Take 5: Rick Elzinga
The 2020 season has come to a complete standstill due to the coronavirus. It remains to be seen when the competitions will continue or start again. This gives us extra time to put riders through their paces. We spoke to Rick Elzinga more than two years ago, and we are doing so again now!
You have competed for Yamaha for the past four seasons. How do you look back on the EMX125?
Rick Elzinga: “Despite three podium finishes in the European 125cc Championship, I still look back with mixed feelings. I didn't show what I could really do, the podium places I scored each time came after I came back from injury. In 2018 I had a really good winter internship in Spain with the KNMV! Things went completely wrong during the Internazionale d'Italia match in Mantova. I broke both my wrists and everything fell apart. I have not been back to the level I rode in that first heat in that race.”
The switch to the EMX250. How did that season go?
Elzinga: “That turned out completely differently than we had planned and expected. With the Italian team everything turned out completely differently than expected and that also caused me mental problems. It was mainly due to the lack of motor power and lack of training. I must honestly say that I was able to ride really well in a number of races, especially considering the circumstances. However, I still managed to finish the season in tenth place, so that is not disappointing, but still less than the target set in advance.”
Most children start racing because their father did so. Was it also introduced to you from a young age?
Elzinga: “My father has always done speedway, first at national level and later a bit at international level. In the last few years before I was born, he switched to enduros. Because both sports can only be practiced at a later age, motocross was a logical first step for me.”
What does your program look like in 2020? What is your goal for 2020, when will this season be successful?
Elzinga: “For me it is important to get back to the level of Mantova 2018. We are working very hard to achieve this, even though motorcycle training is currently on hold due to the coronavirus. Very unfortunate because I could really use the motorcycle training! I am working hard on my physique and my condition is really moving in the right direction. For me it is important to compete again as soon as possible and get into a competitive rhythm, so hopefully we will be behind the starting gate again soon. The competition in Valkenswaard was my first competition in six months and I was happy that I managed to qualify.”
Would you like to come back somewhere or add to this conversation?
Elzinga: “Of course, many thanks to all the sponsors who helped me get back on the bike after all the setbacks. Everything around me is now done by a small group of people who know me well and that feels familiar. That gives me confidence for the coming season where my main goal is to finish!”
Thank you for this conversation and good luck! We're going to follow you.
Elzinga: "Of course, no problem! Thank you, I will do my best again!”
Door: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photos: #NiekFotography
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