Take 5: Sem de Lange
The 2019 season is over and that means looking back but also looking forward! In this Take 5 we speak with Sem de Lange. De Drent has had a tough year, but he doesn't want to look back too long. All arrows point towards the new year!
MXMag: In 2018 you finished ninth in the Dutch Masters of Motocross 85cc before switching to 2019cc in 125. In the DMofMX you came 22nd, in the ONK you came 17th. How do you look back?
SdL: “It was a very difficult year after my father passed away on January 8. As a result, there was of course no good preparation for the season, but I also had a lot of setbacks during the season. Despite those injuries, it wasn't that disappointing, but it was certainly a year to quickly forget.”
MXMag: You also took action during the Motocross of Nations in Assen. You finished seventh in the YZ bLUE cRU FIM Europe Cup Final 125cc. How did that special weekend go for you?
SdL: “It was certainly a special and wonderful weekend thanks to Yamaha! My compliments because everything was arranged! Unfortunately, the match did not go without problems. I was in fourth place, right behind the third man, but then my glasses broke. I had to go in because I was wearing contact lenses! Because of this I lost places and finished seventh in the final.”
MXMag: Last season you were active on Yamaha, in 2020 you will switch to KTM. Why that switch?
SdL: “a new challenge, in recent years at Gebben Yamaha I really lacked nothing. We are making a fresh start with confidence thanks to Brouwers Motors-KTM and JUMBO.”
MXMag: What does your schedule look like in 2020?
SdL: “Thanks to my school, I receive the right guidance and support for my fitness and strength training. We will also be riding more motorcycles next season. I am going to ride the KNMV ONK 125cc and the KNMV Dutch Masters of Motocross 125cc. There are also competitions in the European 125cc Championship on the programme, but I don't know yet which ones they will be.”
MXMag: What is your goal for 2020, when will this season be a success?
SdL: “In the ONK I am aiming for the top five, in the Dutch Masters of Motocross I hope to finish in the top ten. That leaves the EMX125 and I hope to be able to get into the points there.”
MXMag: Would you like to come back somewhere or add to this conversation?
SdL: “Many thanks again to Gebben Motoren! I would also like to thank Brouwer Motors, JUMBO, Hydrowear, Brink, JM Tuning, Signvision and my mother for their confidence in me!”
MXMag: Thank you for this conversation and good luck! We're going to follow you.
SdL: “No thanks, you're very welcome and we will do our best.”
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #NiekFotografie
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