Interview Jurgen Wybo: New challenges in MCLB
After being a fixture in the VMCF for three seasons, Jurgen Wybo returns to the MCLB. In addition, the West Flemish is also changing motorcycles. After two years on an MX Planet Suzuki, Wybo will be riding Kawasaki KX250F from MX Viaene this year. When he starts the MCLB opening cross in Stekene on Sunday, he will already have had a winter Supercross. So it's time to inquire about the expectations and objectives of 'Woby'.
Jurgen, let's first talk about your past supercross campaign. What balance do you make?
Jurgen Wybo: “It was a season with highs and lows. The first two matches of the ADAC SX Cup in Stuttgart and Chemnitz were not that easy. It's just adjusting and looking for the right rhythm. The step from the Belgian motocross circuits to supercross circuits is not so obvious. You just notice that the Americans train and race much more on these types of circuits. They just drive around at a much faster pace. At the beginning of a race I could still go over the whoops smoothly, but I couldn't maintain it constantly like them. Things went a lot better in Munich. I was even stronger in Malmö, where I finished just off the podium on Monday.
After Malmö I completely liked Dortmund, which is still the Supercross in Germany. Unfortunately, it turned out differently than I expected. During the training on Friday afternoon I went hard, from the front, onto the washboard. I spent the rest of the afternoon in the hospital emergency room. At first it was feared that I had broken my shoulder, but X-rays showed that my collarbone had dislocated. “
You rode the ADAC SX Cup in the SX1 class on a Suzuki RM-Z 450 from the German Twenty Suspension. But in Goes you rode the MX Viaene Kawasaki KX2F for the first time in the ONK SX250. Doesn't that transition require a lot of adjustment?
Jurgen Wybo: "No actually not. If you ignore the difference in engine power, the Suzuki and the Kawasaki handle almost equally. In Goes I rode the Kawasaki for the first time and it went quite smoothly.”
This season you will ride again in the MX2 class of the MCLB. Why the return?
Jurgen Wybo: “Kawasaki Benelux and MX Viaene were looking for a rider for the MCLB. At the same time, after a number of years at VMCF, I also needed a new challenge, new opponents. Because Lionel Viaene lives in my area, I was an obvious choice. He made an offer which of course I was happy to accept. Nicolas Stampaert from Dirt Racing Supply and BO Motor oil are following me as sponsors in the switch to Kawasaki and the MCLB. I thank those people for their support and the trust they place in me.”
What are the objectives for this season?
Jurgen Wybo: “The MCLB Inters MX2 championship is of course a priority. In addition, the FAM Inters MX2 title is also on my wish list. And I also want to participate in a few races in the BK MX2. But they may not clash with the MCLB or FAM championship.”
The opening match of the Belgian Championship in Beervelde falls on the same weekend as the first FAM match in Hamont. So that will be difficult.
Jurgen Wybo: “I'll just ride in Beervelde on Saturday, because that's a circuit that I like. On Sunday I will simply be at the start in Hamont. Those two races right next to each other are certainly no problem if you ride three-day supercross races in the winter. Normally I had to miss Kester because that match coincides with the FAM match of the MCLB in Tielt. Now it remains to be seen whether Kester will not coincide with an MCLB championship match. I won't be there at the Keiheuvel, because then we have a championship match in Huldenberg. Besides, I don't really like the sand of Balen.”
Who will be your biggest competitors in the MCLB?
Jurgen Wybo:“These are partly guys I've raced against before, but also a few youngsters. Guys like Christophe Hempte, Bjorn Blauwers and Kenny Dult are of course experienced players and can therefore never be leveled out as opponents. But I can imagine that Torpjurn Van Hoe would also like to beat me.”
Some people will claim that in MX2 you mainly avoid Steve Seronval and Christophe Descamps.
Jurgen Wybo: “I think that an MX2 engine suits my riding style a lot better and that I am therefore the most efficient with it. It seems logical to me that you end up in the class that suits you best, doesn't it?”
MCLB is a federation with a strong tradition of clubs. Will we see you in the colors of a certain club this year?
Jurgen Wybo: “Yes, this year I am playing for MC Avanti from Lichtervelde. The competition in Lichtervelde organized by MC Avanti, which falls on September 12 this year, is also a cross that I am looking forward to. The club always knows how to make something special of their circuit.”
Finally, what do you expect from the opening match in Stekene?
Jurgen Wybo:“That won't be that easy, I have only ridden a little in the sand and still have to gain some rhythm in the outdoors, which take a bit longer. But I want to be there for the first MCLB championship match in Roosdaal.”
Thank you Jurgen and good luck this season.
Jurgen Wybo: “Thanks for the interview MXMag!”
Photos credit: CDS, Magnus Andersson
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