Take 5; Mirco ten Kate
The 2019 season is over and that means looking back but also looking ahead! In this Take 5 we speak with Mirco Ten Kate. The rider from Nieuwleusen showed himself at the front several times this year and we wanted to know more about him! Surely he will switch to road racing in the short term?
MXMag: You're not very big, was this your last season in the 85cc class?
MTK: “Haha, I'm indeed not the biggest! A few weeks ago I rode a few laps on a 125cc, but it was still much too big for me. I now fit well on the 85 so I will also ride it next season.”
MXMag: In recent years, the organization and the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross series have improved greatly, how do you as a rider view this?
MTK: “I have only been riding during the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross for two seasons, so I don't know exactly how it went before. I think everything is now well organized and the pit lane and the spraying areas in particular are well taken care of. In addition, it is especially fun for us to watch the top players from the world championship who of course do not just come to participate in this championship.”
MXMag: If I'm not mistaken, there were two motocross riders in the Ten Kate family. Does your brother no longer drive?
MTK: “No, my brother Vito no longer drives. He became quite busy with school and therefore rode less and less and eventually he enjoyed it less and less. Fortunately, he almost always goes to the ONKs and the Dutch Masters of Motocross to help with my glasses and pit board, so he is certainly not completely out of the paddock!”
MXMag: The name Ten Kate is of course very famous to anyone who knows anything about two-wheelers. You have been racing for a while, is this preparation for a road racing career like Jaimie van Sikkelerus and more or less Zonta van den Goorbergh?
MTK: "No! A lot of people always ask me that, but no. Last year I rode a road racer once, which was quite fun to do, but I really like cross-country racing much more and that is certainly my preference for the time being.”
MXMag: What does your schedule look like in 2020?
MTK: “I will be riding the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross and the KNMV ONK with the 85 big wheels. In addition, I will try to participate in at least a number of ADAC competitions. Unfortunately, I am too old to be allowed to ride EMX anymore, which I think is a real shame.”
MXMag: What is your goal for 2020, when will this season be a success?
MTK: “Of course every rider wants to win, so I want that too! My season is a success if I know that I have given everything and I hope that I can therefore compete for the Dutch titles.”
MXMag: Thank you for this conversation and good luck! We will follow you!
MTK: Thank you.
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #NiekFotografie
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