Which stop was the most challenging for you, and why?
Michelle: I think France was the most challenging. The new second straight is really cool, but it was also a real challenge to jump it and ride it clean
Racing at Papendal must have been special as your home round. How did it feel to race—and win—in front of a Dutch crowd?
Michelle: Yes, it’s always great to race at Papendal I really like that track. But winning there, with my family and friends in the stands, made it really special
What were the key factors behind your consistency across six rounds this season?
Michelle: The key factors were staying disciplined in my preparation, keeping focus each round, and enjoying the process without putting too much pressure on myself.
As a U23 rider, how do you see this title preparing you for the step up to the Elite Women’s category in the future?
Michelle: This title really motivates me to keep working hard and aim for the same success in the Elite Women’s category in the coming years.
Can you share a bit about your training routine and what aspects you focused on most to peak for this World Cup season?
Michelle: I focused on gym sessions, sprint sessions, and track sessions, fully committing to these areas to peak for the UCI World Cup season.
BMX Racing is both physically and mentally demanding—how do you handle the pressure of back-to-back race days?
Michelle: I don’t focus too much on winning, I just try to enjoy racing and have fun.
What are your goals looking ahead: is the focus already shifting to the World Championships or eventually to the Olympic Games?
Michelle: My biggest goal is definitely to compete at the Olympic Games, but of course I also really want to compete at the UCI World Championships in the Elite Women’s category
Pics by Danny Relouw
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.