FATBMX Your Online BMX News Resource Since 1998

Edžus: It looked really big with long straights and difficult rhythm sections. But at the same time the track looked really smooth and very well prepared for the race. I liked what I saw and couldn't wait to try it out.

Do you think you got enough practice time to get used to the track?
Edžus: Yes, for me there was definitely enough time of practice. On time trial day I even ended my session 15 minutes early.

Did you manage to jump everything you wanted to jump during the first session?
Edžus: Yes. Jumped everything enough times.

How much harder is it for you to go from one at a time, to a full race of 8 people on the gate and then ride the track?
Edžus: I'm confident in myself, but I can't control the others, and that is my main fear - that someone might make a mistake or crash in front of me and take me with him. That's why in the difficult parts of the track I tried not to ride right at anyones tail, but to take a bit different line so I can easily pass the guy if he makes a mistake.

The wind definitely didn’t help with the difficulty of the track. Would it have been a different race without the wind?
Edžus: Of course it would be easier and I think with about 30% less crashes. But wind is always a factor in outdoor races so you have to be comfortable to ride even in the windy conditions with strong side winds. I usually have no problems with wind because I kind of use my own jumping technique in side wind that helps me to keep it on two wheels.

What’s your opinion on the box jump? What needs to be fixed with that thing for the 2012 Olympic track?
Edžus: The box jump would be ok if it was lower and more downhill. Now it feels like I stop when I jump on it sometimes.

How often did you crash?
Edžus: :D:D I didn't crash.

Did you wear extra safety gear at this Supercross World Cup?
Edžus: No.

39 casualties in Papendal. Do you think riders need to be selected instead of the fact that just any elite rider can buy a license and sign up for the World Cup?
Edžus: Yes! I think it's absurd that anyone can just try the track out. There were some unexperienced junior riders that were in Papendal and most of them got hurt. I think that there should be certain limitations of the riders who can ride. SX should be for riders who have reached a certain level in this sport.

Do you think this Papendal track would be a lot easier to ride in two years from now?
Edžus: Definitely yes! When we first went to the Beijing track there were even more riders struggling with the track than now with Papendal track. But look at it now. For me the Beijing track seems like a SX beginners track now.

Ok, imagine you’re the track designer for the London Olympic track and you can make 3 changes to the track. What would they be?
1. Second straight two big doubles could be a bit lower (0.5m lower would already be enough
2. Box jump more downhill (so we don't stop when jump on it)
3. Need to figure out something about the wind (how to block). Because most of the riders had problems with the track just because there was a lot of side wind.

Any thanks to the sponsors or any people in particular?
Edžus: Thanks to my team - Formula Europe and to my coach Ivo.