Take 5; Sven van der Mierden
Sven van der Mierden has been a fixture in the riders' quarters for many years. The Brabander has suffered serious injuries in the past, but he has bounced back time and time again. He already showed great things on the SKS Racing-Husqvarna, but with the Hutten Metaal-Yamaha he did even better. Van der Mierden finished fifth in the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross and won the ONK 500cc. Time to speak to him before his first MXGP season!
MXMag: You can look back on a very strong season. You performed strongly in both the DMofMX and the ONK. How do you look back on 2018?
SvdM: “I certainly look back on a very good season, highlighted by fifth place in the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross 500cc. And that with a completely new team and therefore with all new people around me. But that turned out great. I am very happy with the guidance and opportunities I get from the team. I finished tenth in the last race on the beach at Scheveningen, which was a nice end to the season.”
MXMag: Due to serious injuries you had to watch regularly and often for a longer period of time. To be honest, you were not seen as a great talent, but in recent years the results have commanded respect. What motivated you to keep going?
SvdM: “My goal and dream has always been to be able to ride an MXGP season. I have always worked hard for that, I have always continued to work for that. I can confirm that I have made great strides in recent years. Sometimes it is difficult to stay motivated when you have to combine sports with work and therefore do not have all the time to train. But this year I get this opportunity and of course I have to take it!”
MXMag: During the Dutch Grand Prix on the TT Circuit, all attention went to Jeffrey Herlings. You managed to score nine GP points. That must have been a wonderful feeling. How did that race go and what do you think of the 'circuit' that is being built in Assen?
SvdM: “It is always nice to be able to drive a GP in your own country. We went to Assen with a good feeling. The whole weekend actually went great and that was ultimately rewarded with nine Grand Prix points. There is a great atmosphere in the stands, which you will certainly notice when you drive past. That is of course special and every lap was pure enjoyment.”
MXMag: In 2019 you will compete again for Hutten Metaal-Yamaha Racing. The team comes from Hardenberg, are you active full-time as a motocross rider or do you have daily work in addition to motocross?
SvdM: “I work three days a week, but I work at Frits van Eerd (JUMBO Supermarkets). This is a sponsor of the team, which means I am very flexible with working hours, making it very easy to combine. That is of course great and gives me much more time to ride compared to previous seasons.”
MXMag: You will ride the European MXGP competitions and the Dutch Masters of Motocross. What is your goal for 2019, when will this season be successful?
SvdM: “In the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross my goal is the same as 2018 or of course better. I will do my best to finish in the top five again. I want to get as many points as possible for the Grand Prix competitions. The most important thing, of course, is gaining experience and completing a lot of competitions.”
MXMag: Thank you very much for your cooperation.
SvdM: “Of course you're very welcome.”
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #NiekFotografie
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