Steve Ramon is not only the obvious favorite to win the Belgian title on Sunday. If possible, 'The bomb' wants to give that title shine with his fifth BK day victory! Last weekend, Steve only had to tolerate teammate Desalle ahead of him during the final GP. In terms of speed and confidence, Ramon is doing great.
Even before his big breakthrough, Desalle was already on stage in Mont-Saint-Guibert in 2008!
Desalle outdid himself in Fermo, but that does not mean that the hardest working panda of the MX1 World Championship allows himself a lazy day in Mont-Saint-Guibert! On the contrary, Clément always goes to the extreme and that will be no different in the match of his club, RMC Pierreux. Moreover, the Rockstar-Teka-Suzuki star driver still has some things to put right after a poor performance on the Shanks circuit in 2009. At the time, he was able to invoke extenuating circumstances because Desalle was driving for his first major title.
Dress rehearsal MXoN
However, it seems unlikely that title fever will catch Ramon on Sunday. After two world titles and four open Belgian titles, the West Flemish has plenty of experience. And with a lead of 31 points, Ramon also has a wide margin of safety. Mont-Saint-Guibert is not only a worthy conclusion to the Belgian Championship, it is also a dress rehearsal for the MX of Nations next weekend. Unfortunately, the Belgian Team is missing Jeremy Van Horebeek. The Jerre hurt his thumb in the second heat in Fermo and is certainly choosing to err on the side of caution. “I trained with the bike again yesterday (Thursday) and I didn't really experience any problems. However, with the MX of Nations looming, I prefer not to take any risks,” Van Horebeek said today.
Water chance for Tanel Leok
Fortunately, Kawasaki fans don't have to despair yet. Of Sebastien Pourcel there is still a strong one green representative at the start. Pourcel is satisfied that he has climbed out of the valley again and is working hard as usual. He was already on stage last week together with Desalle and Ramon. We also expect the eldest of the Pourcel brothers at the front on Sunday. Tanel Leok is not only the fourth MXoN participant at the start in Mont-Saint Guibert. The LS Motors-Honda pilot is second in the standings and in theory about the only one who can still threaten Ramon. Then Leok needs Lady Fortuna to help his luck!
Two years ago, Leok already won at the Shanks Circuit, again on Sunday?
Anyone who knows the Estonian a little knows that the brand new TM acquisition prefers to keep things simple. So just go for his chance. Leok: “I like riding in Mont-Saint-Guibert, but whatever happens, my fate is not in my own hands! Although it would of course be cool to also become champion in Belgium after the Dutch and Italian titles.” Leok's teammate David Guarneri is third in the championship and wants to end a successful BC campaign on a high note. Guarneri: “I have heard nothing but praise for Mont-Saint-Guibert from the other riders and spectators. That's why I'm looking forward to driving there.”
Among the outsiders for a podium place we find: Marc De Reuver, Joël Roelants en Ken Dycker. De Dycker won on the Shanks circuit last year, but now we have to wait and see to what extent Ken is still affected by his shoulder injury. You can find the complete BC standings for Mont-Saint-Guibert here. For a look back at Mont-Saint-Guibert last year click here.
Photos credit: CDS, Ray Archer
