Team manager Robert Gielis looks back on Coupe de l'Avenir
Of the 14 participating countries in the Coupe de l'Avenir, Belgium finished a creditable third in the Super Trophée. Let's say the general country rankings in all categories. Moreover, the youngest team in 65cc took the overall victory for the very first time. Team Belgium's Coupe de l'Avenir manager and driving force Robert Gielis took stock for us.
Due to many injuries among our drivers, as well as because there were still Belgian Championship tests planned in the side program of the Coupe de l'Avenir, it was a bit of a puzzle to prepare the selections for the Coupe de l'Avenir 2017. Nevertheless, we were able to we always field a strong team in 65, 85 and Open.
We seemed to have the best chance of winning overall in 65cc. We aimed for a nice podium place for the 85ccs and the big boys. We also had a chance for an individual win in the 65cc with Sacha Coenen and among the great ones with Iago Geerts. Almost all Belgian drivers were already present on Friday evening and they were all surprised that the circuit and paddock looked so neat and dry, while a lot of rain had fallen in the rest of the country.
On Saturday the free and timed training sessions were held, as well as the qualifying series. Our Belgian teams performed well here and were able to secure a good starting position for Sunday's matches. On Sunday the weather conditions were ideal; beautiful autumn day.
Got the 85cc's Avo Thank you, Robbe Daniëls en Yoran Moens a fifth place in the country rankings. Avo achieved a nice 6de place in the individual rankings, among all the top European riders. Achieved at the 'big' Coupe de l'Avenir Jago Geerts, Wannes Van De Voorde en Tim Louis also a 5de cutting. Jago rode strong series, but a few mistakes and slightly worse starts did him in. He just missed the podium with a 4de place individually.
The fourth edition of the Coupe de l'Avenir 65cc finally meant a Belgian victory for the first time, which was thoroughly celebrated on the podium. Sacha en Lucas Coenen en Troy Verburgh managed to win the Nations Cup. Sacha also turned 2de individually. Because the opposition from the other countries was certainly top notch, this is a victory to cherish.
For the Super Trophy (all results from all categories combined), our boys finished 3rd. Thanks to the sponsors of the Belgian Teams and to the staff for the work done on site.
Robert GIELIS
Photos: Kick Lahaut & Dirk Van Hoydonck
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