Green flag 2: a weekend of MX
The start of the weekend is not complete without MXM's green flag! The otherwise quiet Mill plays a leading role in European motocross on Sunday thanks to the presence of many GP top riders. You can read about that more elsewhere. Still this about the first round of the ONK; the addition of the ladies class is a sign that the KNMV supports the development of women's motocross. And that is not surprising because in just a few years, cycling for women has grown explosively. Unfortunately, we have to conclude that Belgium is lagging behind in this regard. Commendable initiatives such as that of Diga Racing Despite last weekend in Balen, motocross for women is still seen as a rarity in Belgium. Although that will change this year with the arrival of a women's championship that will be held as part of certain VMCF competitions.
Double shifts
By the way, last weekend they already started in the ONK MX3/Sidecarcross/Quadcross. There must be quite a few tough guys among those MX3 riders because we saw a number of names a day earlier in the results of the race for the ONK Enduro in Holten! Coincidence or not, Amel Advocaat won both in Holten (E1) and in Lochem (NL) (MX3) the overall victory in its class.
Boys like Gert-Jan Boekhorst and Erik Davids were also at the front on both days. By the way, Boekhorst and teammate Oscar Vromans became 2 in Locheme in 3. e in the final score. Nothing special in itself, except that both gentlemen were on a Beta! Admittedly, in recent years the Italian brand has gradually become established again in enduro, but when it comes to motocross we can speak of an 'exotic' here. The last time someone in our Low Countries achieved such high marks in motocross on a Beta probably dates back to the late 70s. Then someone turned Andre Massant hard on the throttle of his factory 125cc Beta.
In the rest of Europe
In addition to the ONK in Mill, there will be a lot of throttle in various other places in Europe this weekend. The third round of the Internazionali d'Italia in Gallarate driven. Located close to Milan's Malpensa airport, this circuit was where Kevin Strijbos recorded his very first series victory in a GP in 2004. “The Kid” was 18 at the time and riding a factory Suzuki. In Gallarate we are looking forward to the achievements of LS Honda duo Tanel Leok and Davide Guarneri. Since the leader in the Internazionali, David Philippaerts, will not play this weekend (Philippaerts drives in Mill), Guarneri is now the virtual leader. The Honda rider precedes Josh Coppins and Tanel Leok. You can also enjoy the latter here's an interview find. Also Manuel Priem, recently the proud owner of one new website, his Aprilia can leave the mark in Gallarate.
On the legendary circuit of Foxhill The Red Bull Pro Nationals will start near Swindon this weekend. The Red Bull Pro Nationals are virtually the national championship of Great Britain's third motocross federation next to ACU and AMCA: the MC Federation. The MC Federation or MCF for short is the brainchild of former top cross rider Matt Bates and DEP pipes boss Craig Elwell. That Bates and Elwell are serious is evident from the support of main sponsor Red Bull, on the one hand, but also from the fact that quite a few established names are driving the championship. Because the Maxxis British MX Championship (ACU), the MMX Championship (ACU), the British Masters (AMCA) and the Red Bull Pro Nationals do not overlap, guys like Brad Anderson, Neville Bradshaw, Carl Nunn can ride at a high level for a whole year in your own country. Moreover, the top riders in these championships can earn an income without having to drive GPs.
What do Paris-Nice and the Rockstar Energy Elite have in common besides the fact that they are both high-level French sporting events? Both did or are visiting the Provencal village of Pernes-les-Fontaines this weekend. Also known among BMX riders because of the local track. This afternoon the 5 wente stage of Paris-Nice starts in the village in Vaucluse. Tomorrow the best French riders will again fight for a good training time. Among them is Jeremy Van Horebeek who is gradually getting into shape at the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki. In Sommières the Kawasakis proved to be unbeatable. Van Horebeek's teammate Steven Frossard won in MX2, Gregory Aranda did the same in MX1. This weekend the competition will be a little stronger because reigning French and MX2 World Champion Marvin Musquin will make his appearance in the Rockstar Elite.
Also in Germany the motocross season starts this weekend. This is traditionally done in Frankenbach near Heilbronn. Also in this international cross there will be a crowd of stars, led by Ken Roczen and Max Nagl. Jeremy Delince makes his debut in Frankenbach in the Swiss RB Yamaha Team.
We would have liked to bring positive news about it around this time Belgian Motocross Championship. But unfortunately there is only bad news to report at the moment. 720°, the communications agency that had won the contract for the promotion of the BK starting this season, threw in the towel before one official press release about the BK was sent. Less than two months before the start of the Belgian Championship, on May 1 in Beervelde, this means that the BMB has to look for a solution. The BMB would hold discussions about this with a number of parties. This means that efforts are being made to keep the BK on the course of recent years. However, high expectations (read, among other things, live TV) for the 2010 edition of the BK seem unrealistic. Moreover, it remains to be seen how quickly the Belgian Motorcyclists' Association will decide on an alternative to 720°. On the other hand, this dramatic turn also offers perspectives. The timing can now be adjusted and the Nationals and Inters MX2 could be duplicated, so that both can do their own thing. The questionable qualifying race for the Inters Open could also be canceled or converted into a chrono session. Or as Johan Cruyff says: “Every disadvantage has its advantage.”
In the states, the riders cross the northern border into Canada for the 10th race of the season. After several years of absence Toronto back on the calendar. Due to a new injury, Chad Reed's return has been postponed for a while, which means that Ryan Dungey and Ryan Villopoto can still battle it out for the victory for the time being. Josh Hill had some bad races but now has to perform if he wants to stay in the running for the title. Christophe Pourcel dominates the Lites, but he cannot yet breathe a sigh of relief. With 5 games to go, Cricri is only 9 points ahead of Stroupe, so 1 mistake could be fatal.
In our own country the VLM to the world-famous Heeserbergen lommel. Wondergem may the MCLB caravan received and the VMCF stranded Moerbeke-Waas. In Helchteren after all it works VBMseason starts for a second time behind the water tower. You can now find a photo retrospective of last week's MCLB cross in Kachtem here!
In addition to MX, the Trial engines started again this weekend. Madrid is preparing to welcome the best trial riders in the world on Saturday evening for the penultimate test of the FIM Indoor Trial Championship.
And last but not least, many fear for the future of MX in our country. But one rider is always on his way to imitating his dad. He is five years old, already has a contract and drives with style! Add yourself to our Facebook page and enjoy!
Photos credit: CDS, Beta, Ray Archer
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