Clément makes Brazilian dreams come true!

Photo: CDS

Clément Desalle (20) ended his sensational breakthrough season on a spectacular high note, similar to the Faenza podium that kickstarted his GP campaign with LS Motors-Honda! More than 20.000 spectators witnessed how the Belgian rode his CRF450 R to a moto win and a second. Not only was it the second GP win of the season for Clément, his Brazilian victory also secured a brilliant overall podium in the final standings of the FIM MX1 World Championship. After 15 GP’s Desalle actually landed just 17 points away from runner-up Max Nagl. The spectacular rider from Gouy-Lez-Piéton also collected an impressive tally of seven podiums...

Due to exceptional rainfall the format for the GP of Brazil was changed drastically with both practice and qualifying taking place on Sunday rather than Saturday. However the organizer’s decision turned out to be a masterstroke, because today weather conditions were sunny and the track improved as the day wore on. Desalle seemed to gel immediately with the supercross styled track and he was only denied pole by Cairoli who was just three tenths quicker. More proof of Desalle’s riding skills followed in the opening moto. From fourth in the start he made headway rapidly, passing Dereuver and Ramon on the opening lap. With only Nagl in front of him, Desalle started to produce one fast lap after the other. By half race distance the ‘MX Panda’ not only caught up with the German ace he passed him cool, calm and collected. The LS Motors-Honda thus scored his third moto win of the season.

Moto two might have turned out a carbon copy of the first for Desalle. If it hadn’t been for a weaker start and the extra ground to make up as a result. Although the leading privateer was yet again the fastest man on track. After three laps Clément was in third and another three laps down the line he passed De Dycker for second. However by that point the race leader Ramon had build himself a respactble margin and Desalle decided to settle for second. In the closing stages Clément expertly withstood Coppins‘ final push to finish the job.

Clément Desalle: ”I’m really pumped with my second GP win. Even more because it’s always special to win an overseas event and certainly in front of this big and passionate crowd here today! So capping of my season in third overall was just perfect. Today was also the birthday of my sister Cloé and I’m dedicating my victory to her, because she’s always been very supportive of my career.

It’s true that compared to other GP’s we had less time to familiarise with the track, but that didn’t matter to me. I had the idea before that the track would suit me and that turned out to be correct! In the second moto I tried to hunt down Steve (Ramon), but he was just too strong. Ramon was too far off and I need all my focus to stay on two wheels and defend my position from Coppins.”

A fighting sixth for Verbruggen

Photo: CDS

What was probably the toughest race of the season turned out to be a really test of character for former European MX2 champ Dennis Verbruggen. Just over two weeks ago Verbruggen broke his left radius. However Dennis battled the pain and discomfort to claim sixth overall. As a result the LS Motors-Honda rider climbed up to 13th in MX2 world standings. The MX2 GP of the Netherlands was won by Musquin, ahead of Goncalves and Roczen.

Dennis Verbruggen “Given the circumstances I couldn’t be more happy with my result this weekend. It wasn’t just the injury at such that bothered me also the fact that I had to change my riding position. In the first moto I was going at my own pace but because so many others crashed I still finished sixth, in spite of a bad start. The track was really tricky today especially in the second moto. I tried to use the same strategy, but again I had a difficult jump from the gate and the gap with the top eight was too big.”

Sixth podium for Clément Desalle!

Photo: CDS

In spite of several crashes LS Motors-Honda rider Clément Desalle managed to get his sixth podium of the season at the GP of the Netherlands in Lierop. The 20-year old Belgian was one of the fastest guys all weekend long. Desalle came home sixth in the first moto and third in the second. In provisional standings the ‘MX-panda’ is now fourth, trailing two points behind David Philippaerts. Italian Tony Cairoli secured his third world title in Lierop. After a decent start Clément pushed on to take the lead. Unfortunately the CRF450R mounted rider went down in the third lap when he was fighting with De Dycker. Desalle would actually crash two more times in the treacherous, deep sand to finish sixth behind Cairoli. A more conservative Desalle seemed on his way to take second after that, but he crashed again and had to settle for third behind De Dycker and Coppins.

Clément Desalle ”In the first moto I was just too impatient and I made too much mistakes. I hurt my thumb in a crash and another time the bike hit me on the side and the exhaust burned my back. So I was a bit unlucky, and decided to take it easier for the second race. My start was not so good in the second moto, but still I decided not too start pushing immediately. I wanted to be consistent lap after lap, and all things considered it was not so bad to be on the podium again.”

