Bas de Bever has taken on a job at the Dutch cycling federation (KNWU) to coach the Dutch BMX and MTB riders. Bas is simply the most experienced BMX/MTB rider that Holland has to offer so the match is a good one. We asked De Bever a few questions about his new position.
What does your job description say with the KNWU?
Trainer/Coach of the Dutch national BMX / 4X and DH team.
Are you stoked to have a BMX related job?
I really am stoked, looks like I’ve come full circle with this “jobâ€?
Who are the riders on the Dutch National BMX team?
At this moment there are 15 riders; 1 elite girl, 1 junior girl, 8 elite men and 5 junior men.
What's the goal for you to reach with these riders?
To make them understand what sport is all about, and while doing so try to push them to the next level.
If things work out there will be 2 or 3 of them who will make the cut for the Olympics.
Do you believe that BMX becoming an Olympic sport has sparked the plug at a lot of federations?
I don’t know about other countries but it sure has put things in motion at the Dutch federation.
What does the KNWU/you do to get those racers on the podium in Beijing?
The federation is putting up funding through the national Olympic com…and I will try; to provide these racers with a program; know-how and to teach them to structure their lives in such a way so they can step it up in a few years.
How does the selection procedure work?
For the Olympics…?, I don’t think anyone knows yet,…. as it is now, your country can sent 1,2 or 3 riders depending on where your country is in the UCI ranking, I don’t know if they gonna stick to this.
Are you going to race BMX again yourself in 2005?
Maybe a few races here and there, just for the heck of it and to keep my riders focused, they would feel really shitty if they will get their asses kicked by their own coach….haha….I raced the worlds last year in Holland, and I was feeling pretty O.K. for being off a BMX bike for over 10 years, but damn….I thought my first straights were good back in the day,…. It all fades compared to how fast first straights are these days.
What did you think of the 2004 UCI World's in Valkenswaard?
I thought it was a well run and well attended race, where in some classes the level of racing was just amazing.
Some word association:
Helikopter Jantje:
Big , fat and dodgy these days, he must have been the guy who first got nicknamed in Holland in 1978.!!
Doping controls:
a necessity……..
UCI:
The international Cycling Union, through which BMX is in the Olympics.
Lifting weights:
A necessity as well, and it makes for some old fashioned BMX show off in a �check out my abs in a bar� contest,… as I noticed at the worlds after party.
Hi-Low move:
The best way to win a race
Fast:
Formula 1 car racing
Overrated:
Formula 1 car racing
Affro Bob:
Fastest dutchy……..a lot of hair…… and one of the few guys who knows how to ride a turn.
Cruiser class:
Huh…faster then 20�, and a way to make some extra bucks…..
Who are the riders on the Dutch National BMX team?
At this moment there are 15 riders; 1 elite girl, 1 junior girl, 8 elite men and 5 junior men.
What's the goal for you to reach with these riders?
To make them understand what sport is all about, and while doing so try to push them to the next level.
If things work out there will be 2 or 3 of them who will make the cut for the Olympics.
Do you believe that BMX becoming an Olympic sport has sparked the plug at a lot of federations?
I don’t know about other countries but it sure has put things in motion at the Dutch federation.
What does the KNWU/you do to get those racers on the podium in Beijing?
The federation is putting up funding through the national Olympic com…and I will try; to provide these racers with a program; know-how and to teach them to structure their lives in such a way so they can step it up in a few years.
How does the selection procedure work?
For the Olympics…?, I don’t think anyone knows yet,…. as it is now, your country can sent 1,2 or 3 riders depending on where your country is in the UCI ranking, I don’t know if they gonna stick to this.
Are you going to race BMX again yourself in 2005?
Maybe a few races here and there, just for the heck of it and to keep my riders focused, they would feel really shitty if they will get their asses kicked by their own coach….haha….I raced the worlds last year in Holland, and I was feeling pretty O.K. for being off a BMX bike for over 10 years, but damn….I thought my first straights were good back in the day,…. It all fades compared to how fast first straights are these days.
What did you think of the 2004 UCI World's in Valkenswaard?
I thought it was a well run and well attended race, where in some classes the level of racing was just amazing.
Some word association:
Helikopter Jantje:
Big , fat and dodgy these days, he must have been the guy who first got nicknamed in Holland in 1978.!!
Doping controls:
a necessity……..
UCI:
The international Cycling Union, through which BMX is in the Olympics.
Lifting weights:
A necessity as well, and it makes for some old fashioned BMX show off in a �check out my abs in a bar� contest,… as I noticed at the worlds after party.
Hi-Low move:
The best way to win a race
Fast:
Formula 1 car racing
Overrated:
Formula 1 car racing
Affro Bob:
Fastest dutchy……..a lot of hair…… and one of the few guys who knows how to ride a turn.
Cruiser class:
Huh…faster then 20�, and a way to make some extra bucks…..
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.