Come cheer on the stars of tomorrow in Lommel!
The organization behind the GP of Belgium is coming up with a fantastic new concept this weekend. The Denicol Sand Rookies bring together the second round of the EMX65/85 North-West region and an Open 125cc race on the famous Lommel circuit. Home rider Sacha Coenen heads to the Stedelijk Motocross Center as leader in the EMX85!
There are a total of five rounds on the EMX65/85 North-West calendar. After Lommel, Slagelse (Denmark), Reutlingen (Germany) and Arnhem (Netherlands) follow. Only the 10 best-placed riders per region, there are four regions, will be invited to the final that will take place as part of the Czech GP on July 27 and 28 in Loket.
Sacha and Lucas Coenen
The lowlanders played a leading role in the Slovak opening match in both the 65cc and 85cc. Brussels resident Sacha Coenen (Grizzly Yamaha Junior Racing) steered his Yamaha to overall victory ahead of Y85 colleagues Cas Valk and Ivano Van Erp. Sacha's twin brother Lucas finished fifth in Slovakia. While that race in Velke Uherce could still be described as exotic, most local riders are very familiar with Lommel! We will also be looking forward to riders such as Bradley Mesters, Damian Knuiman, Baptiste Beernaert, Mirco Ten Kate and Troy Verburgh. The complete list of participants you can find here.
On the occasion of the Denicol Sand Rookies, the course was adapted to the standards of youth riders. The 65cc pilots get a slightly smaller version of the circuit in front of the wheels. Sounds lame? Forget it, the sandbox of Lommel, the excitement of a major international competition and the first heat of the year will put the greatest demands on the young heroes. Just like their larger colleagues, the Dutch and Belgian riders already made themselves noticed in the first confrontation. Lotte Van Drunen came in a strong second in Slovakia after the Czech Marek and has repeatedly proven that she can easily boss the boys. In addition to Lotte's Girl Power, we are curious about home riders such as Maxime Lucas and Tyla Van de Poel and a strong orange legion including Ray Van Gelder, Gyan Doensen, Dean Gregoire, Jayson van Drunen and Dex Kooiker. The complete list of participants you can find here.
General rehearsal in 125cc!
In addition to the 65cc and 85 cc, an International 125 cc class is on the program, which counts for the Belgian 125cc Championship. This is where the real “Sand Rookie” can create his way to the top! The three podium riders who do not yet have a European license will receive a wildcard for participation in the EMX125 class that will be held during the Belgian GP on August 3 and 4. For Liam Everts it will be an exceptional performance in front of his own audience. Although Liamski is in good shape, he has to count on stiff competition!
On the 125cc participant list includes the experienced Wannes van de Voorde, a true local in Lommel since last year, Marnick Lagrou (winner in Haacht), the fast Finn Wiljam Malin and Robbe Daniëls. Of course, the Dutch sand hares such as Kay Karssemakers, Dave Kooiker, Jens Walvoort and Jeremy Knuiman are also eager to perform in 'Lommelwood'. Anyone who can correctly predict the complete 125cc podium can now say so!
Johan Boonen: “As the organizer of the Grand Prix, organizing a European Championship may be a strange leap to take, but we felt it necessary to come up with a new initiative for the youth. First and foremost, we want to create a fun family event for the participants, who will often be able to taste the Lommel sand for the first time. And also immediately experience why all the Grand Prix pilots settle in this region. With the date during the Easter weekend, we also hope that it will be worthwhile for pilots from the Czech Republic, Scandinavia, etc. to make the trip and make full use of the training opportunities in the region. In any case, we hope that it will be a success so that the concept can continue to grow in the coming years!”
Photos: ADAC Motorsport, Niek Photography, MXGrietje MX Pics
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