Report: Team Belgium at the Junior World Championships
After France and Italy the past two years, it was Bulgaria Sevlievo's turn to win the 2012 Junior World Championships received. As the name suggests, the Junior World Championship is one race that brings together the best riders from each country and each championship. In addition to the Europeans, the American, Australian, South African and Venezuelan teams were also present.
If we look at the honors list of the Junior World Championship, you will recognize many of the current top European and American riders. To name a few; Herlings, Tixier, Karro, Wharton, Verbruggen, Osborne, Roelants, Stewart, Strijbos… On the Belgian side, this was the third consecutive year that we made a small structure available to the riders on behalf of the BMB. Practically speaking, it involved a training camp, a coach (BMB National Coach Yves Devlaminck; ed) and an experienced supervisor (Robert Gielis; ed). For the first time, there was also a contribution to the travel costs of the pilots present. This year, injuries and the long journey to Sevlievo threw a spanner in the works for many potential World Cup participants. Finally defended Cyril Enjoyment (85cc), Thomas Vermile en Ludovic Brevers (125cc) our country.
Cyril Genot's weekend
For Cyril, who mainly competes in the ONK, the adjustment to the hard track initially did not cause too many problems. He rode to the 16th qualifying time in his group. Sunday was a different story. Cyril took a bad start in the first heat and escaped with a scare on the double jump in the descent in the first lap. In the end he still knew 25th to become. His lap times also systematically decreased. In the second race his engine had major carburetion problems. A serious handicap, especially on the jumps. In stifling heat (almost 45° C) and in very dusty conditions it was difficult not to make mistakes. Meanwhile, the track had also become treacherous, even dangerous in some places. Pleasure came as 31 in this seriesth On. Outside the points, but certainly a good experience richer. Cyril now knows what his weaknesses are, both in himself and his material. Frankly, we have no doubt that this can be worked on successfully!
The 125cc boys
Thomas qualified easily at 29th, although he could certainly have done more during his qualifying session. After a good start in the first heat, he crashed and was run over by another competitor. Unfortunately, luck was not with Thomas in the second series either. After a fall at the start, things went wrong again on a concrete-hard descent. Balance; a dislocated pelvis; a fracture in his ankle and both wrists. Fortunately, the first aid was there quickly and they were able to do a good job. A serious crash without a doubt, but one without consequences for the future. Good luck Thomas #276!
Ludovic Brevers exchanged his 250 four-stroke to ride the 125cc again for a weekend. Brevers drove to a 19de place in the qualifications, but just like Thomas, he certainly did not handle the qualification optimally. Its 12de place on Sunday morning during the warm-up showed the best expectations. After a start in the top 10 and a promising start to the series, 'Ludo' lost the front at the bottom of a descent where it was still wet from spraying. Back in the suit he managed to finish 15th. However, the feeling of a missed opportunity prevailed.
The second heat wasn't much easier. In the meantime, the track had been transformed into concrete, with holes and little grip. After starting in the top 12, Brevers was less able to push through than in the first moto. Through the heat and dust he drives to the 15de place. However, the potential of the Kemea rider is clear. Technically speaking, it can do just about anything like a motorcycle. Now it's time to work on the details, both personally and on his bike. To move up, all the 'little things' are important: how to organize free training and qualifications, showing courage at the right moments, choosing lines, overtaking actions, nutrition/hydration...
Conclusion of the national coach
BMB youth coach Yves Devlaminck took stock after Sevlievo. As always, the verdict is out the holeshot sharp but fair and expertly substantiated. “Belgium finished 19th in the country rankingsde. Due to the fact that we did not have a pilot in the 65cc, this cost us dearly in the final bill. Objectively speaking, there is still a good generation of 15 to 18 years old who are currently riding in the 125cc and 250cc. Unfortunately, the future of our youth riders is much less rosy. The level of our 85cc riders is low and the drive of the youth leaves a lot to be desired, both in the BMB and in the amateur federations. Hopefully these types of top competitions can be an inspiration. There are many lessons to be learned from a weekend such as the Junior World Cup in Bulgaria, both on a human and sporting level.”
In other words: get to work damn it!
Credit photos: B.Verheyen – L.Wright – M.Longrée
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