. jurgen van den goorbergh: w-sbk/moto gp motorcycle racing rider interviews

> DRIVER / RIDER INTERVIEWS:

I've been fortunate enough in the last almost 30 years to visit circuits and speedways around the world and in my travel I've bumped into motorcycle racers and racing car drivers from all the major world series. Here's the interviews for...
NASCAR Nextel Cup . WSBK . F1 . Champ Car / IRL Stars

Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh - WSS / W-SBK / MotoGP

jurgen van den goorbergh - - #8 Team Yamaha Italia - YZFR6
Sat down with Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh - Team Yamaha Italia in the sunshine bathing the paddock during during Friday's Practice at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit during practice day ahead of round 2 of the Superbike 2004 World Championship.

The more than jovial Dutchman offered a motorcycle newbie like me a great overview of the racing from his perspective as an ex-MotoGP, MotoCross and now Supersport World Championship rider leading Yamaha Italia's charge in the series

Where had Jurgen been as a spectator, I asked.

"I've been to Indianapolis for a running of the Indy500 and to a few F1 Grands Prix, like Nurburg, for example. I know a few of the drivers: David Coulthard, Alexander Wurtz, and we all live in Monaco, like so many drivers and riders in the top layers of motorsports do. We train together at the gym often so when I have time I'm invited to attend races."

So you've seen a lot of the world and traveled to many motorsport destinations both as a competitor and fan?

I had m first professional motor racing start in Assen in 1992 so I've had to travel a lot. It's the time difference in long distance trips that takesso much energy from a sportsman. For example, to come here to Phillip Island we arrive 3 days before the event just to account for jet lag, and this time is taken with preparations so you are physically ready for practice day. I wish we could come still sooner to Australia since the weather is beautiful always and the scenery is so nice."

Have you ever had the chance to just travel to Australia, as a tourist?

Again, not this time but I am so impressed with the place that I made a point to visit here as a tourist traveler a few years ago. I went "up north", and I went scuba diving, and did lots of great outdoors stuff. I enjoyed it very much. It was great to have the chance to escape the winter in Europe for such an adventure."

So what happens on a typical race reekend evening so that you don't get out to see the place you are visiting?

"Well, after we've gone through all the information we've gathered from practice and qualifying, it might be 7 p.m, and then you really don't want to do anything else but get a massage and rest in your hotel. The days can be long at the track.
Where to you really look forward to visiting when you look at your yearly racing schedule?

"No place in particular. I like all of them equally. I must say though that Italian fans are very motivated and motivaating for us riders so I look forward to that in places like Monza and Misano. Where we get crowds of 50 or 60,000 people there and they are all going nuts, it's pretty phenomenal!

I couldn't help myself, I'd found a Dutchman raving about how crazy Italian fans are when the Dutch are renowned for being the absolutely nuttiest and staunchest race fans in the world (rain or shine!). Are the Italians crazier than your countrymen? I asked.

Jurgen laughed, "You are correct. I almost forgot my own people and their love of the sport. Yes, they are INSANE about motorcycle racing, and all forms of motorsport. But for me when we visit Assen in the Netherlands it is still more work than usual because everyone wants to talk to the Dutch rider: Media, Fans, everyone. This makes it for a very exhausting visit home. From the morning to the evening I have obligations there. But yes, the Dutch fans are crazy!

And do you have any idols?

"In 2001 I rode for Kenny Roberts, KR, who was a huge idol of mine. This was a golder opportunity and for me a dream come true!"

And were you a bike racing fan as a kid?

As a kid I went to races with my father and brother but I could never get worked up about road bikes. That was my brother's deal. My love was for Motocross (and in many ways still is) and that's what I wanted to do. Racing bikes was a progression from the skills and achievements I made in Motocross."

What about the power and speed you have now, do you think about MotoGP or Superbikes in the future?

"I'm happy right here now, to tell you the truth. I'm coming from MotoGP, where I was for several years. Where I'm at now I'm the number 1 rider in my team and this is just about as good as it gets for my type of racer. I'm happy and I'm lucky and I have a team that has a budget that can provide the best equipment! What more could I possibly want?

I wished Jurgen all the very best with his race, the weekend, and the remainder of the 2004 season. I hope to meet with him again sometime during the European Summer for another shot of that very Dutch over brimming enthusiasm and good will of his. Good man. Thank you.

Piergiorgio Bontempi - W-SBK

Representing Suzuki on a #5 Zongshen Team - Suzuki GSX 1000R, this affable Italian says the Phillip Island Circuit is a favorite for the challenges AND the views. Read the exclusive grandprixcities Bontempi interview.

Pier Francesco Chili - W-SBK / MotoGP

What can I say? Yes, I met the legend himself. Fearless Pier Francesco Chilli says he is getting a little tired of traveling, but still looks forward to some great competition on world class circuits! I've been blessed to meet Famous Fast Folks (interviews) in my life but spending 30 minutes with Frankie was a thrill I'll never forget.

Troy Corser - W-SBK / MotoGP

Aussie motorcycle legend Troy Corser says he doesn't have time to be a tourist. He's too busy doing what he does - riding bikes!

Garry McCoy - WSBK / MotoGP

After the heartbreak of the 2003 MotoGP season, Australian legend, Gary McCoy talks, took a ride on the #24 Team XEROX Ducati, and spoke to me about the new itinerary that comes with his 2004 WSBK Ducati ride. In 2006 it was a pleasure to see him taking out the new Ilmore for another visit to Moto GP.

Jiri Mrkyvka - SS / SBK

Bike (#23 JM SBK Team - Ducati 988RS) & language problems meant for a short interveiw with the pride of the Czech Republic, Jiri Mrkyvka, but I did get a promise to follow up via an interpreter by email ASAP! INTERVIEW EVENTUALLY.

Gianluca Nannelli - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Italian racer Gianluca Nannelli who in 2003 was riding the #69 Team Pedercini Ducati, says he gets up to surf at 7am on the perfect March waters off Phillip Island, Australia. "Extra Cool!"

James Toseland - W-SBK / MotoGP

Factory Ducati whiz James Toseland reflects on his times traveling with his career. James went on to win the 2004 WSBK World Championship on his #52 Ducati Fila 999F04. Amazingly charming (and talented) individual.

Chris Vermeulen - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Young Aussie rider Chris Vermeulen is causing quite a stir, vaulting from SuperSports Champ to the front end of the big league world sbk in 2004 and onto MotoGP in 2006! Nice guy too.

Chris Walker - / W-SBK / MotoGP

When I met Chris "the Stalker" Walker he was riding the #9 Foggy Petronas FP1. He told me that his motorsport travel itinerary will include more and more "stops on the way". Read the interview.

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