Motocross - Balen
Published on 17/08/2016Damon Graulus: revelation on the Keiheuvel
Ken De Dycker made his return yesterday during the second round of the Belgian Motocross Championship at the Keiheivel. Yet teammate Damon Graulus in particular managed to claim the spotlight. Damon asserted himself with his excellent speed and a nice second place in the second race. The former Belgian MX2 champion is currently shared 4th in the BC standings.
A large audience attended the Keiheuvel for the 63rd edition of the famous classic. As usual, the organizing KMC Mol had already collected an impressive list of participants. In addition to reigning MXGP world champion Romain Febvre, and a handful of factory riders, local stars also made an appearance. They all had the same goal; conquer one of the toughest sand circuits in the world!
Graulus immediately felt at ease on the Kei. He achieved the fifth fastest time in the combined free and time training. For De Dycker it was mainly a matter of gaining competition rhythm after his six-month absence. Technical problems thwarted Damon's first race and this was also a race to quickly forget for Ken after a fall at the start. Loudly encouraged, the popular Lubbeken resident finished 21st.
Thanks to a lightning-fast reaction, Graulus took the holeshot in the second sprint. The young Belgian soon had to put up with the Scot Shaun Simpson. However, Damon fought hard to keep the multiple MXGP winner in his sights. That was all there was to it because Simpson performed out of category. However, everyone was surprised when Graulus managed to hold off the persistent Suzuki factory riders Jasikonis and Strijbos. A strong example from the #71 24MX Lucas Oil Honda, which immediately recorded a nice second place in its very first BK race on a 450. De Dycker also started well. After his fifth place in the initial phase, Ken regularly stayed in 7th for almost the entire series. Unfortunately, with a few laps to go he had to retire with a clutch problem.
Graulus also produced a cannon start in the closing event, this time right behind the tenors Simpson and Strijbos. Motivated to repeat his feat, Damon in turn unfortunately had to deal with a stubborn coupling. However, based on experience, Graulus managed to control the situation. He still finished 7th, 19 seconds behind Febvre and Jasikonis. The dominant Simpson added a third victory to his Balense triumph while De Dycker finished solidly. Keeno achieved his best result of the day with tenth place.
Both 24MX Lucas Oil Honda riders will appear in Orp-Le-Grand this weekend for the third round of the Motocross Championships.
Damon Graulus: “I like riding here! The weather was nice, the conditions were good and I felt strong. It's a pity that we had to deal with a technical problem today, but I can certainly be satisfied in terms of speed. When Shaun (Simpson) passed me in the second heat I tried to catch up. Which was easier said than done because he rode very strongly. Still, I found a consistent rhythm that helped me finish second. I'm getting more and more used to the CRF450R, I'm enjoying myself and the nuisance of my thumb injury is as good as a thing of the past. Now it is time to continue the upward trend. We really like it!”
Ken Dycker: “All in all it was actually a positive day. I had a lot to 'try' here; for the first time on the track with other riders in a race, the feeling in my leg and how I would digest those three heats on a very tough circuit. Especially since I only had six days of motorcycle training under my belt when I came here. The past week had also been quite tough in terms of training. Step by step there is a positive evolution. That's why I'm also looking forward to Orp-le-Grand. By then I will be a little further along again. A big thank you to all the fans who cheered me on along the track or who came to greet me in the riders' park. Really nice to be welcomed like that!
Photos: CDS
Also to read
Perfect weekend for Maxi Nagl
The second race of the ADAC MX Masters was dominated by Maxi Nagl. The KMP Honda rider managed to triumph in three heats on the Dreetz circuit. Second place is…Kooiker wins everything, Mesters in the lead
The second match of the ADAC Youngster Cup was won by Dave Kooiker. The KTM rider managed to win all three heats on the Dreetz circuit. …VIDEO: Nancy van de Ven explains her work for MXGP Academy
During the MXGP of Spain, an MXGP Academy was held to guide young motocross riders. Nancy van de Ven hung up her helmet and is now an official…Ernecker wins again, Gregoire second!
Maximilian Ernecker (F4E GasGas) also won the second race of the ADAC Junior Cup 125cc in Dreetz. The Austrian managed to win both heats. Dean Gregoire (Schmicker Racing-KTM) became…
Your reactions