• Ruud Hazelaar - The Netherlands

“Are you spending a lot of time practicing for the Czech Republic?”

Not at all. The more time I put into it, the more the doubts actually start to creep up on me. I will just see how things go. I’m going to let the tension slowly build up until September, and then I’ll strike. I’ve been creatively working with flowers every day for over thirty years after all.

“You trust in the moment?”

I trust in myself. My inspiration comes from nature, as well as the streets. My inspiration for the Dutch ‘Battle of the Champions’ came just before the match in fact, when I saw the elastic bands on the steering wheel of a postman’s cart: I utilized 3000 elastic bands for my winning design.

“Have you checked out the competition and the jury already?”

No, I do not need to know of them, I depend on my own strength. Adapting is not something I do; I have to be real. If they like it, then I’m lucky. They don’t like it; I’m out of luck.

“Do you know any more about the assignments already?”

Coincidentally, I received a book with a cd about one of the three home assignments today: a floral artwork of 3 by 2.5 meters, which has to reflect the city of Havirov. That city, I will have to do some research into…

“Have the logistics and the matter of your accommodation there been arranged already?”

Accommodation for me and my assistant has indeed been taken care of. For the assignments, I will need to arrange a truck, and two tickets I also have yet to take care of. Sponsors are welcome…

“Victory in Havirov?”

Bring it on! I am exceptionally motivated for the European Championship of 2011. That trophy is coming home with me!

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For more information about Ruud Hazelaar, click here to visit his website. For the official Europa Cup 2011 website, please click this link.