10 MINUTES WITH YOUNG MXGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER LUCAS COENEN

Lucas, why are you so good?

"[laughs] I really don't know! I try to be the best version of myself…and that's not easy. I guess I have something special."

Many say that you ride with an efficient flow…

"I know I'm smooth on the bike…but also perhaps I'm not the nicest rider to see. Speed-wise I think I'm finding myself a little bit. With more experience and in the coming years I think that will develop and get better. I think I'm developing my riding style still, and the speed it makes. It will improve more with time; I hope."

Despite your relative experience you come across as a rider very much in control…

"I just try to keep my feet on the ground. The competition is so high in MXGP that you cannot catch yourself thinking 'I am the man'. You have to take every opportunity, race-by-race. This is my second MXGP season, and I'm coming into the year strong and happy with the team, happy with the bike: and that gives me confidence. I felt momentum was going in the right direction."

Do you feel the expectation around you now?

"Yeah, last year I could pretty much do what I wanted. I was the newcomer, and those guys are allowed to make mistakes and have crazy races if they stay on two wheels. This year they [fans, team, supporters] are waiting on me! Last year was already a big step, and I know I need to be at the front. There is pressure with all this...but I feel I get better when I have it. That's a good thing."