Exclusive interview: Leon Van Gestel
Leon Van Gestel is at home in many markets. TV commentator for Play Sports, match announcer and journalist for MXworld.be. Leon has forgotten more about Motocross than most of us ever know about it! Our colleagues from Demotorsite.be managed to get him for his vision on the upcoming MXGP season.
Let's start with the most obvious question. Leon, who do you think will be crowned MXGP world champion?
Leon Van Gestel: “Putting forward a favorite for the world title is never easy, but in the MXGP class I will opt for Antonio Cairoli. That title in the premier class was almost 'his' title for a long time, but in 2015 and 2016 he did not succeed due to injuries. I expect that, now that he is fit again, he will certainly play a leading role. At the same time, you should not write off reigning world champion Tim Gajser (HRC Honda). But last year he really had luck on his side at many times and he escaped well from crashes. Whether this remains the case is anyone's guess.”
And what about Jeffrey Herlings, the reigning MX2 world champion? Can he play a role in the title fight?
Leon Van Gestel: “I still dare to place some doubts about Jeffrey Herlings. Especially considering his current hand injury. I'm not yet entirely convinced whether he can do anything in Qatar, let alone whether he would compete at the front. But once this injury has healed, Herlings will certainly play a role. Herlings will be super motivated to beat Cairoli, I am convinced of that.”
Read the full interview with the one and only Stingray here.
Photos: Vepix
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