Five minutes with Greg Demeulemeester (MCLB)
Greg Demeulemeester switched to the MCLB Inters in 2017 after becoming National Open champion the year before. Due to a combination of circumstances, the stylish West Flemish player did not excel last season. In 2019, the Motorcross Volkegem banner wants to take another step forward!
Demeulemeester started 2018 on a 450 due to technical issues, he switched to a quarter liter for the first test in Laarne. That first championship game immediately put a damper on his season. After all, he broke his wrist in two places due to an unfortunate fall. The start of a really bad year.
We recently saw you training on a KTM 350 SX-F. So the decision has been made!
Greg Demeulemeester: "Beats! After I came back from injury, we didn't know what to choose. Actually, I couldn't decide whether I should be on a 450 or a 350. In the end I finished the season on the 350 and that is also a bike that suits me very well. A 250 is too brutal in terms of driving style, while I am more of a calm rider. We tried to make the 450 a bit 'tamer' but didn't really find what we were looking for.”
You will join the Inters B again. How do you look back on the switch from the Nationals?
Demeulemeester: “As everyone knows, that is not easy because you are competing against the best and most experienced men. “It's for real at the Inters!” For me, the main thing now is to work on my speed. For example, by copying the rhythm of the faster men in training. My first year at the Inters went quite well. However, now I have to prove myself again.”
What goal are you starting this year with?
Demeulemeester: “I would like to keep up with the faster men. They succeeded in the first two rounds last season, but then you soon saw that they had more speed and experience. Now I want to last longer and achieve a good result in the championship.”
Who were your role models as a novice pilot?
Demeulemeester: “Blake Baggett in the US when he rode for Pro Circuit. That was definitely one of my big favorites. Also Max Anstie because I knew him personally. I often trained with him in the past. It was nice to see him again a few months ago during MX of Nations in Red Bud.
How do you complete your training?
Demeulemeester: “I try to ride once a week, usually on Wednesdays. I also draw up my own schedule for my physical training. I try to adjust that a bit based on things you hear from other riders and my own experience. In any case, it is of course more fun and educational to do the training yourself together with someone else.”
I'm told your first steps were on the quad!
Demeulemeester: "That's true. My dad then encouraged me to switch to a motorcycle. That was in 2008. My first race on a 65 wasn't much. In 2011 I became champion for the first time in the juniors 85cc, after which I was usually in the top 3 of the championship. Each time I was able to switch to a higher category.”
In any case, you have made good progress as a youth rider.
Demeulemeester: “Sebastien Kerkhove certainly played an important role in this. He soon became my first coach. (smiles) He may have been too loud sometimes, but on the other hand that was necessary! Unfortunately, he has since passed away.”
The Demeulemeester family is of course best known for the motocross in Volkegem. What does that competition mean to you?
Demeulemeester: “First of all, I just really like riding there because it is a beautiful circuit. Although it is always a busy week with the preparation, I usually ride well. Last year it was one o'clock on Saturday before I was out. I got up early in the morning for training and I still won the first round at the Inters B. And I took the holeshot in front of my own people! I was tired for the second moto, but if you can be on the podium then it makes up for a lot.”
What are your favorite circuits, besides Volkegem?
Demeulemeester: “Then I definitely think of Pamel. Normally also in Zegelsem, although it was a bit less in 2018. Three years ago I also participated in the European Championships in Valkenswaard, which was a very nice experience. A very chic circuit and a great experience. It's just a shame that registration for the EMX is so expensive.
Is there anything else you would like to say in closing?
Demeulemeester: “To all riders and organizers a successful and healthy 2019! I would also like to thank my sponsors Casier recycling, Firma Beel, Vymetal, Motorshop Desmet, my parents and girlfriend. And a great year for the readers of MXMag, of course.”
Photos: Petrouskov Haeck, Sharon Vandenabeele, Gino Maes
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