MX GP - Round 14 - Lierop, The Netherlands.
9/6/2006
MX GP - Round 14 - Lierop, The Netherlands. — Dreary, dark skies could not keep over 33.000 enthusiastic motocross fans from coming to watch the penultimate round of the FIM MX world championships. The Dutch sand circuit of Lierop has a reputation for being one of the most demanding and technical circuits on the GP series and it certainly took it's toll on riders and machines this weekend.
Local hero and sand specialist, Marc De Reuver was the first to fall victim to the dismal conditions. The THOR rider had to recover from bad starts in both moto's. Each outing , de Reuver showed excellent speed as he raced to potential podium spots however the Dutchman could not completely execute the charge and had to retire with stomach cramps.
THOR racer, Gareth Swanepoel was not having much better luck. Both heats were marred by technical problems although Swanepoel did manage to nurse his bike to the finish for 13th spot in Moto 1. The unlucky number was a portent of things to come as 'Swanie' was riding really well in 6th spot in the second moto when his engine gave up all life. Swedish youngster Johan Carlsson put in an impressive ride for THOR Sweden to gain valuable championship points with 15th spot in the second moto.
Stefan Everts claimed his 100th GP victory by annihilating the field in both motos of the MX1 class. New Zealander, Josh Coppins was the only rider to try and challenge Everts as he flanked the Belgian on the podium with a 2-2 result.
The final round of the GP series will take place in Ernee, France on the 16-17 September.
Swanepoel: "Not a good day! I'm still recovering from the flu so I had to dig really deep in the sand today. The track was the roughest I have ever seen it although I seemed to have a good pace going in the second moto until the engine gave in. It's a big blow for me in the championship but I know everyone gives their best in the team so we'll just have to fight back in Ernee at the final round."
De Reuver: "In the first heat the cramp in my stomach was unbelievable. I was seeing double ruts. I had to stop because I could not manage any more. In the second moto I was riding well and coming to the front but then I crashed and tensed up. The cramps came again. My condition is not 100% but these races should not have been a problem so I don't know what happened. I am only sorry I could not do a better GP for the fans."
MX2 Race 1
- Cairoli, Antonio ITA Yamaha
- Rattray, Tyla RSA KTM
- Pourcel, Christophe FRA Kawasaki
- Searle, Tommy GBR Kawasaki
- Leok, Aigar EST Yamaha
- Goncalves, Rui POR KTM
- Nagl, Maximilian GER KTM
- Philippaerts, David ITA KTM
- Nunn, Carl GBR KTM
- Roelants, Joel BEL KTM
- Seistola, Matti FIN Honda
- Schiffer, Marcus GER KTM
- Swanepoel, Gareth RSA Kawasaki (THOR)
- van Vijfeijken, Rob NED Yamaha
- Verbruggen, Dennis BEL Yamaha
MX2 Race 2
- Pourcel, Christophe FRA Kawasaki
- Rattray, Tyla RSA KTM
- Cairoli, Antonio ITA Yamaha
- Goncalves, Rui POR KTM
- Nunn, Carl GBR KTM
- Leok, Aigar EST Yamaha
- Searle, Tommy GBR Kawasaki
- Schiffer, Marcus GER KTM
- Seistola, Matti FIN Honda
- Verbruggen, Dennis BEL Yamaha
- Nagl, Maximilian GER KTM
- Renet, Pierre A. FRA Honda
- van Vijfeijken, Rob NED Yamaha
- Boissiere, Anthony FRA Yamaha
- Carlsson, Johan SWE Yamaha (THOR)