DThe semi-final between the Central European and Northern European EMX65 and EMX85 zones took place on the famous Velke Uherce circuit in Slovakia. Veldhoven's Bas Verspaandonk (GasGas) finished a great 3rd in the EMX65. The Belgians also had the best riders in the 65cc with three qualified riders: Tobe Vandeneynde, Cedric Fleerackers and Oscar Goblet.
The stakes were high in this semi-final, as the results would determine who would qualify for the grand final in Loket, during the MXGP of the Czech Republic.
EMX85: Leok dominates, heavy verdict for lowlanders
In the EMX85 category, Lukas Leok (KTM) easily lived up to his role as favourite. The Estonian won both series and thus took the maximum of 50 points. Behind him, an exciting battle developed between Brian Gyles (KTM) and Harry Dale (KTM), both from the Central European zone. They shared a second and third place between them and ended the day with 42 points each.
A poor qualification and a fall at the start threw Dutch Masters vice champion Torre Van Mechgelen spanner in the works. On the fast track he had to come back from far away and so he could only achieve 28th place in the final standings. Timo Mohring showed his speed but did not remain faultless. Also for Kenzo Jaspers (22e) en Liam Gaasbeek (30th) no direct qualification for Loket. Hoping for cancellations is the message for these boys to still compete in Loket.
EMX65: Gardiner convincingly to victory
In the EMX65 class, Jett Gardiner (KTM), second in the Central European zone standings, rode two very strong series to convincingly win the day's classification.
The Norwegian leader of the zone, Haakon Ronning (Husqvarna), had to settle for two second places. Spawn Donk (5-3) performed particularly well in the second heat, finishing less than 13 seconds behind winner Gardiner. Consistent performances from Vandeneynde en Fleerackers were the basis of their qualifications.
Also Oscar Goblet – son of enduro crack Jeff – sees his efforts rewarded with a direct ticket to the final. The Dutch side may also Paez Racing rider Demy Hermes packing his bags for the Czech Republic!
EMX65 final standings
1. Jett Gardiner (GBR-KTM) 50, 2. Haakon Ronning (NOR-Husqvarna) 44, 3. Bas Verspaandonk (NED-GasGas) 36, 4. Matej Masar (SVK-KTM) 36, 5. Rudolfs Spila (LAT-GasGas) 35, 6. Jesko Loberentz (GER-Husqvarna) 31, 7. Alfie Cotter (GBR-KTM) 27, 8. Aston Kõiv (EST-KTM) 27, 9. Tobe Vandenenyde (BEL-KTM) 21, 10. Milan Rubes (CZE-Gas) 21, 11. Laur Kallikorm (EST-GasGas) 17, 12. Cedric Fleerackers (BEL-Husqvarna) 17, 13. Marlo Rach (GER-GasGas) 12, 14. Tommy Wood (GBR-Yamaha) 12, 15. Felix Lind (FIN-Yamaha) 11, 16. Max Jones (GBR-KTM) 8, 17. Tymon Andrzejewski (POL-Yamaha) 7, 18. Demy Hermes (NED-GasGas) 7, 19. Oscar Goblet (BEL-GasGas) 6, 20. Jack Clark (GBR-KTM) 5, 21. Vojtech Zendulka (CZE-KTM) 4, 22. Valters Jurcenko (LAT-Husqvarna) 3, 23. Jooa Hakulinen (FIN-GasGas) 3, 24. Szymon Świderski (POL-KTM) 1, 25. Karl Mark Kristman (EST-Yamaha) 1, 26. Timothy Van Kilsdonk Jr (NED-KTM) 0, 27. Bruno Geitus (LAT-GasGas) 0, 28. Mikk Mihkel Sepp (EST-Husqvarna) 0, 29. Mykhailo Yakimienko (UKR-Yamaha) 0, 30. Luca Vlassak (NED-KTM) 0, 31. Mattias Asi (EST-Husqvarna) 0, 32. Alans Berzins (LAT-Husqvarna) 0, 33. Vitus Horsebog (DEN-Yamaha) 0, 34. Roberts Vanags (LAT-Husqvarna) 0, 35. Daniels Hohlo (LAT-Husqvarna) 0, 36. 0. Eelis Jyllilä (FIN-KTM) XNUMX, 37. Luuk Klein Woolthuis (NED-Husqvarna) 0, 38. Tomass Tilans (LAT-GasGas) 0, 39. Lucja Polata (POL-KTM) 0, 40. Cas Klein Kromhof (NED-GasGas) 0
EMX85 final standings
1. Lucas Leok (EST-KTM) 50, 2. Brian Gyles (GBR-KTM) 42, 3. Harry Dale (GBR-KTM) 42, 4. Neo Nindelt (GER-GasGas) 34, 5. Olly Waters (GBR-GasGas) 33, 6 Gregor Lootus Martin (EST-KTM, 31. KTM). Cirulis (LAT-Husqvarna) 7, 28. Luca Nierychlo (GER-KTM) 8, 22. Enri Lustus (EST-Husqvarna) 9, 20. Harley Marczak (GBR-KTM) 10, 13. Simon Hahn (GER-KTM) 11, 13. Casey Lister (VI-KTM) 12 12. Theo Kolts (EST-GasGas) 13, 12. Ebbe Callemo (SWE-Husqvarna) 14, 12. Rainers Grasis (LAT-GasGas) 15, 11. Patrick Cirulis (LAT-Husqvarna) 16, 11. Charlie Schuman (SWE-Husqvarna) 17. Robin. Mooses (EST-Husqvarna) 10, 18. Jaggar Townley (NZL-Yamaha) 9, 19. Maxim Zimmerman (SVK-Husqvarna) 8, 20. Elliot Lord (SWE-GasGas) 7, 22. Kenzo Jaspers (NED-GasGas) 6, 23. Archie Stapley (GBR-GasGas) 5, 24. Wilmer Lowén (SWE-KTM) 2, 25. Max Lindström (SWE-Husqvarna) 2, 26. Nixon Coppins (GBR-Yamaha) 0, 27. Arthur Moore (GBR-KTM) 0, XNUMX. 28. Torre Van Mechgelen (BEL-KTM) 0, 29. Liam Gaasbeek (NED-Yamaha) 0, 30. Timeo Mohring (BEL-KTM) 0, 31. Hugo Brant (CZE-KTM) 0, 32. Ottomar Saag (EST-KTM) 0, 33. Lukas Jakobsson (SWE-Husqvarna) 0, 34. Arthur Ejdbring (SWE-KTM) 0, 35. Jamiro Peters (GER-KTM) 0, 36. Mads Dissing (DEN-KTM) 0, 37. London Linner (SWE-KTM) 0, 38. Archie Butterfield (GBR-KTM) 0, 39. Mauno Keskikallio (FIN-KTM) 0, 40. Willads Gordon Rohmann (DEN-Yamaha) 0
Photos: Fam. Fleerackers / FIM Europe
