HIt was a fairly quiet week for Belgian motocross. At least apparently, because behind the scenes the FMWB was campaigning to have the Mons race count towards the Inters BK.
The decision has now been made. Mons will count for the BC on Pentecost Sunday, May 27. I doubt whether everyone is satisfied with that. But hey, in life you have to be able and daring to make decisions. We do not yet know what the repercussions of this decision will be on the cooperation between the KNMV and BMB regarding the planning of their two national championships. But not so long ago – more precisely in 2010 – such a situation occurred on the calendar. Then the BC opener in Beervelde was scheduled for May 1 (just like now, although Beervelde has since become Wichelen) and the next day a competition for the ONK was held in Varsseveld. And then it worked – despite the much greater distance between the two locations.
This weekend, most Belgian cross top riders will take a rest in the run-up to the first GP of the season on Easter Monday in Valkenswaard. Only Kevin Strijbos will be in action in the second round of the Maxxis British MX Championship. During the preparation month that was March, I was struck by how little attention the Belgian toppers still receive in the 'general media'. If a motocross-related article has been printed on the regional sports pages of a newspaper, it usually concerns amateur motocross. It says something about the fame or ignorance of the current generation among the press and the general public. And it is precisely that large audience that these (professional) drivers need. But perhaps the importance of this has yet to dawn on some people. Unless your name is Antonio Cairoli or Ken Roczen – and are therefore actually a superstar – as a motocross rider you mainly rely on popularity in your home country. If you manage to bring two full coaches (we're talking buses, not racing cars) of supporters to every match of your national championship, the local organizers will welcome you with open arms (and money bags).
In short, popularity and media attention are simply worth more than sporting achievements in this era. Take Guy Martin, the eccentric British road racer who was the subject of an entire documentary (available from this month's MotorWereld). Martin knows how to sell himself so much that he is probably currently the highest paid participant in the legendary and infamous Isle of Man TT. And while Martin has never won an important competition... But Martin is a personality who never minces words. And that's exactly what people sports fans want to hear. It would therefore not be bad if certain Belgian top riders became a little more 'media friendly'. Talk to journalists yourself (something the young generation already does) or spontaneously send an email with some news. This does not have to be a fiery argument about belief in your own abilities, but just some interesting news. In short, we hope for improvement.
BJ
Photo: CDS Images
