Presentation of Standing Construct Suzuki Team
This year, two new Belgian teams will make their debut in the Motocross World Championship. In these difficult times it takes a lot of courage and dedication to build this up, but these people don't suffer from that. With a construction company as main sponsor, the Standing Construct Suzuki team already has an advantage in the construction field. Luc Piccart and Tim Mathys, both no strangers to the motocross environment, presented their new team to the press yesterday.
Host Joël Smets talked the evening (without difficulty) and asked both the team managers and the drivers about their ambitions for the coming season. These ambitions are not the least, but everyone is super motivated to start the season.
Luc Piccart, team manager of the Standing Construct Suzuki team, will be responsible for the sporting and technical side of the team. With the experience he gained at Suzuki and Honda, Luc can optimally support and advise his riders during the competitions.
Tim Mathys, who takes care of the business side, also has years of experience in cross-country and has guided the young Damon Graulus from the start of his career.
This brings us to the drivers. Damon Graulus will make the switch to the MX2 European Championship. The 17-year-old rider from Vossem felt good on the yellow bike from the start and is looking forward to racing. After a somewhat disappointing start to the season last year, Graulus still managed to finish fifth in the European Championship, with victory in the British GP as the icing on the cake. With a little extra self-confidence, a top 5 ranking for Graulus should certainly be possible in the European Championship. At national level, Graulus wants to compete for the title in the Belgian Championship.
We'll catch up next Jens Getteman. The 18-year-old Getteman will make his debut in the MX2 World Championship this year, a big step, but after what Getteman showed several times at the European competitions last year, he certainly has the potential to participate in the World Championship. Getteman himself remains very realistic and sets himself the goal of regularly riding in the points. Getteman is also resolutely going for the title in the Belgian Championship. Moreover, Getteman returns on a familiar motorcycle as he has ridden a lot with this motorcycle before. Just like Graulus, Getteman is part of the Topsport Vlaanderen team and both will be physically guided by Joël Smets and Dirk Geukens, who will be present at every GP to evaluate the young riders. Both send their data every day to the trainers who then draw up a customized schedule for them.
Smets also subtly gave a hint to Getteman that the MXON will take place in Lommel at the end of September, given the many riders in the field, he could also be in the picture this year. Getteman responded resolutely with the words: 'I will turn on the tap and try to get into the spotlight!'
Third driver is the Dane Nikolai Larsen. The 22-year-old Dane made his World Championship debut in 2009 after becoming vice European MX2008 champion in 2. In the following seasons, the Dane was plagued by injuries and extra-sporting obstacles, but each time he pulled through and proved through hard work that he could be there again. This was witnessed by his 10th place in the GP of Valkenswaard last year. In terms of character, the Dane is often compared to Brian Jorgensen, who, like Nikolaj, was a hard worker with a strong character. Larsen aspires to be in the top 2 of the MX10 World Championship and will also participate in the Swedish championship, which is the most renowned of the northern countries. If possible, he will also participate in as many competitions for the Belgian Championships as possible.
Technically, the engines will be kept up to date by Frank Grolleman. John Vollebergh will be responsible for tuning the engine and brothers Dave and Rudy Geurts will ensure that the engines of Larsen and Getteman always appear at the start in tip-top condition. The suspension will be provided by Kayaba and finally Francois Claes and Myriam Thijs will take care of the logistics and hospitality.
Just before the end, the pleasant talk show was interrupted by one Eric Geboers. Geboers came to tell us that trees can still be purchased to 'save the motocross'. The sport has every interest in all motocross enthusiasts participating in this promotion! You can still buy a tree www.reddemotocross.be !
Photos CDS
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