Moto 1: 1 De Dycker (B-Suzuki), 2 Philipaerts (ITA-Yamaha), 3 T. Leok (EST-Yamaha), 4 Coppins (NZ-Yamaha), 5 Cairoli (ITA-Yamaha), 6 Clément Desalle (B-LS Motors-Honda), 7 Ramon (BEL-Suzuki), 8 Nagl (D-KTM), 9 Priem (BEL-Aprilia), 10 Swanepoel (RSA-Kawasaki),/ Moto 2: 1 De Dycker, 2 Cppins, 3 T. Leok (EST-Yamaha), 4 Coppins (NZ-Yamaha), 5 Cairoli (ITA-Yamaha), 3 Clément Desalle (B-LS Motors-Honda), 4 Cairoli, 5 Nagl, 6 Leok T., 7 Barragan, 8 Philipaerts, 9 Leok A., 10 Ramon

GP of Lierop classification: 1 De Dycker 50, 2 Coppins 40, 3 Clément Desalle (LS Motors-Honda) 35, 4 Leok T 35, 5 Philippaerts 35, 6 Cairoli 34, 7 Nagl 29, 8 Ramon 25, 9 Leok A. 21, 10 Swanepoel 20

MX1 world standings; 1 Cairoli 537 2 Nagl 487, 3 Philippaerts 463, 4 Desalle (LS Motors-Honda) 461, 5 De Dycker 459, 6 Coppins 449, 7 T. Leok 382, 8 Swanepoel 238, 9 Barragan 229, 10 Priem 195

Clément's new ride!

Photo: CDS

Well actually Clément's new ride is fashionably retro! For the Everts and Friends charity race in Genk last weekend -by the way an awesome fun event, make sure to be there next year- the 'MX-Panda' showed up with a restored CR500. It took some people a while to realize Clément was not racing his trusty LS Motors-Honda CRF450R, the performance of the old bike was still pretty good and Desalle was throwing whips all day long to entertain the crowd. Long live the two-stroke!

Clément wins the Keiheuvel, Dennis out!

Photo: CDS

LS Motors-Honda rider Clément Desalle was again in a league of his own on Saturday, during the fourth round of the Belgian motocross championship in Balen. The classic, demanding Keiheuvel event provided all the ingredients that have build his reputation: a demanding and technical sand track, a near 10.000 strong crowd, an incredible star-filled lineup and great weather!

Clément won the first two heats and had to settle for fourth in the final moto after crashing out of the lead. It was also the first time ever a french speaking Belgian has won the main event in the long history of the 'Keiheuvel'! To add the icing on the cake our 'MX panda' -as expected- will defend the national colours at the MX of Nations in Franciacorta.

Just days ahead of the event Dennis Verbruggen went down in practice and injured his arm. LS motors-Honda's MX2 contender hopes to be back for Lierop...

Clément Desalle: ”It was a bit of a shame to crash in the last heat, otherwise it would have been a perfect three out of three just like in Nismes. I felt good, but I knew right away that the Keiheuvel would suit me. Things turned out in my favour in the title race as well. I’m now leading with six points more than De Dycker. Besides that I have my mind set on the last two rounds of the Belgian championship in Wallonia as well. I really want to win there!”

Feels nice to win!

Photo: Ray Archer, Artwork: Honda

You can't beat the feeling of victory! Honda produced another victory ad for LS Motors-Honda rider Clément Desalle. Note the Belgium inspired riding gear is wearing on the picture. On Saturday MXoN team manager Joël Smets will announce his team! Except for Desalle, Dennis Verbruggens is also in the pre-selection. We keep our fingers crossed.

Desalle writes history in Loket!

Photo: CDS

LS Motors-Honda rider Clément Desalle wrote history today in the Czech Republic. The talented Belgian youngster was in a league of his own on the tricky and slippery Loket track. Desalle rode his CRF 450R to second in the first moto and won the second moto. Not only was this a career first GP win for the 'MX Panda' it's also unique for the fact that only a selected few riders have succeeded in winning GP's without factory backing. Now, that's what we call privateer power. Congratulations Clément!

More to follow later.

Desalle takes third pole of the season!

Photo: Ray Archer

LS Motors Honda rider Clément Desalle took his third pole of the season this afternoon in Loket. The 20-year old Belgian collided with Max Nagl in the start but he recovered quickly from fifth to second on the hard pack track. The 'MX Panda' was consistently the fastest man out and with four laps to go he passed Nagl for the lead. An impressive performance by Clément who won the Lovemytime award before in Ernée and Lommel.

Dennis Verbruggen was equally impressive in pre-qualifying practice posting the third time. Verbruggen was unlucky in the start, but bounced back from a low 36th first lap position to come home 13th. Clearly both riders feel comfortable so let's hope for more strong results tomorrow!

Loket here we come!

Photo: Ray Archer

Natural layout, serious drops and climbs, slippery surface, pretty girls and the touristic town of Karlovy Vary (Grandhotel Pupp was the setting for one of the scenes in James Bond's Casino Royale film) near by. The GP of the Czech Republic in Loket means many different things to different people! For the riders the change after Lommel couldn't be any bigger. The hard pack track with its long straight asks for excellent throttle control and the ability to find new lines. Coming back after a bad start can be very hard indeed and close racing is more rule than exception. Probably the closest was the second MX2 race in 2007 when Aubin beat Cairoli by just 0,4 seconds.

