BREIFLY•••
(Left) You don't often
see Joel Smets on a
250, and after his day
on a KTM 250 at the
Motocross des Nations,
It's easy to understand
why. The Belgian
suffered mechanical
gremlins In both motos,
effectively ruining his
country's shot at the
team win.
(Below) Despite Michael
Byme's broken wrist,
Australia had a podium
finish in its crosshalrs
until Chad Reed suffered
this crash In the final
moto.
The overall MX des Nations victory by Stefan Everts was his third in five years. The Belgian was also the top overall rider in Brazil in 1999 and in England in 1998. ConSidering that he
had not contested the event In the last two years. thafs quiet an effort for the five-time World
Champion.
Due to his moto-one inJUry. Michael Byrne will miss some serious testing for his new
Amsoil/Dr. Martens/Journeys/Competition Accessories team in America. He will also miss the
U.S. Open and an important Australian Supercross. "I'm really disappointed." Byrne said. "Firstly for the Aussie team. for my new American team. and also for my supporters back home. We
had some big races coming up in Australia - a chance to race Travis [Pastranal in Sydney. I will
be out for six to eight weeks. then head to America and get on with preparation for next year."
The injury to Byrne was the first for the Australian team since Jeff Leisk broke his back 10 Germany in the mid- ·80s.
Even with Byrne's injury. Australia still had a strong shot at the podium until Chad Reed
crashed in the final moto, but perhaps ifs just as well that the Aussies didn't pull it off. Byrne
was in a Namur hospital. while Reed, who had a flight back to Australia at 8;00 p.m .. left the
track as the riders were crossing the finish line in moto three, so only McFarlane would have
been present for the podium celebration.
Despite the fact the U.S. team did not appear at Namur. America was rep.....ented by photographers Joe Bonnello (right> and Mitch Friedman (left) and ESPN commentator Art Eckman
(center). The joke among the journalists was that Bonnello would ride the 125. Friedman the 250
and Eckman the Open bil
