Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

(Left) It's not often that your team manager tells you not to practice. StIli recovering from a shoulder injury, JamesDobb incuned yet another one during midweek training, but he didn't let that stop him from posting the 125cc win. his son [Stefan] was born. It's so special to think that he has now equaled my record. I have no disappointment, no feeling of loss. This is a great moment for Belgian motocross. I am so proud of Stefan Everts." Also worthy of pride is Frenchman Mickael Pichon, who won yet another 250cc GP in Namur, moving a step closer to his first-ever World title. It was his seventh win of the year (in nine tries), and it's possible that the Corona Suzuki rider will be crowned next week in Switzerland. It's a similar story for Jamie Dobb, the British rider who is also miles ahead of his rivals in the 125cc championship. He, too, won in Namur and he's now some 85 points ahead of second-place rider Steve Ramon. If Dobb wins at the next round in Roggenburg, then it will take a mighty effort from Ramon to stop the KTM rider from winning England's first World Motocross Championship since the era of David Thorpe, who won the last of his three GP titles in 1989. 125 Just as he had done a month earlier in Sweden, Dutchman Mark De Reuver bolted out of the start gate in the 125cc moto and was gone. The young teenager held his own against a hard-charging Dobb until the KTM rider breezed by on lap seven. "I was so surprised [to lead]," De Reuver said. "I am not that comfortable on this track. In qualification I was happy to be amongst the lead riders, but leading the GP for six laps was not what I expected." As for Dobb, the series leader was fighting pain from a mid-week crash. On the tricky Namur circuit, the factory KTM rider gave another performance that had World Champion written all over it. "I didn't have too much problem with my shoulder," Dobb said. "I took some pain tablets before the moto, but otherwise it's nothing. Riding through the whoops was something that sometimes bothers me. The shoulder would hurt if the bike took a wrong turn and I had to pull it back. I went to see the doctor - he could not do anything. Once the rain started, though, I knew my chances were better. It got more technical and difficult to ride; for me that was okay. With the amount of British people here, this is like a home GP for me." Steve Ramon rode another consistent race. The Kawasaki factory rider gave the home crowd something to scream about and improved his chances of racing for Belgium in the Motocross des Nations in September. "I did not have a good start," Ramon said. "I was back in 10th place or something and had to fight (Above) Despite a scary crash during Saturday practice, Mickael Pichon notched his usual 250cc victory at the historic Citadel circuit, moving closer to his first-ever World tiUe. past some riders. I had some trouble getting by De Reuver, but the crowd really inspired me. When I was riding on the track, I had a really good feeling with the crowd. I am now second in the championship, so I hope to remain there." Alex Puzar made a brilliant return to form with third place in Namur. The former World 125 and 250cc World Champion, who has changed to Husqvarna for the remainder of the season, produced a ride reminiscent of the Puzar of old. "I am an old man now: Puzar said. "I nearly crashed on the last lap, a really big crash, but I held on for the podium." the Motocross des Nations]. I had a good race with Reed; I knew he could not keep that pace going, so I waited for a moment to pass. I was a little surprised by him, though. T.hrough the whoop section, he really charges - it was like a supercross race." German Pit Beirer claimed third place, another step forward for the Free Time Yamaha rider. It was the perfect follow-up to his French GP podium. "I am glad to be back again," Beirer said. "The team is so strong now, and I am back. I can't beat Mickael yet - he is too quick - but today my dream is to be on the podium. I had some moments in the trees, but then again, that is my riding style. I was around seventh place early and just made some moves on riders when it was not too dangerous." The last word went to Pichon, who by now knows that a championship is ahead of him. "I crashed in practice yesterday: Pichon said. "I was pretty lucky [not to get hurt], and I don't want to take any risks on Sunday. I knew I could get a good start from a little outside. I was so surprised how fast and technical Chad [Reed] was - he is really a good rider. When I had a good lead, though, I kept making mistakes. It's nearly impossible to ride a lap here and not make some mistakes - so many stones and very slippery. You have to adapt your style for this track; it's a special place. I don't have a good feeling [on the track], so I'm happy to win here." 250 Chad Reed, the new Yamaha of Troy signing, produced the best moto of his short GP career, blitzing out of the start in the 250cc race and entering an exciting battle for the lead with series leader Pichon. "It was great fun: Reed said. "I was in 22nd qualification spot and on the outside, so leading into the first lap was a surprise. Through the whoops, we just went at it. I really enjoyed the race, and now I know I can win a Grand Prix before I go to America. Early in the race, I could match Pichon's pace, but then I started making mistakes, so I let him go and hoped to follow him, to learn some stuff. He was just too quick, though. I am a rider who likes to ride smooth. On this track, you can't ride smooth, and I made so many mistakes and never felt comfortable. Still, if I could finish second every time I feel uncomfortable, I'll take that." As for Pichon, the winner was all smiles, despite not entirely enjoying the race. The French hero had used his American experience to perfection. "I am not sure about this track," Pichon said. "It's in fact a good track for riders who are very technical - riders like myself and Reed. I feel the Americans will ride this track okay [at cue I e 500 When the 500cc riders entered the first turn, it was expected that one of the mighty three - Everts, Smets or Bervoets - would lead the field into the treacherous trees of the Citadel. n eVIl's' AUGUST 15, 2001 11

• Cover