Take 5: Twan Wagenaar
The 2019 season is over and that means looking back but also looking ahead! In this Take 5 we speak with Twan Wagenaar. The 16-year-old rider finished ninth during the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross 125cc. In both Axel and Lichtenvoorde he finished in the top ten in both rounds. Time to speak to the KTM rider from Epe!
MXMag: Your last season on 125cc is over. How do you look back on this class?
TW: I can look back on a great season, after some setbacks in the preparation of the season I managed to achieve many great results. This season was a bit to my disadvantage, I am very big and heavy and I rode a standard motorcycle. I noticed that you come up short on the straights and at the start. During my second Dutch Masters of Motocross in Axel I managed to score well in both motos. In the first moto I managed to finish sixth and despite a crash in the second moto I still finished tenth. I also achieved great results during the Open Dutch Championship, finishing on the podium no less than three times! In the ONK I finished sixth in the final standings, and I finished ninth in the DMofMX. Later I was invited to participate in a competition of the Latvian Championship. That was a great experience, the track was beautiful and I managed to win one of the three heats. I came second in the daily rankings. The past year was consistent and good. I learned a lot of things from Marnix Merk, who gave me useful tips during the competitions.”
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?
TW: “In recent years the organization has certainly made good progress, it has become more professional and that makes motocross in the Netherlands more attractive. As a result, more and more international riders are coming, which also makes the championships a lot more interesting and educational for all participants and supporters next to the circuit.”
MXMag: You are a fixture on the Dutch circuit, but most attention goes to De Wolf, Karssemakers and Kooiker. That doesn't bother you, after all, you have to do a lot for it too, perhaps even more than these young men!
TW: “No, of course it's a shame that you get less attention in the cross world. These guys ride a lot more during the week than is possible for me, I think that makes it a little easier to prepare well for the competitions. I do everything I can to arrive at the starting gate as fit as possible and to perform as well as possible. I spend a lot of time in the Bijsterbosch sports center, where I mainly do my strength training. I also do running and mountain biking and/or cycling. We try to make time on Wednesday afternoon to train with the motorcycle. This sport is my passion, I enjoy training, I would like to spend more hours on my motorcycle because I know I can achieve better results. It is no different, but that does not mean that it bothers me that other motocross riders do have the options.”
MXMag: What does your schedule look like in 2020?
TW: “In 2020 I will compete again for Brouwer Motors-Jumbo and I am very happy about that! I will be riding the KNMV Open Dutch Championships and the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross on a 250cc 2-stroke KTM. If there are opportunities, I would also like to participate in the EMX 2-Stroke, I am looking forward to the new season and am looking forward to it! I have also received an offer to train more with my motorcycle during the week, a great step for the future!”
MXMag: What is your goal for 2020, when will this season be a success?
TW: “My goal for 2020 is to finish in the top ten at the Open Dutch Championship 250cc. I also hope to score points at the Dutch Masters Of Motocross, which will certainly be a challenge among the world's top riders. The season is a success if I have achieved good results, my sponsors are satisfied with my results and, above all, if I have had a lot of “motorcycle fun”!”
MXMag: Thank you for this conversation and good luck! We will follow you!
TW: Thank you.
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #NiekFotografie
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