Passed 24MX Honda debut Ken De Dycker
Even the best mud riders in the world had to bring out the best in themselves for the exceptionally tough Russian MXGP. In his debut with 24MX Honda, Ken De Dycker rode to a 12th and 14th place, good for a 13th place in the final standings. Damon Graulus finished 20th.
The very first World Cup round in Orlyonok, Russia on the Black Sea, was one of great contrast. The track conditions were perfect on Saturday. In the qualifications, De Dycker and Graulus finished 14th and 15th respectively.
Due to rain during the night and persistent precipitation before each heat, the circuit was transformed into a hybrid construction that is a cross between a motocross circuit with trenches and a 'Tough man' obstacle course. The experienced Ken De Dycker did well in Russia - despite suffering a finger injury. In both motos Ken made a decent start and managed to avoid major setbacks. In the second moto he even rode 7th, but he would eventually finish 12th, his best result of the season.
While the tall De Dycker was able to make optimal use of his long legs and strong upper body in the deep ruts, the much smaller Damon Graulus had an extra difficult time. A lack of effort was certainly not an issue. For Graulus, both heats were an endless succession of slides, falls and getting back up again with an increasingly heavier motorcycle.
Ken Dycker: “All in all it was a positive weekend. The circumstances were very exceptional. To be honest, I've never experienced anything like this! The first race went well, there was a lot of water on the track, but the mud was not that sticky. When the mud started to stick everywhere in the second heat it became very tough, literally and figuratively! Fortunately I had a good start in the second series, which made things a little easier. In these types of circumstances it is inevitable that you will encounter problems. Either a small driver error, or another driver makes a mistake to which you cannot react as would normally be the case. I'm now really looking forward to the next round Ottobiano!”
Damon Graulus: “During the warmup on Sunday, the course was still in reasonable condition. As the day progressed the condition of the track became increasingly worse. It was certainly difficult in the first series, but the course was still passable. I would prefer to erase the second heat from my memory! I got stuck in so many places, trying to get the bike loose and off again… It was hell. I don't want to complain because the conditions were the same for everyone. But in any case, this kind of circuit was definitely not in my favor! With some adjustments to my driving style and what I had learned during qualifying, I was looking forward to getting a lot of points. Too bad things turned out differently. Certainly also for the mechanics who had to work extremely hard this weekend, I would like to thank them again for their efforts. We will go for it again in the next round, I am super motivated to achieve a great result in Ottobiano.”
Ken De Dycker now has time to adapt to his new bike ahead of the 11th round of the MXGP Championship in Ottobiano, Italy, on the weekend of June 25.
Photos: shotbyBavo
Also to read
Competing for the MX AIR TIME 2024 prize pool? Subscribe …
A new edition of MX AIR TIME will be held on Sunday, May 19. Place to be is the Dutch municipality of Beckum. Register now via Motoinside and who knows...Gallery: MXGP Portugal 2024 XXL from NiekFotografie
The riders and mechanics had a hard time in Agueda. This also applies to the photographers because the weather conditions were harsh! Yet our #NiekFotografie made this XXL gallery...Jorge Prado in Simon Laengenfelder over Agueda
The Grand Prix of Portugal will be remembered for a long time and may be one for the history books. The heavy rain that descended on Agueda made this 2024 edition a rush…Danee Gelissen on stage in Italy
During the second match of the Italian Women's Championship, Danee Gelissen was allowed to climb onto the podium. The Limburg rider finished second behind Kiara Fontanesi in both heats in Lovolo. The Ceres71 driver starts…
Your reactions