Column: Wannes 'Wanny' Van De Voorde
Hello everyone! It's been a long time now, but here we are again with a new column. First of all, I would like to proudly say (blink-blink) that I obtained an A certificate at school. After the period at Papendal with the MXGP Rookies in the Netherlands and 3 months of self-study, I was still afraid to wait and see whether that would work (especially with my parents)… so I'm super happy that this worked out. Then on to the most important thing… the cross 😊
Since there were no BMB competitions in May and June, we tried to participate in higher series with other associations (VMCF – VLM) to find some competition. One of the most beautiful competitions for me was the VMCF competition at the Fort Koningshooikt. This beautiful course is close to my home (ed. Sint-Katelijne aver) and there were many friends, family and supporters present. Always great to be encouraged by so many people. I also achieved a nice victory at the Nationals MX2. It's a shame that such a beautiful course so close cannot or should not be used for training. Apparently this was the case in the past, what a luxury that would be today. I would know where to go every day!
Another great experience was the club competition in Lille where Jef allowed me to participate in the Inters. I managed to win the final victory there at the Inters B. In the first series I even came first at all the Inters, quite cool among all those big men! MC Lille is still a club and course where I have learned a lot (and am still learning) and where I really enjoy riding. I just had an internship there with my regular trainer Jurgen Van Bellingen from MX Academy. That's where it all started for me when I started riding my quad at the age of 6... where is the time. 😊😊
To my surprise, I was also invited to participate in the Finals of the Dutch Masters of Motocross – the Black Cross. Actually, I had only participated in 2 of the 3 races, so it was great that I was able to participate in the final. It was a super fun and unique experience again at Zwarte Cross. The driving itself went well, but due to some setbacks the end result was disappointing with a 23th place. So I wasn't very happy with that. At the beginning of July we did an internship with Jurgen in France and then we could finally start the BMB competitions again. First there was Axel, then Hasselt and two weeks ago Gooik. In all three matches I was able to win all series with the Beloften. So I'm slowly getting into top shape. Too bad my comrade in arms Romain Delbrassine dropped out with injury just like many others this season Emilio Vannieuwenhuyze, Chiel Vanhaeren, Storm Steensels. So I am happy that I have been able to remain injury free so far this season.
Still, it took me longer than I thought to get into top shape after my 2 broken collarbones in quick succession just before the season. Actually, I have the feeling that the best form is only now arriving. I am currently in the lead of the Beloften and second in the Cup 125cc (Beloften + Nationals). I'm also in the lead in the holeshot cup. Which is nice since my starts aren't my best 😊 Killigan Delroeux of the Nationals is now the man to beat and so is Marnick Lagrou is having a strong season. Of course it's also my buddy Lars Der Boven reappeared on the scene. This way we can compete against each other as usual because he is driving super strong. So there is still some fighting to be done in the next 5 BMB competitions.
Just before the EMX125 In Lommel I had completed an internship in France. Such a European Championship weekend remains special because you compete against the best pilots from all over Europe. And if the match is in front of your own audience, you certainly want to do well. On Friday we left for a motorcycle inspection and registration. On Saturday morning I had to qualify in group 2. It had been raining heavily all morning, and the course was quite muddy and difficult. Unfortunately I never found the right rhythm so I ended up with a disappointing 24th time put down. So: hop to the last chance qualifying. With 34 riders at the start of which 10 were allowed to continue, the pressure was still quite high. After a good start I took the lead on the first lap. For about 3 laps I was in the lead, what a wonderful feeling. Really kicking! 😊 In the end I'm like 4de arrived and so I was there. Immediately my first qualification for the EMX125, and that in my own country!
The first series was completed on Saturday afternoon. I had a really bad start and was the last to go through the first corner. Ultimately, I'm like 31th arrived. On Sunday the 2de series largely the same story. The result wasn't great though What the f… I was just there! It was an experience you will never forget. Especially during the last chance race, a smile still comes to my face when I think back about it. The Lommel course, so many people, that large pit lane. In Lommel I experienced that I have to communicate better and clearer if something is wrong with the engine. For example, the suspension was not adjusted properly, the chain was loose after the time training...
I also realize that I will still have to work hard to take the next step. Yet I am already extremely grateful for my trainer Jurgen van Bellingen, with whom I have been working towards this level for several years. We will also have to step up in terms of engine and material to keep up with the top. My bike had quite a few hours on it and it also lacks some horsepower to really run at the front. But all this is not so obvious with the small budget we have to work with.
That's why I'm extremely grateful for all my sponsors, for example Denicol Motor Oils who do believe in me. Thanks in part to them, I can take on this challenge. We hope to find some good sponsors for next year. So whoever feels called, let me know. All in all, the EMX125 in Lommel was a great experience. Definitely one to never forget. Me, the Wanny at the age of 14 at the MXGP in Lommel! JUST DO IT.
Until the next!
#65 Bathtubs
Wannes Van De Voorde
PS: Almost all photos in this column are by Ellen Provost. Together with her dog Saffira, he is one of my most loyal supporters. Thanks Ellen!
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