Team manager Robert Gielis about the 2017 Coupe de l'Avenir
Robert Gielis has been responsible for the selection and all practical aspects of the Belgian Coupe de L'Avenir team for a long time. This year, the choice of drivers for the Coupe de l'Avenir was more difficult than ever because the last test for the Belgian Championship in the various categories takes place on the same weekend and in the same place.
A number of drivers understandably preferred not to give up their good starting position in the Belgian Championship and therefore opted not to participate in the Coupe de l'Avenir in Baisieux, but in their own class. Yet Robert Gielis was still able to select three great teams. The eye-catcher of the Belgian selection is undoubtedly Jago Geerts (intro photo).
“We may have the best chance of victory in the 65cc. With the brothers Lucas and Sacha Coenen we have European top players in-house. Both shone in Loket in one series for the final of the European Championship 65cc by securing a top-5 place. Too bad about the 2de series of both riders, otherwise there would have been a podium. Troy Verburgh also took part in the qualifying competitions for the European Championship 65cc and also scored points here and there.
In the 85cc Avo Thank you already crowned Belgian Champion in Orp Le Grand. So his participation was a certainty. Yoran Moens was noticed several times in the European Championship qualifying matches. After that he had a dip, but in the meantime he has overcome it and this young rider is riding strong again. The 2de in the provisional championship standings, Robbe Daniels, gives up his title of vice-champion to participate in the Coupe de l'Avenir and defend the Belgian colors. Because it is difficult to estimate the value of some competitors, it is a bit of a guess as to Team Belgium's chances in the Coupe de l'Avenir.
The big boys included the selection of Iago Geerts never up for discussion. Jago is a top player in the making. In 2016 he was European and World Champion 125cc, this year he rode in the EMX250. He managed to get on the podium several times. Jago is certainly a candidate to win the Coupe de l'Avenir individually. Wannes Van De Voorde still has a prospect of winning the Cup 125 title. Nevertheless, he still chose to accept selection for the Coupe de l'Avenir. Wannes managed to qualify for the EMX125 round of the Belgian Grand Prix in Lommel. Tim Louis will eventually replace the injured Cyril Genot in the Open class. Greg Smets, Genot's first replacement, was also hurt and had to drop out. Louis won the Inters MX2 in Orp and is therefore a worthy addition to the team.
Hopefully the organizer will have good weather so that many spectators will be present to encourage our Belgian teams and push them towards great results.
In any case, Team Belgium is already ready!!!
See you in Baisieux,
Robert GIELIS
Photos: CDS, Nicolas Martin, Jarno Schurgers
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