Justin Kimmann | Interview

March 2017

Justin Kimmann | Interview

March 2017

The Kimmann name is now synonymous with BMX, not just because of exploits from lane 8 or World Champions but because the Kimmann household has two world class athletes under the one roof.  2017 will see both go head to head in the Elite ranks for the first full season … the talent pool in the Dutch Elite squad is about to get a little deeper …

We caught up with Justin Kimmann to find out a little more … his first year, his plans, his bike …

15: What’s your calendar look like for this season, where will we see you on the gate? Which event are you most looking forward too?

Justin: I will be riding some national races, 3 Nation Cups, European Rounds and the World Cups in Papendal and Zolder. Not sure yet about Argentina. I’m just really excited to race this year.

 

15: Will you still be in Jr. Men this year for the Worlds? You made the final in Colombia, right?

Justin: Yes I made the final in Colombia, Medellin last year.  I finished 8th after a mistake out of the first corner. But I will be racing Elite Men in 2017, I’m really looking forward to my first year as an elite.

 

15: Do all paths lead to Rock Hill this year?

Justin: Well, it will be my first year as a Elite rider so I don’t expect too much of myself. With so many good riders in The Netherlands it will already be difficult to qualify. It will be my goal, but I won’t focus too much on it, I just want to ride good laps and mix myself between the big guys!

15: The depth of talent in the various Dutch camps is almost overwhelming when you consider the Jr. squad, the Sr. squad and teams like TVE. The internal competition for World’s and Olympic places must be immense?

Justin: Yes, the National level is really high! I think there will be some great battles between all the Dutch riders in the next few years.

 

15: Why do you think the Netherlands produce so many talented riders?

Justin: We have a lot of tracks where the kids can practice their technique and some great facilities in our country to develop themselves when they get older. But I think we are not the only country with talented riders. It’s crazy to see younger kids all over the world on social media going off the big 8m hill and making big SX jumps.

15: The Spanish training camp looked like a lot of fun while at the same time some of the Dutch guys were stateside riding the opening two USA BMX Nationals. What’s the decision making process between who goes to the US and who goes to Spain?

Justin: Yes, our 8 days in Spain were great and it was great to race the Open Mazarron race. The Dutch Jr. squad went to Spain and the Dutch Sr. Squad went to the U.S.A for a 5-week training camp and to ride two first races of the USA BMX series (Phoenix/Oldsmar).

 

SEE THE FULL DUTCH TALENT TEAM SPANISH CAMP HERE => SPAIN 2K17

 

15: You are lucky enough to be based at Papendal, one of the world’s best training facilities  … does riding that track all the time skew your riding style to Supercross events rather than the USA BMX series for example?

Justin: Yes, it’s great to have such a great track, facilities at Papendal and the opportunity to ride a track like that almost every day. On a SX track you only need to jump basically, on a normal European track you need more manual skills etc. So I personally I like smaller tracks too to keep my skills up to date. 

15: You went to Rio with your brother and the Dutch squad, do you learn and get motivation from just being in that environment? What was the whole Rio experience like from your point of view?

Justin: I went there together with my parents and friends and it was amazing to see a event like the Olympics in real life! It was great to watch all the racing besides all the crashes, especially on the first day. After watching the Olympics BMX in Beijing and London at home, it was something different to watch someone like your brother participate in this event. It really motivates me as an athlete to set a goal to participate on this event in the upcoming years!

 

15: Are you brushing up on your Japanese?

Justin: Haha, I may take some Japanese lessons. Yes, it will be my long term goal and I am excited to start this journey with all the other Duchies who are also working towards this long term goal.

 

15: Who do we have to bribe to get you, your brother and the rest Dutch squad to come race / coach in Ireland? Until those Olympic points start racking up in a couple of years you must have some time to spare 🙂 

Justin: Haha Ireland isn’t really around the corner to go there for a day trip, and the weather won’t be a reason to go there in the winter either :P. Contact Bas or Rob and see if something is possible haha.

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Photos: Justin Kimmann | Lou Designs & Photography | Stichting Dutch BMX Race Squad | BMX Emotion