Ken De Dycker makes his debut in the VLM!
This Sunday the VLM will start its season in Helchteren. As usual, there are many fast men at the start in the Inter ranks, but one stands out. Multiple GP winner and MXON winner Ken De Dycker will also come to the Europarklaan in Helchteren! We asked what happened.
In addition to Evgeny Bobryshev and Arnaud Tonus, Keeno also completed his laps in Lommel today. On the same mythical circuit where VLM will complete its second race on February 26.
It is the first time since his JMS(!) days that the Lubbeken resident has made his appearance will make in the VLM. A striking 'move' for a GP rider. Because tall trees, literally and figuratively in his case, catch a lot of wind. And because the Belgian Jtech-Suzuki driver has always been much discussed.
Ken De Dycker: “I honestly don't care what other people think about it. Due to the circumstances, this just works out perfectly for me. Look, I have to train anyway and I have only been back on the bike since the first week of December. So I also need competition rhythm.
When I train on a busy training circuit, I always have to pay attention. At least now I know there are flagmen there! Moreover, a competition is always better training. The fact that I can earn some extra money is a nice bonus.”
After three extremely difficult years with injuries, last winter was a real test for De Dycker. He was recovering from a knee injury and the search for a new team took longer than expected. The fact that Ken has not hesitated to invest in himself for his new program (two new engines, new van) proves how determined he is to fight back. “The deal with Jtech Suzuki came late, so I have to arrange some things myself. That's just the way it is. In any case, I am very grateful to VB Racing for all the help they provide. The fact that Van Boom is a store from the region (red, Houwaert, Tielt winge) also makes it practical to work together. In terms of suspension, we have been on the right track for about three weeks now thanks to the excellent WP suspension from Stop&Go suspension from Lommel.”
The pieces of the puzzle are gradually falling into place for De Dycker. There is certainly still potential, which he showed in the last round of the Italian championship. Ken achieved a 6th and 12th place in strong company. “Whether I should win on Sunday? No, not at all. You never know how such a match will turn out. There are also explosions in the VLM, the pits and tracks are completely different. Winning is never a given. First of all, I want to get into rhythm and I just want to have fun. It would be great if we could create some extra atmosphere with my participation. Wherever I ride, many supporters come along, so if there is more interest in the cross, then everyone wins!” Good news for the organizing MC De Vrijheid in Helchteren. But De Dycker will also play in the BMB opening match in Moerbeke and Mons.
Of course, the VLM competitions in which De Dycker will start are only an intermediate station. The full recovery of the knee is going well, but training at full strength is not yet possible. “In terms of motorcycle training, I have always ridden with a lot of reserve in recent weeks. I started from scratch and on a standard motorcycle. Also physically it is just rebuilding, which is why the collaboration with my trainer Joël Roelants is now less intensive. Normally I will get the green light to resume my running training in a few weeks. Whatever my result, they can laugh at me in the first VLM races! I want to be there when the European GPs arrive in the World Cup. If the MXGP is in Valkenswaard, they can come and seek redress.”
Ken De Dycker can prepare for tough opposition from, among others, VLM newcomer Steve Seronval, Jens Van Meer (Inters MX1/MX3 vice champion), Kenny Janssens, Waouter Van Massenhoven, Kristof and Jonas Salaets, Sven Wouters and Greg Smets.
Photos: Jtech Suzuki/Ken De Dycker Instagram
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