Marc De Reuver
Published: 18th May 2007
Author: Words by Tom Jacobs Photos by Pixelpony
Taking Aim! Dutchman Marc De Reuver's got his sights set on MX1 GP glory.
When it comes to motocross in the low countries, Belgium hugely outweighs the Netherlands in terms of talent and results but when it comes down to personality and charm the Dutch - and in particular Marc De Reuver - have their act together.
While De Reuver has undeniable star quality and is a big hit with fans everywhere but so far he's not fulfilled the high hopes he created when he burst onto the scene in 2001 claiming his first ever podium at the Dutch GP in Valkenswaard. Several injuries - some even career threatening - have marred his GP campaigns from 2002 till 2005 but last year he was able to complete a full season injury-free coming home fifth in MX2.
"In my mind I'm not holding back and I don't feel as if I have changed my riding style at all because of the injuries I have had," claims Marc. "When I'm on the bike I just want to race as hard as I can. That's all I think about. Although unconsciously it will have an effect. At least that's what my coach Johan Boonen tells me, he says my riding style is less on the limit.
"I also feel this is one of the big differences between me and guys like Christophe Pourcel or Tommy Searle. They are young and just pinning it everywhere because nothing major has happened to them yet. Previously I would have been in the top three all weekend long, during practice, qualifying and warm-up. Now I'm not that bothered anymore. Even fourth or fifth will do because only the race result matters."
Being a tall guy at 1.91 metres De Reuver has been in the smallest class for a surprisingly long time. Although his swap to MX1 was agreed with KTM for the 2006 season the Austrians decided to run Tortelli and Pichon instead when the occasion arose. "For me it was very disappointing having to compete in MX2 again as I felt ready to go to MX1. I had my mind made up. Out of loyalty to KTM I actually preferred to step up with them. I already had an offer from Yamaha in 2005.
"Anyway, it feels good to be on a 450 in the end. Obviously it's a bike you have to treat with respect but the YZ450FM feels very light and it gives you a lot of confidence. Being able to work with the Rinaldi team is a huge advantage. They work very hard for their riders and they know what it takes. It's like all the pieces of the puzzle are falling in place so making the step to MX1 won't be that hard - It's a natural evolution. I know it will suit me and I'm already acquainted with most of the competitors, except for Coppins but it was easy to get to know him since we are on the same team!
"Josh is a cool guy, he has so much determination and will power. As a person he's more introverted than me but that's okay. Coppins is clearly hired to go after the world title with Yamaha and that takes a little bit of the heat away for me."
Entering his seventh GP season the double Dutch champion almost talks like a veteran when he evaluates his years at the highest level so far. "A lot has changed actually. When you compare MX2 racing with how it was when I came up, you can't hide the fact that it was much easier back then.
"The level is a lot higher now, you just have to look at the number of riders able to win a GP. With the competition being more fierce it's extremely difficult for a big bloke like me to take on tiny guys like Cairoli. I weigh 83 kilos and they are around 65 or 70.
"I don't want to make an excuse but it forces you to ride extremely precisely and not to make any mistakes. For that reason alone MX1 should be better. Also the tracks have changed a great deal over the years, in some ways they are more technical in others they are less technical.
"Jumps are big and more technical. Already you can see there's a whole new generation like Pourcel and Cairoli who are awesome jumpers. I'm not going to put down Everts but compared to them he's a lousy jumper! I think these are exciting times for motocross because now you have all these younger riders starting to come over to MX1."
De Reuver is widely regarded as one of the best sand riders in the world. He has won GPs in the sand and he pushed the Dutch team to second during the 2004 MX des Nations at home in Lierop. On one hand the master of sand feels the noble art is no longer what it used to be but on the other hand it's no longer the only trick up his sleeve.
"With more man made obstacles being put into place in sand tracks it becomes easier to get the right timing. Guys like Pourcel and Cairoli have developed a good feeling for the sand itself but reading the natural bumps remains the hardest part. When these are replaced by artificial bumps the advantage of typical sand riders is almost being taken away.
"Luckily I'm not just a sand man like so many other Dutch riders. I feel I have made headway in many ways. I find it easier to control myself during a race and to work out a race strategy so I can push until the end. Unfortunately as you get older you find out things don't come as easy as they did. I barely used to train, nor did I watch what or when I ate. All that's well monitored now and I still have the same intensity that I used to have when I'm on the bike. When I walk away from it after a race I'm still full of adrenaline and you can't strike up a normal conversation with me for the first 15 minutes or so! That's how much I get into it."
Never afraid to express his opinion De Reuver is a welcome, fresh breeze in an environment that's becoming more and more corporately correct. At least you know when 'Calimero' is around there won't be a dull moment. When he was asked in a press conference how he would adapt from the easy-going way of Johan Boonen to the more Spartan approach of the Rinaldi's he said - "Yeah, well maybe that's what I need you know. A bit more mob style will do me good - I'm looking forward to it!"
