Antwerp Endurocross: Bengt Laeremans stunt!
An old fox doesn't lose his tricks. Although there is not a hair on our heads that would think of calling Bengt Laeremans (40) old, the experienced Herentals player still nicely trumped the current Belgian enduro top in the Superfinal! That Super Final was a very fitting end to a masterful Endurocross Antwerp edition.
After bad weather in 2016, the ladies and gentlemen of Racing Center Events were rewarded today with tropical weather and a lot of public interest. The radiant sun did justice to the beautiful circuit. The BK status also gave the fourth Endurocross an additional sporting dimension.
For the top players from the Belgian Championship, it was mainly important to leave Deurne unscathed and to score regularly. Both Cédric Melotte (Yamaha) and ex-Belgian champion Jean-François Goblet proved to be the most agile endurists in their sprint races. However, Laeremans also showed in the Pro Class that he could handle the spectacular, technical track! Joël Smets also did an excellent job and reached the podium in the Pro class. Unfortunately no Smets in the Superfinal. The short explosive sprints were not easy and the extremely hot weather made the challenge even tougher, causing Smets to declare himself so 'choco' that he skipped the Super Final. Dieter Vromans was in the Super Final, as a neophyte in Endurocross.
Melotte left as favorite for the Superfinal. The two-time MX GP winner was the first to leave, ahead of Goblet, Cremer and Laeremans. Laeremans had his spots so pale. The fact that Bengt is technically a very gifted pilot was once again confirmed. Laeremans first dealt with Goblet on the cool wall ride and then drove towards leader Melotte. When Bengt attacked and set his fastest lap of the day, Melotte also had to bow out. The Yamaha pilot from Namur continued to persevere, but Laeremans still convincingly took the win, and the associated win bonus of €1000!
The Endurocross was a disappointment for the fast Jilani Cambré. The ill Husqvarna pilot did not perform as he wanted with two 5th places in the heats. After a serious fall that left a flesh wound on his arm, this edition was unfortunately over for Jilani. Andy Truyts was doing well and did reach the Super Final, where the 'Tank' came 11th. In the overall standings of the BK Inters, Andy finished neatly in 7th.
KTM Racing Center Super Final
1. Bengt Laeremans, 2. Cédric Melotte, 3. Jean-François Goblet, 4. Cédric Cremer, 5. Antoine Magain, 6. Maxime Warenghien, 7. Lucas Dolfing, 8. Kevin Gauniaux, 9. Matthew Vanoevelen, 10. Jérôme Martini
Final score BK Inters
1. Cédric Melotte, 2. Jean-François Goblet, 3. Matthew Vanoevelen, 4. Cédric Cremer, 5. Kevin Gauniaux, 6. Jérôme Martiny, 7. Andy Truyts, 8. Andrew Leloup, 9. Antoine Magain, 10. Thierry Wansart
Enidstand Pro Class
1. Bengt Laeremans, 2. Maxime Warenghien, 3. Joël Smets, 4. Lucas Dolfing, 5. Dieter Vromans, 6. Dieter Aerts, 7. Joey Smet, 8. Pascal Brlingieri, 9. Tim Godrie, 10. Adrien Wagener
Photos: Plan-B
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