret that a bit, yes. That's why I started riding the two-stroke in 2009. That way I could improve my cornering speed and also sharpen my speed in general. I certainly benefited from riding that two-stroke, both on a hard track and in the sand.”
It will take some getting used to seeing you in the VLM this year.
Martens: “Maybe, but I'm not going to start every week. I will also participate in ONK, BK and international competitions. I do participate in all tests of the VLM championship. The intention is to go for the title in the VLM, that's where I really set my sights. I might also win a Grand Prix in Valkenswaard or Lierop. That depends on how well things go!”
The engine is also very different from what you are used to?
Martens: “I've actually been riding KTM all my life! However, from the beginning I knew that the Kawasaki suited me. The KX450F is a really cool bike and I enjoy riding it. Both in terms of the engine and the people, I am very pleased that I have found accommodation at BeTeMo.”
We wish you a wonderful season!
Martens: “Thank you, you too!”
Credit photos: Ronnys photo, Rolf Verhagen
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