Genk, June 25, 2020 Courtesy of
Monster Energy Yamaha
Images by @yamaharacingofficial - @shotbybravo
GEERTS NINTH IN DALECIN
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2-rider Jago Geerts finished ninth (2+DNF) in Dalecin (Czech Republic), in what has been his first race since the outbreak of the coronavirus. A mechanical issue forced The Belgian to stop in the second moto.
#193 Jago Geerts.
Geerts last race dated from March 8, in Valkenswaard. After the Dutch Grand Prix the coronavirus kept the entire world in its grip. While Ben Watson decided to wait until August to race again, the Belgian travelled to Dalecin, a beautiful old school track in the Czech Republic which hosted a few Grand Prix in the past.
Geerts didn't get a good start in the first moto, but was already in third position after the first lap. The Belgian - who didn't find a good rhythm immediately - got stuck behind Längerfelder eight laps long. Once he passed the German rider, the gap on leader Tom Vialle was too big, so he had to settle for second place.
Bad luck
The Belgian took a better start in moto 2 and didn't waste much time getting into second position. Geerts didn't want to rush things and slowly closed the gap on leader Vialle. Unfortunately, three laps from the end - when he was battling with Vialle for the lead - Geerts was stopped by a mechanical issue. No moto or overall victory. Instead, a DNF and only a ninth place overall.
Geerts will now stay in the Czech Republic this week. Jago has planned two practice days on two different tracks and he will participate in the second race of the Czech championship next weekend, in Kaplice.
#193 Jago Geerts
9th overall
"In the first moto I needed too much time to find a good rhythm. The second moto was much better. I took a good start and quickly found a good rhythm. Unfortunately, I couldn't really battle for the lead because of a mechanical problem. Although it is only a preparation race, you always want to get a good result. Hopefully, next weekend will be better."
RESULTS
First moto
1. Tom Vialle (Fra/KTM)
2. JAGO GEERTS (BEL/YAM) +11.303
3. Rene Hofer (Aut/KTM) +25.621
4. Richard Sikyna (Svk/KTM) +28.353
5. Simon Längenfelder (Ger/G-G) +34.313
Second moto
1. Tom Vialle (Fra/KTM)
2. Rene Hofer (Aut/KTM) +17.470
3. Simon Längenfelder (Ger/G-G) +21.160
4. Richard Sikyna (Svk/KTM) +34.370
5. Jakub Teresak (Cze/KTM) +51.690
JAGO GEERTS (BEL/YAM) DNF
Overall
1. Tom Vialle (Fra/KTM) 50
2. Rene Hofer (Aut/KTM) 42
3. Simon Längenfelder (Ger/G-G) 36
4. Richard Sikyna (Svk/KTM) 36
5. Jakub Teresak (Cze/KTM) 31
9. JAGO GEERTS (BEL/YAM) 22
Next race: July 5, Kaplice (Czech championship)