VMCF: Roy Sillien rules in Mendonkdreef!
Finally, the VMCF was also able to get the new season underway and that brought in a large crowd of riders who were able to complete their first full race of the season on the Wachtebeekse Mendonkdreef. The spectators were well catered for because the riding was very fast on the difficult circuit. Roy Sillien rewarded his strong preseason with a flawless double series victory.
No gifts were handed out at the inters either because Frederic Weigert immediately made his calling card by taking the holeshot ahead of Mark Boot and Roy Sillien. Meanwhile, favorites Roel Geurts and Vincent Collet fared less well, who had to throw in the towel quite quickly. The pace was increased somewhat at the front by Axel Nijs and Jerome Benonit who immediately entered the battle for the series victory. But Roy Sillien was just one step faster because the Suzuki rider took the lead on the third lap ahead of his teammate Mark Boot and Axel Nijs, who had all dealt with Frederic Weigert.
In the meantime, things went wrong in the pursuit for the British Dean Colan and Eli Helsen, who crashed to the ground. Roy Sillien rode smoothly away from the opposition, where Mark Boot and Axel Nijs did not shy away from the duel. The match would only end after Axel Nijs crashed briefly, but a lap later Mark Boot saw his front fork smash again. Nijs took second place again ahead of Jerome Benonit, who could only retake Frederic Weigert in the penultimate lap. Jeremy Joris surprised with a fifth place ahead of Junior Slegers and Mark Boot.
In the final series too, the spectators saw defending champion Vincent Collet drive up to the riders' park in the first lap. Once again Frederic Weigert had a quick start, but in the second corner things immediately went hard versus rough with Roy Sillien and Donny Schmidt pulling out all the stops. Mark Boot was also hit again because the Dutchman crashed very hard and would only re-enter the circuit half a lap after the other.
Roy Sillien had now emerged in the lead with Axel Nijs close behind, ahead of Donny Schmidt and David Foguenne. No one was a match for Sillien and his lead only increased when Axel Nijs was also caught with a chain fracture. David Foguenne took second place and the youngest of the Fogy's only bowed to an astonishing Stef Bastaens who delivered the race of his life. However, Jerome Benonit also came knocking on the door, but the Maris driver did not succeed in his aim. Roy Sillien also won the final series ahead of Stef Bastaens and David Foguenne. Jerome Benonit finished fourth ahead of Eric Foguenne who had passed Jeremy Joris and Donny Schmidt in the final laps.
The first overall victory of the season for Roy Sillien was immediately a fact. He finished in the A class ahead of Jerome Benonit and David Foguenne. In the B class, Stef Bastaens dominated the race ahead of Glenn Bielen and Donny Vandekerkhove. In the MX2 class, Jeremy Joris saw his perseverance rewarded with the victory ahead of Mark Boot, who finished second after a huge recovery. Tim Wirtz rounded out the top three.
Next weekend the VMCF will remain in East Flanders because the sand circuit of Assenede is on the program!
Series 1 Inters MX1
1. Roy Sillien
2. Axel Nijs
3. Jerome Benonit
4. Frederic Weigert
5. Jeremy George
Series 2 Inters MX1
1. Roy Sillien
2. Stef Bastaens
3. David Foguenne
4. Jerome Benonit
5. Eric Foguenne
Final score Inters MX1
1. Roy Sillien
2. Jerome Benonit
3. David Foguenne
4. Frederic Weigert
5. Eric Foguenne
Final score Inters MX2
1. Jeremy George
2. Mark Boot
3. Tim Wirtz
Inters B
1. Stef Bastaens
2. Glenn Bielen
3. Donny Vandekerkhove
Tekst: Heikki Declercq
Photos: Facebook Roy Sillien, Louie Wouters Photography
Also to read
MXMag went to see the Free Energy Trailer in Olmen
The automotive sector is leading the way in vehicle electrification, and now the motorcycle industry is taking a similar step. However, developing a machine intended for competition use is a completely different matter…Robert Fobbe at the start in the USA!
Robert Fobbe will be in action for the first two (2) races of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship! The 23-year-old rider will…Ian Ampoorter makes his return to Portugal
After a lot of injuries, Ian Ampoorter will appear behind the starting gate next weekend. The GasGas rider travels to Agueda in good spirits for the third race of the European Championship…Australia returns to the MXGP calendar!
From 2025, Australia will be back on the FIM MXGP-MX2 World Championship calendar. After 24 years, another Grand Prix 'down-under' will be held and this will happen...
Your reactions