DThe traditional Motocross of the Keiheuvel in Balen promises to be bigger and more spectacular than ever! Of course, on this high day of Belgian motocross, the 3rd round of the Radson Trophy held, but the confrontation in the loose sand is also a prestige battle that is unparalleled. Far beyond our national borders, Keiheuvel motocross has acquired a reputation as one of the most beautiful and toughest sand races in the world.
Last year Jeffrey Herlings achieved a sensational victory in Balen. We're curious to see if he can do that twice in a row! As usual, KMC Mol managed to attract a lot of good people for the summit confrontation on and around 'de Kei'. In addition to the usual BK riders Ken De Dycker, Tanel Leok, Davide Guarneri, Marvin Van Daele, Herjan Brakke, Manuel Priem, Jurgen Van Nooten en Steven Angels stand too Kevin Strijbos, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Evgeny Bobryshev, Max Nagl, Jonathan Barragan, Marc De Reuver, Shaun Simpson, Yentel Martens, José-Antonio Butro, Petar Petrov, Glenn Coldenhoff, Jeremy Delincé en Yerki January at the start. Truly an incredibly strong field of participants!
In total, this is no less than 7 riders from the top 15 of the MX1 World Championship and 5 MX2 pilots from the top 15 of the World Championship. After his demonstration last year on the KTM SX-F350, it will be interesting to see who can compete with Herlings this year! With BK leader Ken De Dycker - looking for his first victory in Balen - and Kevin Strijbos in form, 'The Bullit' will certainly not be given a free pass. Also from Evgeny Bobryshev, the fresh Max nagl, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Belgian champion Shaun Simpson and good old Marc De Reuver (winner in 2008 at the Keiheuvel) we can expect fireworks!
New start
In addition to the BK points and a place on the prestigious list of achievements, there is also, as always, a competition for the Sylvain Geboers Trophy for the winner of the day and the associated 1.000 euros. To improve safety, the start will take place on August 15 at the same location as during the Grand Prix in 1998. This will start parallel to the 17th Escadron Lichtvliegwezenlaan. At the end of the start there is a right-angled bend to the left. After a right bend the riders disappear for the first time behind the Keiheuvel. With the exception of the 1nd left turn on the circuit - which will be a little closer to 'the Kei' - the rest of the circuit remains largely the same as in previous years.
Monster Energy MX2 Trophy: even battle!
In the MX2 we saw title favorite Jens Getteman pulling the curtain during the first two BK heats. The Standing construct rider was the best in both Mons and Kester. Belgian champion Kevin Fors only reached the podium in Kester, but he is still just 11 points behind Getteman. Also number three in the Belgian Championship Jeffrey Dewulf can present strong papers. Jeffrey won the opening competition of the VLM amateur federation at the Keiheuvel two years ago and he was already second in the Belgian Championships. Who knows, Dewulf can win now. The Dutch sand specialist Mark Boat still has something to make up for after a disappointing start to the championship. Furthermore, the riders who participate in the GPs and international championships demand attention: Kenny Vandueren, Nikolaj Larsen, Damon Graulus, Brent Vandoninck, Robin Bakens en Dietger Damiaens. Former GP winner Tom De Belder is one of the outsiders. De Belder was tied for 4th last yearde he surprisingly made it to the podium at the Keiheuvel, in Kester.
Photos: CDS
