Kemea Yamaha: “We must raise the bar”
2018 was a great year for the team. Watson finished fourth in the World Championship and Geerts finished the season in eighth place. In between they both also took a GP podium. The icing on the cake was that at the end of the year they were both allowed to represent their country's colors in the Motocross of Nations. “We can indeed look back on 2018 with satisfaction,” says Corvers. “But we want more. We may, no must, set the bar high. Our riders are a year older and stronger, and we have also taken another step forward in terms of engine and suspension. We are aiming for the top three with Watson, and the top five with Geerts. And a GP victory is also on our wish list.”
“On the one hand, we must dare to show ambition, but on the other hand, we must not put too much pressure on our riders,” warns team manager Marnicq Bervoets. “The last step to the absolute top is the toughest. Especially mentally. We will get some indications in the preparatory races, but we will only know how far they really are after three GPs.”
Both Watson and Geerts have been preparing for the new season for quite some time. The first international race is scheduled for Sunday in Riola Sardo, Sardinia. The duo will then ride in Ottobiano (February 3), Hawkstone Park (February 17) and Lacapelle Marival (February 24) to get ready for the first Grand Prix in Neuquen, Argentina (March 3).
Jago Geerts: “I have had a good preparation. Because I don't have to go to school anymore, I had a lot more time to train. In November and December the focus was mainly on the physical part, after which the motorcycle training was added. I mainly stayed in Belgium. Until this week I could train perfectly in my own country. The tracks were tough and fairly technical. Ideal. I'm glad the competitions are starting again now. Racing is simply the most fun. My goal in the World Cup? Simple: do better last season, that was mainly a learning year. So I'm going for the top five.”
Photos: CDS, shotbyBavo, Eric Lauryssen
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