A moment with Marc De Reuver
In the run-up to the most important beach cross competition of the season, Le Touquet, we contacted Marc De Reuver. The Amsterdammer, who has been living in Lommel for half his life, is participating in the legendary French competition for the second time. We asked him how he sees it and what his previous participation has taught him. 'Well, before Le Touquet I had competed in races such as the Red Bull Knock-out, but that is a completely different story than Le Touquet. Because in those races I started with my regular dirt bike, just a different gear ratio and that was done. But it soon became clear that this is not enough for Le Touquet, because it is a completely different animal. So this year we had a special block made for it. In addition, the motorcycle will also be equipped with a longer swingarm and a huge tank that can hold 14 liters. Also because we start with a larger sprocket than normal, we had to make some adjustments to the chain and gear lever. We had to manufacture all of this ourselves because Honda unfortunately does not have such things in their range. For example, KTM has a six-speed gearbox in their range and such a large tank, but that is not the case with Honda.' De Reuver explains.
How do you like that completely customized motorcycle? 'It's going well, I'm going fast in training, but it's a long race. Yet you actually have to drive full throttle from the first minute. Because last year, for example, there was a storm and I had extra glasses in my pouch. And after the first round my glasses were completely broken and dirty so I stopped to change them. But at the beginning of the race the leaders still have free lane and they go the fastest, so changing glasses cost me a lot of time. Stupid of myself. So I have decided not to do that anymore.'
Such a year of experience really seems like a plus to be able to compete for the win. 'Yes, last year I was alone in the village, while everyone else was standing there with umbrellas. The first hour I was really numb because I felt like I was wet in the rain. That is something that will never happen to me again, now I will have someone with me.'
Le Touquet is of course not just any competition. So there are more on the list of participants who want to win. Who do you think are the biggest competitors? 'I expect Steve Ramon, Antonio Meo and Andrien Van Beveren to win.' Have you been able to keep an eye on them during training somewhere? 'Yes, I see Ramon almost every week, but I haven't seen the other one once. They have their own circuits, so you really can't figure out where they are hiding.'
What position would Marc De Reuver be happy with? 'Well I know one thing for sure, I will be shorter than last year and I would be satisfied with a podium. '
What do you think one of your friends Yentel Martens will achieve in Le Touquet? 'It is Yentel's first Le Touquet and you really have to pay attention to everything. For example, during the first hour you are not allowed to put your hand on the clutch, but if you do that like Aubin, you will completely destroy it in two laps.'
Finally, after Le Touquet, there is still a whole season ahead of you. What are you going to do in 2015? 'Hawkstone Park, La Capelle Marivale and the ONKs. I will also make one last run in Lommel, where all the pieces fell into place last season. The Grand Prix of Assen is also on the program because a final MXON selection in 2015 would be nice.' Is this Da Roover's last season? 'Well, I'm not going to ride any more Grand Prix's after 2015. Then I see myself doing something like Steve (Ramon), with ONK's, beach crosses and a few things here and there. But Grand Prix's are no longer possible, money has to be raised, and you can't get that from the Grand Prix's. In addition, you can say ONK level, OK. But you have to train so hard to really compete at World Cup level, which is why I'm also skipping Valkenswaard. First of all, it's not really my job and in April everyone is still crazy because everyone thinks they can still win.' Says Marc De Reuver
You can follow the Le Touquet Enduropale live on MotorsTV. This Sunday from 12:45 PM.
Text: Matthias Van Eeckhoven – Photo: CDS
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