Monster Energy Yamaha factory rider Calvin Vlaanderen is really paying back team owner Hans Corvers, for having faith in him, with some stunning results of late.

The South African born rider scored two podiums back-to-back in Indonesia, the first week beating five-time World motocross champion Tim Gajser and a week later beating three-time World champion, Jorge Prado.

We caught up with the Dutch/South African after his second podium and he told us about his love of racing in Indonesia and the success he has had there. Always a down to earth athlete, who is making major steps as an MXGP factory rider.

MXlarge: Another podium in the second Lombok round, 3-3 results, which has to beat even last weekend or not?

Vlaanderen: Nothing beats last weekend, because I was working two years for that. The emotion was higher last weekend, and I had time to think about that second race and it felt a little like déjà vu, being on the podium again, so soon after last weekend. What can I say, I am just super happy.

MXlarge: Although, 3-3 is better than 4-4 by the way (laughing).

Vlaanderen: Yes, you are right, 3-3 is better than 4-4 and coming into the weekend, I told myself, okay, we were on the box, but let’s try and improve from that and get better. Obviously, I wanted to be close to the front two, they were fast. Maybe I was a little bit closer. I did find the track was better in this direction. Especially on the Saturday, going out, a bit more flow and a bit more fun to ride. Obviously still got sketchy in the second race, they didn’t really work on it overnight and with the MX2 guys, they didn’t really work on the track much during the day. So, we had a lot of acceleration bumps and square edges. I did enjoy racing with it this way around, a lot more.

MXLarge: How did you feel on the Saturday?

Vlaanderen: I had a solid day. I’m happy with my riding. I was top five in both practice sessions. I didn’t get the best start but was on my toes and saw an opportunity to sneak around the inside, and that worked out well, I passed quite a few guys. I was third from the first lap and actually felt faster than Jeffrey (Herlings). I tried to set up a pass, and I thought I had it, but didn’t quite execute it. I used up quite a bit of energy trying, so I just let him go and took third, which is a good gate pick for Sunday.

MXLarge: Can you explain the two Sunday motos for me?

Vlaanderen: It was solid, solid! I’m so happy to be back on the podium after last week, the confidence was definitely there this weekend and I felt good. I had a good first race in third and managed to pass Jorge (Prado) in the last couple of minutes because I was feeling strong. In the second race, I had to make the necessary to put myself in good position and try to chase the front two, but they were a bit faster than me, and I knew I had a good gap behind, so I brought it home. Just want to say a big thanks to the team, my family, my girlfriend, really everyone who is supporting me back home in South Africa and the Netherlands. I’m just so stoke! Thank you so much.

MXlarge: As far as the heat, you are from South Africa, but did the heat effect you at all?

Vlaanderen: Last weekend I suffered a little bit more, because your body isn’t completely acclimatized to the weather. I am used to the European weather now; I have been living there for so many years. Maybe growing up in South African helped, but I don’t think its that much of a difference. I think its all mental, and you have to be mentally strong when your body is suffering.

MXLarge: You beat Jorge, which is a hell of a thing to be able to do, and you beat him twice and he is of course one of the big three and as you said, you were maybe a little closer to Jeffrey and Tim. Those guys are not easy to beat, so that must feel very rewarding.

Vlaanderen: For sure. First weekend in Lombok I beat Tim and then I beat Jorge. First race I caught him and passed him, and he won the first one in Lombok, so that gives me a lot of confidence, to know that I can also do it. So, going forward, I will take that in my pocket and know that I can not only be on the podium, but I can also go for wins.

MXLarge: I don’t know what you are like at Loket, but you also have Arnhem and Lommel coming, you are good at those places. Is there any specific round in the near future?

Vlaanderen: I look forward to Loket the most. That is my favourite track. I won a moto there last year, so I am definitely coming in with some confidence and know that I can fight up front. Obviously, Arnhem and Lommel is good for me, I am good in the sand. I need to improve the bike in the sand a little more. We have done a lot of testing on hard-pack, and I feel really good on the hard-pack, but I do need to improve a little more in the sand. Once we get Loket out of the way, that will be my main goal, to get me comfortable in the sand.

MXLarge: I saw you at the end of the weekend in Lombok, with all the local kids and even adults, all wanting a selfie and autograph or whatever. That for me is always the exciting thing about coming to Indonesia, the people. Just tell me about that and also your week between the races. You mentioned you were going to go to Gilli Island, what else did you get up to?

Vlaanderen: It is so cool; I love it and I love Indonesia. I have always performed well here. I won my first ever Grand Prix, in MX2 here and I think I have been on the podium like four times now. It is a special place for me, and I don’t know why I perform well here. Maybe it is because I really look forward to these Grand Prix’s, because of the culture, because of the people. Also, the weather and it reminds me a little of South Africa, close to the sea, the temperature, and things like that. Maybe that is why I like it so much. The week between the races, we spent a bit of time together as a team, team dinner on the Monday after the podium, at Hans (Corvers) Villa, he owns a villa here in Lombok. We went there and spent the evening together. Then on the Wednesday, we had a trip to Gilli Island, the whole team. It is so cool, because we don’t get to spend time together as a team during the season and it was nice to see all the mechanics and everyone and build those relationships.

MXLarge: Back in Europe, and while many of us like to be here, it is always nice to get back home to Europe. You must be so excited after these two podiums and now go for a GP win, maybe even at Loket?

Vlaanderen: That is the goal and as an athlete, you always want more and my goal was to back it up and podiums are good, but now my next goal is a race with.

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