Rick Elzinga – Pushing for a Podium

Heading into this weekend’s MXGP of The Netherlands, local rider Rick Elzinga of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team will be fired up to get on the podium. The Dutch rider, who sits in 10^th place in the MX2 Championship is coming off two solid performances in the last two rounds of the World Championship in Scandinavia.

In Sweden last weekend, he put together his best race of the year and in race one, but then struggled somewhat in the second race. Unfortunately, he came very close to making the podium and no doubt, he will have one eye on the box in Arnhem this coming weekend.

“I had a good weekend,” Elzinga said. “In the first race, I just missed out on getting the holeshot. I was third around turn one and stayed there for the whole race. I think I could have ridden a little bit better if I was more relaxed rather than thinking about saving P.3, but it’s still a personal best, so I am happy with that. In the second race, I don’t know what I did. I think it was the worst start of my life. I pushed hard to come back, even though I had problems with my goggles, pretty much straight away and it was very difficult to make passes. I finished on the same points as third, so I was really close to the podium, but there are still plenty of chances left to get there, and I am really happy with the progress I am making.”

At the Grand Prix of Finland, it was another strong performance with sixth overall and again, his day was mixed with good and bad starts, but the most important element of his weekend was that he had the speed of the top riders.

"A nice result. I keep taking steps forwards. I was however ill all week, including fever. I felt it at the end of the first moto, when I had no energy left. Although, after a bad start – too much wheelspin – I managed to move forwards. The second moto was much better: a solid start, and I quickly came up to P2. I managed to keep up in front and my lap times were good. I’m really happy about that. The gap to the winner was a lot smaller than usual. Just keep working hard and then I’ll see what is still possible this season."

So, now, onto his home Grand Prix and with a massive crowd expected and perfect weather, wouldn’t it make for a perfect home-coming if he can finish on the podium for the first time in his rather young Grand Prix career.

Photo Credit: Full Spectrum