Only Flanders scores in Loket
The Loket Grand Prix did not go well for Gebben-Van Venrooy Racing. Only Calvin Vlaanderen scored during the fifth GP of the season. Kevin Strijbos, winner of 'Loketske Serpentiny' in 2005 and 2007, did not score. The same happened to Brent van Doninck, who was unable to finish the first heat due to a rib injury and later did not start. All three are now telling their story here.
Calvin Flanders:
“It was a great day but unfortunately it ended with a setback. With the seventh fastest time in time training, I went into the heats with a good feeling. In the first moto I came back to ninth place after a bad start. In the second moto I worked my way up from tenth to seventh position. I had already set my sights on fifth place because I was only a few seconds behind, but unfortunately I crashed. It happened so quickly that I was unable to stay on the bike. Fortunately, I didn't suffer any injuries, but the bike suffered so much damage that I had to leave the race. I'm looking forward to Lommel!''
Kevin Strijbos:
“It was a difficult day and I couldn't find my flow on the track. This is strange because I always feel at home here on the track. In the timed training I set an eighteenth time, which was not good, but your starting place is not that important here, so I didn't worry too much about it. In the first moto I got a bad start but unfortunately I didn't feel good on the track either. I came back to fifteenth place until I crashed hard and hurt my head and hip badly. I left the circuit and tried to ride in the second heat, but I immediately had no energy left. My head wasn't right and I couldn't concentrate so I decided to leave the match. It's a shame but it is what it is. I will do everything I can this week to be ready for Lommel."
Brent van Doninck:
“I tried to ride but in the free and timed training I soon noticed that I was in a lot of pain and I couldn't start as I normally do. In the first moto I got a pretty good start but after a few laps the pain became too much. I couldn't hold the bike properly on the treacherous track because it was too painful. I decided to leave the competition and it bothers me a lot. I feel like it's only going to get worse if I'm honest and that's why I want a second opinion from the doctor. I hope it gets better this week so I can do my home Grand Prix but we'll see what the doctor says and what we need to do.”
Door: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photos: Gino Maes
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