Take 5; Rene Albers
Has been for many years Rene Albers a well-known name on the circuits of the Netherlands. De Groesbeker managed to win the MON Inters Open title this year. He came back from a lot of injuries and the 27-year-old Yamaha rider tells us how he has had to fight in recent years to get back to his level.
MXMag: Well before the end of the championship you won the MON Inters Open title. Were you that all-powerful?
RA: “The title came quite early, but I was certainly not all-powerful. This year I was very consistent, I finished all races neatly where the competition often got into trouble. I managed to win the most heats, so it was a very good season.”
MXMag: We think it is your sixth title at the MON. However, we also had to miss you for a number of seasons. Did you turn your back on the sport or was there another reason?
RA: “It really bothered me for a number of seasons. In 2015, I returned to the Van de Laar-Roling Team after a number of years at HSF Motorsport. I was keen on success in the MX2 class but things turned out differently. I was fifth in the standings when I shattered my foot. It was yet another injury and this one had a serious impact. It took a while for me to recover, but during the same period I bought a house with my girlfriend. This had to be completely renovated and of course some work had to be done. I have been working full-time since 2010, so there was little time left for racing. Last year I wanted to take up cross-country racing again, but I crashed during a competition in Boekel. There was nothing wrong with me at first, but another rider hit me. I broke my wrist and that put me out of action for another 10 weeks. Afterwards I gathered the courage again and also made the choice to ride MX1. I started training completely differently and it worked!
MXMag: In your youth you were seen as one of the great talents of the Netherlands. A real breakthrough never came. In retrospect, did you not stay at the MON for too long?
RA: “In my youth I progressed quickly and everything went without many problems. I have also had some injuries, but it is true that I switched to the KNMV too late. In retrospect it may be a shame, but you also have to stay calm. I quickly realized that I am not a rider who could earn a good living from the sport.”
MXMag: In recent years the trajectory of youth to Grand Prix has changed significantly with the EMX championship from 65cc to 250cc. Is it now easier for young people to grow to the highest level?
RA: “A lot has happened and improved in recent years. It is important that you gain experience, especially from 125cc. I think the trajectory is very positive, you can now get used to the kind of circuits that you, as a GP rider, will later have to get used to. “
MXMag: What does your schedule look like in 2019? And which team will you drive for?
RA: “After a very good season with the Van de Laar-Roling Team, we have extended our collaboration. These people have always helped me, even in bad times, they were there for me, so I never doubted about continuing to play for this team. I am still motivated and train a lot and hard. We have made the choice to switch to the KNMV. I will focus on the KNMV Open Dutch Championship 500cc. I'm not sure about the 'KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross' yet, as I can't get through my work with motorcycle training during the week. Then you miss a certain fitness on the bike and since the DMofMX races last almost 35 minutes, that will be very tough. I rely on my experience and perseverance
MXMag: Thank you for your cooperation!
RA: Thanks for your attention.
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #VanDijkFoto
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