Maxime Renaux is 2 MX2021 world champion
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider Maxime Renaux is the new MX2 World Champion! The French star (21) conquered the world title in true champion style by also taking the GP victory in Pietramurata, Italy. It is the first world title for Yamaha in MX2 since Antonio Cairoli in 2007.
The spectacular Crossdromo Ciclamino in Pietramurata was the setting for a Grand Prix for the third time in a week. Jago Geerts took his fifth pole position of the season in the morning, Maxime Renaux clocked the fourth fastest time on the narrow course. Thibault Benistant (14th) again struggled to set a fast lap.
Crash Geerts
The three Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 riders made a solid start in the first series, with Geerts (4th), Renaux (8th) and Benistant (9th) in the top 10. Geerts, eager for a win after two second places earlier this week, immediately passed Vialle and chased Boegh Damm, who was in second place. However, the Dane made a mistake during a dismount, went from left to right and knocked Geerts down. The Belgian had to restart in 29th.
Renaux was now able to move up to second place, behind Hofer. The Frenchman again rode a very smart race. He avoided unnecessary risks and crossed the line in second place. Benistant felt better compared to the previous two races in Pietramurata and finished sixth. Geerts showed a lot of perseverance after his heavy fall. His catch-up race took him from 29th to 13th place.
Dream
101 points. That was World Cup leader Renaux's lead over Geerts before the start of the second series. And that meant that the Frenchman could be crowned world champion if he finished ahead of Geerts in race 2. Renaux (2nd), Benistant (3rd) and Geerts (5th) shot out of the starting gate like a cannon in that second series. Although Geerts – the unlucky one of the day – had to abandon the battle after one lap due to electronic problems. The road to the world title was now completely open for Renaux. But Maxime wanted more. He immediately went after Vialle, who was in the lead. When his compatriot made a small mistake in lap 5, Renaux was quick to punish it mercilessly. The Frenchman took the lead, opened a gap and controlled until the end. Series victory, GP victory and world title: a dream that became reality for Renaux.
Renaux in 2021
* MX2 world title
* 5 GP wins
* 12 GP podiums
* 8 series wins
* 20 series stages
#93 Jago Geerts
“A bad day. However, it started well with the pole position. But then everything that could possibly go wrong went wrong. In the first series I came into contact with another rider. He jumped from side to side where I was driving causing us both to crash. The second series ended after half a lap due to a technical problem. In short: a day to forget as quickly as possible. There are two more GPs in Mantova on the program. My goal: to try to win them both and regain that second place in the World Cup.”
#198 Thibault Benistant
“I had difficulty pushing through the timed training because I didn't really dare to put my knee, which I injured on Wednesday, into the left turns. My first heat was okay: good speed and a good feeling on the bike. I started well in race 2, was in third place for a while but then slipped and lost a few places. Congratulations to Maxime by the way. Well done. Hopefully one day I can follow in his footsteps.”
#959 Maxime Renaux
“This is too crazy for words. It's still hard for me to understand what happened. In the last round I cried, cried and cried. I was so emotional that I could barely concentrate on the lines. Series victory, GP victory and world title: it just couldn't be better. I find it hard to believe. This really is a dream season. A relief after several difficult years due to serious injuries. A big thank you to my family. And to my team of course. I may be on my own on that motorcycle, but there is always a large crew behind me. Without them this would not have been possible.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photos: CDS
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