Jago Geerts about his victory in Sardinia
The European motocross season got underway on Sunday in Riola Sardo. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team arrived in Sardinia with two of its three riders: Jago Geerts (20) and Maxime Renaux (20). Thibault Benistant (18) was out with a broken collarbone. The Frenchman has now been joined by his compatriot in the sick bay.
Renaux fell during timed training on Sunday morning and dislocated his shoulder. Maxime goes to the doctor on Monday to see exactly how extensive the damage is.
Team owner Hans Corvers: “We have three riders this year and two of them are already in need. Not the start to the season we had in mind. A blessing in disguise: the FIM world championship does not start until May 23 in Oss. Thibault and Maxime therefore have enough time to recover properly.”
Jago Geerts suffered from pumped arms at the start of the MX2 race and decided not to act too hastily. The vice world champion took his time to find the right rhythm and settled in the wake of the Italian Lapucci, who had taken the holeshot. Three laps from the end, Geerts launched the attack. His first attempt was immediately successful. The first victory of 2021 was achieved.
Geerts also made a good start (250th) on his YZ8FM in the Superfinal, where he had to compete against the MXGP riders on their powerful 450 bikes. A few laps later - while in seventh place - the Belgian braked his engine silently, dropping him to P13. Geerts quickly recovered from that setback and managed to move up to eighth place.
Jago Geerts, winner MX2: “It was really fun to compete again. Even with those pumped up arms. Well, that is an annual recurring problem at the beginning of the season. Nothing to worry about. These preparation races are especially interesting to see if we are going in the right direction. The answer is yes. Both as far as the bike and myself are concerned. I'm now staying in Sardinia for a week to train and test out some things. On Sunday I will drive to Alghero.”
Maxime Renaux: “I immediately set the fastest time and went for another fast lap. But I made a mistake on the table mountain and landed a little too far. I was thrown over my handlebars and dislocated my left shoulder on impact. I'm going to see my doctor in the morning. I don't think surgery is necessary, because the pain is not too bad and the physio got my shoulder back into place quite quickly."
Photos: Photographic Art
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