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<p>Johannes Reijnen has been in the island for only three years, yet this ex-pat has been making a big splash on the motocross scene. He has gained the nickname ‘The Flying Dutchman’ for his aggressiv aerial riding style.</p>
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<p>“I’m extremely proud to be a part of
MX Jamaica. We have such a nice group of people together. The vibes at our
events or even a regular track day are the best,” Reijnen said.</p>
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<p>Reijnen’s story started at a young
age in his home country of The Netherlands.</p>
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<p>“From I was a kid I had passion for
bikes, although I only started riding them at the age of 15,” he related.</p>
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<p>He was a permanent fixture at the
dirt tracks in The Netherlands from 2002 to 2005. In 2016 he came to Jamaica
for work and found his love for the sport rekindled.</p>
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<p>“Kyle Reynolds of IrieRacing got me
back in the sport. I did a few enduro tours with Irie moto tours and that were
it all started again.”</p>
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<p>As motocross began its big revival
in 2018, Reijnen was on-board, his Kawasaki a common sight at the two venues on
the island where he impressed spectators and competitors alike attacking the
natural ramps at full tilt.</p>
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<p>“My country is known for its dirt
tracks. These give a lot more grip and it’s softer to land on, but it’s also
more physical demanding as deep ruts will cut in the track throughout the day.
I like the fact that we have a fast, hard-packed track at DaCosta Farms and a
more technical track with softer surface at Temple Hall. Hopefully next year a
Montego Bay track will open with again a completely different lay out and soil.”</p>
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<p>When asked to describe his riding
style, Reijnen had this to say.</p>
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<p>“Call it maximum airtime. I like the
fact I’m getting more aggressive in the races. I learned a lot from training
with Kyle Reynolds and Simon Khouri.”</p>
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<p>For 2019 Reijnen attracted the
attention of Lubit, a local bulk lubricants products distributor, to go along
with his new bike a KTM.</p>
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<p>“We made our agreement in June this
year and they’ll be supplying me with Sunoco race fuel and racing gear.”</p>
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<p>While Reijnen admits that work does
keep him busy, he spends a lot of his off time exploring the island and
relaxing with the friends he’s made during his time in Jamaica.</p>
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<p><strong>CAPTIONS</strong></p>
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<p>DSC_0527: Johannes ‘The Flying Dutchman’
Reijnen.</p>
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<p>DSC_0082: Reijnen has gained a huge
reputation for his maximum airtime riding style.</p>
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<p>DSC_0440: Where ever there’s a jump
Reijnen will make the most of it.</p>
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<p>DSC_0547: Armed with a new bike and
Lubit sponsorship for 2019, Reijnen plans to continue to make a mark on local
motocross.</p>
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<p> <strong><em>—Written by Nichola Beckford</em></strong></p>
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