Racing manager Carlo Rinaldi was enthused by de Reuver's early efforts: "We started the test with the production bike and Marc was satisfied already from the beginning, he commented that it felt comfortable and safe. We then went forward with a step by step process to build the bike for him using the materials we had. We had a good few days and found a decent base from which to get the bike ready for next season. Watching Marc ride was very positive and I was impressed with how he took to the Yamaha."
After his promising first test-session, de Reuver travelled back to his homeland for his first race outing on a Yamaha in the
Red Bull Knockout race, that took place on November 12 on the beach of Scheveningen.
In a field numbering near 500 competitors, including recognised names such as factory Suzuki grand prix rider Steve Ramon and ex-GP star Erik Eggens, de Reuver showed his superiority in the sand and guided a stock YZ450F to first position to earn his Yamaha spurs.
"There was quite a bit of pressure because we had made some commercials that had been going out on Dutch TV from October and then Steve Ramon entered the race at the last minute," he recalled. "It was good fun though; I love beach races. The long straight was a bit dangerous and I knew the beach specialists would be quick, but the YZ450F I rode from Yamaha Motor Netherlands was well prepared and overall it was an exciting experience."
