The Road to Teza with Michael Kok

The next round of the 2014 Monster Energy TRP Distributors South African Motocross Nationals is heading to the rider favourite Teza MX track in Richards Bay next weekend (details here). We had the chance to chat to championship contender Michael Kok and get his thoughts leading up to the highly anticipated race.

How has your 2014 season been going so far?
In the beginning of the year I was on the back foot, a lot of people doubted me,questioned why I should get a ride after being off for a year and that they don’t see me shaping this year. So it’s been a tough road to where I am now. I’m only now starting to find my groove, I’ve never felt as good as I am feeling now and I feel like I can be a championship contender for the rest of the year. In the points standings I’m up there but Sacha Naude has been giving us a hiding and it’s been demoralising. But it’s all about challenges in life and how you pick yourself up and get back on your feet, and at the moment I’m coming right.

Teza is rated one of South Africa’s best tracks. What are your thoughts on the track?
Teza is one of the best tracks South Africa has at the moment, there’s up-hills, down-hills, it’s unbelievable. The vibe at the track is awesome and I’m really looking forward to it.

How are you feeling on the bike leading into this race?
In the beginning of the year I struggled with the Yamaha, I was struggling to set it up. It is a fabulous bike, don’t get me wrong, I love it but it is different from my previous bikes. I’ve had to adapt and it’s taken me a while but I’m really enjoying it now. I’ve been working on longer moto’s spending at least 40 minutes on my bike every time I go out, and now I’m working on speed. I’m looking forward to this race at Teza.

What have you been doing fitness-wise and how are you feeling going into Teza?
I had a lot of critics after Cape Town saying I wasn’t fit enough. I go out there and do my homework, I put in my 40 minute moto’s. I know I’m fit and at the moment I think my biggest competition is my head – I don’t believe I can win and that’s what I’m struggling with. I get on the gate and look at my opponents and look at the first corner and think “can I beat them?”, and I’m doubting that at the moment. I’ve had to deal with a lot of challenges but mark my words, I’m back.

You are currently only racing MX1, are you looking at racing MX 2 as well?
Definitely. The day is long in motocross and I think the guys that are racing the 2 classes have an advantage. They are warm and they know the lines.