Pre-selection Team Belgium announced!
Joël Smets just released the seven names of the pre-selection for the Belgian team that will defend our country during the Red Bull Motocross of Nations in the United States at the end of September. These are Clément Desalle, Steve Ramon, Ken De Dycker, Kevin Strijbos, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Dennis Verbruggen and Joël Roelants. Earlier this week, the pre-selection met for the first time for a real team building day in Kempen led by the five-time world champion. It was a fun day with water skiing, tandem or cargo bike cycling and a barbecue at the end. Click here to view the photos of the team building day.
First of all, the team building day was a relaxing day together. However, team manager Smets still has some tough nuts to crack before the final team is announced. That final selection for the 64th Motocross of Nations will be announced on Sunday, August 15 during the fourth round of the MX Pro Series at the Keihuevel in Balen. Last year Desalle, Ramon and Roelants defended the Belgian colors. The Belgians finished a creditable third last year after the US and France.
Last year there was a lot of commotion surrounding the non-selection of Ken De Dycker. Who even declared on a whim that he never wanted to drive for Team Belgium again?
Joel Smets: “Of course you make such a statement in the heat of the moment. Since then we have talked everything out and, taking my arguments into account, Ken showed understanding for my choice. I recently had a short but good conversation with him during the German GP. I therefore interpret Ken's strong reaction last year as a positive signal. Bring it attaches importance to the MX of Nations and the Belgian team.”
It should go from seven drivers to a trio fairly quickly. Can you give us a glimpse of the veil?
Joel Smets: “The only certainty at the moment is Clément Desalle. Since his shoulder injury, he has returned to acting at a high level. Steve Ramon has had a mixed season with minor injuries. He has had difficulty training for two weeks in a row, so he has not yet reached his best form. Ken is in a similar situation: too many ups and downs. Anyway, despite the technical and physical concerns, he showed in Teutschenthal that he can do it.”
What about the selection of the MX2 rider?
Joel Smets: “First and foremost, an important change to the regulations has been introduced this year. The MX2 pilot must be under 23. This means that the option to switch with, for example, Ramon in the MX2 is no longer possible. As far as Jeremy Van Horebeek and Joël Roelants are concerned, they are in balance with each other, just like De Dycker and Ramon. Intrinsically, Van Horebeek is the faster of the two this season, but Roelants has been struggling with injuries in recent weeks. The riders now have two very important GPs with Lommel and Loket to convince me in my choice.”
The Belgian initiative to make a pre-selection has been followed in recent years by England and France, among others?
Joel Smets: “That's right, but to stop doing it yourself because others are also doing it seems quite crazy to me! Especially because both the pre-selection and the team building day are an integral part of the preparation. It allows me to convey my ideas and focus everything. The riders seem to appreciate that it always takes place in a relaxed atmosphere at a time when the belt comes off for a while in the World Cup.”
Photos credit: Pixelpony, CDS, S. Guttierez
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