After a weekend off from MXGP racing, the Gebben van Venrooy Yamaha team travelled to Czech Republic for the twelfth round of the World Championship. The Loket circuit was very slick and offered challenging conditions for the best riders in the world. Despite overnight thunder storms the track was in great condition.
In the qualifying race, Vlaanderen started and finished seventh as conditions were hard to pass but four championship points and a pretty good gate pick was important for the main races on Sunday. Taking advantage of his gate pick, Vlaanderen started the first moto in fifth and was comfortable running the pace at the front of the field. In the end it was a lonely but very solid ride in fifth.
In the second moto, the Gebben van Venrooy Yamaha rider took an even better start in fourth and this time he was on the attack. He was able to make a pass on Prado on lap three to make into a strong third position. Seewer then made a mistake which promoted Vlaanderen to second and that was looking like where he’d finish in a very strong moto. However, with four laps to go Febvre crashed out of the lead which allowed Vlaanderen get himself out in the front.
Vlaanderen was able to come home to a very impressive race win which is his first of the season. Despite the race win it was only good enough for fourth overall but he’s getting closer to standing on the box.
The team will now regroup and get ready for round thirteen of the series heading to the gnarly Lommel circuit in Belgium this weekend which is known as the toughest race on the calendar.
Calvin Vlaanderen (4th overall): I’m very happy with my weekend here in Loket. Leading up to the weekend I was already looking forward to it as I like this track. I felt good on Saturday in the sessions. I had two good starts in both races today. I managed to ride a solid first race in fifth, the speed was good but just couldn’t really find anything special to make a difference to the guys in front. In the second race I rode another solid race for a race win. It was a great feeling and I’m motivated for more! Thanks to the team.
