Column Leon Van Gestel: Keiheuvel in change
The Keiheuvel International Motocross has brought the cream of global motocross to Balen under all possible guises since 1960(!). More than ever, motocross stars are at home in the region, yet this classic is faced with major international challenges. TV presenter and speaker Léon Van Gestel set up a tree about this during the annual press conference of KMC Mol.
Léon has been serving as moderator for this press conference for 12 years. For those who could not be there on July 31, he put his text on paper. You will be reminded of the powerful voice of 'Mr Stingray', but the message also comes across clearly as a column! Click here for an extensive preview of the Belgian Masters of Motocross at Keiheuvel.
“After twelve press conferences for KMC Mol, I tried to find an original angle for the 2018 edition. I couldn't do it this time. Was it the heat wave? Is it the kilometers that I'm gradually starting to count? Until I realized that a successful opening line or intro was actually not that important. It's not my show that needs to be put on. It is the Classic on Keiheuvel and the venerable organization behind it that must be put in the spotlight. And so I didn't have to worry so much about capturing your attention.
The introduction you received is a result of that. But still, before letting a few guests and riders have their say, I cannot and do not want to ignore the rapidly changing motocross landscape. What is going on with our sport? Motocross is internationalizing rapidly. Not only in terms of participants, but also in GP competitions. Until recently, the World Cup was – with a few exceptions that confirm the rule – a European affair.
Anyone who now takes a look at the 2019 calendar will notice that no fewer than 4 races will be held in Asia and one in South America. Add to that Russia and Turkey. With the MXoN there is a total of 21 competitions. Add to this the number of rest weekends that have to be included after a GP in distant regions. Because the teams also have to regroup. The world championship is flourishing, but has taken on a life of its own. Because the promoter meets his own needs through the European Championship competitions, which he cleverly took under his wing.
This means that there are far fewer interesting dates and/or riders available for local organizers. Moreover, in Spain, Germany, France and the Netherlands there is strong competition for the available toppers for the days still available.
We should also not be blind that the love for the craft is no longer as fanatical as it used to be. Anyone who used to race cross-country rode a full season and had no time for anything else. Today's amateur chooses his matches, but also goes on internship, on holiday, to Werchter or Tomorrowland. As a group, we are failing to set up a decent infrastructure. We have been stringing along for years by various higher regional or federal authorities. But the result is still zero.
Although, the initiative is still alive, albeit currently behind the scenes. Fortunately, and certainly here in Mol and Balen, local administrators think along with us. Let me not sound too negative. Fortunately, there are still plenty of events that are rock solid and have growth potential. The organizer of the Sidecar GP in Lommel was very satisfied. There will also be a second competition next year. Last weekend there was a very successful MXGP of Belgium in Lommel.
And then we have our classics. Good thing, too. Classics such as the Keiheuvel. This year it was quiet for a long time around the 2018 edition. But when I received the 2018 poster at home, I breathed a sigh of relief. I realized – nobility obliged – that KMC Mol had done his best again. What a field of participants they have put together for the Masters Of Motorcross. The Masters that form a diptych with the organization of September 8 in Orp-Le-Grand.
Things are going well at the top of motocross. But it is in the secondary classes that there are gaps. Fortunately, bridges sometimes turn out to be possible. This means that all VLM pilots will be able to register for the Keiheuvel. Is this the start of something beautiful? Something indispensable. Because working together may provide a solution, one way or another. In summary, I would like to conclude as follows: is motocross in a crisis? Yes. Does this also apply to Keiheuvel? Absolutely not!"
Experience it yourself on August 15.
Photos: JP Acevedo, Dagbladhandel Kurt, Vepix, Niek Photography
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