Kester is not dead yet!
Yesterday, club members, sponsors, pilots and media were guests in the Gravenhof for the annual press presentation. The anniversary edition, which will take place this year at the 'Kesterheide', was presented to massive attention. Chairman Renè Deboeck, who will pass the torch to Ivan Vogeleer after this edition, was the first to speak. He could proudly say that all the Belgian World Cup would be present in Kester, but that 'les Belges' did not want to go to Kester. He immediately made a statement that Clément Desalle does not want to take office in Belgium. Understand who can understand, he added delicately, and then addressed Joel Smets, who is in a difficult position due to the 'No BKs - No MXON' regulations.
Renè Deboeck immediately took the opportunity to present his book. A book about 50 years of AMC De Toekomst Dworp. The past told in anecdotes and short stories, all through the eyes of the chairman. I already own one, and after a night of reading I can tell you that I do not regret the purchase. You can also acquire this collector's item. These will be distributed at the competition in Kester and afterwards you will also be able to obtain them from René Deboeck. The cost price is more than reasonable at 25 euros.
After the outgoing chairman had been able to tell his story, it was time for colleague Leon Van Gestel. He was allowed to put the pilots present through their paces. Joel was the first to come and explain which old engine he was preparing for the 'Kesterse Gloriën' competition. It will be a Husaberg from 1995, the year in which Joel won a world title for the first time. Jacky Martens will also compete in this 'Kesterse Gloriën' round. The team owner of the Wilvo-Nestaat Husqvarna team will bring his world champion machine from the living room to put it through its paces one more time!
Of course, the club can also count on some strong participants in the Belgian Championship. Dean Ferris will return to Kesterheide again. For the Australian, his European career started in 2010 in the Belgian Championship. Then he took part on a Honda on both the Kesterheide and the Keiheuvel. In addition to him and all Belgian World Championship pilots with the exception of one, Steve Ramon, Yentel Martens, David Phillipaerts, Davide Guarneri and others…
The big question that was of course still on everyone's lips was: 'Is this year the last year of motocross on the Kesterheide?!' Both mayors of Beersel and Kester are committed to the continued existence of motocross on the Kesterheide. Mayor Dooms from Kester spoke passionately about how it is undemocratic that ten individuals can stop a sports event of thousands. That it is incomprehensible that Natuurpunt, with Flemish subsidies, in other words money from you and I, purchased the Kesterheide and then put a stop to your and I's hobby. To simply boycott this history-filled sport!
Today, however, Natuurpunt Pajotteland already responded negatively to an extended stay of motocross on the Kesterheide. The nature friends declare that they have already shown themselves to be extremely accommodating by awarding AMC De Toekomst Dworp this 50th edition. They also informed persinfo.org that the motocross on the Kesterheide was a great story. But Natuurpunt tells a positive story with many local volunteers with one goal: An open nature reserve as the pearl of the Pajottenland. The fact that a large part of their so-called nature reserve is not colored as such does not seem to be an obstacle for Natuurpunt.
It will undoubtedly be a painful and unnecessary duel between people who both want the best for the Kesterheide. It is painful that all previous legal rulings in favor of AMC De Toekomst Dworp, which clearly stated that one day of motocross did not cause any damage to the fauna and flora in Kester, are ignored by narrow-minded nature lovers. Because let it be clear that motocross enthusiasts are not natural terrorists.
Text: Matthias Van Eeckhoven – Photos: Frederik 'VePix' Van Eeckhoven
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