DAmien Knuiman (Yam Sand Racing) made his debut in the EMX Open last weekend. The Dutch sand specialist immediately surprised and crowned himself runner-up behind the unbeatable Jere Haavisto.
Alongside Damien, his older brother Jeremy also lined up at the start in Lommel. Due to a lack of race rhythm, “Lommelwood” proved to be a tough race for him, although he did show his speed.
Damien got off to an excellent start in the opening race and entered the first corner in second place. A small mistake in the second corner caused him to drop back to fourth, but that didn't last long. With an aggressive and convincing comeback, he took the lead in the opening laps. He led for more than ten minutes until he had to relinquish first place. Despite pressure from behind, he held onto his second position impressively and finished second.
Jeremy had a mediocre start, but made up ten places in three laps from eighteenth position. After that, the tough Lommel track took its toll: he suffered terribly from arm pump, had to drop his pace, and completely lost his rhythm. Corners and tight turns were no longer smooth, causing him to lose six positions.
European Vice-Champion
Damien got off to a strong start again on Sunday morning and emerged from the first corner in second place. Just like in the first heat, he quickly took the lead and led the field for over ten minutes. Eventually, he had to relinquish the top spot again, but he continued to fight for a podium spot. A minor crash on the penultimate lap caused a brief moment of tension, but Damien recovered immediately and still managed to cross the finish line in second place.
After his 6th place in the final standings of the Dutch Masters of Motocross, this is therefore another confirmation in MX1 for the former Enduropale Jr. champion.
Jeremy got off to a strong start, but hooked another rider with his arm before the first corner, resulting in a heavy crash. Fortunately, without serious injury, he resumed the race immediately from fortieth position. He quickly made up positions, but due to arm pump returning, he finished this heat no higher than twentieth.
Damien Knuiman: “Absolutely a fantastic weekend. Standing on the podium surpassed everything! The riding on Saturday could certainly have been better, but I was very happy with the result. And of course, it was fantastic to be able to lead for so many laps! On Sunday I was able to finish the job and I was very satisfied with that. Especially in my first season on the 450. This is just the beginning. Thanks to the team and everyone who made this possible!”
Photos: MX July, Niek Photography
