Five minutes with Thomas Kjer Olsen
To say that Thomas Kjer Olsen had a good rookie GP season is a major understatement. The 2016 EMX250 champion immediately finished third in the MX2 world championship, won his first Grand Prix and took the title in the Dutch Masters of Motocross MX2! We sat down with the 20-year-old Dane just before his last challenge of the season, the MX of Nations in England.
Hey Thomas, what did you do after the last GP in France?
Thomas-Kjer Olsen: “Not that much actually! I took some rest. Time to relax at home in Denmark. It has been a long season and it is nice to be looking forward to the MXoN in this way.”
How can you compare such a long World Cup season with the EMX championship?
WHO: “There is indeed quite a difference. You compete against the same riders all the time and for 19 laps. That's a lot of races, plus the preseason races. The flying and the overseas GPs also make themselves felt. Last year I also rode quite a lot of competitions because I rode the ADAC in addition to the EMX250. But the World Cup is so tough that it wears you out much more.”
You started the season so well that it seemed as if you had been competing in the GPs for years!
WHO: "You can certainly say that! Things went really well in the beginning, but at the same time the results were better than what we had expected for a whole year. Even with my results at the end, which were less spectacular, I am not dissatisfied. But once the competitive beast is awakened, you always want more! After a victory or a podium you naturally want to repeat that constantly. Of course, it remains a rookie season in which you could have done things better and from which you learn a lot. I think it was a positive first year anyway. And next year will be even better!
In the MX of Nations you will soon be riding together with your brother Stefan. Together you make up two thirds of Team Denmark, how cool is that!?WHO: “It is not new for us because we were both selected in 2014. Still, it remains very cool! It's a good feeling that we have both of Denmark's best riders together. That's something very few people can say. Normally we should reach the A final again. That is already our goal. To be honest, I don't know what the best Danish performance ever was!”
You are the youngest of the Olsen brothers. When did you notice you were faster than him?
WHO: “Probably around 2014? But it wasn't one precise moment or anything when I first defeated him… It happened more gradually. Stefan is also five years older than myself. When I was younger, I loved trying to beat him. Of course he was much faster when I first started. That's why I always kept a close eye on him to learn from him.”
The MX of Nations is a team race. You ride with your brother and Nikolaj Larsen, how is that race different from normal?
WHO: “I also want to achieve a strong result, but in the end it is indeed a team competition. That's why I want everyone in the team to ride strong. Although we are not eligible for the podium, it would be great if we made it into the top 10! I'm just going to do my best and the same goes for the other guys. On the track, on the other hand, it's every man for himself. In terms of driving, it is a race like any other race.”
What do you think of the course in Matterley Basin?
WHO: “They have made some changes for this year but I know the track itself well. I have been riding there since 2012. As a result, I am very familiar with the ground and I always enjoy it immensely. I think the new layout will be even better. I'm really looking forward to the weekend. The jumps are always cool and crisp dirt Few jobs can match Matterley!”
It must be a thrill to ride in front of the biggest crowd of the year? The flags, the screams of the fans, the horns... They don't call it the Motocross Olympics for nothing!
WHO: “Of course it's great when you know that so many people are watching. I also really hope that there will be a massive audience in England. However, when you drive you hardly notice it. You are so focused on racing that everything else disappears. Only when the fans are super loud can you hear them.”
What was the best advice you ever received on a pit board?
WHO:I think the best advice is to ride like you ride in training. Because during training you don't think about anything else. You are only concerned with yourself. You ride the motorcycle a bit more fluidly than normal. It's so easy to get tense during a match. So for me that's the best advice: smooth stay calm, breathe well, stay calm and make sure you stay in the rhythm. That's the best way to drive. At least that's how it works for me!”
What's on your agenda after the Nations?
WHO: “I think we have a week off and then we will test. When that's over, I'll finally have a holiday. Or at least time for myself. At first I was going to go on holiday, but now I'm just staying at home in Denmark. Just chilling, making time for my girlfriend. Some years I had a job during the winter, but I don't know yet what I'm going to do next.”
According to research, the Danes are the happiest people in the world. Then you don't have to go far to have a good time!
WHO: “Yes, I heard that too (laughs). I don't know if that's correct. In any case, I enjoy being in Denmark and I love my country very much. Whether that statement is correct or not, Denmark is a fantastic country. Come visit and find out for yourself!”
Photos: shotbyBavo
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