Amber Simons takes the title in a thriller!
During the 24MX MON NK national motocross in Meijel, Lakerveld Racing rider Amber Simons (photo) became Dutch Champion in the women's class. Simons started with a deficit of 12 points to Ecomaxx rider Demi Verploeg. In the first heat, Simons managed to take over the lead from Verploegh in the last lap and thus achieved the heat victory. This reduced the difference in the overall ranking to 6 points. In the second heat Simons also managed to win after a nice battle with Verploegh. This put both ladies at 1143 points. Based on the heat victories achieved throughout the season, eight for Simons and one for Verploegh, Simons could call himself Dutch Champion in the women's class.
First heat:
Verploegh and Cynthia Swets came first after one lap, followed by Simons, Lynn Kelders and Annika Erpeka. The front four ladies quickly broke away from Erpeka and in lap four Simons managed to pass Swets. Verploegh and Simons then gained more lead per lap over Swets and Kelders to compete for the heat victory and the championship. Until lap nine the positions remained as they were. It was Kelders who now passed Swets to take over third position. The decision was made on the last lap of the heat. Simons passed Verploegh and took the heat victory. Behind this duo, Kelders had a bad last lap and had to leave third place to Swets. Erpeka crossed the line in fifth place.
Second heat:
Simons and Verploegh were the fastest at the start, followed by Swets, Kelders and Stacey Nooijens. Side by side, Simons and Verploegh fought for the lead. This first battle was won by Simons. On the second lap, Erpeka passed Nooijens to take over fifth place. After a few laps it soon became apparent that Simons and Verploegh would once again compete for the heat victory and therefore also for the championship. Simons took a small lead over Verploegh. However, Verploegh started again and managed to drive back to Simons' rear wheel to take over the lead on the eighth lap. Simons, in turn, also fought back and one lap later she emerged as the leader again. Just like in the first heat, the final phase of the heat was not that good for Kelders and she had to let Swets pass. However, all eyes were focused on the battle between Simons and Verploegh. Simons rode the best final lap and managed to hold on to the lead. Based on the heat victories achieved, she became Dutch Champion throughout the year. A very disappointed and emotional Verploegh had to make do with second place. Swets finished third ahead of Kelders and Erpeka.
First heat:
1. Simons, 2. Verploegh, 3. Swets, 4. Kelders, 5. Erpeka.
Second heat:
1. Simons, 2. Verploegh, 3. Swets, 4. Kelders, 5 Erpeka.
Daily ranking:
1. Simons 120, 2. Verploegh 108, 3. Swets 100, 4. Kelders 94, 5. Erpeka 90.
Final standings MON women's class 2018:
1. Simons 1143, 2. Verploegh 1143, 3. Swets 1107, 4. Jans-Beken 1007, 5. Kelders 1002.
By: Maycel de Bruijn
Photo: Maycel de Bruijn
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