Exclusive interview with Micha-Boy De Waal!
What could be better than someone who always gives the best of themselves? Whether it's his day or not Micha-Boy De Waal always gives it his all! In the fourth ONK round in Markelo it worked out well because De Waal finished second. With the second round of the Dutch Masters of Motocross, mxmag caught up with the No Fear Jumbo BT Motorsport rider for a chat!
No Fear could not wish for a better ambassador than Micha-Boy. Be checked instagram accounts and then take a look at the mega hit that Floris van den Elsen captured in Oss! So that's what we mean. The 21-year-old motocross rider from Veen was considered a great talent but had difficult years. Now on the BT Motorsport Honda, he has once again started a positive trend.
Satisfied with how things are going now?
Micha-Boy De Waal: “In general, yes. The winter was fairly short because at the end of last season I had surgery on my cruciate ligaments. But the driving is still going well and the preparation itself went well. I was on the podium in the Wintercross in Groesbeek, then also in Mill and now Markelo. I like the team, I like the Honda very much.”
You could also ride MX2. It's not like you have to for some reason.
De Waal:“That's true, but I really like the CRF450R. The driving is going well, the performances are good and I have good people around me in the team. I admit that it is sometimes difficult because I am only a small boy and that engine is really powerful! Actually, I have everything I need here.”
The direction you are now taking does have its consequences.
De Waal: “I have always dreamed of becoming a top-5 rider in the MX2 World Championship. That is indeed no longer an issue because I am already 21. Even if you transfer, you don't have that long. That's why I've now focused on the 450 to get used to it. In any case, I want to build up my speed.”
The CRF450R has received many good reviews, is that a big step compared to the previous model?
De Waal: “I personally think so. Of course I rode the 2016 model last year and when I first got on the 2017, I was shocked by the power. That's a noticeable increase. After driving a few times, we got it the way we wanted it. Now it runs well and, very importantly, I can also drive it!”
What are your ambitions this year?
De Waal: “I would like to get some wildcards in the MXGP, but that really depends on how things go and what my speed is. It's important to know that I belong there too. If I'm going to drive around in 30th place, then it's not necessary. But it is in the plans.”
You're not a professional at the moment. How does that work?
De Waal: “That's right, I work in my father's company, which has a wood spraying shop. He gives me the opportunity to train and prepare… (smiles) But I have to work otherwise nothing will come in, of course.”
It seems as if you have come home to No Fear Jumbo BT Motorsport because it has also been a search in recent years.
De Waal: “I was of course at HSF Logistics Motorsport for almost three years, but I also suffered a serious injury there. That was in 2014. While training in Spain I broke my thigh, hip, shoulder blade and five ribs. At first I thought, 'I'll just stop doing it.' But when I recovered I started to think differently about it. Then I started riding at GDI Husqvarna. That was my first year of MX1 too. The following year I went to Theo Eggens again where I rode 250. After 3 months in 2016, I switched to BT.”
What do you expect from Harfsen next weekend?
De Waal:“The first Dutch Masters of Motocross in Oss was a bit disappointing. It just wasn't my day. There will be some top performers at the start again in Harfsen, so you don't have to dream of a podium! If I have a good day, I can get to the top 5. And if I stay on it, everything will be fine. That can sometimes be a problem.”
Staying calm, is that your biggest challenge?
De Waal:“You have to stay calm otherwise the 450 will punish you immediately. I'm not calm enough yet. People around me sometimes say that I still have that MX2 style in me too often. I feel like things are going much better than 2,5 years ago. Especially in terms of technology and the driving itself. If we can continue to build like this, we should be much further ahead in a year or a year and a half.”
Where does your number 44 come from?
De Waal:“I didn't choose it entirely myself. Last year Marc De Reuver drove for BT Motorsport. Of course he drove with 14 and then 44 was a number that matched that. That's how it stayed. My new teammate Jim Kanters has 33, it looks nice that way. I have had many songs over the years, but I personally think 44 is a beautiful song.”
Are you superstitious?
De Waal: “No, not at all, I have to start believing in myself more. We will work on it and then I hope to be there at the end of the season.”
Have you learned something from Marc De Reuver as a teammate?
De Waal: “Yes, he is a real sand specialist. You can learn something from that in terms of driving. It's a pity he had to retire prematurely, but he is still often with the team. He is never afraid to give me a tip during a match and he certainly knows what he is talking about.”
Marc (ed. De Reuver) also readily admits what he himself has done wrong.
De Waal: “Absolutely, it doesn't matter to me. He is always very honest. Now he also accompanies Pauls Jonass and I think Marc knows a lot more than what people give him!”
Bas Verhoeven from BT Motorsport has also competed at a high level. Is he concerned with your training and such?
De Waal:“Bas is of course also very busy with his own company. But he does come to watch as much as he can and, if possible, with his family. At the competitions I do everything together with the mechanics. When Bas is there, he is of course very involved. He gives me advice and supports me where he can. If he is not present, we will keep in touch by telephone. He tries to be there every Wednesday afternoon. So he is very closely involved. I don't have a trainer, but I can contact Bas with my questions. Or I light up my own left or right.”
Isn't a trainer a must if you want to ride at the front?
De Waal: “A trainer is nice, but I especially have to get to know my own body. At this point I have nothing to complain about. The condition is good, and I can keep going until the end of the moto.”
As a young talent, many eyes are on you. If the successes do not materialize - for whatever reason - there is also less attention. Now you're more likely to be in an underdog position, do you like that?
De Waal: “Well, I don't know if they look at me less! Because at the moment things are going really well and the people around me will see that I am there. What other people think doesn't really affect me. I accept something from my parents, the team and a small group of people. I'll ignore the rest.”
It's going against your reputation that you lie down.
De Waal:“I'm just doing my best and I'll hear some falls from time to time. Or do stupid things. But I always give my all, I always give it 100%. I will never just stop or throw my hat at it. My commitment is always 100%. Even if it doesn't work, I'll still do it. Then we'll see what happens.”
That's a great credit to you Micha-Boy. Thanks for the chat and good luck in the upcoming competitions!
De Waal: "Don't mention it!"
Photos: Huub Munsters
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