Twan van Gendt interview. By BdJ

Oct 20, 2011

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 6789 times

Name: Twan van Gendt
Age: 19
Hometown: Velddriel - Holland
Sponsors: Adriaanse Transport Raamsdonksveer

How do you feel about your first year as an Elite rider mixing it up with the best BMX riders out there?
Twan: I feel great as a first-year elite rider! No pressure and

the only thing you have to do is try to beat the big boys! Of course sometimes it’s hard because it’s a tough class!

When you’re on the gate with the Elite riders of today, do you get intimidated by riders such as Maris Strombergs, David Herman and all the big boys?
Twan: I don’t know intimidated is the right word for me. I think I’m proud I can stand between those guys. Because I’m training hard for it every day and when I am between those big boys the only thing I’m thinking of is: “I’m proud to be here and standing right next to them”. And of course I want to be one of them in the future.

For instance in the semi at the recent race in Chula Vista, you had some strong competition on the gate. How do you prepare for a race like that mentally?
Twan: I prepared myself with the confidents that I got from the time trail the day before. And I know of myself if I do a good lap, I will get the chance to be in the top four!

You’ve been doing really well and found a place in the Elite class. Can you explain how much work goes into reaching that point, where you can race with the best riders out there?
Twan: Yes of course. I’m a member of the Dutch National Team now for the last 2 years. We are training together almost every day. I needed the first year to get used to Supercross and it’s going better every race since. That is a great feeling. I like working hard for it every day and every

time I get on my bike I’m motivated for 110%. I’m going for it every lap I ride and every jump I take, in training and races. Every time I’m out there on the track I have fun and I want to be faster than the last time!

Team Holland has quite some fast riders. How much does being part of a good team help with getting better as a rider?
Twan: It helps me a lot! The first year I came in the team, there was a big gap between me and the rest of the team. But it also was an advantage because I could chase them every training! Sometimes I wanted too much and then it was hard for me but I closed the gap quite a bit the last year and I think the formation that Bas [de Bever] has putted together here in Holland makes us stronger every training!

Who has given you some good advice in 2011?
Twan: Our coach Bas de Bever helped me a lot and my teammates are always ready to give me good advice!

The Supercross tracks have some big jumps. Are you scared of the big gaps?
Twan: The first time I rode on a Supercross track I wasn’t but after a hard crash in Madrid 2010 I had a hard time to get my confidence back. And on that moment I was sometimes. But not anymore! I like the tracks.

Do you like racing on traditional BMX tracks better or do you prefer the SX races?
Twan: If I’m honest no, it doesn’t matter to me that much. If it’s a good traditional track I like it a lot!! But Supercross is still kind of new for me and therefore always exciting

A lot of your team mates got injured this year. Did you have any injuries in 2011?
Twan: Uuh no… not really. I had some crashes but with no serious injuries. I crashed a few times on Papendal in training and a few times in racing but nothing big.

Being a BMX racer at top level you get to go to a lot of places. What are some of the countries you traveled to in 2011?
Twan: That’s a good one! I’ve been in a lot of places and countries (Great Britain, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, etc) but I like South Africa and California (USA) the most.

The goal for everyone are the 2012 Olympic Games. What are your chances of going there to race?
Twan: Chances? I will go for it! Qualifications in Holland is tough but for now I have a half nomination after Chula Vista. I still need one main final to get a full nomination.

Will The Netherlands be able to send 3 guys to the Games you think?
Twan: We are currently ranked 5th in the Nation Ranking and based on that ranking it is possible. And I think - if no one is getting seriously injured - we can hold this position so that we are allowed to send 3 guys to the Olympics.

Last words/thanks to: I want to thank every one who supported me this year. I had a great time in 2011 and I learned a lot. Train hard, work hard. I will do that too! See you in 2012.