Lynn Valk says “‘I feel ready for Arnhem”‘ heading into Round 6 of the Women’s Motocross World Championship on August 18. Currently standing P4 overall on 166 points, Lynn commands utmost self-confidence on delivering the best possible performance in front of home crowd fans who will be cheering track-side.
Most certainly, Lynn has embraced 2024 WMX season with strength of conviction that all decisions made for improvement of physical, mental, and technical capabilities on the bike have contributed to professional and personal growth as a person and in her racing career. From moving to Germany to base her training and preparations with Schmicker Racing Team, to focusing on what to improve, what to learn, and what to enjoy, to pushing her self-belief up a notch or two when faced with handling the pressure of expectation to produce high end results.
And it has worked. Consistency of results have proved valuable in securing point standings: Round 1 in Spain – P3, Round 2 in Sardegna – P3, Round 3 in Galicia – P6, Round 4 in Germany – P4 and Round 5 in Italy – P1 pushing the Dutch rider within reach of claiming the coveted WMX Title for the first time.
The extent of Lynn’s versatility on the bike remains a strength, producing top performances on hard pack and sand – even gaining the nick-name ”Queen of the mud”‘ after winning at Maggoira in June knowing the Dutch rider has grown up riding on sandy tracks. All of which speaks volumes on the upward trajectory of Lynn’s racing career starting WMX in 2019 on a 125cc, to stepping up to race 250cc in 2020, to finishing P7 overall in 2021, P2 overall in 2022, P4 overall in 2023, and currently P4 in 2024.
As Lynn states: ”Yes Maggiora and Arnhem are two completely different tracks, but both nice. I have done a lot of sand training obviously which isn’t so difficult because here at home we have a lot of sand tracks! Preparation is going well and I feel very ready for Arnhem. The main focus is always to give my all and enjoy. Going in to the races is definitely the goal to take good starts and from there build on the moto”‘.
With competition tight, pressure will be building heading into the penultimate Round in The Netherlands next weekend – for all rider’s – no exceptions. Previous results for WMX at Arnhem in 2023 were Lynn qualifying P2, followed by 2 – 4 to stand P3 on the podium in GP classification. With additional Round in 2024, the opportunity to alter points difference will suit Lynn – who relishes rising to the challenge of racing at home and at the Final Round in Turkey on September 8.
Lynn: ‘”Yes the pressure is definitely on, my home GP is always definitely special so close to home. But I don’t have any stress, I know where I can be and I am ready. I’m looking forward to race in front of the home fans”‘.
Let’s wish Lynn all the best for WMX Round 6 at Arnhem, on August 18.
Header photo: Lynn Valk racing WMX 2024 Image: MXGP
Words: Sharon Cox.
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