HThe time has come, Belgium has won the motocross of nations! AND HOW!!! Before the race there was already a lot of commotion around the Belgian team. Confidence in Smets' choice decreased with each race, that confidence reached an all-time low after De Dycker's withdrawal in Mont-Saint-Guibert. But what a statement both Smets and Keeno made today! For the first time since 2004 we can call ourselves the best motocross country in the world again.
In the first series it was Ken De Dycker and Jeremy Van Horebeek who defended our national colors. Jerre was cornered at the start and therefore did not have a great start. Ken De Dycker also does not have a great start, partly because tactically he has given up his fence to his teammate. The KTM pilot only came as 15the through the first round. Yet the Brabander fought back like a true hero. Lap after lap he overtook pilots and eventually placed himself at an 8e place. Jeremy, who is back on the MX2 bike in his first major race in a year, shows himself to be strong, very strong. The Kawasaki rider finishes 3rde MX2 pilot on a very strong 7e place. Our opponents? They were a little less lucky. Eli Tomac rode faster than anything and flew into the air in true Chad Reed style. When landing, our American friend is very lucky that he does not injure himself and is therefore able to start the second series. Germany also finishes very strong with Max Nagl on 11e place and Ken Roczen on a very nice 2e place with its lighter MX2 engine. Finally, Italy and Australia also fulfilled their role of favorites and finished 1st respectivelye & 13e place and Australia at 4e in 10. e place. Partly thanks to a strong performance by Dean Ferris.
The second series then, after less than 10 meters it looks very bad for Belgium. Clément Desalle has hit the starting gate and is the last to leave. Jeremy Van Horebeek also missed his start completely and came through the first round as 26the. While the Americans are in 3 & 4 places. Yet the Belgians are not giving up. Both the MX Panda and The Jerre give everything of themselves. During 30min +2rounds it looks better and better for the Red Knights. Finally, at the finish it looks like we are back in the race. Clément Desalle finishes third after a comeback of 37 passages. And Jeremy Van Horebeek on his, yes I'll say it again, lighter MX2 bike that he hasn't touched for a year, passed no fewer than 19 riders to end up in 7e place to end. However, at the front there was the game of the century. Both Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen wanted this series win more than anything. These two top talents, who already fought it out in America, went neck and neck for the full 35 minutes. In supercross it was the German who took the upper hand. The American in the nationals. But in Germany no one is faster than the super kid Ken Roczen. Unfortunately, his teammate hurt himself and Germany is definitively out of contention for the 'chamberlain trophy'. After this series, with deletion results subtracted, the score is as follows. USA; 12, Germany; 14, Belgium; 17, Australia; 19, Italy; 22, France; 26, GB; 32.
The very last series of the 2013 motocross season will then start. Both Red Knights are in the suit and in the top-15. Until Clément Desalle crashes in the first corner. He taps the rear wheel of the vehicle in front and lies down next to it. With this he also indirectly drags Justin Barcia into his fall. When the Walloon wants to pick up his motorcycle, the world stands still. Everyone at home and on site realizes that Desalle's shoulder has once again been dislocated. All Belgians' hearts stand still, for the second time in a row we will lose a title due to bad luck... or so we think. Ken De Dycker, who was doubted in advance, thinks differently about this. The tall KTM pilot bends over backwards, even triples, to get to the front and achieve the best result of the day. The calculations are repeated every round. Both the Italians and the Americans are hot on our heels. If De Dycker does this, Barcia should already do it. If Philippaerts stays there, De Dycker has to do it this way. If Cairoli wins, Philippaerts must finish yet another. Barcia catches up with so, so and so. Now Dungey just has to catch up with the others. This is what motocross was all about for the full 30 minutes +2 laps. Ken De Dycker is almost the supporter of the team in this last series, he drives himself to pieces and finishes a very good second. Then Ryan Dungey crosses the line as 7e, for which thank you Gautier Paulin. We are anxiously awaiting Justin Barcia's arrival. Everyone focuses on the live timing. BamBam who was there at the start was only allowed up to 8e place have returned. Like 8e Brett Metcalfe crosses the finish line... The party starts. Belgium wins the motocross of nations for the fifteenth time!!!
Tekst: VePix.be
Photo: CDS