Report Liam Everts: “This is just the beginning!”
He is 14 years young and has more than 40.000 followers on his Instagram page. Still, we bet that motocross rider Liam Everts would happily exchange his 'entire entourage' to replay the decisive second race of the past junior World Championships. Without mechanical failure this time. Because in the first round the little Limburger had made a big impression in Australia…
Liam Everts was barely two years old when he sat on dad Stefan's arm, looking out at the crowd of people gathered at the Citadel of Namur. Stefan Everts celebrated his 99th GP victory that day. Add grandpa Harry's quartet to father Stefan's 10 world titles and you understand how far the shadow of Liam's predecessors reaches. Nevertheless, “Liamski” determinedly goes his own way.
World title within reach
He almost pulled off a major feat last weekend in Horsham, about 300 kilometers from Melbourne. After all, in his second participation in the 85cc Youth World Championship in Horsham, Australia, things were going well. In 2017, Everts still had to settle for an extra role at the Junior World Championships, the difference with 2018 could hardly be greater. Liam Everts: “The first heat went really well! Although I didn't feel great during the qualifying sessions, everything clicked on Sunday afternoon. Actually, I was a bit shocked at how easy it was.” From start to finish, Everts rode in the lead in a flowing, controlled style. With more than 14 seconds ahead of the Dutchman Kay DeWolf Liam finally crossed the finish line.
Both Stefan Everts, mechanic Marc Verpaelen as a mentor Ben Townley were delighted with their pupil. After a bronze medal in the final of the 85cc European Championship last month, the young KTM rider seemed to surpass himself 'down-under'. Due to an inexplicable technical problem with the locally borrowed engine, Everts was on foot after just a few corners in the second race. The inevitable fate of every motorsport athlete. “You may know that I had a flashback of my world title loss against Sebastien Tortelli in 1998,” sighs Stefan Everts. “Technique that sometimes lets you down is unfortunately part of our sport, but what Liam showed in Australia was impressive. In the first series he was by far the strongest.”
Flawless driving technique
The growing legion of supporters of “Liamski” and his companions also received the heartbreaking news in Flanders. Also trainer Pierre Schroyen from Motorsport Future, normally calm, sympathized intensely. “If you are so close to it, if you feel that there is more to it, then such a setback is of course even harder. On the other hand, this is confirmation on a global level that Liam is doing well. Actually, I think the positive evolution already started last summer. Technically, Everts is certainly among the top in the 85cc class. Other riders are a bit bigger and stronger. Because Liam is somewhat physically disadvantaged with his small stature, he has to compensate for that on the bike, but he is doing an excellent job.”
Since 2016, Liam has been partly hospitalized Motorsport Future (MSF), the organization that, with the support of Sport Vlaanderen, guides young Flemish motocross riders on their way to the top. Last year was his first full year in the MSF program. In addition to the physical guidance with trainers Pierre and Inge Van Raemdonck Everts' sporting training naturally pays a lot of attention to driving technique and sport-specific coaching. It goes without saying that Stefan Everts is taking the lead in this. But even before Liam started competing, grandpa Harry also laid an excellent foundation. The character man from Neeroeteren, nicknamed 'Rikske', knows better than anyone what he is talking about. Harry Everts after all, has almost 30 years of experience in coaching young motocross riders. He prepared many talents for the world top and has been organizing motocross camps in his own country and in Spain for many years.
Motor gene or champion gene?
What is popularly described as talent can often be reduced to 'flair' or an apparent ease with which the top performers distinguish themselves from the lesser gods. (alleged) inherent physical properties often emerge as an explanation for top performance. In the case of the tall basketball player or the compact physique of the sprinter, this connection is evident. In the case of a motor athlete, (even) more variables play a role. That Liam Everts would have been born with it motocrossgen is of course complete nonsense.
On the other hand, it cannot be denied that Liam was stimulated in sports at an early age and that he showed a talent for balance and coordination from an early age. On the balance bike or with a mini BMX, “Liamski” did everything and dared everything. Regardless of whether mom or dad were there or a passerby saw him playing with other children in the paddock. Or is that just the drive to feel that you like doing something and that you want to get better at it?
“Liam never lacked motivation,” agrees MSF trainer Inge. “We sometimes notice that we have to slow him down so as not to train too much! Especially for a young top athlete, there is still a search for that balance. If you are still growing and you combine sport at a high level - in Liam's case with a lot of traveling on top - then rest and recovery are all the more important.” A training program as developed by his supervisors is of course an important guideline.
Yet Everts Junior also knows very well what he wants. “Liam himself came up with the proposal last year to set up an extensive three-month internship in New Zealand,” says mom Kelly. In the autumn of 2017, little Everts moved to the other side of the world on his own. Under the wings of ex-top rider - and friend of the house - Ben Townley, Liam was able to train perfectly during our winter. Liam made enormous progress down-under, dutifully kept up with his lessons remotely and learned to speak English better than the average Belgian politician. Although with a genuine 'Kiwi' accent.
Sky-high pressure
As a little boy, Liam received from Michael Rinaldi, the then team manager of Stefan Everts, was immediately offered a real Yamaha contract. It was half sincere, half joking. Yet that photo went around the world in the specialized motorcycle press. Just to say that “Liamski” has known nothing but growing up in the spotlight. The growing attention from supporters and media certainly creates a special dynamic. “Even now there are a lot of people around Liam at some competitions and it is very busy where he is in the paddock. However, between the heats he takes pictures with people or hands out autographs and posters without any fuss.” explains Pierre. “For such a young guy, it's all just added to the high sporting expectations. While others would have a hard time with that attention, for Liam it seems like the most normal thing in the world!”
The next step on the ladder to the top is the switch to 125cc. This means Everts has arrived at the last real youth category. The engines are bigger, more powerful and faster. In short, one step closer to the machines used in the major prizes. However, there is no question of rushing. “At Liam's age, so much can still happen. We'll just see how he gets through the winter as he adapts to that new engine. If he is ready for the big work in the 125cc European Championship, then that's fine. If that is not the case, we will introduce a transition year with international competitions in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.”
Sandwich with chocolate
In any case, there is nothing to criticize about the focus and drive of the would-be GP rider. “You can indeed say that Liam lives for his sport. He is very busy, even when it comes to his diet. Watching what he eats is literally everyday life for Liam. After his birthday, he said he treated himself to a chocolate sandwich. That is Liamski through and through.” laughs coach Pierre. “For all the other teenagers that is on their plate every day, for Liam it is an exceptional reward. He is that disciplined.”
At Motorsport Future, Everts already has an inspiring example in the young Balenian Iago Geerts. This year, Geerts made the absolute breakthrough in his first year of the World Championship in the MX2 class. Although the Kemea-Yamaha promise is only one of many role models. After all, Liam Everts has been among the great champions from an early age.
He didn't have to look far for the greatest ones. As soon as “Liamski” indicated that he wanted to race motocross himself, Harry Everts made it clear to his grandson that motocross riders are a breed apart. No matter how nice riding is when things are going well, persevering is not an option for a motocross rider but a moral obligation. Because anyone who wants to cross country should not be silly. 'Rikske' Everts, born with childhood polio and, as the eldest of a mining family of nine, anything but destined for a life as a champion, made it his life motto. Son Stefan and grandson Liam share the same drive. Liam: “Engine trouble like in Australia, that is also motocross. Still, I think I showed what I can do last weekend. I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for me to take my chance there. It was also great to have Ben Townley there for such a special match. In any case, I will continue to work, this is just the beginning.”
Tekst: Tom Jacobs
Photos: Gino Maes, Jack Foley, ADAC Motorsport, Motorsport Future
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