The Privateer: “I almost managed the holeshot…”
We at MXMag.be had to search for a new suitable columnist for a long time. The conditions that the “white raven” had to meet were not simple: knowledge of the GPs, someone who rides at a decent level, has contacts in the world and can explain it well. We found all that again Elton Van Cranenbroeck AKA The Privateer. This year Elton will compete in the BMB Nationals MX1. But he also provided Steve Ramon with advice and assistance for many years at the MX1 GPs. The ideal columnist for MXMag.be
The GP riders have just completed a busy period with three consecutive GPs in Sweden, Germany and Latvia. Our 'hope' for a new Belgian World Cup title was therefore put on hold by Desalle's shoulder injury. Before his fall, I think Desalle was the man to beat, although he showed what 'character' means in Sweden and Germany. His goal was to erase pain and limit damage and he clearly succeeded with a podium in Germany. The last GP in Latvia was noticeably less for Desalle. Hopefully he will recover in Lommel. Just like in previous years, we have seen a strong Cairoli in recent weeks. And what strikes me, and probably everyone else, is Cairoli's last 5 minutes of a moto. He always seems to be at his best. That makes me wonder whether the rest simply train less or what the difference could be? For the strength in the World Cup, we now have to hope for a fully recovered Desalle. If that is the case, then the World Cup seems to me to be undecided. Steven Frossard is having a super Rookie year in MX1. Yet he is still slightly less regular than the other top players.
We will see a stronger Keeno in the last GPs. If he can be at the front from the start, I can see him on the podium soon. Strange that Keeno's starts don't work out because the Hondas of Bobry and Goncalves seem to be at the front in every series. Steve Ramon seems to be having a difficult year in the World Cup. And even though I don't go to the GPs as much as I used to, and I have worked with Steve for 6 years, I still can't believe that it has to do with 'getting older' as some claim. .Who is Steve for example? working in Tongeren, I know he still has it. Even though the MX1 top is so wide this year, I still hope to see Steve a little more at the front.
“Das Wunderkind” Roczen is having a super season in the Mx2 World Championship. Only his own mistakes or a Herlings in super form seem to be able to beat him. We will have to wait and see whether the season turns out to be too long for the German after his supercross campaign, although KTM will have all that under control. "Such a young guy doesn't get tired." Things are a bit less good for the Belgians at the moment with injuries to The Jerre, The Fonz and Quick Nick. In June I was impressed by Triest's driving. A conversation during the French GP in Saint-Jean D'Angely. “I'll be there from now on” Nick told me. At the time I thought his words were quite harsh, but in retrospect he spoke the truth. The top 10 was getting closer, it's a pity that the injury has now thrown a spanner in the works.
Let's take a look at the current state of affairs in the Lotto Trophy, in which we got a new leader after the last test in Tongeren with Ken De Dycker. Man in form, Clement Desalle seemed to be heading for his 2nd Belgian title quite easily. But a fall during the first moto and additional shoulder injury threw a spanner in the works. Steve could be Ramon on the 'old school' circuit motorcycle skills again to the fullest and he went home with a nice victory. Also remarkable for me was the performance of Marvin Van Daele. The full-privateer showed that he belonged there in the World Cup. We have now completed 4 BC competitions and are heading into the heyday Kester is still fresh in my memory. The formula of 2 days 'cross on the Kesterheide' turned out to work with Quads and Sidecars on the program. I thought those two days were a success, both in terms of pilots and spectators. I almost managed the holeshot in my first moto, but at the end of the first lap I braked myself. and pilots. In my opinion, the new circuit in Tongeren can be called a success. We can now look ahead to a new high day for the Belgian Championships, namely on August 15 at the Keiheuvel in Balen. Although that is a bit less for me personally because I 'hate' sand. Balen always seems like a GP with the many top riders who always start... So let's count down and see if Clement Desalle can hit back.
Like every Belgian MX fan, I am also looking forward to the GP Limburg. For my family, the GP takes on an extra dimension because my brother-in-law Kevin Wouts starts as a wild card driver. For a moment it seemed as if the party was cancelled. But fortunately, Kevin was eventually retained for the GP. Especially after he won 16 in Teutschenthal in the second seriese and thus pocketed 5 World Cup points, expectations are slightly higher. Kevin is currently in good shape and so it is all the better that he can compete in his home GP.
I hardly visited GPs last year. After 6 years I had had enough. But this year I am more involved again. This time as an 'auxiliary' mechanic for Wietse Brackman in the European MX2 Championship. Chic to follow with men like Ferrandis and Febvre. I have also seen strong things from Jens Getteman, who unfortunately also had to deal with some setbacks this season. The next European Championship competition for me as an “auxiliary mec” is the Belgian round in Lommel next weekend. As far as my first column,. Now I urgently have to do some riding in the sand myself with an eye on the classic on the Keiheuvel in Balen. I don't want to be left out in Balen. Until the next. Greetz. The Privateer.
Photos: ronnysfotos.nl
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