Ben Watson finishes fourth in the MX2 World Championship!
Three riders in the top ten of the last Grand Prix in Imola (Rodriguez 6th, Geerts 7th and Watson 10th). Three riders in the top 15 of the World Championship (Watson 4th, Geerts 8th and Rodriguez 15th), two GP podiums (Watson in Russia and Geerts in Latvia) and two additional awards (Geerts 'Rookie of the Year' and Rodriguez 'Fair Play Award'). In short: 2018 was a great year for Kemea Yamaha.
The 20th and final Grand Prix of the season took place at the world famous Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. A brand new motocross track was constructed there, after 25.000 cubic meters of soil had been delivered in the past two weeks. Kemea Yamaha was back at full strength, including Rodriguez who had dislocated his shoulder in Assen.
SICK BUT STRONG
His shoulder may have been fine, but this time Rodriguez was struggling with stomach problems. But that didn't stop 'A Rod' from ending the World Cup with a bang. The Venezuelan finished sixth (9+5) after a great second series in which he fought some tough duels with guys like Olsen and Lawrence. Jago Geerts, who was only ready for his second GP after surgery on his collarbone, already felt a lot better than in Assen. He delivered two solid runs and finished seventh (6+10).
Ben Watson drove a great qualifying race on Saturday (second), but had a very difficult Sunday. In the first series he first crashed into the starting gate and later had to remove a stone from his rear brake. Yet he still managed to finish eighth. Bad luck also continued to haunt him in series two: Watson was hit from behind and had to finish the series without a rear brake. Ben still managed to collect the necessary World Cup points, allowing him to secure fourth place in the World Cup standings. A great result in his first season with Kemea Yamaha.
TWO AWARDS
Jago Geerts finished eighth in his first World Championship in MX2, even after missing three GPs due to a broken collarbone. Highlights of his season: his second place in Latvia and a phenomenal second series in Lommel. The 18-year-old Belgian impressed many people, including World Cup promoter Youthstream, who rewarded him with the Jan de Groot Award, the trophy for the best newcomer of the year.
And there was another trophy waiting for Kemea Yamaha. Anthony Rodriguez received the Fair Play Award. A Rod showed a lot of sportsmanship during the qualifying race in Assen, two weeks ago. De Venozolaan was involved in a fall at the start, together with Olsen and Covington. Instead of immediately continuing his path, he first rescued his two competitors from their dire situation. An action that earned Rodriguez enormous respect in the large motocross family and now also the Fair Play Award.
MOTORCROSS OF THE NATIONS
The World Cup may be over, but the season is not yet. The three Kemea riders will travel to the United States this week to participate in the Motocross of Nations in Red Bud. Watson (Great Britain) and Geerts (Belgium) will make their debut in the World Cup for national teams. Rodriguez will defend his country's colors for the third time. He was previously part of team Venezuela in 2012 and 2015.
#919 Ben Watson
“It was not an easy day. I experienced a lot of setbacks. In the first heat I first hit the starting gate and then I also had to remove a stone from my rear brake. I had to complete the second series without the rear brake after someone tapped me from behind. It was hard work, but I was still able to get the necessary World Cup points and hold on to my fourth place in the World Cup. Oof. Fourth! What a great result, what a huge step forward. A big thank you to Kemea Yamaha, because this is teamwork.”
#193 Jago Geerts
“I already felt a lot better than two weeks ago in Assen. My first series in particular was fine: good start, nice pace and I managed to stay consistently in the top six. The second series was more difficult, but I still got into the top 10. Not bad. I finished eighth in my first World Cup season. Something I wouldn't have dared to predict ten months ago. I am also very happy with the Jan de Groot Award, because that is a special distinction.”
#127 Anthony Rodriguez
“I felt sick all weekend. On Saturday I wasn't even able to keep solid food down. I was only able to complete four laps in the practice sessions. I felt really weak, barely had any energy. I gave it my all and still achieved two solid results. Also nice: the Fair Play Award. I hope that it can also serve as an example for other riders. We are not just athletes, we are people too.”
Hans Corvers
“2018 was a great year for Kemea Yamaha. We have taken the next big step in the right direction: Watson fourth in the World Cup, Geerts eighth and Rodriguez a great replacement for Brylyakov. We were on the podium twice and finished in the top five of a Grand Prix 17 times! Let's be honest: we didn't expect that at the start of the season. This is the work of an entire team. I would like to thank everyone: the riders, Yamaha, the sponsors, the people who support us and certainly our technical staff. Those guys did a fantastic job: you know, we didn't have a single technical DNF this year! We can't wait to get started in 2019.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: @PaulWeyten
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