Interview: Calvin Vlaanderen ahead of his MXGP Factory Yamaha debut

March 14, 2024

Interview: Calvin Vlaanderen ahead of his MXGP Factory Yamaha debut

The beautiful Villa La Angostura, in Argentina, is the setting for the start of the MXGP World Championship this weekend. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team – since this year led by Hans Corvers – will line up three riders in 2024: Maxime Renaux, Jago Geerts and Calvin Vlaanderen.

Before the first gate drops, we quickly ask five questions to our riders. We kick off with Calvin Vlaanderen (27). The friendly South African/Dutchman starts his first season in the Yamaha factory team.

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1. With your 27 years, you have quite a bit of experience. Are you still nervous for a World Championship start?

“Yes, indeed. It’s a good sign because it means I care. I’ve put in a lot of laps during the winter training. Finally, the real deal is coming. That’s what we work towards. I’m really looking forward to this World Championship.”

2. Are you satisfied with your preparation?

“Due to a minor injury, I’m not a hundred percent fit yet. I’ve only had one race so far. But I’m not too worried about it. There’s no need to compete in three or four races leading up to the World Championship. The championship itself is long enough. I’m happy with that one race in Lierop, where I finished second behind Herlings. I could test my Yamaha under race conditions and shake off the first-race jitters.”

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3. This is your first MXGP season in a factory team. What’s the big difference from previous years?‍

“The biggest difference is the material. We can choose whatever we want, we can make changes as we want… Additionally, there are a lot more people working in the team. It’s extremely professional.”

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4. Last season, as a privateer, you finished a commendable sixth in the World Championship. What’s your goal this year?‍

“It’s pointless to assign a specific position right now. As I said earlier: the season is very long. Staying injury-free and achieving consistency in performances are two very important aspects. I just want to be competitive in every Grand Prix.”

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5. The World Championship starts in Argentina. Is it a circuit you enjoy?

“Despite the long journey, I’m looking forward to going to Argentina. There’s always a special atmosphere in the first Grand Prix. How does the competition stand? Where do we stand ourselves? As for the circuit itself, I’m not a huge fan. It’s not technical enough for my taste, just full throttle. Just stay calm and deliver a decent result: that’s the goal.”

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Calvins latest

Sweden GP Race Report

It wasn’t the best day today. I’m feeling a little beat up after crashing yesterday so my goal for today was to finish in the top five in both races. I didn’t quite get that by going 6-5 but I ended up fifth overall so that’s not too bad. Ahead of next weekend I’ll be resting up the best I can to be ready for Arnhem. — Calvin Vlaanderen

MXGP of Flanders Race Report

This weekend was going really well until Race Two. In the first race, everything went to plan and I had a good start, kept the top two in sight and felt like I rode well for third. Then in Race Two, I tangled with someone in the first turn and then crashed at the end of lap one. I was coming through the pack well, re-passing riders I’d already passed, but then crashed again. This one bent my bars and moved my clutch lever down, and I crashed again not long after. By then I was way down the field, but I did what I could to score some points and finished up 12th. A tough weekend in the end, and now it’s on to Sweden. — Calvin Vlaanderen

Czech Republic GP Race Report

It’s been a physically tough weekend. Unfortunately, I picked up a sickness bug after Indonesia but I still came here with high expectations. I knew today would be challenging, and I didn’t have a great start in Race One, but I battled through for fifth. In the second one, I had a much better start and tried latching onto the front guys. I was able to stay third all race, and near the end, I could see Jeffrey Herlings closing in, so I dug deep, gave it everything I had, and pushed to the end to stay in third. Overall, I’m satisfied with today and happy to keep this momentum going. — Calvin Vlaanderen

Indonesia GP Race Report

“What a weekend and trip it’s been. I’m so, so happy to back things up from last weekend and be on the podium again. I put together two good races and I had to work hard for it in Race One. I could see Jorge Prado fading a little, so I put in a late-race change and got him. Then in Race Two, I put in some quick laps at the start and although I couldn’t quite hang with the leaders, I did create a nice gap behind me. So, 3-3 for third and another podium, so I’m really happy.” — Calvin Vlaanderen

West Nusa Tenggara GP Race Report

I’m so happy! It’s been a long two years since I was on the podium, and it’s taken a lot of work and sacrifices to get back up here. So, I want to say a huge thanks to the whole team and everyone around me. I’ve been close to the podium a few times this year but today I felt really good. To really battle with the front guys though, I need better starts. With the team we’ve been working hard on them, and they’ve improved a lot, but I need to be getting holeshots or at least be in the top three. Overall, I’m super-stoked to be on the box and today has been great for my confidence. — Calvin Vlaanderen

