Column: Geert Gelaude June 2019
Last weekend's Russian GP will remain in the memory of many for a long time. And not because Jeffrey Herlings made his return there, but because of the many falls. Orlyonok, on the Black Sea was once again host to this grand prix, with warm temperatures and a very fast track bringing joy and sadness to the paddock.
Especially in the MXGP, important tenors dropped out due to spectacular falls. Numerous riders came into contact with the Russian surface. Cairoli fell, grabbed his back, but fortunately was able to finish the series without much damage. Paulin also fell and grabbed his back and disappeared from the race. It was worse for the returning Bobryshev, who enjoyed a lot of attention in his own country. Bobby, who had already announced that he would have wrist surgery after this GP, suffered a tibia fracture after Orlyonok and will probably not be in action again this year. Clement Desalle, who also broke his shin, saw his good final ranking go up in smoke. The worst victim is the Italian Alessandro Lupino who, according to the first data, broke his back in four places and also suffered a fracture in the sternum.
Once again the question arises whether they should no longer look at the safety of the drivers instead of even faster, more spectacular tracks? What was wrong with the old school tracks of yesteryear? We also see this evolution in the sidecars, faster tracks, higher jumps, whoops,... it looks nice, but if you crash with a sidecar, the consequences are sometimes even worse.
However, we should not be too negative, because that will not help our sport, which is already having a hard enough time. And speaking of looking ahead, we all have to go to Arnhem next weekend. Because next weekend (15 and 16 June) the final of the selection competitions of the European Championship 65/85 North-West will be held here on the circuit of Motorsportpark Gelderland Midden. In addition to those young wolves, the ladies will compete in their own final competition. It is now clear that multiple world champion Steffi Laier is still one of the best. The German, who lives in Belgium, is in the lead over Shana van der Vlist with 21 points in the bonus. The other Dutch star Lynn Valk takes third place, 36 units behind. If everything goes as planned, Lynn and Cas Valk should be able to compete on the final podium next weekend. Rarely seen, I would say, and an extra reason to make it a beautiful and sporty weekend. More information about the EMX youth can be found below link find.
If we look a little further, we know that there is still a very nice match ahead. During the first weekend of July, all eyes are on “Our pleasure”, the club from beautiful Markelo, where we will be hosting the second Dutch Grand Prix for the sidecars. All information can be found on the website. We have already noticed in recent weeks that it will provide exciting races. Because the top ones are close at each other's heels. In any case, I will be present at both events and you can't go wrong! Until the next
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
By: Geert Gelaude
Photo: Geert Gelaude
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