Bakens' experiences in the VLM
After the injury season of 2013, it's over Robin Bakens It is important to gain as much competition rhythm as possible. So that he is completely ready for the start of it European Championship250cc in Bulgaria on April 20. To limit traveling and the weather is still good in Belgium, the 19-year-old talent has chosen to compete in the VLM for two weeks.
Bakens' first match was in Linde-Peer. Unfortunately for Robin, he had gotten up that morning with a fever and was feeling anything but well. Still, he decided to persevere and go for the competitive rhythm. However, they took it easy during the training, which resulted in an 18e time training. The first series did not go smoothly for the Waaslander either. In the mixed Inters MX1 & MX2 class, Bakens could not make a good start and had to come back from far away. However, he was able to quickly pick up the pace and the Yamaha rider battled himself to an 8e place overall, a 4e place with the MX2s. In the second series the disease had really struck. Robin had no energy left and could barely hold his handlebars, in addition to which he again had a poor start. When Robin wanted to enter the top 10, he came into contact with another rider, which cost him a lot of time, so there was no more than a 21e place overall, a 8e place with the MX2s. He finished 5th in the daily rankingse.
Robin Bakens: “It was a difficult day today, I woke up sick and felt that I wouldn't be able to be myself today. I have therefore decided to use the training purely for exploration. In addition, I was involved in a racing incident and it bothered me a bit in the days that followed. All in all, it's a good thing that I took part in this race, I notice that I need more race rhythm and we also know a bit more about the engine setup.”
The second VLM competition that Robin Bakens participated in was in Minderhout last weekend. Illness remains with a sportsman for a while, but Robin felt ready for it. However, during training he again took it easy, this time not because he didn't feel good, but because the circuit felt strange. It had frozen at night and there was quite a lot of grass on the circuit. In the last two laps it was decided to go all out, which was enough for a 14e time.
In the first series it was again a battle with the 450's for a good start. With the MX2 engine Robin managed to finish 25e to settle in the first round. The first three laps did not go well, there was little overtaking and everything turned completely flat. Then a race to catch up was started, one that was truly impressive. This is how Robin still came as 10e overall good for a 3e place at the MX2.
The second series was again an incident-rich match. It started at the start where some riders fell in front of Bakens' wheels. However, the Sint-Pauwels player did not let this bother him, with his excellent condition he was able to fight back to an 11e place. Then he was told by his mechanic Lesley that he could still dive into the top 10. A bit impetuously, Robin passed Kristof Scheynen, after which he logically got a taste of his own medicine. After this great match, Robin was able to distance himself a bit from Kristof, and as if that wasn't enough, he also conquered the 9e place in the very last round. This was good for a 2e place in the MX2 in both the series and the daily classification.
“It was nice riding in Minderhout, I already felt a lot less sick than the week before and only started training again on Thursday. The Saturday before the race I did some tours in Olmen to get to the start with some motorcycle feeling. Physically I was not yet 100%, also because of my illness, but it is nice to know that even though I am not 100%, I can still make a difference in the final rounds.” Robin Bakens said: “Next weekend I will not be competing, I will travel to Italy to test and prepare myself for the famous international competition in Mantova. Circuit equipment would rather have me in Italy than in the first ONK of the season + it is a unique opportunity that I want to grab with both hands. From Mill onwards I will participate again in the ONKs. Anyone who wants can follow me on my Facebook page. "
Finally, Robin thanks all his sponsors: Steven Braems drilling and concrete works, Arai Helmets, Leatt protectives, EKS Brand Goggles, Gaerne Boots, BEST products, Putoline motorcycle oils, Yamaha Belgium, Van Hasselt exhausts, TMV, Twin Air, No Limit Graphics, Bicycle world Bijvank, Renthal, Muc-Off, Acerbis, Bakens Yamaha, Pirelli, Spirit suspension, Interior finishing Erwin Raman.
Photo credits: Frederik 'VePix' Van Eeckhoven
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