Shana van der Vlist made solid performances count in 2019 Women MX World Championship finishing 5 Round Series Overalls in 5th, 8th, 5th, 7th and 5th for 6th Overall in WMX Season.
As one of the most petite riders in the Women MX World class field, Shana proved undeterred to race to her own ability nailing best finish of 4th at WMX Opening Round at Valkenswaard Race 2 earlier in the year.
Completing WMX Final Round at MXGP of Turkey, Shana makes points count on what to work on for next WMX season, and what worked well.
#188: ‘The weekend started a bit difficult. I couldn’t find my rhythm at the track in free practice. But it was already a lot better in timed practice. I was starting to feel better on the bike and I was getting more used to the track’.
‘The track was pretty difficult with a lot of deep ruts. In the first moto my start was terrible and I couldn’t find my speed. I was a bit slow at the beginning and after a few laps it was getting a little better. I finished 6th, but I wasn’t happy about my riding at all. The 2nd moto my riding was okay and I felt more comfortable. I finished 6th again, but I was more satisfied’.
With plenty of learning curves this season, Shana put in practice valuable race-time and experience gained racing EMX Women MX Championship. Gaining Round Overall wins at Vesoul, France and again at EMX Women Final Round at Arnhem in front of home crowd, fans, family and friends, Shana received boost in confidence heading into WMX Championship Rounds.
#188: ‘The best improvement this year was that I focused on pushing myself to the limit. I was used to be very tidy and I didn’t wanted to make any mistakes’.
‘This year I pushed hard to get faster and sometimes you make mistakes because of that, but that is the only way you get faster. For next year I really need to work hard to get my starts better. And the first two laps of the race, to get my rhythm faster during the race’.
Already keen to look forward to 2020 WMX season, Shana puts head down, planning, working out where to make changes, where to make improvements all the while supported by family, close friends and sponsors.
#188: ‘I have not finished the entire planning yet, but I think I want to go to Spain or Italy for sure. Last year I went to Spain a few weeks to prepare, I think that worked out pretty well. Also I will do a lot of physical training besides riding my bikes’.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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