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FIM Motocross des Nations Circuit of Citedelle Narnur- given so much bad press, and I've experienced many bad words from French people on the internet. Now take a look at what we did here." Days earlier, Vuillemin had been informed by the French Federation that because of the terrorist attack in America, it was not possible to transport his normal race bike, so he instead raced a machine supplied by Yamaha of France (his former employer on the GP circuit), with only parts supplied from the States. Similarily, Demaria (winner of last year's 500cc GP at this circuit) was told days before the event that his intended mount would not be available. "[It'sJ because I am leaving the Free Time Yamaha team," Demaria said. "They told me the four-stroke [YZ426Fj will at first be okay to use, then I got a phone call to tell me I could not ride it. I had been practicing on the four-stroke bike, so this was a big problem for my preparation. It gave me much motivation to win here in Belgium. Many people told me not to ride this race - I should not be in the team. I wanted so much to prove I was a worthy rider for my country." As for the team's third rider, Seguy had been chosen following a splendid STORY AND PHOTOS BY GEOFF MEYER NAMQR, BELGIQM, SEPT. 28-29 hen racing last year at the Motocross des Nations on its home turf with what was widely considered the most powerful squad in attendance, France didn't even make the podium. This time around, competing in Belgium with what many viewed as a less-than-ideal roster, the Frenchies came away victorious, picking up the country's first-ever victory in the prestigious event. Yamaha-mounted French riders Luigi Seguy (on a YZ125), David Vuillemin (or a Yamaha YZ250) and Yves Demaria (on another YZ250 in the Open class) did what proved impossible for such legends as JeanMichel Bayle, Jacky Vimond, Sebastien Tortellj, Stephane Roncada and Frederic Bolley, securing the top step of the podium. That meant defeating the favored home team, which finished as the runner-up, and underdog New Zealand contingent, which placed third. After Tortelli and new 250cc World Champion Mickael Pichon pulled out of the French team, Vuillemin was called up from his gig on the AMA circuit, and the veteran Demaria was added as well. Though both riders 28 OCTOBER 10,2001 • cue have proven in the past to be blessed with talent, neither has had much luck this year - a fact that may have turned out to be a blessing since both had something to prove on the treacherous Namur circuit (time and again, heart has proven more important than talent in the MXdN). "I want aU the people that doubted us to now stand up and say sorry," Vuillemin said at the p'ost-race press conference. "Yves and I have been (Left) With what many considered subpar riders aboard unfamiliar bikes, France's chances at the MX des Nations were discounted, but David Vuillemin, Luigi Segur and Yves Demaria pelt to right) did what other French legends couldn't, scoring the country's first win. (Below) The 250cc/Open moto gets underway, with Swede Johnny Llndhe (60) leading German Pit Belrer (29), Latvian Lauris Frelbergs (47), Belgians Joel Smets (8) and Stefan Everts (9), and Aussle Andrew McFariane (21).