VLM: Yentel Martens demonstrates in Olmen
The third VLM championship match in Olmen became the first of the season for Yentel Martens. Although Yentel had a difficult match day on Monday in Thomer-la-Sôgne he hit hard today! Martens dominated both heats ahead of Dietger Damiaens. In the 250cc, Greg Smets was the leader with two series victories.
MC Siberia hosted the JMS/VLM in Hondapark in Olmen this weekend. Fortunately, the weather gods were favorable to organizer Fons Van Den Bergh and his men today! The heavy rain made Honda Park tough! In addition to the championship classes for Inters 250 and Inters 500, the Beloften, Novices 250, Nationals Open and sidecars also fought for points.
Martens already made a stunning impression during the time training. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider was no less than 2 seconds faster than Dietger Damiaens. Cedric Grobben, Roy Sillien and Jens Van Meer completed the top 5. Starting third, Martens took control in the first heat after three laps. Lead starter Grobben disappeared from the front and ultimately had to settle for 13th place. BMB champion Damiaens held off Van Meer in the prestige battle for second place. Then there was a big gap until the fourth, Mike Vanderstraeten.
The revival became a true demonstration for Martens. “Y-Mart” raced to the holeshot and would not relinquish the lead. A strong Dietger Damiaens once again showed himself to be 'best of the rest'. DD now finished second ahead of Grobben and ex-Honda MX2 factory rider Jorge Zaragoza.
A solid Jens Van Meer (3-5) took another final podium, despite an 'excursion' between the ribbons in series two. While Steve Seronval was only able to limit the damage after a week of illness. The KTM Racing Center rider now follows Van Meer by 12 points in the championship. Thanks to his 4th and 6th place, Mike Vanderstraeten moved from outside the top 10 in the championship to 8th place, just 11 points behind 4th, Dietger Damiaens!
Greg Smets keeps it simple!
Anyone who wanted to excel in Olmen had to be physically strong. Greg Smets proved that his condition is more than fine. The BeTeMo quarter liter rode to two resounding victories! Nolan Cordens also showed what the lighter engines are capable of in the hands of a capable driver. Nolan crossed the line in second place on the 250 after taking charge of the initial phase. A regular second race, in which he finished fourth, gave Cordens a well-deserved final podium.
Smets repeated his stunt again in the second race. From the third position in round one he first took the measure of Banken and then that of front starter Bintcliffe. This time Banken, sixth in series one, was in position. The reigning VLM champion finished just over 9 seconds behind his young challenger, Greg Smets. Ex-EMX150 vice champion Jack Bintcliffe secured the final podium thanks to a neat 3rd place. The Brit had finished 4th in the first heat.
The championship will continue next weekend in Molenbeersel for the Beloften, Inters and sidecars!
All results here
Inters 500cc Race 1
1. Yentel Martens, 2. Dietger Damiaens, 3. Jens Van Meer, 4. Mike Vanderstraeten, 5. Bryan Engelen, 6. Menno Aussems, 7. Kristof Salaets, 8. Steve Seronval, 9. Roy Sillien, 10. Kenzo Buys
Inters 500cc Race 2
1. Yentel Martens, 2. Dietger Damiaens, 3. Cedric Grobben, 4. Jorge Zaragoza, 5. Jens Van Meer, 6. Mike Vanderstraeten, 7. Bryan Engelen, 8. Steve Seronval, 9. Menno Aussems, 10. Kenzo Buys
Final score Inters 500cc
1. Yentel Martens 50, 2. Dietger Damiaens 44, 3. Jens Van Meer 36, 4. Mike Vanderstraeten 33, 5. Bryan Engelen 30, 6. Cedric Grobben 28, 7. Jorge Zaragoza 28, 8. Menno Aussems 27, 9 .Steve Seronval 26, 10. Kenzo Buys 22
Interim score Inters 500cc after 3 laps
1. Jens Van Meer 127, 2. Steve Seronval 115, 3. Roy Sillien 90, 4. Dietger Damiaens 80, 5. Cedric Grobben 74, 6. Kenzo Buys 73, 7. Kristof Salaets 70, 8. Mike Vanderstraeten 69, 9 . Bryan Engelen 61, 10. Steven De Beuckelaer 54
Inters 250cc Race 1
1. Greg Smets, 2. Nolan Cordens, 3. Jordi Van Mieghem, 4. Jack Bintcliffe, 5. Wannes Vandevoorde, 6. Jonathan Banken, 7. Enzo Aerden, 8. Kristof Scheynen, 9. Arno Van Mieghem, 10. Brent Aerden,
Inters 250cc Race 2
1. Greg Smets, 2. Jonathan Banken, 3. Jack Bintcliffe, 4. Nolan Cordens, 5. Wannes Vandevoorde, 6. Kristof Scheynen, 7. Brent Aerden, 8. Jordi Van Mieghem, 9. Bram Schoepen, 10. Arno Van Mieghem
Final score Inters 250cc
1. Greg Smets 50, 2. Nolan Cordens 40, 3. Jack Bintcliffe 38, 4. Jonathan Banken 37, 5. Jordi Van Mieghem 33, 6. Wannes Vandevoorde 32, 7. Kristof Scheynen 28, 8. Brent Aerden 25, 9 .Arno Van Mieghem 23, 10. Enzo Aerden 22
Interim score Inters 250cc after 3 laps
1. Greg Smets 144, 2. Jonathan Banken 132, 3. Jordi Van Mieghem 89, 4. Bram Schoepen 85, 5. Kevin Schellens 83, 6. Kristof Scheynen 81, 7. Enzo Aerden 79, 8. Brent Aerden 77, 9 . Dieter Vromans 74, 10. Jack Bintcliffe 70
Photos: Dieter Jans
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