Five minutes with Ricky Nijs
Born and raised in the VMCF, but for the first time not at the start of a new season. We are talking about Flemish Brabander Ricky Nijs. The ML MX Team rider finished 5th last year in the Inters MX1 of the VMCF. He even finished as vice champion in 2014. And when Nijs was still a Rickytje, he became Brabant champion in the VMCF Promise category. After a meritorious career, the PE teacher hung up his helmet at the end of last year. A persistent arm injury forced him to take leave. Reason enough to visit Ricky on the eve of the opening match in Meeuwen.
What do you expect from the first cross of the season?
Ricky Nijs: “The circuit looks good and interesting. It is clear that the organization has worked hard to create a beautiful circuit. The photos clearly show that the driving conditions are not or hardly influenced by the weather. I hope that people will not be put off because it has just gotten a little colder!”
For the first time, you are not there when the season starts. How does that feel?
News: "Separate. It is with great regret that I will not be there. Motocross has always had an important place in my life. Unfortunately, it's just not possible for me to enjoy driving anymore. I've had a lot of injuries in recent years. The last was an arm injury. I was able to ride fast for three laps. At a speed that was sufficient to be at the front of the amateur association. But then I had to release the role. To get rid of those painful arms, especially the right arm was the biggest problem, I went under the knife last year. It was also determined that there was nerve damage, which will probably cause permanent discomfort. If someone suggests an operation that will give me 100% certainty that I will be able to race again without pain, I will start again without hesitation. Unfortunately, that is not realistic.”
How do you see the battle going for the Inters?
News: “Of course the reigning champion Vincent Collet starts as favourite. He has the speed and the experience. Yet I see privateers on the coast. Mike Gilot could make a big splash. He is someone with a lot of talent. Don't underestimate Junior Slegers either. When he has his day, Junior is very hard to stop! I also think of Fréderic Weigert who came within one point of the title in the AMPL last year. We can also expect something from a young rider like Gordano Natale. He still has a lot of growth potential and it remains to be seen when he will really break through. If Mark Boot was there, no one in MX2 could beat him. Guest drivers from the BMB can of course raise the level. I am also curious about Glenn Bielen tomorrow, I think Meeuwen is almost a home race for him.”
A new rule has now been introduced where riders can score 'attendance points' for the championship. What do you think of that?
News: "This is a good business. If riders participate more regularly in this way, it will only benefit the strength of the championship. And for organizers it provides a little more stability. Finally, clubs organize for the riders. Nobody wants an empty starting gate!”
What is your new sporting challenge now that active driving has been closed?
News: “Of course I still have a lot of friends in cross, so I will continue to follow it. Some people may know that I have been into fitness and health for a while. That is an extension of my training and as a motocross rider, training has always interested me. Because I enjoy motivating people and guiding them to their health goals, I recently started working as a personal trainer. For some people this involves supporting sporting goals, for others it concerns losing weight or living a healthier lifestyle. Very interesting to do and I get a lot of satisfaction from it.”
Thanks for the chat and hopefully we will see you again as a spectator at a match!
News: "Don't mention it. It will be alright!"
Photos: Siska Van Moer
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