It is true that these tracks are gnarly, especially when you hit that first jump together with 7 other girls. You had a bad crash in Chula Vista, do you remember what happened there? Merle: No I can't remember anything from my crash. The last thing I remember is walking up on the hill and Bas was cleaning my tires after that i cant remember anything, not even my helicopter ride.. The first thing I remember was waking up in the hospital.
You’ve knocked yourself silly a few times already. Do you think it’s time for DOT approved helmets at the Supercross races?
Merle: Yeah I think it's a good idea! Lets ask UCI about that ;)
What other protection gear do you wear when you walk up the stairs of a Supercross track? Merle: I always wear a Leatt- Brace and knee pads.
A new track is being built in Papendal. How much will that benefit your training for these events?
Merle: I think it will really help us cause the SX tracks are much different to ride than normal tracks. It will help us to prepare for all the SX races and hopefully get some good scores so we can go with 3 guys and 2 girls to the olympics.
Do you think the 2012 Olympics in London are a realistic goal for you? Merle: I think it is. We are current on place 5th in the nations ranking so we need to battle out who's going from Holland.
What other Dutch girls do you think can/will help score maximum Olympic qualifying points for The Netherlands in 2011?
Merle: Maartje Hereijgers and Joyce seesing made also mains so I think it will be us three.
You travel all over the world racing BMX. Do people at school have any idea what you’re doing? Merle: Yeah they have an idea what I'm doing. I'm on a special school just for athletes so they know what it is to life for the sport 24/7 and travel all over the world for it.
Who did you look up to when you were younger?
Merle: I have always looked up to Joost Wichman (now a pro in 4x) and Shanaze Reade.
Who have taught you a lot about racing BMX? Merle: Well actually all the guys from my local bmx club. I have always rode with them and they always helped me. And ofcourse my brother because I got involved in BMX by him.
Do you enjoy the current National Team set up?
Merle: Yeah, I really enjoy it. Its great to train with whole dutch team everyday and besides training we have a lot of fun.
How many times a week do you train in the wintertime?
Merle: At the moment we are training about 18 hours a week.
What’s your local BMX club/track? Merle: Haaksbergen (European final rounds track 2011)
Any new girls following in your footsteps?
Merle: Yeah, we have a little girl in Holland called Merel Smulders. I see so many resemblance when I had her age.
“Girls week” on FATBMX. What do you think about that? Merle: I think it's a very good idea. BMX is more a men sport so they get normally more attention than girls. This is a good opportunity to have the attention on BMX Girls this week.
Do you like to thank some people out there?
Merle: I would like to thank my parents, coach Bas, the staff of the dutch team, sponsors, friends, my boyfriend Tory and my teambuddies cause they are always supporting and helping me out.
By BdJ
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.