|
Sunday, 07 June 2009 09:28 |
|
|
The Dutch 20" Trial racer Rick Koekoek might still be an unknown racer to some, but that's shame on you. After an excellent start in the World Cup season, he's second in the UCI ranking in the 20" category.
An excellent time to get better acquainted with Rick by asking some questions...
MTB-live.com: You've had an excellent start during this World Cup campaign. What are your goals for the rest of this season?
RK: That's correct, the start of the season was just great for me. And goals... It's hard to predict how well you survive the winter period.
Before the season started I had the objective to remain in the top-5 of the overall World Cup ranking and going to the World Champs in Australia to be in the final there. Hopefully I can live up to my own expectations...
|
|
MTB-live.com: At this moment, you're second in the UCI ranking in the 20" category. What is stopping you to beat Ros and Comas in World Cup competitions?
RK: Correct, but - to be honest - I wasn't expecting this second position... But the season is far from over, still a lot can happen.
My season started fine, I still have the feeling I need to get organized during a competition. But that doesn't really worry me: if it's not this year, it might be the next. It's not that I don't want to, but my experience is so much less than guys like Ros and Comas. I'm just being patient, but I'm confident about it!
MTB-live.com: You're the only Dutch racer competing on a world class level! How is Trial appreciated in the Netherlands?
RK: Well, in the Netherlands it really is a small sport. People like to see it and try it out as well, it's just the sport is not getting any further at the moment.
I'm planning to invest more time for giving people the opportunity to try the sport so on a long term new riders will be popping up as well.
MTB-live.com: This year you work together with the French coach, Serge Froissart. How is that working out?
RK: Excellent! So far we have just changed some minor things, but despite the small technical changes I already have the feeling I'm riding better than before. I think there are still lots of possibilities that this partnership takes me to a higher level.
MTB-live.com: Next race scheduled is the World Cup race in France on July 3rd and 4th. How do you prepare for such a race?
RK: My trainig schedules are set up by my bike specified trainer Serge Froissart and my power trainer Jim Mccarthy.
I've never been in St François Longchamp, venue of the next World Cup! So I'm quite curious about what the French will be presenting to us....
|
|
