INTERVIEW: CALVIN VLAANDEREN
26 January 2013

by Laren van der Westhuizen


Photographs courtesy of Brodalka Photography

MX SA: Hi Calvin, Give us a short paragraph on how 2012 went for you.
CV:
Hey guys, 2012 was a huge success for me. I did not have the best results, but I learned and experienced so much! I think all rookie seasons have their up and downs and that's exactly what happened to me, one weekend on the podium to the next weekend not scoring any points. I do believe I had some really bad luck last year, I can't cry about it just have to work harder, move on and look forward.

MX SA: Who are you riding for in 2013?
CV:
I will be riding for the same team as i rode this year, Bodo Schmidt Motorsport KTM. I can't tell you how much they have helped us! I will have a new mechanic, I believe one of the best mechanics in Europe, so I am really stoked with everything coming together for this season.

MX SA: What series will you be racing?
CV:
I will be competing in the ONK Dutch Championship, the ADAC German Championship and the most important one for me the EMX125 European championship. The World Championship will be in Czech Republic this year, and hopefully can pull off a good result.

MX SA: How have you adjusted to racing in Europe?
CV:
The racing in Europe is completely different to racing in South Africa, and i think only the people who have raced here and experienced it will understand how extremely difficult it is. It was difficult for me in the beginning of the season getting used to everything, racing every weekend with 25+2 min moto's took its toll on me the first few months. The competition is also a big change for me, 39 guys on the line next to you, 5 seconds a lap separates the 1st guy to the 40th guy. Starts are so important here in Europe! You have to train twice as hard, and race twice as hard.


Photographs courtesy of Brodalka Photography

MX SA: After a season in Europe, is it still your goal to be world champ one day?
CV:
It is my goal to be World Champ one day, that goal will never change. I am motivated and extremely determined to be World Champ one day, this year i was 7th with a bit of bad luck. I am training as hard as ever for this, I truly believe that 2013 is my time to shine!

MX SA: What have you enjoyed most in Europe?
CV:
Now that I am used to everything, I really enjoy the racing almost every weekend. It is a long season with 3 championships, but having 39 guys on the line next to you all having the same goal is so exciting! I really enjoy riding all the different tracks all around Europe, riding all the GP tracks has helped me a lot!

MX SA: What do you miss about SA?
CV:
I miss my family and friends the most when I'm gone, it is difficult for me staying away from home for over 7 months. I also really miss the nice warm weather, last season there were 8 weekends in a row raining. All the races i rode last year, about 70% of them i was riding in the mud. The only way to ride mud is to accept that you can't change the track, and just have fun!

MX SA: How is your off season training going?
CV:
My off season training is really going good, i started about 6 weeks ago and I am feeling really strong and good on the bike. I leave to Germany on the 18th of Feb, I will be going to do a week or two of testing in Lommel which is a deep sand track in Belgium. My first race is on the 3rd of March which is a qualification for the ONK Dutch Championship.

I want to say huge thank you to everyone who has supported me and has believed in me, i really appreciate each and every one of you! I will try my best to make you proud in 2013, I believe it's going to be a good year!


Photographs courtesy of Brodalka Photography

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