VERBRUGGEN AND YAMAHA 125CC JUNIOR MX WORLD MOTORCYCLE CHAMPIONS
27 July 2005 - Yamaha Racing

Dennis Verbruggen reviews his 125cc Junior motocross world title

Every young rider has the dream to become world champion one day. When 17-year old Belgian Dennis Verbruggen from the Van Gerwen v/d Laar MX Team, claimed the 125cc Junior motocross world title last weekend in Jinin, Czech Republic he even became double world champion. The YZ250F mounted rider already won the 80cc Junior motocross world title in 2002 and was favourite for this year''s 125cc Junior motocross world title. Verbruggen finished runner up last year to fellow Yamaha rider Ivo Steinbergs and was keen to step up one place on the podium. Dennis won ahead of Frenchman Xavier Boog and Italian Angelo Pellegrini.

His 125cc Junior motocross world title mission accomplished Verbruggen now has his eyes set on the highly competitive 125cc European championship. With three rounds to go the Yamaha Netherlands supported rider leads the championship. We sat down with the young champ when he just arrived back home in Belgium:

It must be a relieve to win the 125cc Junior motocross world title after your second place last year?
Verbruggen: ''Absolutely, I always had this race as one of my main goals this season together with the European championship. My race in the Czech Republic was not exactly easy. I had some problems to find the right rhythm during time practice on Saturday. My start was not perfect, but I still managed to get third after the first corner and quickly climbed up to second behind local hero Michek. I wanted to pass him quickly and made a mistake that cost me a couple of seconds. To close the gap with Michek I had to push really hard and got behind him with two laps to go. I passed him and went on to take the first race. My start of the second race was a complete disaster and I got stuck in a second corner pile up. From 16th I climbed up to top five pretty easily, I was ready to attack the leaders but then I made a mistake and stalled the engine. My third place was in danger with a rider right behind me. I got a little bit stressed with the title on my mind and my riding was suffering. I came fourth in the end, enough to win the overall.''

How important do you think this title is?
Verbruggen: ''A lot of the riders who compete in the European championship were there, as well as a fast kiwi rider (Blake Gillard), an American. So the level was really high, and it''s great to win a world title because it makes people notice you. However I consider the 125cc European championship a cut above the Junior motocross world championship. You have to be the best over 10 rounds, on a variety of tracks and you have to compete against older riders as well.''

How is working with John Van Den Berk as your coach?
Verbruggen: ''It''s amazing, there''s so much that you can learn from him. He won GPs and world titles, so he certainly knows what he is talking about. Everyday there is something else I pick up on, it can be physical preparation or choosing the right lines. John is a great help and he also has the experience of working with young riders and translating his ideas.''

Can you tell us your weak and strong points as a racer?
Verbruggen: ''My strong points are my determination, not to be happy with second place. But I''m also quite realistic. A rider I really admire is Joël Smets, mainly because of his strength of character. What I need to improve on is my personality, I can be stubborn. At least I know what I need to work on!''

You are building your career gradually, not immediately jumping in the GPs. What''s your plan for next year?
Verbruggen: ''I prefer to be up to the job, when I move into GPs and I think it''s better for your motivation as well if you can come in on a good level. You also avoid unnecessary risks to try and run with the best guys if you don''t have the experience yet. For next year I expect to continue to race in the 125cc European championship and I hope to make wildcard appearance in the GPs. The plan is to be full time in the world championship for 2007.''

www.yamaha-racing.com

More News
  For July 2005
  From Yamaha Racing
  For Motocross
  Biker247.com Home Page