Motocross International: The bells came from Rome
It would be going too far to say that the Belgian MX1 riders collectively failed Valkenswaard. But we can safely say that they are on Easter Monday, in an environment that is familiar to them, a pandering have received a lot of attention. Anyone who looks soberly at the results of the Dutch GP must conclude that we were once in a better position.
In the past, a GP in the sand always meant a day on which the riders from the Benelux were able to quickly increase their points account. That was true for a few “locals” on Monday, but unfortunately not for the majority. The days when French, British and Italian GP riders came to Valkenswaard with their knees lommel, Mill or to any sand circuit, are long gone. The past three editions of the MX1 GP in Valkenswaard were each won by a rider from Southern Europe. In 2009 went Jonathan Barragan with the GP victory for Antonio Cairolli (both had the same number of points, but Barragan's better second heat was the deciding factor). Last year and this year Antonio Cairoli ruled the Eurocircuit. And yet we had dared to harbor hope beforehand. Desalle, Dycker, Ramon en De Reuver, they could all compete for the podium. After the qualifying race on Saturday afternoon we were already a few illusions poorer. Admittedly, such a qualifying race does not say everything, but anyone who is really in shape will not hide at that moment. Here and there an insider or supporter hoped that the Belgians had still saved themselves.
At no point on Monday did the Belgians really feature in the piece. De Dycker launched an offensive in the opening phase(I) but did not get further than fourth place, only to lose ground later. De Dycker's hip injury may have played a role in the poor performance, but still. In Valkenswaard Ken should have just gotten a little more out of it.
Even more disappointing was Clément Desalle's performance. Desalle had never been World Cup leader before and the red number plate may have created extra pressure. In what is almost a home race (at least for the... Rockstar Suzuki team) de Waal made a lackluster impression. He just seemed to lack willpower on Monday. You can hardly call someone who, despite losing the leading position in the World Cup, still felt that he had done quite well as a candidate world champion. It chasm between him and World Cup leader Steven Frossard may only amount to 7 points, but it has been beaten. Yet I am convinced that we will see Desalle at the next GP, the US one Glen helen, can expect to be at the front. If only because Desalle is eager to show himself to the American media and teams.
The other MX1 Belgians also did far from brilliantly. But in the case of Ramon and Strijbos, they can rely on medical reasons. By Yentel martens we just expected more in Valkenswaard. Together with Jérémy Delincé he now has about a month to prepare for their next GP, that of France. For Delincé, whose account has remained blank until now, it is high time to gather points.
A factor that probably played a major role in Valkenswaard was the heat. We don't really dare to mention heat yet because the temperatures remained below 30°C. For the guys who complained about the temperatures this weekend, it could be a very hot summer. Unlike previous years, the Spanish and Portuguese GPs now take place in mid-June. The further course of the MX1 World Championship promises one survival of the fittest to become".
Steven Frossard may have left Valkenswaard as World Cup leader, but the big winner of the weekend was of course Antonio Cairoli. Two weeks, that's how long friends and foes of the Sicilian were given to speculate about his physical condition. Around five o'clock on Monday we all knew how far away he was. Not only did Cairoli win the GP there, he also extended his contract with KTM for two years in Valkenswaard. This means that Cairoli was still under the care of in 2012 and 2013 Claudius DeCarli, the man who discovered him will remain. The fact that Cairoli's contract has already been extended indicates the confidence that Mattighofen (read the KTM headquarters) has in him. Now that his sporting future has been determined in the medium term, Tony can fully concentrate on winning a third consecutive world title in the premier class. Who can prevent him from doing that? After the Easter weekend, it can hardly be a coincidence that the Easter bells come from Rome, the city where Claudio De Carli's team is headquartered and Cairoli's domicile is located.
Photo Credit: KTM Images/R. Archer,
Also to read
Wilkinson takes the 2nd heat in Heerde but Lielbardis wins the Grand Prix!
The British Wilkinson/Millard have won the second heat of the Dutch Grand Prix sidecar cross. However, we saw other teams on the overall podium. The Dutch Hermans/Van den Bogaart came third, ...Lielbardis wins the first heat of Grand Prix Sidecars Heerde
The Latvian brothers Lielbardis have won the first heat of the Dutch Grand Prix in Heerde. Vanluchene/Janssens would come second with Vandaele/Van der Putten in third Under a radiant sun...Van Drunen triumphs and does good business
A very important victory for Lotte van Drunen. The Yamaha rider wins the third race of the FIM WMX World Championship and is doing well in the title battle. Courtney Duncan (1-2) …Heitink wins second moto, Zanocz takes back the lead
Under rainy conditions, Dani Heitink won the second round during the fourth race of the European 125cc Championship Presented by FMF Racing. The MJC rider had a difficult first moto…
Your reactions