Difficult weekend for Kemea Reytec Yamaha in Lierop
The tough sand circuit in Lierop is known for being one of the most difficult circuits in the world. In the heavy sand, the riders do not have a moment's rest and they have to endure heavy pounding from start to finish. More than 20.000 enthusiastic spectators saw great matches during the weekend and enjoyed the nice late summer weather.
It was a difficult weekend for the Kemea Reytec riders. For Kevin Van Geldrop en Jeffrey Dewulf it was a first introduction to the GP circus and everything surrounding it. Due to the many participants in the MX2 European Championship, two qualifying heats and a last chance had to be held on Saturday to fill the starting gates for the heats. Ludovic Brevers got a good start in his qualifying race and finished in 1th place after 11 lap. However, in the second round he crashed hard and had to give up. Kevin van Geldrop finished 1th after 18 lap. He was able to move up to 16th place, but fell back a few places after a few laps. He eventually crossed the finish line in 21st position and, like Ludovic, was referred to the B final, of which only the first 2 were allowed to advance to the series.
In that B final, Ludovic came second and in the end he was allowed to participate in the heats. Kevin finished eleventh and could no longer participate in the rest of the program. Ludovic only got a few minutes of rest after the B final. There was just enough time to freshen up and head back to the starting gate for the first heat. He started around twentieth place, but Ludovic soon found it difficult. Due to the rapid succession of the heats, he had to slow down. Ultimately he crossed the finish line in 32nd place.
Things went wrong for Ludovic from the start in the second moto. He had to start the race penultimate and had a long way to go. However, he did not give up and came back to 28th place. In the MX2 class, Jeffrey Dewulf finished 20th in the qualifying round. Kenny Vandueren was in 18th place for a long time, but fell back to 24th after a mistake.
In the first moto the Kemea Reytec rider did not get off to a good start. Jeffrey crossed the line in 1th after 27 lap and Kenny followed a few places further in 30th. In the third lap Kenny slowed down and could not get the engine started, so he stopped the fight. Jeffrey, for his part, did not find his way on the track and eventually finished 26th.
In the second heat both Kemea Reytec pilots started around 25th place. The teammates rode wheel to wheel throughout the entire race and fought a great duel for 24th place. Jeffrey eventually came out on top and finished 24th, followed by Kenny in 25th place.
Team manager Marnicq Bervoets: “It was a bad weekend in Lierop, we cannot ignore that. For Jeffrey and Kevin it was the first time they were introduced to the GP world. They have both been able to see what it is like in the GPs and I hope that they have gained a lot of experience. I expected Kenny better in the sand and Ludovic lost all confidence after falling hard in the qualifying series. He actually drove better than I expected. With the B-final immediately followed by the first heat, it was very tough and he also constantly switches between the 125cc and the 250cc, which doesn't make it any easier.”
Kenny Vandueren: “I am disappointed after the weekend. Normally I ride well in the sand, but this weekend it didn't work out. Last week I was in bed with the flu and couldn't train, which meant my preparation was ruined. I still had a good feeling on Saturday, but on Sunday it really didn't work. In the first moto I stalled the bike and couldn't get it out of the way. During the second series I felt weak and could never push through. I hope to end the season on a good note. I enjoy riding in Faenza and hope to bring home some points there.”
Jeffrey Dewulf: “I had fun this weekend, but the results are disappointing. Due to the short preparation, I had problems with the suspension adjustment all weekend, which meant I had no confidence in myself and the bike on the track. Everything had to happen a bit too quickly, but I certainly have to thank the team for their efforts and this opportunity. Everyone was always willing to help me improve the bike and after Saturday I still had high hopes for it. In any case, it was an educational experience and I learned a lot! I would like to thank everyone who made this possible.”
Ludovic Brevers: “It was a disappointing weekend in Lierop. It was going pretty well until I crashed in qualifying. I was able to qualify through the B final, but physically I was just exhausted during that first series. I couldn't push through in the second series either. So I still have to work on my fitness and technique in the sand, but next weekend in Faenza I want to score points again.”
Kevin van Geldrop: “I didn't know at all what I was getting into. I only received the message to participate here a week ago, but I didn't know what to expect at all. I was a bit nervous and impressed and I noticed that in my driving. I was cramped and therefore could not use my full potential. But in any case, it was a great experience that I will never forget. I would like to thank Hans and the entire team for this experience!”
The next GP will take place next weekend in Faenza, Italy.
Photos: CDS
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