The Honda 150 European Championship riders have enjoyed a mid-season training camp at Honda Park, Belgium, ahead of racing in the deep sand at Lommel this weekend.
After the six-week break, the CRF150R riders were keen to get back in the saddle and reacclimatise themselves with their bikes. A day of free-riding sessions and tuition from series coach Gordon Crockard has helped to prepare the riders for the challenge that Lommel presents.
The 11-14 year olds were joined by Honda Jtech (Nick Kouwenberg, Henry Jacobi, Nicolas Adams & Giuseppe Tropepe), who were testing at the Olmen track, and 24MX riders Ken de Dycker and Damon Graulus. The Honda Racing Family were eager to show their support of the young riders with de Dycker and Graulus keen to learn more about the championship from the current red plate holder Emil Weckman. Henry Jacobi also joined Crockard in giving the riders some tuition on sand starts.
Lommel is known for its deep sand, deeper ruts and ever-changing track conditions, which has made the mid-season training camp all the more important for the youth riders in preparing for the tough races this weekend.
The on-track action starts for the Honda 150 European Championship on Saturday with free and timed practice at 9.40 before race one at 15.25, with race two on Sunday at 11.10.
Davy Dousselaere, Honda Europe Off-Road Manager, stated: “The riders have had some proper time now to do some bike setup before the sand race, which is quite important because they need to feel comfortable with their bikes in the sand. In sand races you have a lot of bumps and deep ruts so bike setup is crucial, so this was another reason to give the riders some time just before the race to get acclimatised. For sure in sand races you always see some surprises as somebody who is okay on hard pack can really shine in sand races; because they have a good riding style for the sand track, good physical condition and the determination to succeed in the sand. It has also been great to see the riders from Jtech and 24MX engaging with the CRF150R riders”.
Gordon Crockard, Series Coach, commented: “It’s been a very good opportunity for the riders to learn, and to get used to, riding in the deep sand just prior to the round that we have in Lommel in two days time. This track at Honda Park is very similar to the style of terrain that they’re going to be faced with at the race at Lommel this weekend. For a lot of these riders, who are from all around the world, they may have never ridden in the deep sand of Belgium before so this is a fantastic opportunity for them to practice riding the bike and trying to develop riding in these conditions. Really Lommel is just another motocross race, but at the same time, at their age and with the opportunity they have to learn from the professionals, they need to be looking at all the ways they can to take the information they’ve learned to the race this weekend”.
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The actual issue of FIM Europe MAG is online and can be downloaded here.
