It was a weekend that young Dutch talent, Kash van Hamond will remember for the rest of his life. Not only getting to race a home round of the Junior World Championship at his home country but he was able to clinch the 65cc Junior world title in front of his home crowd. A dream.
This weekend, the youngster heads to Loket to contest the EMX65 title – can he make it a dream week and win two titles?
We caught up with Hamond to discuss his weekend and more…
GateDrop: Kash, wow what a weekend for you in Heerde. How did it feel to cross the line in the second moto knowing you were the new 65cc Junior World Champion and how does it feel a few days later? I think you’ll never forget this day!
Van Hamond: This has been my dream since I was a little boy. I guess it’s the dream for all of us MX racers. When I saw the checkered flag, I was so happy because I was exhausted from all the tension. The feeling was indescribable. I saw my whole team standing there and could barely breathe. When my mum took off my helmet, I was so emotional and couldn’t believe what just happened. Yesterday I had a few interviews with newspapers and today normal life begins again. Feet on the ground!
GateDrop: To win the title in front of a home crowd cheering you on, that must have made it even special? What was the atmosphere like with the fans getting behind you and have you experienced that before?
Van Hamond: This was my first time with SO many people cheering for me. Normally we have our own group of people following and cheering for me. But this was not normal… the whole crowd went crazy! If I look at my YouTube video (online later this week), I still get goosebumps seeing and hearing the crowd. Thanks Dutchies!
GateDrop: The Netherlands also dominated the Nations classification. It must have been amazing to stand up on that top step of the podium and share that with your teammates who are probably good friends?
Van Hamond: Yeah, we have an amazing group of riders in the Dutch selection. We are all good friends and support each other. They all did very well…
GateDrop: Can you talk me through both of your moto’s? Both starts weren’t actually that good but you had no problems making fast passes!
Van Hamond: My starts are not so good. Marc and I were trying to improve on that one. I don’t know what it is, but a bad start has never stopped me from getting to the front. It’s difficult with all those top riders to pass them and ride to the front, but this weekend luck was also a bit on my side. First moto I was satisfied with a second place, but I wanted to win the second moto so bad. When I was chasing Verhoeven I saw him making a mistake and I thought It’s HAMMERTIME! Those minutes felt like hours!
GateDrop: How did you find the Heerde track? It was deep and I am sure you love those conditions being born in the sand!
Van Hamond: I love the really sandy tracks. The deeper and rougher the better. I also like hard pack, but not as much as I like sand.
GateDrop: Marc de Reuver was involved in the Dutch team, what was it like having him in your corner for the event and the build up?
Van Hamond: Marc has been my trainer for a while now and it’s always a lot of fun. Thankful for having him on my team. You should see his new tattoo on his arm (laughs).
GateDrop: Kay de Wolf was also genuinely buzzing for you which is great to see. What is it like seeing a GP superstar being so happy for you?
Van Hamond: Yeah I saw a cool picture of that. Where they were telling me to slow down and P2 is OK. Super feeling to see him supporting me. I have known him already since I was a little boy. Amazing what he has achieved so far.
GateDrop: Which rider(s) do you look up to in the sport and why?
Van Hamond: I have a lot where I look up to: Gajser, Sexton, Deegan, Jett Lawrence and Kay de Wolf. They go fast and have amazing racing skills.
GateDrop: Loket this weekend, being Dutch you are very comfortable in sand but how do you find the slick hard pack conditions? Are you looking forward to riding the old school GP track?
Van Hamond: I also love hard pack. Last year I had 2 DNF. So, my goal is to enjoy the race from start to finish.
GateDrop: What are your goals for Loket this weekend?
Van Hamond: Poeh, that’s a good one. Our main goal is always have fun and keep pushing till the finish. I will do my best and try to get on the podium.
GateDrop: Any plans for next year yet, I guess you’ll be moving up to the 85cc?
Van Hamond: Yeah, after next weekend we have a holiday break and I will start training on the 85cc. My 65cc champion bike gets a nice place on the wall!
