Joyce: In my TimeTrial I lost my pedal while jumping the 2nd jump and landed on my left leg. I had multiple fractures in my tibia, an open fibula fracture and there was a lot of damage in the ankle joint. Had surgery in London where they placed 2 plates and 21 screws to put it all back together. It’s 3 months later now and I’m doing ok, still on crutches but slowly progressing so that’s good!When do you think you will be able to race again?
Joyce: I don’t know really. Think it will take at least another 3 months to get back, but I just have to wait and see how everything heals up!
A lot of members of the Dutch National BMX team are injured, or had to deal with injury in 2012. Bad luck, or is BMX racing stepping it up to the next level?Joyce: It’s BMX, injuries are part of the sport. But this year almost every member of the team has been injured, I think we haven’t raced a single race with everybody on the gate, each race someone was out. But most of the time it was just bad luck I think.
You've been racing for a long time. When did you start and who got you into the sport?Joyce: I started in 1995/1996 at the age of 5. My brother used to race so he got me into it! I was always at the races so my parents bought me a bike too when I turned 5 and since then I never stopped!
Did you ever think back then that you are now a member of the National BMX team training at Papendal and visiting the world to go race BMX races?
Joyce: At that age I was just having fun and riding my bike without thinking of the future. The first few years I was waving at the gate to my parents and was not serious at all.. But I was 5 so it was ok haha!
What's the best part about BMX?Joyce: The speed and jumping!
What sucks about BMX?
Joyce: Injuries.
What needs to be changed in BMX in your opinion?
Joyce: I like the way it is now, but I think the SX tracks have reached their level for the moment!
Do you ever ride any BMX trails? or do you prefer riding tracks?
Joyce: I prefer riding tracks. I rode some trails in the summer but it’s not really my thing.
Can you divide the importance of the following things in BMX in percentagStrength: 20
Endurance: 10
Skill: 30
Gate: 30
Luck: 10
Who do you like to ride/train with?
Joyce: My teammates or just the guys at my local track, it’s always fun to ride there!
What's your favourite track?
Joyce: I have always liked Frejus and Echichens.
Any plans for 2012?
Joyce: Getting healthy and back on the bike again.
Anyone you would like to thank?
Joyce: The Dutch National Team, my sponsors and most of all my parents!
Pics by Bart de Jong
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.