Column: Geert Gelaude July 2018.
The time has finally come, the holidays are in sight, the end of the trial periods for school-going youth. For many parents, they finally have time to do what they want, or spend some extra time with the family! And to this day we cannot complain about the nice weather, unless it is too hot. But we can always complain, can't we? Now be honest, why would you pack everything up and lie down like a chicken on a spit on a beach on the Turkish Riviera or Spanish Costa, when we are puffing away here with temperatures of around thirty degrees? Or does a change in diet make you eat again? You won't hear me complaining because it's just as good here, and you can enjoy yourself everywhere, so live and enjoy to the fullest.
Yet, like me, many of us choose to stay in the region for the summer period, the real hard core, so to speak. Because the summer period is synonymous with a very busy agenda with numerous competitions. One of those high days should have been the EMX youth in Markelo. I say should have been, because in the meantime the competition was canceled due to the persistent drought, and in other words the risk of fire, in good consultation with all authorities involved. It is understandable that many Lowlanders have to endure this with sorrow, because Markelo is a circuit that suits our boys and girls. Shana van der Vlist was also not very happy with the news of the cancellation, because she had to put something right in the European championship after the setback she experienced in Poland. The ladies came into action at Circuit de Herikerberg in the side program to contest their fourth match. Shana will now do everything she can to bring that title to Apeldoorn in the two remaining matches.
We hope that the organization of “De Zwarte Cross” will not have to tap from the same barrel next weekend! This would be the second major cancellation due to the tropical weather that has hit our region in two weeks. Who would have ever thought that in 1997, 22 years ago now, something new was created in the Achterhoek region that is currently considered the largest motocross event in the world? The first edition was in Hummelo and attracted almost a thousand visitors with about one hundred and fifty riders. Today, “De Zwarte Cross” stands for more than the largest official sports festival event in the Netherlands with more than 220.000 paying visitors. Since 2017, the Zwarte Cross has hosted the final of the official Open Dutch championship, where the top 8 of the top 10 of the world top are present. The Zwarte Cross is a bizarre mix of music, theater, motocross, stunts and a lot of humor. More than 33 bands and 250 theater artists will perform on 1.000 different stages. New at De Zwarte Cross, the top of the sidecar event will make their appearance this Friday to present their skills to the many visitors. Those who don't have tickets will have to wait patiently until the next edition, because all tickets have been sold out for weeks.
But in the same weekend as the black cross, another immense event is planned. More than 750 youth riders from 25 different countries will compete in the Fanse Verdun for their Master Kids. Many of the current or ex-Grand Prix riders can add one or more final victories to their name in this very well organized competition. It is not without reason that they sometimes say that the Master Kids is the unofficial world championship for youth! Anyone who has already ridden there or was present as a supporter can and will know why.
In the meantime, the 'big boys' are in a sultry and warm Indonesia, where a still recovering Jeffrey Herlings has added two more Grand Prix victories to his list of achievements. Starting with the idea of limiting the damage, he is already 12 points ahead of his nearest opponent after this victory. Antonio Cairoli has a thumb injury and was unable to make a fist on the supercross-like track today. In MX2, Jorge Prado does a good job by taking the overall victory. In the standings, Prado comes with an equal number of points next to Pauls Jonass and thus retains all chances of a first world title. Jonass won the first series but had to settle for a mere sixth place in the repeat. Vandoninck and Jonass crashed at the start and were both forced to chase. Only one result for Jago Geerts because he did not start again in the restart. Davy Pootjes had a serious fall during the warm-up and was taken to hospital for a check-up. The news is no fractions, but there are two zeros after the name. Paws won't be happy about this. Hopefully he can recover enough to be back at the black cross. On July 22, many lowlanders will descend on Loket, where the next Grand Prix will be on the calendar. In any case, I am eagerly awaiting to see a reborn Cairoli appear at the start. Or that 'The Bullit' will keep his word and he will be even stronger against the Czech GP....
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
By: Geert Gelaude
Photo: NiekFotografie
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