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The penultimate round of the FIM MX world championships saw 33.000 spectators turn out in trying weather conditions at the infamous sand circuit of Lierop today. Molson Kawasaki’s, Gareth Swanepoel, had to deal with a demanding circuit and mechanical gremlins and did the best he could in the treacherous conditions.
With a light drizzle falling at the start of the first MX2 moto, Swanepoel executed a good jump at the gate but was pushed out in the first turn and left straggling around 20th spot with plenty of work to do. Swanepoel slowly clawed his way up the standings in the demoralizing sand. Around the halfway mark the South African’s bike started to lose power, nonetheless ‘Swanie’ managed to save the machine and finish 13th.
A better start and aggressive first lap saw the number 21 Molson Kawasaki complete the first lap in 12th place. Swanepoel was making great progress with his smooth riding style and was picking off positions every lap. By the halfway mark, he had fought his way to 6th and was closing down Carl Nunn when his bike gave up all life. A disappointed Swanepoel was forced to retire.
“Not a good day for us” sighed Swanepoel. “I’m still recovering from the flu so I had to dig really deep in the sand today. The track was the roughest I have ever seen it although I seemed to have a good pace going in the second moto until the engine gave in. It’s a big blow for me in the championship but I know everyone gives their best in team so we’ll just have to fight back in Ernee.”
The final round of the British championship will take place in Hawkstone Park next weekend. Swanepoel has yet to win an overall in the British series so the South African will cross the channel with one goal in mind.
