by Laren van der Westhuizen

MXSA: Calvin, you have been overseas a fair amount this season. Tell us where you been and how you did?
CV: I first went overseas in July - August to Europe starting in Germany and Holland. The first week I attended the KNMV training week organised by Leon Giesbers where I learnt quite a bit! The next weekend I raced in my first EK125 race in Loket, Tzech. This is the European 125cc class that is raced on the same day as the MX1 and MX2. What an experience that was seeing all my heros walking around!
After a really good weekend, I ended 9th overall. We then drove down to Cingoli in Italy for the Junior World Championships. It was nice for me to see all my South African friends again. That weekend ended up well and I got a 10th overall.
After driving up to England I raced another EK125 class the next weekend in Matterley Basin. After a few crashes, I finished up 13th overall. Last weekend I travelled to Belgium and raced in the Coupe De L'avenir. Although the weekend started off well, I had a big crash in the last lap of the 2nd practise. The medics told me I had broken a rib but I did not want to let SA down. Shannon Terblanche (SA team manager) said I only had to race the first heat which I did, in quite a bit of pain! I finished 22nd in that heat. SA achieved 11th overall but it was a really good experience for me cause I travelled there on my own.

MXSA: You have developed huge amounts of corner speed, but with natural flow! Who has helped you with your riding technique?
CV: I would say that Leon Giesbers has had a huge impact on my riding technique and style. He has been coming to CT at least once a Year since 2003 tohelp and train us. I have also been training with John Wakefield from Pelotrain for 3 Years and he has also really helped me with my fitness and riding technique.

MXSA: What fitness training do you do?
CV: I do a combination of strength and cardio, together with time on the bike. Thanks to my mom I also eat really well!

MXSA: What has been you best national this season?
CV: I would have to say that Springfield National at the beginning of the Year. My dad said that I should try and handle it on my own, and without them there I had a great day. It added to my belief that I can succeed! (Thanks Byron and Kimber Gould for looking after me in Durban. J)

MXSA: What is your favourite track in SA?
CV: I used to really like Nelspruit which is not used anymore. Now definitely Teza in Richards Bay. Unfortunately there was no National there this Year.

MXSA: What are your plans for next season?
CV: I have nothing in writing yet, but I know where I would like to be and that is in Europe.

MXSA: What is your carreer goal?
CV: I would like to work my way through the EK125\ EMX2 then later onto MX2 and MX1.

MXSA: What rider do you look up to?
CV: There are quite a few riders but I think Ken Roczen and Chad Reed stand out the most for me.