Leader Dietger Damiaens looks ahead to the Belgian Championship final in Baisieux!
A historical triptych is on the program in Baisieux this weekend. In addition to the Coupe de l'Avenir and the battle for the large prize pool in the Belgian Masters of Motocross, the final of the BK Motocross will also take place. Dam Racing KTM rider Dietger Damiaens can take the crown in Hainaut after a fantastic season. To become Belgian champion, 'DD' must deal with Erik Willems. Damiaens starts the last match with a 12 point lead over Willems!
Back in shape just in time?
Dietger Damiaens:“Bwaah, I haven't really been out of shape since the beginning of the summer! In recent weeks I had to find my feet to adapt to the rounds in the enthusiasts' association. Once I had adapted, things went smoothly again in the last few weeks.”
I was mainly talking about that tough month of August when you completed some huge hits in a very short time. You did the MXGP of Lommel as well as the 12 hours of La Chinelle and Keiheuvel.
Damien:“The Grand Prix of Lommel was very tough, then La Chinelle and on Tuesday afterwards the Keiheuvel where I was a bit stressed. To get back on track, I took a week of rest. That weekend I had a hard crash at the BMB race in Wachtebeke. From Orp-le-Grand things started to increase again.”
That 12 point lead does provide a bit of a buffer for the last two heats in Baisieux. Does that provide some certainty?
Damien:“Of course you can't feel really confident. According to the weather forecast, it could be quite muddy and then anything is possible. Then nothing can go wrong and Willems is also in good shape. It will be very exciting!”
Does that suit you if it gets muddy next Sunday?
Damien: “Normally that shouldn't be a problem. I can handle all circumstances.”
A Belgian title would be the crowning glory after a strong and regular season.
Damien: "That's true. I have been riding at a high level all season and I would like to finish the job. I have been working towards this goal all season.”
What does your program for next year look like?
Damien: “Same as this year actually. I would like to ride the entire Dutch Masters of Motocross, I will also go for the entire BC and in between I will compete in VLM competitions again.”
Why the big step in performance from last year to this year?
Damien:“In 2016 I struggled all season with a knee injury. This winter I took the plunge and went for surgery. I had the cruciate ligament replaced. I also started working with a new physical trainer, Hugo America. That works great, my training has also made me more confident. Especially since the middle of the season I have made a mental connection. It's good in the head!”
Especially in the VLM it is clear that you always come to the start to win.
Damien: “Because I started riding there at the beginning of the year, I became stronger and stronger. I started to believe in myself more and things started to go better in the big competitions. This year I am working almost full-time, which means I am putting much less pressure on myself. Otherwise I would only be involved in motocross, but now it has become more of a side issue. I look at it more as a hobby.”
What do you think of the circuit in Baisieux, have you ridden there yet?
Damien:“I already drove there in 2014, when I won the Coupe de l'Avenir with the Belgian team. Personally, I think it's more like comparing a race to one of an enthusiasts' association. It is a meadow, but a very beautiful meadow with height differences and spring mountains in it. Quite fun in itself, but you have to be careful with the holes and ruts that appear in it. That is why I attended VLM competitions again last month to get used to such a type of surface.”
Will you drive again this weekend to win or will you count while driving?
Damien: “In any case, I'm going to keep my wits about me while driving. But if I get the chance to win, I'm not going to pass it up. Winning will of course be difficult because strong Inters are coming to Baisieux.”
After Baisieux does the belt come off?
Damien: “Then I will indeed take a rest because it has been a very long season in which I have competed almost every weekend. I can feel that in my body too.”
Best of luck!
Damien: "Thank you."
Photos: Huub Munsters, Brent MX pics, Dieter Jans
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