BMX rider Twan van Gendt has been nominated by the KNWU to NOC*NSF to compete for the Netherlands in Japan. The reigning world champion will be given a spot after he was unable to participate in the decisive World Cup weekend in Verona due to a shoulder injury. Due to his injury, the rider of Team Oegema-Fieten still has to show that he is in good shape. This appears to be only a formality due to a very successful recovery so far. Twan can therefore prepare for his third Olympic Games.
At the beginning of May, Twan van Gendt had an unfortunate fall during the European Cup in Verona, causing his shoulder to dislocate. Additional examination revealed nothing damaged in the shoulder. The consequence was, however, that van Gendt was unable to officially meet the qualification requirement by maintaining form during the World Cup weekend in Verona. A big disappointment, as Twan was in good shape and set several records in training.
The KNWU has appointed Twan for one of the three Dutch places in the Elite Men class. Niek Kimmann and Joris Harmsen also deserved a ticket. Laura and Merel Smulders qualify for the ladies, as does Judy Baauw.
BMX world champion Twan van Gendt now has his own replica of Tokyo's Olympic BMX track. In Ammerzoden, where he made his first meters on the BMX as a 4-year-old, Twan built an identical part of the Olympic track together with Red Bull. Twan van Gendt became world champion in Belgium last year, because he left all his competitors behind from the start. That was because he could often train on the track at the time. To have a chance to win a gold medal in Tokyo at the Olympic Games, Twan actually wanted this again: “I know I have to make the difference at the start and the first two jumps, that's my strength. And when Red Bull asked me how they could help me, I said: with my start. Together we came up with the idea of rebuilding this track, so that I can perfect that first part in the coming months. ”
BMX'er Twan van Gendt kende in 2019 een bewogen jaar. Hij stapte over naar een nieuw team en kende een lastige start van het seizoen. Twan draaide het eigenhandig om en kroonde zichzelf tot wereldkampioen BMX. En toen kwam 2020. Het jaar van corona, maar ook van zijn 'zwaarste blessure uit zijn leven'. Lukt het Twan om samen met zijn nieuwe vriendin Puck Moonen terug te komen op het hoogste podium?
Name: Twan van Gendt
Sponsors: Redbull, N.Adriaanse transport, Team Oegema TVE, Meybo bikes, Shimano, HT components, Tubolito, Vee tire, Van Tilburg Bastianen group, LSKD.
How does it feel to have a special paint job on your bike?
Twan van Gendt: It feels amazing when a long term sponsor who already tries to be ahead of the field by giving us custom fixed rear end bikes comes up with the idea to paint a bike with a gold-plated logo and surprise me with it at Eurobike. Thanks again guys!
Do you always run the same gearing?
Twan van Gendt: I think these days, I'm not the only one anymore who tries some different setups on different tracks. Mostly I'm changing my my gear cause it's too big to get 4.5 cranks in before getting compressed at the bottom of the ramp.
What is the geometry and length of your frame?
Twan van Gendt: Honestly, no clue what the sizes are of my Meybo XXXL. I only know my back end of the bike: 15.5", the other dimensions I looked up for you: Top tube is 22.24" and down tube is 22.77".
Do you think you're missing out not riding a carbon frame?
Just before the start of the BMX season, Twan van Gendt suffered a serious hand injury. The current world champion BMX dislocated a bone in his hand during strength training, causing damage to a number of nerves in his hand. Van Gendt is expected to be out of contention for eight to twelve weeks. "A huge setback," said the 27-year-old from Brabant. "I am currently in excellent form, and was ready for the first World Cup races. That this happens during the final strength training in the preparation is worthless. "
"It will be a race against the clock to get fit again on time and to qualify for the Olympic Games. But if I am motivated by something, then it is "making the impossible possible. All focus is now on the process to recover and get fit again. "
In 2018, Van Gendt made the switch from the national team to Team Oegema TVE. He surprised everyone by winning gold at the BMX 2019 World Cup in Zolder, Belgium. After participating in the Olympic Games in London (2012) and Rio (2016), the BMX rider now goes for a title in Tokyo. Twan is currently 2nd in the internal ranking of the Netherlands. The 3 best ranked riders per country count towards the country ranking and the best 2 countries of that ranking place 3 riders for Tokyo. The Netherlands is currently 1st, but misses 1 river to score points due to Twan's injury. France is the biggest competitor, however, also has 1 injured athlete so that the difference will not increase very quickly.
BMX Rider Twan van Gendt changes direction completely in an attempt to reach his ultimate goal, becoming World Champion. Twan van Gendt was just four-years-old when he got the BMX bug.
Name: Twan van Gendt
Sponsors: Red Bull, Meybo, TB Volkswagen, Adriaanse transport, NOC NSF, KNWU, Tioga, Box Components, About You.
Mechanic: Willie Meyer and Choco LEO
How long have you been riding the frame that you are currently on?
Twan van Gendt: I’m riding my current frame for like 2 months now and it still feels really stiff.
Do you experiment much with geometry/size of your frame, stem, bars?
Elite Men:
1. Niek Kimmann
2. Joris Harmsen
3. Twan Van Gendt
4. Yoshitaku Nagasako
5. Kristens Krigers
6. Dave Van Der Burg
7. Curtis Manaton
Name: Twan van Gendt
Number in Rio: 148
Country: The Netherlands
Result: 5th in semi
How tough was the competition in your country to get a spot on the Olympic team for Rio?
Twan van Gendt: Well it was pretty tough. Jelle and I where the first nominated but due a lot of injuries I almost missed out on the Olympics. Making the main at the World Championships saved and secured my spot for the Olympics
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.