ODespite a long rehabilitation, Kevin Strijbos showed in Mantova that he had not forgotten how to ride a cyclocross bike. That was about the only bright spot for 'The Kid' during his short stay in Georges Jobé's team. It was previously announced that Jobé's main sponsor BO (audio interview) had withdrawn. Just a few months after the Jobé-BO-KTM team was presented during the MX of Nations in Franciacorta with Strijbos and Boissière as pilots. And with the support of KTM that would supply factory engines. Tanel Leok and Ken De Dycker had previously been announced at BO-KTM with much fanfare, but both 'The Estonian Express' and 'Keeno' ultimately chose other places.
Nothing paid yet
After the failed BO deal, team manager Jobé reportedly worked on some avenues with alternative sponsors. Below that one 'Fazza' or Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum from Dubai. Fazza may have appeared on the motorcycle and shirts of the team in Mantova and Valence, but that track is still not concrete. The search for other sponsors also bore no fruit. So far there was no trace of the planned brand new team truck. To make matters worse, Strijbos has not been paid since signing a contract with the team. The five-time world champion asked Strijbos and his manager to exercise patience, but that turned out to be an untenable situation.
Already a historic moment: Strijbos leads for Cairoli on the Fazza-Jobé-KTM.
Kevin Strijbos is said to be already close to an agreement with another (KTM?) team. Jobé, for his part, wants to continue the team with the remaining driver; Anthony Boissiere. The Frenchman, who is making his debut in the MX1 this season, finished fourth in Valence.
For those who still doubt it: to be continued!
Photos credit: CDS
