N9 days to go until the grand finale of the Dutch Masters of Motocross in Markelo! On Sunday May 18th the last points will be distributed and we will know who may crown themselves champion in the 85cc, 125cc, 250cc and 500cc classes.
Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP) has confirmed that he will be back at the start. After podium finishes in Harfsen and Oldebroek, he is currently second in the 500 class, 26 points behind leader Romain Febvre (Kawasaki Racing Team).
Febvre, currently also leading the MXGP, seems to be on his way to his first Dutch Masters title. But the French veteran can expect stiff opposition, because five-time world champion Jeffrey Herlings is also in the game — and is in increasingly better shape. Fantic factory rider Andrea Bonacorsi follows in third place, 32 points behind Febvre.
Top favorite Cas Valk
In the 250 class Cas Valk (Van Venrooy Racing KTM) is the favourite: he has won all motos so far and has a 32 point lead over JM Honda Racing rider David Braceras. Yamaha rider Janis Martins Reisulis follows on 37 points.
Reigning champion Rick Elzinga has had a lot of injuries at the beginning of the season but will of course do everything he can to come out strong in Markelo. If Valk gets the job done it would result in his first Dutch Masters title in the 250cc! Cas also has three other Dutch titles under his belt.
Will the Van Mechgelen brothers provide a surprise?
With Douwe and Torre Van Mechgelen (intro photo) as respective leaders in the 125 and 85c, the Belgian brothers could provide a unique event. It will be exciting in Markelo anyway. Douwe van Mechgelen is in the lead but has a lead of only 5 points on Dean Gregoire (photo below). In this class, anything can still happen. Dani Heitink occupies third place ahead of Timo Heuver and Vencislav Toshev.
The 85cc class is also far from decided as Torre van Mechgelen and Lucas Leok have the same number of points. Harry Dale is only six points behind and Casey Karstrom follows on 8 points. Each class has its favourites and contenders. One thing is for sure, the final will produce fireworks.
For tickets and info:
www.dutchmastersofmotocross.nl
www.motorcrossmarkelo.nl
Photos: Niek Photography
