NFor six editions, the Tongeren Motocross will be looking for a new location at the Driekruisenweg in Tongeren. The organising MC Lauw is preparing for a real top race, because this fourth round of the Belgian Motocross Championship will undoubtedly be an important judge in the title fight. Two-time Belgian champion Marc Velkeneers designed a spacious and clear circuit in Tongeren.
BK Inters Open: Desalle as favorite
With three races, which get longer as the day progresses, no less than 75 points are at stake for the riders in the Inters Open class. Clément Desalle is currently performing at top level in the GPs. The Rockstar-Suzuki star driver is therefore in the lead in both the World Championship and the Belgian Championship. This also makes Desalle the ideal candidate to succeed himself on the honors list in Tongeren. His closest pursuer, Ken Dycker (LS Honda Racing), lost valuable points during the previous race in Kester. The Limburg Brabander will do everything he can to succeed again in Tongeren. After all, Keeno is still keen on his first Belgian title after previous national successes in Germany and Great Britain. Also De Dycker's teammate Shaun Simpson already showed his strongest side in the Belgian Championship this season. The MX1 rookie is in a good third place in the standings after Desalle and De Dycker. Reigning champion Steve Ramon (Rockstar-Suzuki) had to miss the second race in Beervelde, but the experienced West Flemish made a good turn in Kester. Ramon won the second round at Kesterheide and was the overall winner in Tongeren twice before.
David Guarneri (Bud Racing-Kawasaki) is the man of unobtrusive efficiency, on all possible circuits. The fast Italian was not there in Kester. However, during the second round in Beervelde he was on the podium. Or what about Kevin Strijbos. The Delta-Suzuki driver started the World Cup season strongly. Unfortunately, things have gone less well in recent weeks due to health problems, so The Kid will be more than happy to take revenge in Tongeren. Strijbos is also a former winner in Tongeren. The battle for places of honor in the championship also continues unabated. The young DIGA-KTM rider Jeremy Delince brings his speed from the World Cup, but the experienced cracks David Cools, Marvin Van Daele and quick starter Jurgen Van Nooten can join the best on their day! In the outsiders category we certainly also mention the reigning MX2 champion Nick Trieste. Sad seems to have started because during the last GP in Spain one round even finished 8thSte. Last but not least also made Jeremy Van Horebeek, reportedly busy in training, his return to Tongeren.
BK MX2: With three for the title
The title battle in the Radson MX2 Trophy remains open. The surprising Dutchman Mark Boot currently leads the championship with 6 points ahead of Kevin Fors. Fors won the competitions in Beervelde and Kester, but the talented KTM rider often lacks regularity. Jens Getteman, third in the standings, did not score during the second heat in Kester. If Getteman wants to keep his title chances intact, he will have to achieve two strong results in Tongeren. Since Kenny Vandueren was not there in Beervelde, his chances of winning the title are minimal. Yet he and European Championship MX2 colleagues Brackman and Poppe should be able to play for a podium place. In addition to the performances of the sympathetic Mark Boot, Dutch fans will also have to look forward to Jeffrey Meurs and Mike Kras. After all, Kras rode his strongest GP of the season in La Baneza last weekend.
Palmares Inters Open Tongeren
2010: Clément Desalle (Suzuki), 2009: Ken De Dycker (Suzuki), 2008: Steve Ramon (Suzuki), 2007: Ken De Dycker (Honda), 2006: Kevin Strijbos (Suzuki), 2005: Steve Ramon (KTM)
Photos credit: Ray Archer & CDS
