Wannes Van de Voorde switches to 250cc!
After a disappointing 2018 with many injuries and setbacks, there was the hope and confidence to compete this season for one last time on the 125cc machine. The preparations in the winter and spring went perfectly for Wannes Van de Voorde. After that, however, the results failed to materialize. In his newsletter, the former Belgian champion explains why he now chooses the quarter liter!
With the move to Lommel and Tom Steensels' new team TBS Conversions, Wannes started his winter preparation in good spirits. There was a good feeling during the motorcycle training, without injuries, including an internship in Spain. Good physical training under the guidance of Marvin Van Daele from Motorsport Future. Engines that were in tip top condition at the start of the season. Everything was there to make it a success story.
And then came the first EMX125 competition in Valkenswaard with no fewer than 100 participants. To everyone's surprise, Wannes failed to qualify in his group. A difference of less than one hundredth of a second prevented him from participating in the competitions.
A heavy setback, but the belief was still there that it would work out at the next EMX125 in Trentino (Italy). Wannes had finished a nice ninth place there last year in the 2nd series. But it doesn't work there either and in Lombardia things don't go well at all. Wannes blocks and cramps during the qualifying series of the European Championship matches, so a lot of work will have to be done on this in the future.
While everyone standing next to Wannes still believed in him 100%, Wannes was in a mental downward spiral. It was clear that Wannes did not “get paid for his work” and that he could not capitalize on the things he showed in training in the matches. Taking into account all the different aspects (mental, financial, practical, etc...) the decision was made to stop the 125cc competitions and switch to the 250cc machine.
The final decision was made by Wannes himself. At first he had mixed feelings because he still experienced it as a failure because he had not achieved the goal he had set and it felt like giving up to him. But the switch was soon turned, “you never fail if you tried” and “you can't fail if you don't try”. The door is closed, without regret and with our heads held high, and we enter the new door with full courage.
We would like to thank everyone who continues to believe in Wannes and supports him, especially Tom Steensels, his team and all sponsors!!
Photos: Niek Photography
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