Historical: first, second and third place in heat
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team made history in the Czech Republic by taking the entire podium (Benistant, Renaux and Geerts) in the second heat. More than enough for Renaux (second) and Benistant (third) to step onto the final podium and to keep the red leader plate on the Yamaha #595.
Loket, a picturesque town in the Karlovy Vary region, is known for two things. Firstly: in 2006 the city was one of the settings for the James Bond film Casino Royal. Second: the Motocross Grand Prix. Loket – Czech for elbow – has been on the World Cup calendar since 1995, with the exception of 2020 when it was canceled due to the corona pandemic. In short, a circuit that is very familiar to most riders: old school, concrete hard, strewn with many stones and hilly.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team arrived in the Czech Republic with a lot of confidence after the GP win (Geerts) and capturing the red plate (Renaux) in Oss last weekend. The riders immediately continued the good trend in the timed training. Geerts took pole position (his first this season), Renaux was third fastest and Benistant qualified ninth. Unfortunately, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 riders were unable to capitalize on their good time training at the start of the first series. All three entered the first corner outside the top 10: Benistant (12), Geerts (14) and Renaux (20) faced a tough task, as it is very difficult to pass on the Czech track. But that did not stop World Cup leader Renaux from pushing forward. The Frenchman was one of the few riders who managed to pull off numerous successful passing maneuvers. His spectacular overtaking race took Renaux from 20th to 5th place. Benistant and Geerts – who was struggling with inflated arms – could only move up a few positions and finished ninth and twelfth.
Three great starts
Race 2 was the complete opposite of the opening race. All three riders immediately placed their YZ250FM in the top five: Benistant claimed the holeshot, Renaux settled into third place and Geerts was fifth. Renaux quickly jumped over Hofer into second position. The two Monster Energy Yamaha Factory riders quickly opened up a gap with the rest. At the front, Benistant, just like in Maggiora, had everything under perfect control from start to finish. Good for his second series victory of the season. Renaux, who made another slip on lap 7, finished second. Just enough to remain World Cup leader. Geerts, who was freed from his pumped up arms, had a strong finish. The Balenian overtook Guadagnini and Hofer to finish in third place behind Renaux.
The entire Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team took the podium of race 2. A historic moment for the Belgian team, which is already looking forward to the home match in Lommel next Sunday.
#93 Jago Geerts
“It was a day with two faces. In the first series I immediately suffered from pumped up arms, which meant I couldn't get into the rhythm and lost speed. Very frustrating, but I certainly didn't want to take unnecessary risks. I also know that a 12th place is not enough, but it is what it is. My second heat was much better: good start, no more arm problems, good rhythm and at the end I managed to pass two more riders to finish third, just behind Renaux. I'm already looking forward to riding in front of my own audience in Lommel next Sunday.”
#198 Thibault Benistant
“Two completely different series today. In the first moto I just didn't feel comfortable on my bike and on this track. But I didn't want to take any risks or make any mistakes, so I took it easy. The second series was a lot better. A great start – I had the holeshot – made the job a lot easier. I was in the lead from start to finish, barely making a mistake. I know I have the speed and I know I have good fitness. I just need a good start to be able to fight for the podium.”
#959 Maxime Renaux
“My start in the first series was dramatic. I had to fight really hard to make my way to the front. I was able to make some nice overtakes and was satisfied with the rhythm and the driving itself. I made a much better start in the second moto and was soon able to settle into second place behind Benistant. I waited for him to make a mistake, but then I made the mistake myself. I slid down in the front. Fortunately, I didn't have to give up a place and I finished second in the series and in the final standings. And I also got back the red plate that I had lost after the first series.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photos: CDS
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