VMCF Pole: Rick Elzinga for Mark Boot
To stretch their legs again before Lommel, the TBS Conversions KTM team went to the Schaffensesteenweg in Paal. However, it was not a complete walk-over for Tom Steensels' boys. Rick Elzinga, EMX250 winner in Oss, had to work for the victory in Paal.
The organization of MC Zoutleeuw had succeeded in obtaining permission again to replace the competition planned in Werchter.
After his fall in Paal two weeks ago, champion Frederic Weigert (fractured buttocks) was the big absentee. However, there is no lack of enthusiasm today! In the first heat, Mark Boot (photo below) recorded the holeshot. Mattéo Puffet and guest driver Saad Soulimlani also had a good time. Favorite Elzinga was of course at a disadvantage at the start due to his 250cc, but after a few laps the talented Dutchman got into the swing of things. In no time Rick was in P2 and after five laps he took the lead. Multiple Belgian champion Boot tried to hit back but still had to admit his superiority in Elzinga.
Well behind his teammate, the returning Tim Edberg, International Italian Vice Champion 2021, finished third ahead of Puffet and an excellent Jelle Verbruggen. With four EMX250 riders in the top 8, the level was exceptionally high, but 250cc rider Ilan Heirwegh also held up well against the international violence!
Once again Boot had an excellent start in the second heat… And Elzinga immediately gave chase! This time, however, the MC Mikkola pilot went for it again. For a few laps both tenors kept each other in balance, but in the last part of the race ex Dutch 85cc champion Elzinga still pushed through. At the finish the difference was 5,7 seconds.
Once again Edberg was third, but this time he kept in touch with the two fastest men of the day in front of him. Since Meico Vettic and Saad Soulimani finished 4th and 5th, sporting logic was now followed. Jelle Verbruggen was clearly the best VMCF quarter liter while we missed Stijn Verstrepen in the first series, he now came back nicely after a poor start. The 'Streep' finished eighth ahead of pit bike specialist Mike Got and Ilan Heirwegh.
With Boot second at the Inters Open, Maxime Colson third in the 250 inter, victory for Kevin Manege at the Nationals 500cc and a nice second place for Bryan Maes, MC Mikkola achieved a grand slam in this race with podium places for all their riders. !
All results here
Race 1
1. Rick Elzinga, 2. Mark Boot, 3. Tim Edberg, 4. Mattéo Puffet, 5. Jelle Verbruggen, 6. Soulimani Saad, 7. Ilan Heirwegh, 8. Meico Vettik, 9. Tom Schepmans, 10. Patrick Cappellen, 11. Mike Gilot, 12. Daimy Koch, 13. Jordy Kenzeler, 14. Dimitri Wimar, 15. Bryan Maes, 16. Damon Gaoyvaerts, 17. Maxime Colson, 18. Jelle Smeesters, 19. Andy Haesevoets, 20. Kevin Manage
Race 2
1. Rick Elzinga, 2. Mark Boot, 3. Tim Edberg, 4. Meico Vettik, 5. Soulimani Saad, 6. Jelle Verbruggen, 7. Mattéo Puffet 39, 8. Stijn Verstrepen, 9. Mike Gilot, 10. Ilan Heirwegh , 11. Tom Schepmans, 12. Daimy Koch, 13. Jelle Smeesters, 14. Patrick Cappellen, 15. Maxime Colson, 16. Dimitri Wimar, 17. Kevin Manage, 18. Bryan Maes, 19. Clément Claisse, 20. Damon Gaoyvaerts
Final score Inters 500/Open
1. Rick Elzinga 56, 2. Mark Boot 50, 3. Tim Edberg 46, 4. Meiko Vettik 39, 5. Mattéo Puffet 39, 6. Soulimani Saad 38, 7. Tom Schepmans 32, 8. Mike Gilot 31, 9. Daimy Koch 28, 10. Patrick Capellen 28
Final score Inters 250
1. Jelle Verbruggen 56, 2. Ilan Heirwegh 50, 3. Maxime Colson 44, 4. Thibo Van Den Houwe, 5. Lucas Wautier, 6. Jordy Kenzeler
Tekst: Editorial office
Photos: Niek Photography, NMP
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