Dream final BK MX in Mont Saint Guibert!
Ken De Dycker has had a strong season. This Sunday the Red Bull KTM rider can put the icing on the cake if he also wins the Belgian title in Mont-Saint Guibert in Walloon Brabant. In the standings for the Radson Trophy BK Inters Open, Keeno has a 39 point lead over his nearest opponent Tanel Leok. For the 28-year-old De Dycker, it would be a first important title in his own country after MX1 titles in Germany and Great Britain. Leok's form curve is clearly showing an upward trend. The Estonian Express achieved its first podium of the season during the GP in Lierop. Besides the title battle in the Radson Trophy, Mont-Saint Guibert has many more assets to offer. This includes the exclusive arrival of the brand new MX2 World Champion Jeffrey Herlings!
The organizing RMC Pierreux has built up a strong reputation over the past eight years with the finals of the BK Motocross. The spectacular, clear 'Shank's circulation , the central location and the impressive field of participants once again speak for themselves. The attention to detail and the continuous improvements to the circuit in particular make this location one of the most popular courses in the Benelux. In the run-up to the Belgian Championship final, the jumps were overhauled and additional sand strips were also constructed to provide even more overtaking opportunities. Except it 'football stadium feeling' for spectators, Mont-Saint Guibert is distinguished by the specific composition of the subsurface ; 50% sand, 50% hard earth.
Title favorite Ken Dycker knows his way around the Shanks circuit like no other. Keeno dominated there last year and also won the BC final in 2009. Four years ago, De Dycker seemed likely to become Belgian champion in Mont-Saint Guibert until his Suzuki gave up the ghost in the penultimate lap of the very last series! Also two-time world champion Steve Ramon who made his BK return in Orp-Le-Grand cherishes fond memories of the Shanks circuit. The Bomb celebrated the Belgian title there both in 2008 and two years ago. Playing for victory is probably not an option for Ramon on Sunday, but after promising results during his performances last month, it is clear that the West Flemish will certainly play for the top five.
World Champion Herlings at the start!
De Dycker's challenger, Tanel Leok, won the very first edition of the BK on the Shanks circuit! The Estonian is not only a fixture in the Belgian Championship, the youth world champion is a born fighter who never gives up. His deficit of 39 points to De Dycker is considerable, but with a total of 75 points at stake and knowing that surprises are never ruled out in a mechanical sport, the likeable Suzuki rider will certainly go to the extreme! In addition to De Dycker, KTM is now throwing three more top riders into the fray on Sunday; Jeffrey Herlings, Kevin Strijbos en David Guarneri (final winner in Mont-Saint Guibert two years ago). All three are capable of winning and a circuit where the fun factor for the drivers is high is the best inspiration for great deeds. Especially from MX2 world champion herlings can we expect fireworks? The Bullit always gives it his all. During his previous Belgian Championship appearances in 2011 and this season, the 17-year-old super talent showed that he is made of the right stuff. Herlings, who is considered the best sand rider in the world, will now discover the Shanks circuit for the first time on Sunday!
In Mont-Saint Guibert also reigns Belgian champion Shaun Simpson makes his appearance again. The Yamaha factory rider is having an excellent season ending. Simpson could surprise the Belgians again on home soil. Count the Honda factory rider there Evgeny Bobryshev, the sub-toppers Yerki Janvier, Jurgen Van Nooten, Manuel Priem, Marvin Van Daele en Yentel martens bee. Finally, there is a quick French delegation with Christophe Martin, Cyril Coulon en Thomas Allier.
Photos: Ray Archer, S. Taglioni
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