From two broken vertebrae or a torn small intestine to torn tendons and broken collarbones. Dave van der Burg has built up a whole laundry list of injuries over the years. The 29-year-old Heeschenaar, however, kept fighting back and took the Dutch BMX title on Sunday.
Dave’s choice for the BMX bike was an idea of his parents. “As a little boy I always looked for curbs or bumps on the way to school by bike. My parents often had to hold me while cycling. Every few months my bike broke down again. They then decided to take me to Fietscross Club Oss. That turned out to be to be my thing.”
In 2016 he took his first Dutch title. Championships were added in 2020 and now in 2023. “At the NK we ride on smaller tracks and we don’t get off an eight-meter high starting hill, as we are used to at Papendal. It ensures that there are small differences. It was a fun race and it was nice that I won. Next week is the European Championship, I’m going there in good shape.”
“Winning or losing is in the details.”
Worldwide he has achieved several podium places at World Cups. A victory is still missing on his resume, but that remains a wish. “We train full-time at Papendal and I am always trying to get faster. From analyzing images from the start to ‘cheating’ at other countries: it can take care of a few thousandths of a second. Winning or losing is in the details.”
“Falls are part of our sport.”
You certainly shouldn’t have fear as a BMX rider. “It is a very spectacular sport. There are few riders who are not or hardly ever injured. The crashes are part of our sport. After the umpteenth injury I have sometimes wondered what I am doing it all for, but in the end the love for the sport.”
Rehabilitating after an injury is getting tougher, says de Brabander. “The older I get, the more difficult it is for me to get back to my old level. Fortunately, I still see improvement in my driving and that is the motivation for me to keep going full throttle.”
“The Olympic Games is a dream.”
His biggest goal is the Olympic Games in 2024. “The country ranking is being looked at, for which we have to grab as many points as possible. We are currently on two tickets and then I would be allowed to go to my first Olympics. If that works, a dream come true. And if you have a good day there, you can just compete at the top.”
If he goes to Paris, his first Olympic Games will also be his last. “Going on for another four years is physically impossible. I’m real. In a few years I will no longer be able to stay ahead of the young up-and-coming generation.”