Strong catch-up races from Jago Geerts
He was knocked down twice in the first corner. Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider Jago Geerts impressed just as many times with his catch-up race in Alghero, where the second round of the Italian championship was held.
Geerts was the only rider from the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team at the start in Alghero. Thibault Benistant is still recovering from a broken collarbone. Normally the Frenchman will resume motorcycle training in mid-March. His compatriot Maxime Renaux dislocated his shoulder last Sunday in Riola Sardo. Fortunately, research showed that no surgery is required. Renaux now faces a rehabilitation period of five to six weeks.
Bowling
The start of the MX2 race was more like a game of bowling with a lot of pins falling over. Nearly ten riders crashed in the first corner. Among them also Jago Geerts. It took a while before the Balenaar could continue his way. He started his catch-up race in 38th position. After 25 minutes of hard work, Jago crossed the line in sixth place.
A similar story in the Superfinal, where Geerts had to compete against the MXGP riders on their powerful 450cc machines. The Belgian took a great start (he entered the first corner in third place), but was again upset by another rider. Geerts was stuck under another motorcycle and needed a lot of time to jump back on his Yamaha. Geerts resumed in 40th position, but quickly found a good rhythm. Lap after lap he moved up a few places, eventually finishing tenth.
“A short start, followed by a sharp turn: that's asking for trouble,” said team manager Marnicq Bervoets. “Geerts was the victim in both series. Twice he couldn't help it at all. His catch-up races were impressive to watch. Really strong. But the most important thing was that he got through those crashes unscathed.”
#93 Jago Geerts
“Two crashes at the start. Each time without me being able to do anything about it. Very annoying. Fortunately I was not injured. I am quite satisfied with the driving itself today. I felt really good on the bike. In retrospect, it was a very good training session. The result is not important at all now. I'm fitting for the competition in Mantova next week. It is still not entirely clear when the FIM world championship will start. That makes it difficult to put together a preparation program. I'm going to slow down a bit now. It is now especially important to maintain the condition. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photos: Photographic Art
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