De Dycker interview

Ken De Dycker of the 24MX Honda Racing team is very much a veteran of the MXGP series. Having raced his first GP way back in 2003 the Belgian giant knows enough about to sport to understand he is at the end of a successful career, rather than at the beginning.

The 32-year-old De Dycker, has picked up five GP wins in his career, and ridden for a handful of factory teams is coming off an injury, one that has seen him miss the first eight rounds of the championship and probably the next two or three.

We caught up with him and asked him about his injury and when we can expect him back.

Q: it’s a while back now Ken, but how did the accident happen?

De Dycker: The crash itself was quite hard and I broke my right thigh and suffered a sharp cut on my elbow. During the winter, everyone had worked very hard and we actually were on schedule.

Q: Ken, how is the injury recovering?

De Dycker: Every day it is getting better, but we need to take out two screws before I can start riding. I hope next week or so that the doctors say they can take them out. The screws are too thin to put pressure on it, so that is the reason I still struggle a bit. If will improve faster and then another month before I can ride properly.

Q: How is your condition?

De Dycker: I think physically and cycling and swimming I have taken a step forward, but then I need some weeks training on the bike before I come back. I was hoping to be back for England, but we first have to see when they take the bolts out.

Q: Obviously coming back from an injury mid-season isn’t the ideal way race such a competitive class as the MXGP class?

De Dycker: It doesn’t get easier, no, the new guys, like Gajser they are on top already and they are all close together. So coming back from doing no races it’s going to be difficult. The most important thing is I believe in myself and I know I can improve on things from the last couple of years.

Q: Have you received much support from your fans?

De Dycker: Yes, I have. I want to thank the fans and friends who have sent me messages to wish me a speedy recovery. I am sure I can come back strong. I cannot wait to show where we have worked so hard for. "

Photo: Bavo Swijgers