Sand track heaven

It is a country so rich in motocross tradition that you could place it inside the top ten motocross countries in the history of the sport. The Netherlands, with former world champions like Dave Strijbos, John Van den Berk, Pedro Tragter, and Jeffrey Herlings. Not to mention a long list of guys who were serious contenders amongst the world elite. Names like Gerrit Wolsink, Kees Van Der Ven, Erik Eggens, Gerard Rond, Gert Jan Van Doorn, and Marc De Reuver. All multiple GP winners and riders who finished close to becoming world champion.

What sets The Netherlands thought apart from most other countries is its love of sand. Circuits such as Lierop, Valkenswaard, Norg, Mill, Oss, Halle, Lichtenvoorde, Markelo, St Antonis and Rhenen are known as some of the toughest motocross tracks to ever be involved in the FIM Motocross World Championships.

For the Netherlands their involvement with the sport started way back in 1957 when Bill Nilsson took his AJS machine to victory in the 500cc, held at the Lichtenvoorde circuit in the east of Holland. From that moment on GP riders fought their way around these deep sand tracks.

Jeffrey Herlings the current king of Dutch motocross is of course known as the best sand rider in the world, and little wonder. He has grown up riding circuits like Lierop and Valkenswaard as a young boy. He also knows that the advantage he has is huge.

“For any rider from Holland, you know how to ride sand,” Herlings once said. “We are born on this stuff, and riding in sand is really good for your technique. I love riding at places like Lierop, or Valkenswaard.”

While the circuits are treacherous the Dutch people always bring a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to the Grand Prix series. Maybe not as wild as the British, French or Italians, the Dutch events always have a family feel, and are always well promoted.

Maarten Roos one of the organizers of the Dutch GP at Valkenswaard is the total professional, always looking for a way to make their Grand Prix a success.

“We are an organized people,” said Roos. “I think we like to do our best and make sure that everything runs well. I like to think Valkenswaard is one of the best organized events on the calendar and we are proud of riders like Herlings, De Reuver, Coldenhoff and others that give a good exposure for the sport in Holland.”

This weekend at the famous Assen TT circuit in the north of Holland the best motocross riders in the world will try and beat the sand once again. With thousands of truck-loads of white sand being brought into the circuit you can count on the Dutch tradition of deep ruts and breathe taking laps putting the Grand Prix riders through hell. Bring on yet another chapter in the tradition of the toughest motocross circuits in the world.