RV717 #UNRETIREMENT

Regarded as one of the most successful South African motocross racers, Richie van der Westhuizen announced his retirement in 2013. He decided to return to racing at the start of the 2016 season.
We caught up with the 12 time national champ to bring you #UnRetirement – a video and interview feature:

Hint: Watch in HD

Name: Richie van der Westhuizen

Age: 30

Class: MX1, and E2

Years racing: 25 years [laughs]

Championships: 12 National

Bike setup: Husqvarna FC450, and Husqvarna TC300

Sponsors: ABE Midas Husqvarna, BelRay, FMF, Pirelli, Prepsol, 32Gi, Metzeller, Portable Shade, Hyde, FOX, Oakley, Leatt, CTi, DC Shoes, Racestong Training and Racestar Graffix

We’re half way through 2016 and the racing season. What’s going on in the life of Richie van der Westhuizen?
A lot [laughs]. Between Racestar Graffix, training, racing MX and Enduro my life is pretty hectic, but I love it, wouldn’t have it any other way.

You announced your retirement at the end of the 2013 season. What was going through your mind then and why did you make that decision?
I was just tired. 2013 was an awesome year for me racing-wise, actually from 2012, doing Des Nations and having the best year of my life racing the next year. I was just exhausted. I honestly thought I was done, like I had enough.

You then concentrated on the Enduro side of things. How was the transition from MX to Enduro?
Extremely tough. I did the Roof in 2011, which was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, so I knew I was in for a bumpy ride. It’s so unnatural for an MX rider to go into the rocks, its very difficult. Last year was tough, I was always hurting myself and results were nothing to write home about, so yeah, was very tough. It still is [laughs].

In 2015 you announced that you’d be returning to Motocross in 2016 onboard the Husqvarna. Why did you decide to make the comeback?
I missed it a lot. When I retired so many people said I would be back, and I said I wont. So, I’ve eaten my words properly [laughs]. I just missed it, nothing compares to it. It’s the best sport in the world, it’s humbling, frustrating, difficult, yet so rewarding. I love MX. ABE Midas Husqvarna gave me an awesome opportunity and I thought, one life, lets do it!

What was the response like from the industry when you made the announcement?
It was good I guess. I had a lot of positive feedback; lots of people were so amped, yet some were sort of, like why? I think some people don’t, and didn’t like it, but at the end of the day I love racing my dirt bike, I love riding and just getting better at anything I do. So here I am, racing again and having an amazing time doing it.

You’re still competing in Enduro series’ and doing quite well. What’s it like juggling between the two disciplines?
Thank you. It’s a huge challenge. MX is just so intense. Although specials in national Enduro are insane, and I am pushing as hard as I can, nothing quite compares to racing SA’s best around a gnarly MX track. Trying to find a balance in Enduro is just as hard. Some specials are quite long, so it’s tricky to pin it and stay focused on that stuff. It’s like doing sprint laps with rocks and hills thrown in.

Coming into the 2016 MX season, after being off for 2 years, what were your expectations?
Absolutely none. I have my own goals and place where I want to be, but these guys are the best in SA. They’ve been at it for the last 2 years while I’ve been doing nothing, so for me to think I would just slip in would be crazy. The pace is really good at the moment.

What was your biggest realisation after racing the opening round?
Just how tough, and intense MX is. My intensity would just wear off after 10min and even though I feel fit and I train hard, the intensity was just crazy. Its been something I’ve been working hard on. The tracks have also been pretty rough. When ridding MX last over the last 2 years, all I’ve ridden are nice, smooth tracks.

Being out of the racing scene for 2 years, how much had changed and what have you had to do to regroup?
When I retired I went straight to the gym and put on a couple of Kgs of muscle. So when I got back into racing, I had to lean out and work on cardio. Also nothing compares to racing, I was so nervous at my first MX race back, it was awesome [laughs].

Where do you feel your speed sits after 4 rounds of the 2016 season?
I feel my speed is pretty good. My times have been good, just keeping my speed for 20 minutes has been my biggest problem.