Another classic De Reuver example came when he verbally thrashed American big mouth Mike Alessi in the Irish GP post-race press conference in 2005. Marc had won the first race and he wasn't afraid to let the world know. "I don't use words on purpose to diss people or as a way of psychological warfare. When I'm asked to I'll give my opinion, that's it. Actually I don't think I ever crossed the line because I have never been summoned by KTM nor has Yamaha told me what to or not to do."
One thing that Yamaha would ask of Marc is a little more on-track consistency. "I have to be more consistent this season. That is my number one goal but in general I will be happy if I make the top five overall. At times it drives me crazy myself and I don't know why things are not working out the way I want. I still can not believe how bad my riding was in England and during the Dutch GP. Especially at home, I think I was too focused and put too much pressure on myself.
"Some races were good though and I won the Bulgarian GP but that was not enough. However I feel lucky to have Billy MacKenzie around in MX1 - he makes me look a little better because he's even more inconsistent!"
At his own request KTM put a clause in Marc's contract - the possibility to move Stateside with them for 2003. "I don't know how that came across but unlike other riders I'm absolutely not attracted to the American way of life or even American motocross in particular. To be honest I was just interested in the money! I have closed the American route for good now. They have some great riders but others are hugely overpaid. Take Josh Hansen for instance, outdoors he wouldn't even run with the top guys in the Flemish Amateur League!"
While injuries stopped Marc from going Stateside an American connection does remain as De Reuver is represented by the American talent agency Wasserman Media Group. Jamie Dobb and Bob Moore are working closely with him. "It's good to have that kind of people around you. Take Bob, he's not just a manager, he knows what happens and he knows how a rider feels and what he needs - I'm really happy to working with them."
On the business side of the sport De Reuver states things are going good. "When they decided not to pay prize or start money any longer it was a big blow to the privateer riders. Personally it's never been an issue for me because I was a factory rider. I think that discussion is closed now.
"Youthstream is doing a good job in promoting motocross and we have quite a lot of media attention. Obviously everyone would like to earn more money but you have to face the fact that there's not enough money going around to have top wages for 30 riders. It's that simple.
"Also I can't see why some riders absolutely want to compete in GPs when they are not making any money. I know I wouldn't! If I can't earn a decent living riding motocross I would get a job and ride motocross on the side in the Flemish Amateur League - I would party in the tent on Saturday night, have fun and still earn some money."
It's 14 years since Pedro Tragter won the 125 title in 1993 - the last time Holland had a motocross world champion. After being spoiled with legends like John Van Den Berk and Dave Strijbos the dry spell is hard for the Dutch fans. Erik Eggens managed third in 2001 but all hopes are now turned to De Reuver.
While Marc hails from Amstelveen near Amsterdam his local community is about as motocross minded as London's Notting Hill. Luckily, most of the time he lives in Lommel - the heartland of European motocross with riders like Antonio Cairoli and David Philippaerts literally living down the road.
"If it wasn't for the sport I wouldn't live here because it's not a very happening place. Still for a professional motocross rider it's perfect. I remember my first race in Belgium and how nervous I was. I couldn't believe how passionate people were about motocross - waving flags and blowing air horns, hanging out in the beer tent. I like all of that. Most Dutch fans are too grounded. They prefer to stand next to the track criticising who is not performing!"
Whether fans are striking up a chat or asking for an autograph, Marc is one of the most approachable riders in the paddock. Even in cyberspace he's not afraid to mix things up on popular message boards like the American Motonews or Belgium's Mxworld. Unlike most of the visitors he does so under his very own name. "I don't like the backstabbing and people just talking trash behind my back. If you have something against me just throw it in my face - I can handle it.
"Often people just come out with the biggest nonsense I know not all is to be taken seriously but I still want to put the record straight. One of the funniest myths around is that factory riders don't have to pay a penny... So when I go to practice I fill my van up with water and when accidentally I do have to pay something I give them a Yamaha cap! Right?"
The boss man talketh - Carlo Rinaldi on Mark...
"There's no doubt Marc is a very talented rider," reckons Carlo. "His racing is inspired by instinct - just as he is in everyday life. To get to the next level he needs to be more focused on the result, the long-term result even. I think that is what sets apart good riders from champions.
"Already I feel he is maturing and making changes from when he joined us. For this year top four would be a good result, he has the speed but we all know he needs consistency. When he doesn't feel so good he still needs to push and get the points. It's not all about winning or losing. I have asked Marc to take more control.
"De Reuver shares some similarities with John Van Den Berk I think. They are both very excitable and being Dutch they talk a lot! However John was very methodical, that's probably the biggest difference. Yamaha really believes in De Reuver's potential and that's why he has a two-year contract with us."