Robin Bakens back in competition with regular results.
It had been a while since Robin Bakens had completed a match. Almost day to day two months ago, the Waaslander suffered a collarbone injury during the Belgian National in Genk. The healing process did not go entirely according to plan and what initially seemed like an injury that would keep you out for a few weeks quickly turned into two months. Before the start of the race at the Keiheuvel, Bakens had not had much 'seat time' as they say in English.
Robin Bakens: “I was looking forward to Mother's Day, I had known for a long time that I was going to compete in my first competition in two months here at Keiheuvel. I also knew that I wasn't going to be ready for it physically, technically and rhythmically, but I have to say that this didn't hinder me that much today. It was also an immediate warm welcome. The circuit was tough and completely different from what you are used to during training, lots of ruts, broken walls, lots of people on the track... That was quite a shock.”
It was without a doubt a warm welcome for Robin. In the time training he only managed 33e recording time in the Inters Open class, which made the Kawasaki rider 41ste was allowed to drive to the start (Inters Open and MX2 ride together) and had to start on the second row. Even before entering the first corner, the roll-off had to be pulled to have a clear view through the Scott glasses. In the first round we also had to fight for every meter on the narrow Keiheuvel circuit. After a few laps Bakens was 24the and tried to speed up his pace a little. But after a few mistakes it was decided to slow down the pace a bit and Robin ended up rounding up a few pilots and finished 21st.e across the finish line.
In the second moto the same story at the start. However, the circuit was so difficult that one rider after another fell in the first lap. As a true enduro and beach cross specialist, Bakens had to steer his 2017 Kawasaki around the fallen riders and was able to start building up his own rhythm after 1,5 laps. But that didn't last long, just when he wanted to attack the car in front, the driver shot out of gear and hit him sideways, resulting in a hard collision. Fortunately, the Acerbis-clad pilot remained on the motorcycle, but this delay cost him a few positions. In the end he came as 24e within.
In the last and third heat it was the moment to show all the work of physiotherapist Frederik Adriaensens. Despite the injury and the long break, they worked hard physically and that was necessary for this tough third heat. The circuit was completely destroyed and the start in this heat was also not easy, so we had to fight for every position. After a round of riding at his own pace, Bakens made a final sprint that took him from 28e to the 22e took place.
“I didn't score any points today, but I had a great time without a doubt and I leave here with a good feeling.” According to Robin Bakens. “It was a great honor to be able to ride with these top riders who were here today and I am happy that I took part in this race. It was a very difficult race considering the number of participants and how they fought for every place, but at the same time there is no better way to get into rhythm. Now hop towards Orp-Le-Grand, from the deep sand to concrete on “Petit Namur”.”
This press release was made possible by: Arai Helmets, Gaerne Boots, Putoline motorcycle oils, Twin Air, No Limit Graphics, Acerbis, Spirit suspension, REV Training, Het Ploegske, Prodeals, Bakens Motoren, Scott goggles, Gebben Motoren, Van Venrooy, Van Hasselt Exhausts, De Witte-De Cauwer fresh fruit wholesaler.
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