BEC: Goblet beats Cédric Melotte
Despite the rain, more than 300 riders passed the registration for the 27th enduro from Molignée. MC Molignard's classic also kicked off the BEC (Belgian Enduro Championship). Particularly tough conditions separated the wheat from the chaff in Warnant, so that the favorites Jean-François Goblet (Yamaha), Cédric Melotte (GasGas), Kevin Gauniaux (GasGas), Cédric Cremer (KTM) and Michaël Vukcevic (Sherco) were immediately at the front .
Goblet dominates
With the fastest time in the 7 Special of the day there appeared to be no defense against Jean-François Goblet. Goblet, who made his debut on the Yamaha in Warnant, won the race with almost 40 seconds ahead of his closest pursuer. Ex-cross rider Cédric Melotte provided a major surprise with a strong second place. Melotski made progress all day and sealed his second place thanks to a final sprint that saw him gain no less than 6 seconds from Kevin Gauniaux on the last lap.
Official KTM rider Cédric Cremer was third on the podium after a regular day, although he made a mistake in the last special. Michaël Vukcevic and his new Sherco 300 4-stroke also made an eager impression.
Due to a painful shoulder after a fall during training, the first match was always going to be a difficult task for Wim Vanderheyden. The sympathetic Hallen resident drove his heavy Husaberg 570 to sixth place overall and took second place in the E3.
The next BEC match will take place on April 25 in Flavion, between Dinant and Charleroi
Comments
Jean-François Goblet (Yamaha/MX Action) – Winner
« The Warnant enduro is a real classic in Belgium! The specials are fantastic and you feel that the organizers know exactly what is important. Of course I am very happy with my first victory on Yamaha. I actually felt very comfortable all day. I worked hard for this first race and it paid off. The speed is gradually coming back and I have a lot of confidence for the rest of the championship."
Cédric Melotte (GasGas Belgium) – Second
«After the Hautrage enduro, this was the second enduro of my career and it certainly didn't go bad. Driving went well, but we haven't been able to work much on the engine yet. I hope to change that before the start of the World Cup (April 10 and 11 in Spain). Actually, I learn every day. So far I have concentrated on the technical slopes. Now it's time to also concentrate on the specials so that I can lower my times. »
Kevin Gauniaux (GasGas Belgium) – Third
“Everyone worked hard last winter and I expected to fight for the podium Close would become. Jean-François (Goblet) was a size too big today, in every special he took quite a few seconds lead! Apart from two small falls, I rode reasonably well, without taking too many risks. This year I'm riding a 300 2-stroke and I think that engine suits my riding style well. In any case, I feel more at home on it than on last year's 250. At GasGas they listened carefully this winter and have provided an engine that runs perfectly. I think we're going to see a very open championship this year ! »
Thierry Klutz – Manager TKO
«The balance after the first enduro of the season is very positive. Although there are certainly still areas for improvement, I think everyone can look back with satisfaction. Despite the rain and mud, the pilots showed up en masse and made it a great race. Things immediately got tough among the tenors. You notice that the riders have a lot of enthusiasm and that is promising for the rest of the BEC! »
FINAL STANDING BEC – WARNANT
1.Goblet Jean-François – Yamaha ; 2. Melotte Cédric – GasGas ; 3.Gauniaux Kevin – GasGas ; 4.Cremer Cédric – KTM ; 5.Vukcevic Michael – Sherco ; 6.Vanderheyden Wim – Husaberg; 7. Martiny Jérôme – GasGas ; 8.Crosset Dany – GasGas ; 9.Verpoorten Roel – HM ; 10.Dermine Arnaud – GasGas;…
Credit Photos: Frédéric David
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