Shana van der Vlist celebrated special success going 1-1 at EMX Women Final Round at Arnhem, in front of family, friends and supporters who all watched and cheered the young- gutsy teenager to victory, capping 2nd Overall in Championship.
In what has been most beneficial race-time for the determined KTM rider, Van der Vlist put paid to few ups and downs experienced at couple of Rounds, facing challenge head-on to race up-front, maximizing points to close gap on Red Plate leader Steffi Laier.
#188: ‘After a couple of difficult races in EMX Round 3 & 4, I was ready to do better in Arnhem. My goal for Arnhem was to get as many points as possible, to keep the chance for the European Championship title’.
‘I knew I was a lot of points behind Laier, after my less than good results at Denmark and Germany. But in motorcross there is a lot possible and I don’t give up and I was ready to fight in Arnhem’.
And fight she did. Pulling double wins on the sand-based circuit, making the Series double whammy for #188 having already banked 1-1 at EMX Women Round 2 at Vasoul, France in May.
Not only does Shana push beyond her comfort zone, this racer thinks strategically on how she wants to manage her race-craft during racing- a character trait not easily come by or read out of books.
#188: I think I really improved my starts which is very important of course. Also I got more comfortable with leading a race. Overall it was good for me to ride races and create a lot of competition rhythm’.
Competitive spirit counts for a lot, Shana proved the fact by nailing 5 Race wins and a 2nd, standing on podium 6 out of 10 races.
#188: ‘It is always important to focus on yourself, but to ride with fast girls makes you stronger and better for the future’.
And, for sure, even better when you can win in front of family and friends at home track venue- marking special moments and memories from which Shana can cherish when faced with inevitable uncertainty of racing WMX.
#188: ‘A race close to home brings for sure some extra pressure. I tried to stay calm and just have a lot of fun. There were many people on Sunday, special for me, so it was really great that I have got so much support. It was really nice that I could win both moto’s and that I could make all my sponsors, family and supporters proud’.
Now switching up preparation for WMX Round 3 at Loket end of July, Shana has more knowledge in head to clarify what needs work, where improvements can be made and when to get excited to race again.
#188: ‘There are a few points to work on, in the coming weeks. The most important, getting more comfortable on the hard pack tracks. I am really looking forward to Loket, because I do really like the track and I can’t wait for the gate to drop’.
Header Photo: Shana van der Vlist EMX Women Championship 2nd Overall Photo Credit: Niek Kamper.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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