On Saturday Jelle van Gorkom announced that he was going to win the World Cup race in Papendal the next day. He did. It was his first World Cup win too. How's that for confidence? We caught up with Jelle to see how he felt after the race.
Congrats on your supercross win in Papendal. Your first World Cup victory? Jelle van Gorkom: Thanks Bart, yes its my first World Cup win, and in front of my family & friends makes it my best win so far!
Did you do any special preparation for this race? Jelle van Gorkom: Not really, we did what we always do before a World Cup. The only difference I noticed with the stands and VIP area is that the track is easier cause it blocks the wind better then without!
It rained hard on Saturday when you guys were supposed to have practice. Would a wet race be better for you since
you are probably more experienced racing in the wet than others? Jelle van Gorkom: I don't think so, because we never really ride this track when it rains like it did on Saturday. I prefer sunshine and no wind!
3000 people showed up in Papendal. Is that an extra motivation for you to do well? Jelle van Gorkom: Yes absolutely, I think you could see that in my riding style! The atmosphere and the whole event pushed me to another level which I'm really stoked with of course.
Going into the race you were already in 4th place in the UCI standings. Now after your victory you're leading. How does that make you feel? Jelle van Gorkom: It doesn't feel different, I want to do good every race & I'll give my 100% to win that race! But of course it feels good to see my name on top of that list.
Looks like the Meybo bike is working out for you guys too. Are you stoked to be racing on a Dutch brand? Jelle van Gorkom: Yes, I was on Meybo from 2000 to 2004. So I knew the bike, I know the people behind the brand and it feels like the circle is round now.
The world's in New Zealand are only a few weeks away. Is that your next goal? Jelle van Gorkom: The next race is always the goal, every race is new and different, and I always give everything, that is me!
By BdJ