What would it be like with Jens Getteman?
Normally, 24MX Honda rider Jens Getteman would make his comeback during the International Motocross of Keiheuvel. Since Jens was still experiencing problems with his wrist, he gave up. But what about the former Belgian MX2 champion?
“I no longer have any pain in my wrist. I'm doing very well both in terms of riding and endurance, I actually feel great! In recent weeks I have also really enjoyed driving again. The fact that the pulse now feels normal again is a huge relief.”
Yet you are not taking action for the time being? Jens Getteman: “It is difficult to accept that you have to be patient, but we have decided not to come back until I am 100% ready. There is a big difference between feeling good in training and having enough rhythm and speed to be at your best in a competition. Too often this year I have had to ride with an injury. In fact, I have been in pain every time I ride the bike since then. It feels great that I can now start rebuilding.”
Gautier Paulin and Max Nagl also waited until they were completely ready to come back. Getman: "Precisely. The level is so high that it is difficult to keep yourself in shape in competitions. And that is not motivating to drive around with the feeling that you can do much better. Then there is also a great chance of hurting you again. In the middle of the season things are a bit different than in this phase. But even for top players like Paulin and Nagl - for whom the stakes are much greater - it is out of the question to rush. Just look at Ken De Dycker, who also has his sights set on 2015. I'm still only 20 and I still have many years ahead of me. Now creating a good foundation for next season is the most important thing.”
How do you look back on this season?
Jens Getteman: “The start was strong, better than I expected. Although I had had an excellent winter. During the Opening Cross in Lommel I was fifth. At Hawkstone Park I was on the podium after Shaun Simpson and Matiss Karro. The confirmation came during the first GP in Qatar. I immediately turned 11de in time training. Unfortunately, I injured my wrist on Friday. Since then I've had trouble with that wrist. Even though the other competitions such as the ONK in Axel, Wuustwezel, the Belgian Championship in Wachtebeke and Valkenswaard were quite good, I was never able to ride without pain or with all my capabilities. Actually, it's another lost year... After such a good winter, that's a huge shame.”
Strijbos, Frossard, Tonus, Everts... There are plenty of riders who came back strong after consecutive years of injuries, but mentally it is terribly difficult. How do you deal with that? Getman: “When I had to undergo surgery after the Spanish GP, it was very difficult. I readily admit that. When you have put in so much effort to get back, you are left behind again and almost see an entire season pass you by... That's tough. I wasn't feeling well for a while, but then I quickly picked up the thread again. Motocross is my life. I still enjoy training and riding. Mentally, this injury has not changed anything.”
When things go wrong, you also get to know your real friends.
Getman: “At least you know who will continue to support you, even in difficult times... Although that is not true! Without the people who have helped me along the way, I would never have gotten where I am now. I am also grateful to people who were sponsors and dropped out for one reason or another. I'm lucky that I have a good group of people around me. Both sporty and additionally. First of all, my parents, of course. I also think of Luc Goffin and Christel from Empirelogomats, André Heyman, the chairman of my supporters club, but also Topsport Flanders who have been guiding me for 5 years. First and foremost I am talking about Joël Smets and Stefan Peetermans. Of course also everyone from 24MX Honda such as team boss Steven Lettani, my mechanic Dennis Dierckx, the suspension specialist Willy Verstrepen from WV2, Tom Jacobs the PR manager, Davey Dousselare and Roger Harvey from Honda. Some things seem very simple, but they are not. Like Donjoy who provided me with a custom brace for my wrist. Doctor Claes and Dr. The Writer who followed me up and treated me for my wrist injury. Also my own sports doctor, Dr. The Maeseneer who is always ready. At the top level, all those details make the difference.”
On the one hand, there is a collaboration with Topsport Vlaanderen for your guidance. On the other hand, Harry Everts helps with the motorcycle training. That combination does not always seem obvious to me, every trainer has his own vision.
Getman: “That impression is actually incorrect. Everyone works very well together. Meanwhile, Stefan Peetermans from Topsport Vlaanderen has been making my physical schedules for years. We go to the Bakala Academy in Leuven for the tests and Harry is there for the driving. I can't imagine it better!”
What do your plans for 2015 look like?
Getman: “It is still a few weeks too early to give an answer to that. I would like to stay in MXGP with 24MX Honda Racing, but there are some other options as well. Actually, I mainly leave that to my manager Luc Goffin. Riding a 450 is perfect for me, and I feel like I still have something to prove in MXGP. Yet I am also open to another avenue. If there is a strong engine and team package available in MX2 then we will certainly study that possibility.”
Will we see you at work during the last two GPs?
Getman: “I fear that they will come a little too early. And going there without a competitive rhythm makes no sense. So in September I will continue to train, both on and off the bike. The belt will then be removed for a while in October. In mid-October I will go on holiday to America, including the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas. That definitely seems worth it to me! In addition, I may participate in one or two small races in October.”
As is tradition, there will be your food festival next weekend, tell us more about that?
Getteman: "You shouldn't talk about that. (laughs) You have to taste mussels! That is why I invite everyone to come to the parish hall in Iddergem on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August. This dinner party is extremely important to me, and I will not hide that. Without the support of all those people who come to eat, it is impossible to compete at the highest level. And without all the helping hands of fans and friends, it is not even feasible to organize such food days.”
Is noted. Anyone else want to thank you?
Getman: “All the team sponsors of course and my personal sponsors like Home Solution, De Pelsmaecker, Empirelogomats.com, Café Magda and Arnold, Gedak, Stravbier, Podokin, Groep Valkenier, Backflips Clothing and also all the other people who support me, thank you!”
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