INTERVIEW: Hendrik Jan Lovink about De Zwarte Cross & DMofMX
MX Active spoke with Hendrik Jan Lovink (co-organizer of the Zwarte Cross) in a candid telephone conversation. Apart from the fact that Hendrik Jan will perform no fewer than six times during the Zwarte Cross weekend, he is not only busy with the organizational preparations, but also, importantly, putting together playlists and continuously rehearsing. No, sitting still makes him nervous. He has enough energy to think 10 steps ahead each time and keep the complete picture in mind. Respect!
MX Active: What do you think about organizing the final of the Dutch Masters of Motocross?
Naturally, we think it is very cool that the KNMV has approached us to organize the final of the Dutch Masters of Motocross.
MX Active: How did the collaboration with the KNMV and Dutch Masters of Motocross come about?
The KNMV has stated the objective of making motocross known to a wider audience. By including the final of the Dutch Masters of Motocross in the Zwarte Cross program, an audience of +/- 200.000 people will be reached during the weekend. How nice would it be if part of the massive audience, however small, could also visit the other rounds of the Dutch Masters of Motocross after the Zwarte Cross.
MX Active: What do you think of the format of the Dutch Masters Of Motocross?
Partly due to the collaboration between the Zwarte Cross and the KNMV, the Dutch Masters of Motocross has been able to attract larger sponsors to the event, which in turn has led to a large amount of prize money being made available, which this year has led to participation of many riders from the top 10 of the MX2 and MXGP World Championships.
MX Active: What are the biggest changes compared to the “Super Class” competitions you organized in previous years?
In the 2016 edition we already did a test with a longer and wider starting field. To meet the (safety) requirements set by the KNMV, the starting field will be even wider this year.
MX Active: This year there will be several GP toppers at the start, have any adjustments been made to the circuit compared to previous years?
Naturally, we must take into account the fact that all participants in the black cross have to go over the same circuit. This applies to the moped class, the heavy special class as well as the Dutch Masters of Motocross. This is partly overcome by having the Dutch Masters of Motocross ride in the opposite direction.
It is precisely the contrast between the participants that makes it special, participants from, for example, the moped class who have the opportunity to compete on the same circuit as Jeffrey Herlings or Brian Bogers.
MX Active: What are your ambitions for the coming years?
2017 is the first edition that we have entered into a collaboration with the KNMV. All parties involved have clearly expressed the intention that this will not remain a one-off event. We as an organization have already taken the planning of our 2018 edition into account. As it now seems, our date fits within the provisional World Cup Calendar 2018. Our goal is certainly that this will be a long-term collaboration.
MX Active: Who would you like to thank in advance before the event?
First of all, Aunt Rikkie for her unconditional efforts every year.
Patrice Assendelft (KNMV management) for contacting the Zwarte Cross and trusting us to organize the final of the Dutch Masters of Motocross.
And of course the entire construction team who were still busy with our other event Manana Manana two weeks ago. And now to transform the 150-hectare site into an amazing festival site, regardless of the weather!
MX Active: This year will be the 21st edition. Is it true that Aunt Rikkie announced her farewell during the 25th edition?
The choice is of course up to Aunt Rikkie herself. She will always be welcome at the Zwarte Cross and is inextricably linked to the Zwarte Cross. Of course, everything becomes a bit stiffer over the years, but no one could fulfill her (ceremonial) role with as much verve as she herself. A second Aunt Rikkie simply does not exist!
MX Active: Which performance, stunt, act are you personally looking forward to?
On Friday evening we will perform for the last time with Jovink & the Voederbietels, what better way than to say goodbye in style during the Zwarte Cross. I expect a memorable performance from this. Of course I am very curious about the Dutch Masters of Motocross. And the reactions of the riders on what they think of the entire event.
In addition, I just let it happen to me, so many bands and performances that I would like to visit, but also just enjoy the atmosphere by a campfire.
MX Active: When is the event closed for you?as if organization?
For us, the event is a success if everyone goes home with a smile. First and foremost, we do it for the visitors, of course. We also hope that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. And that the weekend will ultimately pass without any calamities, without accidents on or off the track.
Tekst: MXActive | Michel Benjamins
Photos: MXActive, The Black Cross, Ray Archer
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