Chris Jacobs talks about Dirk Geukens
The Belgian BMX national coach Chris Jacobs is not only a fellow local of Dirk Geukens, he also knew him well. For those who are too young or did not know Dirk, we asked Chris how someone became the legendary Shokonfex-Honda pilot.
“We have had less contact in recent years, even though we live just a few kilometers apart. Before that we met every week to cycle together. Dirk was a super nice guy, always friendly, always available. As a motocross rider he was very busy with his profession, but when there was fun to be had, he and his wife Gerda were in the front row.
“As a young rider, Geukens was one of the men I looked up to. He was several years older, but we had a lot in common. Both myself, Dirk and Joël Smets came from the same region and because we did not come from rich families, we were only able to start motocross late. I was 18 when I finally started, Joël 17 and Dirk 16. Okay, both myself and Joël had a background in BMX. I notice from my own son that the step to motocross is not so obvious... One thing is certain; We had to rely on holiday work to be able to compete!”
“Dirk also had a passion for cross-country from an early age, because as a little boy he started looking here and there. Despite that late start, he has come very far. And this in an era with tough competition in the 500cc World Championship. He finished third twice in the final standings, won GPs, became Belgian 500cc champion and finished second with the Belgian team in the Motocross of Nations. You have to earn such a record!
“Dirk was a hard worker who actually deserved a place as a Honda factory rider, but he never got that opportunity. I have often seen up close how driven he was as a sportsman. After all, we trained together with Yves Demeulemeester. Joël Smets, Marnicq Bervoets and Gunther Geerts were also in that group. That was very hard!
The 'Enduro van Overpelt' remains a great memory for me. In 1993, the tenth edition, I won the Enduro of Overpelt. I only came to watch as a youngster and being able to beat a top player like Dirk Geukens was a huge honor. When I saw on TV that evening that Dirk freely admitted that the best man had won, it gave me great pleasure. To hear something like that from a competitor you look up to gives you a kick!” Below images of the Enduathlon of Waterschei TV report in 1992, also with leading roles for Chris Jacobs and Dirk Geukens.
“Due to a combination of circumstances, Dirk replaced me at the Husaberg factory team at the end of his career. I was a teammate of Joël Smets there in 1995 and my mission was clear: reach the top 10. Unfortunately, I had a lot of technical problems that season, which would later cost Joël a lot of points. At the end of the ride I was only 23th. This is why Dirk came into the picture before 1996. He already rode on a Husaberg for the German importer and was 14de become. As a second driver he would also do test work for Husaberg and I would drive for the Swiss importer. However, my story with Husaberg soon ended and Dirk's season as a factory rider was not an unqualified success either!
Together with Joël Smets I performed a comedy act during the farewell party at which Dirk Geuken's career was celebrated. We presented our own version by Jacques Vermeire and Luc Verschueren. Such as Jacques's indoor shows, who was the most popular comedian in Flanders at the time. Very fun to do of course. You realize afterwards that these are unique moments.”
The fact that Dirk is no longer there remains very difficult to grasp. For me and for so many others. Especially because he was in perfect health, walked regularly and so on. I can only imagine how difficult this is for Gerda and his children Nick and Lien. Lots of strength to the family and everyone who knew Dirk.”
Click here for the “12 questions to” interview that our colleagues from MXvintage did with Dirk Geukens.
Tekst: Tom Jacobs
Photos: Archive
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