Five minutes with Wouter Van Massenhoven
There is no VLM this weekend due to the GP in Lommel, but that does not stop us from delving into current affairs. After his problem with his fibula, Wouter Van Massenhoven has literally just returned to the motorcycle. Yet the BeTeMo rider finished fifth in Pulderbos. That deserves a conversation!
A fourth place in the first heat and a sixth place at the Inters 500 in the second heat. Wouter Van Massenhoven can look back on a successful comeback. “Last Sunday was indeed the first time back. I definitely didn't expect that fifth place. Last week I was allowed to drive back for the first time. At the last minute I decided to ride in Pulderbos after all.” Due to the weather conditions, the course had its own challenges. “We get fine dust sand with those straight vicious holes. Not my thing, but luckily the dust wasn't too bad. And with this weather, of course, it cannot be otherwise.”
Normally, Wouter 'Turbo-Diesel' Van Massenhoven needs time to get back into shape. That's why his first great result on his return was all the more striking. “Be careful, appearances can be deceiving. After the first series it was frist feeling already gone! 🙂 Precisely because I need competition rhythm, I started without expectations. I don't have any specific goals for the rest of the season either. Above all, have fun. When I start somewhere, I always want to give the best of myself. But it goes without saying that it is not that easy now.”
Wouter was just starting to get steam when he ended up in the rag basket. His fibula was broken at the ankle. “The rehabilitation went reasonably well, but not 100%. One of the screws in the picture has come loose. But as long as it doesn't bother me too much, I can do anything with it. Fortunately, because sitting still is really not my thing! And I'm not keen on going to the cross country if you're not allowed to ride. Then you get even more excited, but you still have to stay aside. That's why I've done some other things in recent months. My girlfriend always came up with something! :)”
Wouter is now fifth in the Inters 500 standings. If teammate Jens Van Meer is already one street ahead of Kevin Van Geldorp and Kenny Janssens, he is three streets ahead of Van Massenhoven. “To be honest, I expected that Jens would be the man to beat for the title. He rode very strongly last year, but was sometimes too impetuous. What he is showing this season is something different because he is fast, regular and keeps his head down.”
The VLM season continues in Rijkevorsel on August 12.
Photos: Danny Relouw, Gretel, Davemx
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