“TKO” looking for the next level
Thanks to three consecutive podium finishes, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna's Thomas Kjer Olsen has already surpassed his 2017 haul. In an impressive rookie season, the Dane finished third in the MX2 World Championship standings. Olsen, currently second in the standings, currently seems to be the only one who could challenge Pauls Jonass.
In the second round of the GP de la Comunitat Valenciana it looked like “TKO would put pressure on leader Jonas. That was until a small fall as Olsen referred to the third step of the podium. The former EMX250 champion is a regular anyway. His energetic style also stands out; With his large body he is aggressive on the motorcycle. Like he's playing with the Husqvarna FC250! “That's a bit inherent to my height”, says Rasmus Jorgensen's pupil. “I try to move a lot, to always find the best position and not just sit upright. I try to work a lot with the bike to use my height as an advantage and to tackle potholes and bumps. And I also enjoy scrubbing or smashing the bike in the air!”
Just like his rivals Jorge Prado (two podium places), Hunter Lawrence and Darian Sanayei, TKO had to scratch his head in the past Grand Prix. Because how can he defeat the dominant Jonass? The Latvian Red Bull KTM driver dominated in Argentina, the Netherlands and Spain.
It is obvious that Olsen needs to come out stronger at the start of the match. “It's hard to just say what I need to do better,” says the 20-year-old star. “The KTM guys are really strong. I think Pauls has gained a lot of experience after winning the title last year. About how to officiate a match. I know that I learned a lot from last year! Especially the mistakes I made, I'm doing my best to avoid them now. The way I drive offensively and read the track is very good, but my starts need to be better. If I am 10th at the beginning of the heat, I cannot catch the leaders.”
Although he is rather introverted and has absolutely no star appeal, 'TKO' is on his way to becoming one of the biggest names in the World Cup. He has made constant progress over the past two years. Olsen proved he has the speed and potential to challenge for the world title. So far it seems to be the perfect title rival for Jonass. “Right now, Jonass is really flying! But I am convinced that we can beat him if we continue to work and learn from every match. In the meantime, I continue to build my confidence. To be honest, I didn't expect to start the year with three podiums in a row, but I do feel at home.”
On Monday, April 2, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider will be at the start of the second race of the Dutch Masters of Motocross in Oldebroek. In Markelo, Olsen won both heats.
Tekst: Adam Wheeler
Photos: shotbyBavo (introduction photo), JP Acevedo
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