Impressive GP debut for Robin Bakens
Waaslander Robin Bakens made last weekend lommel his debut at the highest level. The Yamaha rider had received a wildcard to ride in the World Championship MX2. Despite a hectic week leading up to the GP, Robin arrived at the start of a motocross race more prepared than ever. All new parts on his motorcycle had been thoroughly tested, the suspension was good and, like never before, he has a group of people around him who are knowledgeable.
The weekend started well during the free practice sessions. It is well known that a circuit without cuts and ruts does not suit Robin, but he was still able to set a 26th fastest time in the first training of the weekend.
During the timed training the circuit was already a bit harder and worse, or better, depending on how you look at it. In any case, things went in a positive direction for the Bakens Yamaha rider, as he managed to clock a 24th fastest time.
Then it was time for the first big challenge of the weekend, the qualifying series. For the first time in the career of the 20-year-old East Flemish rider, he is among the greatest motocross riders in the world. Anstie & Co even left quite an impression, which meant that some stress was noticeable: “During the warm-up lap it suddenly fell on me. Suddenly I realized that I am among the best 30 motocross riders in the world. On the one hand it was a wonderful feeling, but on the other hand it gave me a lot of stress. Something you can really miss just before the start. The riding wasn't great, at the beginning of the heat these guys go so fast that it's impossible, you try to catch up and compete, but I had to pay for that halfway through the race. After riding two laps at my own pace, I found my second breath, which allowed me to overtake a few guys and ended up in a nice 19th place... and I was still not 100% satisfied.” Thus Robin Bakens.
On Sunday it was time for the big work. After a quiet warm-up, Bakens was 19th to join the gate. While the MX2 riders were preparing their fence, there was also a podium ceremony for all European Championship classes. As a result, many people, including me (the writer), stood in front of the starting gate looking at the podium and the MX2 heroes of Lommel. The focus and calmness that was present in Robin is indescribable. “There was still some stress present,” said Beacons. “After all, you don't make your GP debut every day. But stress or no stress, everything went well right away. The start favored those on the inside, but with my 19th starting position and a standard YZ250F engine I was able to keep up well, so I came out of the third corner in around 20th place. From then on I played smarter than during the qualifying series, I drove more cautiously and organized my race better. With 10 minutes to go I was in 20th place, in the points, but then that awesome Hjorthmaker showed up. After a game where we changed positions about 3 times, I suddenly got my knock. With 4 laps to go I suddenly went 4-5 seconds slower per lap. Unfortunately, I just missed out on the points by one place.”
Some work was done on the circuit between both heats. Certain parts and the jumps were leveled for the safety of the riders, even with the heat that was still present at the time (42°C according to a local digital clock), it was a smart move by the organization to make the circuit just that little bit easier . “I approached it a little differently for this second series. Just like in the first series, I was happy with my start and I was around 18th place and a group that was going strong. I tried not to interfere in the duel, but I did want to hold on to create a gap to the person behind me. Then some big names started passing me who weren't in a good place at the start, Guillod and Kullas for example. Brylyakov also came over me. I had an accordion duel with him, one moment I was on his wheel and the next moment I was 2 seconds behind. But I could continue to see him and I could watch his lines. About 25 minutes into the series, disaster struck. When I start a jump, I need another wad of gas and I open it almost fully, in the air I suddenly hear a gigantic bang and when I landed I had no power left, the piston was completely broken. That's a really sad end to a great weekend, especially when you saw that a few others dropped out for me and I could have grabbed a point. Yet we are not going to mourn, I am happy with my debut and I could never have achieved such a result without Brik Schelfhaut, Franky Van Eecke, my mechanic Lesly Poppe, the people who have supported me for years, supporters, parents and those who help a lot behind the scenes! Also thank you to my sponsors for making my entire season possible; 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, Fietswereld Bijvank, Renthal, Muc- Off, Acerbis, Bakens Yamaha, Pirelli, Spirit suspension, REV Training.”
Robin is currently on an internship in France and will be present in the Balen sandbox on August 15!
Photo: CDS
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