Green Flag: Learning lessons
This weekend the national motocross championships are on the program in both the Netherlands and Belgium. And that in itself is a bit of a shame because both the ONK competition in Varsseveld as the Belgian MX Championship-round in Beervelde will feel each other's competition. For example, Ken De Dycker, provisional leader in the ONK MX1 standings, will not be at the start in Varsseveld. That in itself means that other drivers will now be given opportunities, but still... On the other hand, we will not have any in Beervelde Joel Roelants see at the start. At the Grobbendonkenaar team, Negaan JM Racing KTM, the ONK MX2 takes precedence. In practice, this means that Roelants will not arrive until May 29 Kester will compete in his first Belgian race of the season.
We therefore have the impression that the two championships are not well coordinated. In our humble opinion, something like this should be better. Is it so much to ask that representatives of the motocross committee of the KNMV sit down together with members of the BMB motocross working group? Why can both National Motorsport Federations leave the Low lands do we collaborate at road racing level, but not when it comes to motocross? With a little good will from both sides, a draft calendar for the major competitions in the Netherlands should be drawn up Benelux can come. A calendar on which ONK competitions no longer coincide with competitions for the Lotto Trophy. I think that KNMV, BMB as well as the riders and teams stand to gain from such a calendar.
As far as sports are concerned, we can also expect a lot this weekend. Actually, the enthusiast becomes off-road motorsport nowhere as spoiled as in the Benelux. A week after the Dutch GP you can see your local hero back at work. Be it in Varsseveld or Beervelde.
There is no doubt that a stronger MX2 field of participants will be behind the fence in Varsseveld. After his performance in Valkenswaard Jeffrey Herlings' career at a new, higher level. Actually, we feel a bit sorry for the boys who have to try to compete against him on Sunday. Without mechanical failure or physical misfortune on his part, it seems to us that Jeffrey Herlings will ride to the Dutch Open title in MX2. It will only be exciting for place 2. Harry Kullas, appears to be an asset to the ONK MX2 after two races. The past GPs also showed that the Finn Monster EnergyYamaha team has taken another step forward this year. Wondering whether he can stay ahead of reigning champion Joël Roelants in the coming ONK matches.
Above you could already read that Ken De Dycker will not be present in Varsseveld on Sunday. It will therefore be interesting to see who will be able to maintain themselves at the front in the ONK MX1. Marc de Reuver may be following at a considerable distance from the leaders (he missed the opening match in Gemert), but he is intrinsically the strongest. If De Reuver has already recovered from his fall in Valkenswaard, he should be taken into account. Bas Verhoeven starts in Varsseveld as virtual leader in the ONK MX1. We expected a little more from him in Valkenswaard. It is also striking that a few Belgians in Dutch service will start in Varsseveld. Let's just think about it Kristof Salaets, Jurgen Van Nooten, Dennis Verbruggen en Yentel martens.
Boys who actually wouldn't have looked out of place in the Lotto Trophy in Beervelde. The big question there is whether Max nagl will not outflank the Belgians. The German is clearly in good form, something that could not be said of the Belgians in Valkenswaard. Anyway, a week is a long time, especially in motocross. In Mons the battle was mainly between Ken De Dycker and Clément Desalle. The Dycker's LS Honda Racing teammate Shaun Simpson managed to keep Steve Ramon off the stage. The question is whether Steve Ramon in Beervelde will be able to connect with the Desalle-Ramon duo. Otherwise, the further course of the Lotto Trophy could turn into a De Dycker-Desalle battle. Another person we expect more from in Beervelde is Manuel Avg. Priem did not have such a bright start in Mons and therefore has some things to put right in his home round of the Belgian MX Championship. Also Kevin Strijbos, if he has recovered from his injuries, can play a role in the course of the match.
Beervelde is also looking forward to the innovations on the circuit. Certainly from the Wallride that circuit builder Alain Roels put in it, we expect a few things. The climatic conditions have it in store for the organizing club MC Scheldeland not made easy. The heat of the past week forced them to spray. But with weather reports that always seemed to be wrong, it was probably not easy to estimate how much rainwater would be added. Anyway, the situation is much better than in 2008 when the organization was in doubt due to days of rain.
In Radson Trophy MX2 start leader Mark Boat probably with the ambition to further expand its lead. Despite having the flu, the Zeelander managed to get in Mons own both heats. We already expect some things in Beervelde Jens Getteman en Kevin Fors. It seems logical to us that both will compete for the podium in East Flanders. A victory for Getteman would be nice for the Sports Department of the Province of East Flanders, which is also a partner of the organization in Beervelde. From that perspective, we also have to look forward to Waaslander Jens Poppe, Getteman's teammate Rebuke-Reytec-Yamaha.
In short, it will be another fascinating cross Sunday. People who would like to get to know another motorsport branch can go to the Helzold Stadium in Heusden-Zolder this weekend, where the Speedway Fan Club will hold its 1e organizes club competition of the season. More info on the website of the Speedway Fan Club.
Photo Credits: CDS Images, Honda Proimages/Ray Archer
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