Raymon van der Biezen: Thanks. Yes, it certainly is after 3 years of hard training! Do you think the Dutch team has a good chance to win the gold in China?
Raymon van der Biezen: It’s BMX-racing, I think there are about 24 guys at the O.G. who can win a medal! And I think we are part of those 24.
What does your program look like for the next couple of months leading up to the Olympic race? Raymon van der Biezen: I’m never satisfied when it comes to training, so I keep doing like I already did and gonna try a little harder! We also go and ride the Beijing replica track in the USA!
It looks like there are not too many races in between now and the Olympics, which ones are you going to do? Raymon van der Biezen: Maybe I race the 3rd national in Holland, that will be the only race before the Olympics, because where going to the USA for 3 weeks.
Are you going to play it safe from now on towards the big race or does the coach have some serious riding training on the program for the upcoming weeks?
Raymon van der Biezen: like I said we are going to the Beijing replica track for some serious training. As far as playing it save, If you want to play it save, don’t ride BMX… because this sport always has some risks to it. I’m not going to try some stupid stuff though and risk even more if that’s what you mean.
Is the whole team selection still active now that some of them know they are not going to Beijing? Raymon van der Biezen: I think the most of them are chilling right now, after 3 years of hard training! They will pick up a specific non-Olympic program soon.
Has the media hype already started now that they know that you are going to be part of the 2008 Olympic Games? Raymon van der Biezen: Yes, some newspapers and TV called me a few times! That’s great for me and for BMX as well!
How do you handle the pressure when you know everyone is watching when you climb up that starting hill for the first race? Raymon van der Biezen: Don’t think or “Think stupid”, I will just focus on what I’m there for. I’d like to ride my bike!
Do your team mates help you out with little tips or are you competitors with the same goal and you keep your little secrets to yourself? Raymon: We’ve been a team for the last three years, and we’ve always helped each other out. And we’re not changing that because of the O.G.
Anybody you would like to thank? Raymon: My parents, girlfriend, Coach Bas de Bever, my Teammates, Strenghttrainer Jim McCarthy, NOC*NSF, my sponsors and all the people I forget to write down here.
Pics provided by Raymon
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.