Italy GP Race Report

“It’s a little disappointing to be involved in that huge crash in Race Two as I knew my chance of an overall podium was thrown away. But I put my head down and charged all race. I found a good line out on the back of the track where I could make passes and just used it to move forward. I’m really happy with my bike, my riding and my fitness, and it was just unfortunate to start Race Two like that. I had a pretty good start and a few riders crashed in front of me and I just couldn’t avoid hitting Jorge Prado. Now it’s onto Indonesia for two back-to-back races and another shot at the podium.” — Calvin Vlaanderen

Latvia GP Race Report

“I’m happy with my riding and my speed but I’m not too happy with results. But that’s racing. I crashed twice in Race One and once in Race Two early on, so it was a challenging day to say the least. But I’m in one piece and fast so I’ll keep at it. I’m just pushing too hard early in the races as I see the guys up front creeping away and I’m rushing passes. I’m up to fifth in the championship now, but we have a lot of races to go. Obviously, it’s nice but my focus for now is to get back on the podium. I’ll be looking to fully recover ahead of next weekend in Italy, where I’ll be giving it my best shot again.” - Calvin Vlaanderen

Germany GP Race Report

The MXGP of Germany faced more adverse weather. Overnight rain transformed the previously immaculate Teutschenthal circuit, resulting in yet another wet and rutty race day. Unphased by the difficult conditions, Vlaanderen rocketed to a strong start in Race One and began picking off the riders ahead of him. After passing Glenn Coldenhoff and Tim Gajser to take second place on lap-7, the number 10 looked better than ever aboard his YZ450FM. However, a small mistake with less than three laps to go cost him the position. He, consequently, finished fourth. Fired up for more of the same in Race Two, Vlaanderen powered to another impressive start and ran up front for the opening laps. Following a quick tussle with Gasjer, the Yamaha ace settled into fourth and maintained a strong pace to the end to secure another fourth-place finish.

France GP Race Report

“It’s been a so-so weekend for me here in France. Obviously, the results are not what I want – my goal coming into the weekend was to be closer to the podium. I think my speed was good here all weekend but unfortunately, I didn’t get a great start in the first race and it’s really difficult to pass on this track. In the second race, with all the rain, it was more like survival out there and I didn’t want to take any risks. I finished eighth in Race Two for seventh overall, which isn’t where I want to be.” — Calvin Vlaanderen

Galicia GP Race Report

“Today has been really good. The goal coming in was two top fives and I was quite close to that. Race One was great and I rode really well, fought hard, and maintained my pace. I just focused on myself and it all paid off so I was happy with that one. With a result like that though, the aim is to then get on the overall podium. I took the holeshot so that helped massively and then I just gave it everything I had. But about 20 mins in, fatigue set in, which I think was from pushing too hard in Race One and also from being sick during the week, and the mistakes crept in. I tipped over as well and ended up seventh. So that was a little frustrating but I’ve been really happy with my riding and my speed this weekend.” — Calvin Vlaanderen

Calvin P3 in the Dutch Masters of Motocross 2024 championship

Last weekend Calvin raced the final round of the Dutch Masters of Motocross in Markelo. Two solid motos made him finish two times third for third overall in the 2024 championship.

Trentino GP Race Report

“I’m definitely happy with my results this weekend! I was fast all weekend. First in Free Practice, third in Timed Practice, and then again today, I had good speed. I’m really happy with the steps we’ve been making, and it was nice to show the result of all the hard work in Race Two. We’re getting better and better, and I’m motivated for more, but first I’ll get some rest before we line-up again for round five.”

Sardegna GP Race Report

“I’m a little disappointed about my weekend. I always come here with high expectations after winning here in the past. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially as the track was really rough and the weather was really hot, but it was the same for everyone out there. It was a pity about my crash in race one as it pushed me back a lot and I lost my rhythm. For race two, I just wanted to hit my marks and ride consistent laps and that’s what I did. I’m scoring good points every weekend and that’s really important so now it’s on to Trentino next weekend.”

Spain GP Race Report

“Honestly, it was quite a challenging weekend despite the good results. Yesterday, I didn’t ride great, but I was able to turn it around today. The intensity at the start of each race is really high early on, and I just need to be a little more aggressive. My second race was really good. I had a strong start and then rode like I know I can, so that’s encouraging as we head to Riola Sardo for the next GP.”

Interview: Calvin Vlaanderen ahead of his MXGP Factory Yamaha debut

The beautiful Villa La Angostura, in Argentina, is the setting for the start of the MXGP World Championship this weekend. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team – since this year led by Hans Corvers – will line up three riders in 2024: Maxime Renaux, Jago Geerts and Calvin Vlaanderen.

CV10 kicks off the 2024 season at MXGP of Argentina

As a rider who thrives on challenges and embraces the thrill of competition, stepping onto the track at the MXGP season opener in Argentina was a moment filled with anticipation and excitement. With every twist of the throttle and every leap over the jumps, I aimed to push my limits and showcase my passion for motocross. Despite facing formidable opponents and navigating the unpredictable terrain of Neuquén, I approached the event with unwavering determination, ready to leave my mark on the track.