Interview Dennis Dierckx (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP)
Since this year, Louis Vosters' team has the status as the only Yamaha factory team in the queen class. Dennis Dierckx (33) is among the crew that grew with the Dutch top team. On the Flemish national holiday we thought it would be appropriate to interview the ex-Flemish (and Belgian) MX2 champion.
Dierckx took part in the Coupe de l'Avenir several times for team Belgium and took his chance in the MX2 World Championship. After successful seasons as Inter in the VMCF, Dennis hung up his helmet in 2012.
He then quickly made a career as a mechanic. After starting in 2014 at 24MX Honda, run by his ex-sponsor Steven Lettani (LS Motors), he started working for Wilvo Yamaha MXGP three years later. There he worked for three seasons as a mechanic for Arnaud Tonus. Since this season, Dierckx has been 'parts manager' for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP.
How are you started motocross. When did you realize it could become more than just a hobby?
Dennis Dierckx: “My father always rode, so it was quite clear to me that I would one day become a motocross rider myself. After 2 years in the EMX250, I participated in the MX2006 GP in Namur in 2. On Saturday I qualified and after that weekend I realized that with more extra training I could make a difference in the GPs.”
In 2007 and 2008 you rode several GPs. How do you look back on that now? HWhat was it like to compete with the best in the world?Timeand and how was the level?
Dierckx: “As a rookie in 2007 it was suddenly to be among the best riders in the world: Tony Cairoli, Christophe Pourcel, Tyla Rattray, Tommy Searle... All riders you look up to. That was a strange feeling, but it is what you dream of as a child! I think the level was high and it still is very high now. The only thing I miss now are real qualifications where only the best are at the start on Sunday. I'm still sure that some riders who ride MXGP now would never make it to that Sunday.”
You became Belgian MX2 champion in 2006, you excelled in the Coupe de l'Avenir, but the engine never started in the GPs. Why?
Dierckx: “For many different reasons. The fact that there were many riders with more talent was certainly one of them. But I was also never able to fully focus on the sport like the professional riders I competed against. As a private driver I still had to do a lot of things on the side. This makes it difficult to make progress. You also rarely arrive at the start rested because there was always so much arranging before each GP. Add to that the difference in material and the framework from the top 15 to the top 20 and it is clear that no more could have been achieved like this.”
Je always had a special relationship with the Coupe de l'Avenir, what are jold memories of dthis competition?
Dierckx: “I was a big fan of the Coupe de l'Avenir, the atmosphere and the team aspect of the small Motocross of Nations. In 2007 I won two of the three heats, but unfortunately I crashed in the third race and lost the general classification by one point. In 2008 we won as a team together with Dennis Verbruggen and Jeremy van Horebeek. It's still nice to see your name on the winners list.”
Since your GP years, motocross in Belgium has been in dire straits: many circuits have been closed, the Belgian Motocross Championship has fallen into decline, there are fewer major champions, and less media attention. Does that make jou sad and what is your opinion about the future of Belgian motocross?
Dierckx: "Yes absolutely, it really makes me sad to see how difficult our sport is. Especially when you see that they have so many more circuits in the Netherlands or France than we do. All our hopes are now focused on Jago Geerts and Liam Everts. Liam is doing well and comes across smoothly in front of the camera. That's important for sponsors and for media attention. Jago has also taken another step in terms of sport and is gradually receiving more attention from the media. Hopefully they can ensure that the sport is back on TV in Belgium. Fortunately, there are also positive projects left and right. I notice that there is a lot of interest from younger riders in MX for Kids, for example. Everyone has to keep fighting, there are no easy solutions.”
Je started in the paddock at 24MX Honda and now you are with factory Yamaha. How was that switch? 24MX Honda was a private team while Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP is one of the best teams in the world.
Dierckx: “It's really hard to compare those two teams. With 24MX we were 2 mechanics for 2 riders. I think we now have 12-15 people for three pilots. I had a great time at 24MX, it was certainly a good learning experience for me. However, after a few years I felt it was time to move to a larger team. I came into contact with Louis Vosters. Even after our introductory meeting, I immediately had a good feeling. When I look back on my four years with Wilvo - and how big the team has become - I can only be proud of what Louis and the team have achieved.”
At Wilvo you got to know Arnaud Tonus well, an absolute winner but with a modest personality. Not someone who seeks the spotlight. What was it like working for Arnaud?
Dierckx: "I worked with Arnaud for three years and I really enjoyed tinkering for him. A nice guy with a nice family, we had a good time together. Like every rider, he has his own vision on training, mental and physical preparation. I know that Arnaud puts a lot of effort into the mental aspect of the sport and I am sure that this will soon pay off. When Wilvo joined the factory Yamaha team last winter, I had the opportunity to become 'parts manager'. I am now ordering the parts and checking the stock. A new challenge, but I certainly enjoy that role.”
You have had problems in the past different rworked elsewhere. Who has stuck with you, for better or worse?
Dierckx: “In 2015 I worked with Ken De Dycker (photo above). Unfortunately, he suffered a broken femur before the season. A real shame because Ken had worked very hard that winter to come back strong. We are still good friends now. Ultimately, I didn't spend much time with Jens Getteman because he was often hurt during that period. Timing is often decisive for taking the next step as a rider. Perhaps in his case the switch to the MX1 came a little too early? All riders have their own ideas, but I have never experienced any difficulties working with anyone. Ultimately, our job is to make even the most difficult or demanding pilot happy.”
The level of MXGP is unbelievable at the moment high. How important is it to improve, even if just for the sake of it find that tenth of a second?
Dierckx: “Super important, every detail counts these days. All brands and all teams work really hard to improve, so the level is super high on a technical level. In addition, the riders also work very hard, they are better supported than ever before and the best riders all come together in the MXGP.”
Do you miss it? to be a driver or you'd rather stand on the other hand? As a mechanic you are probably much busier than as a driver...
Dierckx: “I miss riding sometimes, but only for fun, I don't miss the competition. Maybe that's also something you learn as an ex-rider: mechanics have a tough job, but so do the riders. People only see the best part of their work. As a mechanic, weekends are fun and you put in most of your effort during the week. It's different for a rider. People only remember that he takes a rest on Monday or is cycling after a GP. But I know you don't want to feel how those guys feel after a race weekend!”
Tekst: Andy McKinstry
Photos: Eva Szabadfi, Filip Decoster, shotbyBavo
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