To make a story short, I am extremely happy that I made that choice 4 years ago for my road to London. Unfortunately due to my injuries from last months, I have no other choice than to stop my active racing career from today in order to heal my body which enables me to look forward to a new challenge with a healthy physique. Tough but true, unfortunately do dreams not always come true, but I have done everything in my power to live this dream, but on the other it also gives me a peace of mind.
Topsport is hard with winners and losers, persons where it comes relatively easy, while others need to give all they have to be able to make it to the top. Last years have been with ups and downs, really nice and unforgettable moments on European races, World Championships and World Cups but also disappointing and painful moments. But this is BMX racing!
I do not want to go too far back in time although I would like to explain you my decision to stop with my active racing career. The year 2011 was a difficult year from start until end. I trained extremely hard in winter which resulted that I started the season physically tired and later even showed me to be overtrained. Therefore I decided to take some rest and by August things were looking good again. Unfortunately was this only for a short while as in September I suffered a big crash at Papendal where I broke my heel badly in several places.
After the operation I was already training fairly quickly with only 1 goal in my mind; 2012 Olympic Games London. My recovery also went with ups and downs and been waking up every day with the hope that the pain would be gone or at least less, however up to this moment the pain is still present every minute of the day.
This year where were 4 big races marked in my agenda with the goal to get that Olympic ticket to London; Chula Vista (USA), Randaberg (Norway), Papendal (NL) and the World Championships in Manchester (UK). In Chula Vista I did not qualify for the race, due to various reasons. With all my hope and determination I tried to qualify for Randaberg and reach a part of the NOC*NSF ticket. Even though I had a decent time trial, my injury was just too restricting and made me loose too much power. After the race, many things went through my mind and a lot of thoughts run through the brain, where together with my coach Bas de Bever we have looked at the chances to make it still to London. In all honesty and looking at it realistic, we both realised that this chance is theoretically is still possible but practical nihil, with most influencil reason, the injury to my foot.
Last days have been an emotional roller coaster with good and bad feelings, where also at this moment writing this letter to you, many things again go through my mind but I still stand behind my decision and I will always love the sport that has been my life for that last 21 years and where all my passion, time, energy and love has gone into.
Herewith I would like to thank everyone that has helped me throughout my career in particular my parents, little brother and girlfriend. Without them I would have never achieved what I have built up. Special thanks go also out to my coach Bas de Bever, who was my trainer and coach in the last 10 years. I experienced a fantastic time which I will keep with me for the rest of my life. Many thanks and I am sure we will be in touch.
-Sander Bisseling
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.