INTERVIEW: Jago Geerts (Sahkar-KTM)
Who has never heard of Jago Geerts (16), probably lives under a rock. As a youth rider, the Balenaar completed a perfect track with European titles in the 85 and 125cc and last year also the 125cc world title. For 2017, attention is even more focused on Jago because he will soon make his debut in the EMX250 and in the MX2 class of the Dutch Masters of Motocross this Sunday in Oss.
You certainly didn't miss your start in MX2; podium places at the ONK in Axel and Heerde a victory at the BC in Moerbeke. That promises?
Jago Geerts: “It's going quite well actually, yes. But for now the most important thing remains to just do my best. I don't know exactly what to expect from those first EMX250 races!”
The level in the EMX250 is quite high, which makes it difficult to make an assessment in advance.
Geerts: “In the EMX250 there is of course no age restriction. As a result, you also have older men with a lot of experience. But normally everything should turn out fine. I'm not going to talk about top-so much or so much. We'll see what happens!”
You were in a duel with Stephen Rubini for the European 125cc title last year. He has already gone to the MX2 World Championship…
Geerts: “That's quite a big step to go to the MX2 World Championship in one go. I think it's better to do EMX250 first. If all goes well, I will do the European Championships for one year. If things go wrong, I can still do a second year.”
Last year you won just about everything possible. That must have been special. You suddenly came into the picture much more? Geerts: “It is indeed nice to have such a season behind us. Then you feel like doing it again. Being in the picture like this was new, but that's part of it. In addition to the media, there was also more interest from other teams. Great to hear, but now I first want to develop further in a family environment. This is perfectly possible at Sahkar-KTM. Once I start riding in the World Championships, that will of course be different.”
How did you cope with the switch from the 125cc to the MX2 engine?
Geerts: “Okay, that didn't go well or anything. September and October are also at 250. In between I have had two minor injuries. I had torn my ankle ligaments and my nails were missing. Everything else went well. I only missed two spring games because I fell at Hawkstone Park, I also missed Lacapelle.”
With a motorcycle that is completely different in every area from what you were used to, do you immediately know what you want?
Geerts: “I first drove the standard engine for a long time. Two months ago we changed everything. What has been done about it? Pff, I don't know everything. For example, we have a different crankshaft from VHM. My dad (ed. Herman Gevers), he is very involved with technology. He knows all about it too. It's easy to have someone like that with you!”
Your dad is also technical manager of Sahkar, he is your mechanic, he goes along with you on training... Is it ever about anything other than motocross at home?
Geerts: “Uh, no, actually it's always about the cross at home! That's less fun if things don't go well.”
You have been guided by Motorsport Future-Topsport Vlaanderen for a while now, how does that work?
Geerts: “That runs very smoothly. We mainly work together in the field of physical training such as sports tests. They also draw up my training schedules. Sometimes there are also internships for motorcycle training, for example we go to France.”
Of course, in addition to motocross, you also go to school. That may not always be so simple as a young top athlete.
Geerts: “That study-sport combination is still possible for the time being. If I have a European competition, I will be absent for a few days. I am free on Wednesday afternoon to train. At school I take electricity-electronics. My fellow students follow what I do, they are certainly interested. And if I have won an important competition, they are also proud!”
Which riders do you look up to?
Geerts: “Ken Roczen, has always been a favorite. But Tony Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings are also cool to watch.”
Roczen has the number 94, you wear 93. How did you arrive at that?
Geerts: “We had a friend, Glenn Puttenaers, who also rode there. We used to train together a lot and I took his number.”
Is there a competition next season that you are particularly looking forward to?
Geerts: “I always look forward to every match. Even if the circuit is perhaps less beautiful or if I don't like it. Being able to drive is the best thing in itself!”
We wish you much success this year
Geerts: "Thank you!"
Photos: Gino Maes, MXGP, Plan-B, Archives
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