Calvin Vlaanderen has really stepped up his game since he became the loner ranger in the 450 factory team and is showing why factory Yamaha signed the man who won an MXGP at Riola as a privateer Yamaha rider with Gebben Van Venrooy Racing.
Vlaanderen told us about being the only man under the awning now:
“I’ve been on my own in teams the last couple years anyway with Gebben so I’m kind of used to it. Also, with Honda I was the only MX2 rider there so I’m kind of used to being the only guy.
“In one way it’s nice because a lot of the focus and attention is on me but on other way – there’s pros and cons to it obviously. There’s a lot more pressure from Yamaha itself because I’m the only 450cc guy riding but I don’t really feel the pressure to be honest. I like having the attention and I’m enjoying it.”
And the Dutch South African says he is also getting back to his best form after a broken collarbone just before the start of the season!
“I had a really good winter, I was training together with Maxime Renaux and the week before Riola the Italian preseason race, I had a crash. I broke my collarbone, so I had to take a couple weeks off. It wasn’t the best time, but it was good that I still had my preseason work done. Physically I was strong, and I just missed a couple weeks off the bike, so Argentina was tough and I knew that I was a little bit behind. It’s showing now that it’s getting better every week.”
Meanwhile, Thibault Benistant is starting to show the form that saw him be the only man to run with Vialle and Geerts when they set an elite pace back in 2022!
Get the inside story of their weekend below:
