Interview: Cas Valk – “I’m aiming to be closer to the top five in MX2”

Cas Valk’s 2026 season is gathering pace, with a strong performance at the opening round of the Dutch Masters at Heerde signalling positive progress for the young Dutch rider. Despite challenging conditions on a rough and demanding circuit, Valk showcased resilience and speed, securing a podium finish amid a competitive MX2 field. Although he battled arm pump throughout both motos, Valk’s consistent front-running form and growing confidence on his TM machine highlight his steady development as the season unfolds. The race weekend presented a tough test, with Valk adapting to tricky track conditions that evolved from hard-packed to deep and sketchy terrain by the end of the day. He described the Dutch Masters track as a good challenge, albeit very rough, and contrasted it with the upcoming round in Sardinia, which features softer sand and longer berms. Valk’s race starts were mixed, with a quick gate drop catching him off guard in the first moto and a delayed start in the second disrupting his focus. Nonetheless, he managed to climb through the pack to finish second and third in the respective races, ending third overall. Reflecting on his status as the reigning Dutch Masters champion, Valk dismissed any added pressure from racing on home soil, viewing the event simply as another race in his calendar. He acknowledged that while some may have expected him to win, his current priority is to continue improving and move closer to the top five in the MX2 World Championship standings. Valk remains pragmatic about the significance of the Dutch Masters title, choosing not to carry the number one plate as it is not a world championship, but rather a valuable stepping stone in his career. Valk is optimistic about his ongoing partnership with TM, recognising that both rider and machine still have areas to refine, particularly on sand tracks where performance gains are needed. He noted that his best outings so far have come on hard-pack circuits, suggesting incremental progress week by week. As a factory TM rider, Valk benefits from a close working relationship with the team, which is still developing its infrastructure and resources compared to larger manufacturers. This dynamic offers both challenges and opportunities as Valk aims to elevate his results and break into the top echelon of MX2 racing in the near future.