What are you goals for the rest of the season and where do you see yourself finishing in the championship?
I would really like to get a win, so obviously that’s the goal. But like I said, the pace is insane. I’ll have to be on the gas to get a W before the season is over. Championship-wise I’m lying 4th I think. The top 4-5 are relatively close in points so anything can happen I believe. I’m just focusing on myself and we will see what happens at the end of the year.

Who is your main competition, and what’s it going to take to beat them?
There are many fast guys, Sacha Naude, Kerim Fitz-Gerald, Anthony Raynard, David Goosen, (Neville Bradshaw who missed the last round), Wesley du Plooy, Ross Branch, Wyatt Avis. There are many guys that are capable of winning, probably some guys I’ve missed too. To beat them will take a good start, strong laps and an intensity that can push me through the whole moto. That’s what we working towards.

You’re riding the all-new Husqvarna FC 450. How would you compare the bike to other brands you’ve raced in the past?
I think every year the bikes just get better. I’m only riding the 450 and this thing is an absolute beast! Building up strength to ride it fast is the biggest thing, and suspension. The guys at ABE Midas Husqvarna have given me an awesome setup, and the bike is amazing to ride. It’s very fast, and so light. It’s easy to throw around and I have a lot of fun on it.

What does the sport of Motocross mean to you?
It’s bliss to me. When I get on the bike it’s me, the track and no worries, just working on myself to be better and faster. It brings me a lot of joy and I love it. I love riding my bike!

How do you see the sport in the country at the moment, and what would you change to make it grow?
Seeing crowds like we did at the Syringa National was amazing. I feel that the numbers could be a lot better but in saying that, it’s growing. MXSA are trying their best to grow the sport and it shows. There are a lot of cool things happening in the sport with some good talent coming through, so I think we are in a good space. I’d love to see MX1 and MX2 like they run in the US, two proper practice and qualifying sessions, with two long motos. I’d like bigger tracks (like Bloem) with big, safe jumps and over 2min lap-times. I’d like deeply ripped tracks with lots of ruts and choice. This is all talk, but I think that’s what id like to see. SA has such talent, and maybe with this we could bridge the gap a little with going overseas. And of course I’d love to see more money in the sport.

The feeling of riding/ racing a dirt bike. How would you best put it into words?
[Laughs] I don’t think I can. What can you compare it to? I am happiest when I’m railing on a dirt bike. Bliss… that sounds about right.

What does your weekly training regime consist of?
I do lots of cross training, gym, running, rowing, spinning, riding MX and Enduro. I’m enjoying my training more than ever, so any excuse to be in the gym and I’m there.

2016 is obviously a regroup season for you. What are your plans for 2017?
Plans for now are to race MX and Enduro for ABE Midas Husqvarna again, so my focus will be on those like this year.

When do you think you’ll actually retire from racing MX?
[Laughs] I can’t answer that, last time I did, I ate my words. I’ll retire when I stop having fun, or stop being nervous on the start line.

What advise would you like to give to the up and comers?
Never give up and never stop believing. When you think you’ve given all, you still have way more in the tank. Have fun on your dirt bike and have balance.

Any closing words?
Yes, a big thank you to my family for putting up with this racing thing. Even though racing isn’t a team sport, you need a team behind you to support you. They love and support me so much, it’s amazing. Times get tough and if it wasn’t for them I don’t know what I’d do. I have an amazing group of friends. You all know who you are, they support me 200% and I’m very grateful for them.
Also to my Coach/ best friend Ryno Frerichs from Racestrong. There are times when I don’t like you because you put me through hell, but man imp grateful for it [laughs].
And of course to my sponsors; Fred, Andre, Morne and the ABE Midas Husqvarna Team have all put their faith into me and supply me with everything I need and more. So thank you to these great guys and to the rest of my sponsors for helping me, and believing in me again. Every time I go onto the track I put everything out there, so thank you to these great companies; BelRay, FMF, Pirelli, Prepsol, 32Gi, Metzeller, Portable Shade, Hyde, FOX, Oakley, Leatt, CTi2, DC Shoes, Racestrong Training and Racestar Graffix.