Take 5; Amber Simons
In her first season with the Ladies, Amber Simons managed to win the title. We look back with the Limburg rider at her first season with a 125cc machine and at the plans for the future.
MXMag: In your first season with the MON Women you immediately won the title. It was a special final in Meijel. How did your day go?
AS: “It was an exciting final, I had to win both heats to take the title. In the first heat I rode in second place for a long time behind Demi Verploegh who could also become champion. In the last lap he took the lead and won the heat. The winner of the second round would take the title, I was in the lead at the beginning but Demi passed by. Two laps later I was able to regain the lead, I won the heat and the title! I was met by supporters shooting party poppers with confetti, but just as I looked back one shot straight into my eye. I then had to go to the emergency room and then to two different hospitals because my eye was very damaged. So I wasn't able to enjoy my championship yet that day, but I have certainly made up for it again.”
MXMag: In youth you always had to ride among the boys. Was that an advantage during your first season with the women?
AS: “I think it is an advantage later in life. The difference in level between boys and girls is not that big in the beginning. Things will be different later when you get older and bigger, so I think it is an advantage to have a girl riding among the boys.”
MXMag: So the switch from an 85cc Husqvarna to the 125cc Yamaha went well for you?
AS: “Yes, it certainly went well, although it took some getting used to in the beginning. Fortunately, things quickly got better and better and I really thought the YZ125 was a nice bike.”
MXMag: A lot happened in 2018, a big bike, a title, but also your Grand Prix debut. What was it like to ride in Assen during the WMX race on the TT Circuit?
AS: “It was really cool to ride my very first WMX race in Assen. It was a very nice sand track and of course I like that. It actually went better than expected, the first heat crashed hard so I didn't finish. The second round went much better, I finished 16th and took my first Grand Prix points!”
MXMag: Will you continue to compete for Lakerveld Racing and what does your program look like in 2019?
AS: “That's right, I will continue to compete for Lakerveld Racing, but my program is not yet completely certain. I will probably ride the entire WMX championship combined with the KNMV 125cc Cup class. If the calendars align well, I would also like to participate in a number of IMBA Ladies Cup competitions.”
MXMag: What is your goal for 2019, when will this season be a success?
AS: “For the WMX, the aim is to collect as many points as possible and, above all, to learn a lot on hard circuits.”
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #NiekFotografie
Also to read
PHOTO: Day two in Mons
Today was the second day of acceleration on the Bois Brûlé circuit in Mons. Our photographer was there to capture everything. He…Leferink wins the ONK Sidecars St.Isidorushoeve!
Brothers Tim and Sem Leferink managed to win their very first ONK Sidecar Cross in St.Isidorushoeve. They both won the chaotic and exciting heats that were held. Hermans/Van den…FOTO: Endurance BEX in Mons
The fourth BEX 5-hour International Endurance (Belgian Endurance-cross Championship), also known as the 'Endurance du Doudou', took place yesterday at the illustrious Circuit du Bois Brûlé in Mons-Ghlin! It was …VIDEO: Highlights Supercross Philadelphia 2024
The fifteenth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship was held in Philadelphia. In the 250SX final, Max Anstie was able to capture his second supercross victory. Jett Lawrence who knew…
Your reactions