Preview: FIM World Youth Championships in Heerde

Hhe biggest junior motocross event in the world is coming to the Netherlands this weekend. The best youth motocross riders from all over the world will compete against each other during the FIM Junior World Championship (WJMX) on the circuit of Heerde. The event will be held on the 'Circuit De Kamperweg' where MSV-NOV has been organizing competitions at the highest level for many years. An excellent circuit for the Grand Prix riders of the future!

A total of 295 riders will compete in the three two-stroke classes (65cc, 85cc and 125cc). The location in Heerde, Gelderland, is an excellent professional and permanent circuit in the center of the country, about 50 km north of the MXGP circuit in Arnhem. In 2008, the Junior World Championship was held in Heerde, where Jeffrey Herlings (85cc) and Matiss Karro (MX2) managed to win the titles.

This race is a showcase for the future stars of motocross, with past winners such as Tim Gajser, Jorge Prado, Maxime Renaux, Pauls Jonass and of course Jago Geerts. It's a great stepping stone into the professional MXGP world. The various factory scouts and managers will certainly be present to keep a close eye on the progress of the best riders!

During last year's edition in Romania, Frenchman Mathis Valin was crowned 125cc Junior World Champion. Dani Heitink, who also won the Dutch Masters of Motocross 85cc title, became Junior World Champion in the 85cc class and the Latvian Patricks Cirulis won the 65cc World Cup. The lightest class does not officially compete for the world title due to the age of the riders.

It is never easy to identify favorites in the 125cc class, we mainly look at the European 125cc Championship. Noel Zanocz is the leader in that championship. The Fantic Racing rider will have to compete against teammate Simone Mancini, the Italian who finished third in Romania last year. We are of course looking at Gyan Doensen who is currently second in the EMX125. His Dutch colleagues are Jayson Van Drunen, Dean Gregoire and Dani Heitink. From Belgium we see Jarne Bervoets, Douwe Van Mechgelen, Maxime Lucas, Tyla Van De Poel and Brent Van De Walle in action.

By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #NiekFotografie