The village of Wuustwezel, about 20k north of Antwerp, has always been a hotbed for motocross in Belgium. With a pleasant atmosphere and a good crowd turnout the 44th(!) International Motocross was once again a succesful edition. For Wuustwezel newbie, Xavier Boog, the visit to the compact Molenbergen track proved to be productive. Boog clinched fourth overall, while team mate Getteman finished fifth. Home favourite Kevin Strijbos recorded a double win and was joined on the podium by Joël Roelants and Davide Guarneri.
The usual soft soil and an attractive appearance fee brought many established MXGP and MX2 stars to Wuustwezel. While the dry spell of the last couple of weeks transformed the circuit into a much harder and slicker affair than anticipated there was still a race to be won! Both Boog and Getteman, who rode the Dutch championship in Axel yesterday, started the day slowly, taking the time to learn the track. Xavier was 8th in time qualifying, Getteman 11th.
Jens Getteman had a decent start and carefully managed his race during the first 20 minute plus 1 lap dash. It was a solid, effective run highlighted by his speed. Just as he had done yesterday, the youngest 24MX Honda recruit surprised with his sheer pace, signing the second fastest overall lap time! Slow starter Boog fought his way back to claim fifth.
A terrible start marred Xavier’s podium chances but the likeable Frenchman kept plugging away. A determined ride from Boog saw him blitz the field from 14th in the start to 5th with 4 laps to go. He even started to reel in former Italian MX1 champion Guarneri but time was not on his side. In the end Boog came home fifth right behind the factory TM rider. Getteman had a midpack start in the second moto and rode consistently to record another sixth place finish.
Xavier Boog: “Not an easy track today and because of the conditions it was not really the perfect template for Valkenswaard. Still it was quite a good day… but it could have been better if it were not for my starts! Each time I managed to come back and both the rhythm and my riding were okay. We have been testing in the sand this week and for sure the feeling starts to come. When the Dutch GP is there, I will be ready!”
Jens Getteman: “During the morning session my wrist felt a bit stiff although that’s far from unusual. As the day progressed my riding improved. In the first moto I took it quite easy, so it was a bit of a shock to me as well to have the second fastest lap time! Overall the second moto felt a lot better. I was consistent and I was able to ride my own race. Looking back on today and yesterday I’m quite pleased. As long as you haven’t raced it’s always tough to assess your performance level. At least now I know the speed is there, the next step is to build up my endurance on the bike.”
Full results here: http://www.mylaps.com/en/events/1007910
Wuustwezel International MX1 moto 1
1. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), 2. Joel Roelants (BEL, Honda), 3. Davide Guarneri (ITA, TM), 4. Marc De Reuver (NED, Honda), 5 Xavier Boog (FRA, 24MX Honda Racing) 32, 6. Jens Getteman (BEL, 24MX Honda Racing) 30, 7. Dennis Verbruggen (BEL, KTM), 8. Marvin Van Daele (BEL, KTM), 9. Rick Satink (NED, KTM), 10. Kristof Salaets (BEL, Honda)
Wuustwezel International MX1 moto 2
1. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), 2. Joel Roelants (BEL, Honda), 3. Tanel Leok (EST, TM), 4. Davide Guarneri (ITA, TM), 5 Xavier Boog (FRA, 24MX Honda Racing), 6. Jens Getteman (BEL 24MX Honda Racing), 7. Rick Satink (NED, KTM), 8. Kristof Salaets (BEL, Honda), 9. Marvin Van Daele (BEL, KTM), 10. Ryan Houghton (GBR, Yamaha)
Wuustwezel International – final classification
1. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki) 50 pts, 2. Joel Roelants (BEL, Honda) 44, 3. Davide Guarneri (ITA, TM) 38, 4. Xavier Boog (FRA, 24MX Honda Racing) 32, 5. Jens Getteman (BEL 24MX Honda Racing) 30, 6. Rick Satink (NED, KTM) 26, 7. Marvin Van Daele (BEL, KTM) 25, 8. Kristof Salaets (BEL, Honda) 24, 9. Dennis Verbruggen (BEL, KTM) 24, 10. Ryan Houghton (GBR, Yamaha) 21 pts