How has your 2010 season been so far? Raymon: I’m pretty happy to be the 2010 Dutch National and European Champion, but that’s not my main goal… I rode my first Elite Men World Championship final in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa a month ago, so that’s a big step in the right direction. Now it’s time to focus at the last 2 UCI BMX Supercross races, and try to get on the podium.
With two World Cup races coming up, are you still training for those, to get the best result possible?
Raymon: Yeah for sure. These are the races where we need to get points for the Olympics and like I sad: I want to get on the podium.
What's the SX training facility like at Papendal? Raymon: They still have to start building the new track and starting hill. I just saw some drawings, so it’s hard to say… But I think it’s gonna be awesome and the best thing we can wish to train on as BMX racers!
Do you think it helps a lot to be able to practice on a SX starting hill? Raymon: Of course! because it’s a lot different than riding a normal track. With this 8m high starting ramp, you increase much more speed in a very short time. You have to be prepared for that, cause it takes a lot of time to get used to!
After the BMX season is over, are you going to ride the Stoppelcross series in 2010? Raymon: Yes, that’s the plan. APS is tuning my pitbike right now, and it should be ready in a few weeks. So I’m exited to ride again. My little brother and me will also ride the Pitbike class, during the Indoor Supercross in Hardenberg again at November 27th.
It looks like you've got your bike ready for it. What class are you riding and who are your main (BMX) competitors in this class?
Raymon: Unfortunately there is no pitbike class, so I have to race against disabled scooters and the old Kreidler motors… Most of them are way faster, cause it’s easier to handle a big bike at the sandy tracks! I’m not sure who’s gonna race this year, but my little brother will be my main competitor for sure! 
What's up with that fast 121 car you had on display in Valkenswaard? Raymon: Haha, you’re not the first one who ask me about this car… Unfortunately it’s not mine, but it belongs to my sponsor Geross. He asked me if I would like to drive it with my name and career number on it during the European rounds in Holland earlier this year. Of course I said yes right away, cause it was a great eye catcher and awesome to drive in!
Will the Dutch national team be riding Redline bikes again in 2011? Raymon: I’m not 100% sure, but I really hope so! I like this bike a lot and I never had any problems with it. The 2011 Redline Flight also looks awesome again with this new makeover, so hopefully we stay on this bike next year also!
Now that there is a mechanic at the main races, do you still work on your own BMX bike? Raymon: Yes for sure! I like to work on my own bike… It’s very important to me that my bike is clean every time I ride it. So I put quiet a lot off work in it.
How often do you change tires, grips and sprockets/chains?
Raymon: It depends on how much I use my bike, cause I’m using my older bike during training sessions… Let’s say I change my tires and chain 3 or 4 times a year. My grips and sprockets 2 or 3 times a year…
What parts on your bike last a full season? Raymon: I never had any problems with the main parts: frame, fork, cranks, wheels, bar, seat post, brake. I can ride those parts a hole season long if I don’t crash…
How much training do you do per week (on average)? Raymon: 22 hours a week
Is your focus already on the 2012 Olympic Games in London?
Raymon: Yes, that's my goal! Thinking about it every day…
Will you set the fastest time on that track as well?
Raymon: I will try for sure…
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.