Both LS Motors-Honda riders enter the Loket event in high spirits. Desalle and Verbruggen currently race at their best, so a good points haul should be in reach for both! The last Honda rider to win the Czech GP was Mickael Pichon in 2004, maybe the 'MX panda' can write history once more this weekend!

TIMETABLE

Saturday: MX2 Free Practice 10:00-10:40; MX1 Free Practice 10:50-11:30; MX2 Pre Qualifying Practice 13:30-14:10; MX1 Pre Qualifying Practice 14:30-15:10; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:00; MX1 Qualifying Race 17:00.

Sunday: MX2 Warm Up 9:15-9:35; MX1 Warm Up 9:45-10:05; MX2 Grand Prix Race 1 12:10; MX1 Grand Prix Race 1 13:10; MX2 Grand Prix Race 2 15:03; MX1 Grand Prix Race 2 16:03.

Check the Sunday races live on: www.freecaster.tv

LS Motors-Honda waves goodbye to Desalle

Photo: CDS

Belgian star Clément Desalle, currently fifth in the MX1 World Championship, and his team LS Motors-Honda have mutually agreed to end their relationship at the end of this season. In spite of a two-year contract that saw Desalle racing for LS Motors-Honda until the end of 2010 the rider will be released before.

The partnership between the leading privateer outfit and the ‘MX Panda’ has proven massively successful so far. From an 11th overall placing in 2008 Clément went on to guide his CRF450R to one heat win, four podiums and two pole positions in GP racing so far. The LS Motors-Honda rider is still fighting for the title in his domestic series as well and he’s also a favourite to be picked for the Belgian MX of Nations team.

Clément Desalle, rider LS Motors-Honda: ”I have to thank Steven and the LS Motors-Honda team for their trust and support. They have worked hard to provide me with the best possible equipment and create good conditions. On a personal level there is always been a good understanding between us and this has resulted in great results on the track. You will hear more about my future team and program in the next few days.”

Steven Lettani, team manager LS Motors-Honda: ”Of course we are sorry to see Desalle go, but unfortunately we

couldn’t offer him the long-term career options that he is looking for. Nor could Honda. I’m convinced that Desalle from his side will go on to do amazing things. As we will from our side for the years to come. But first let’s continue to kick ass together!”

Marnicq Bervoets, sports manager LS Motors-Honda: ”First of all I want to thank Clément and his family for their

professionalism and enthusiasm. They were a joy to be working with. It’s clear that the combination between Clément, the bike and the team gelled really well. Probably because we have so much in common: as a team LS Motor-Honda is young and hungry as well. We maintain a no-nonsense professionalism and give everything we got. That’s a part of the ’MX Panda’ style that will stay with us, so next year Clément will be gone but not forgotten!”

Crusty podiums in Lommel!

Photo: Ray Archer

LS Motors Honda rider Dennis Verbruggen (22) took his first ever GP podium by finishing third in today’s GP of Limburg- Belgium in Lommel. A fifth and third place in the heats meant Verbruggen ended up on the third step of the podium behind Joël Roelants and Marvin Musquin.

As often Verbruggen experienced some problems during the opening stages of the first heat. Laying in 27th after the first lap, the sand specialist cut once again through the field. Lap after lap Verbruggen gained some valuable positions to finally finish fifth. In the second heat Verbruggen found himself fourteenth after lap one. “Crusty” would once again work his way up to the top 5, whilst duelling with KTM Factory Rider Rui Goncalves in the process. In the final stages “Crusty” got rid of Gonçalves, who wasn’t capable of keeping up with the Honda rider’s speed. In the very last lap “Crusty” even passed Nicolas Aubin to take third in the heat and third overall. Dennis Verbruggen his now 15th in the World MX2 standings, just 4 points off 13th placed Anthony Boissière.

Dennis Verbruggen “I’m really happy with this result, to take your first podium in front of your home crowd is unbelievable! However I don’t think this is just because I’m strong in the sand. My riding has consistently improved over the last few months and my fitness has never been better. So I think I can aim for a strong result in Loket as well. Today it was the battle of the fittest out there, especially the first race was hard with my bad start and the rain. I had to take off my goggles early on, but I kept on pushing. In the second race I was gaining ground on Musquin and Roelants, unfortunately I crashed and lost all the time that I had made up. That’s when I decided to settle for my podium finish.”

Heat 1: 1 Musquin, 2 Goncalves, 3 Roelants, 4 Van Horebeek, 5 Dennis Verbruggen (BEL-LS Motors Honda), 6 Roczen, 7 Guarneri, 8 Jorgensen, 9 Monni,

10 Larrieu / Heat 2: 1 Musquin, 2 Roelants, 3 Dennis Verbruggen (BEL-LS Motors Honda 4 Aubin, 5 Schiffer, 6 Roczen, 7 Jorgensen, 8 Goncalves,9 Guarneri, 10 Monni

GP of Limburg classification: 1 Musquin 50, 2 Roelants 42, 3 Dennis Verbruggen (BEL-LS Motors Honda) 36, 4 Goncalves 35, 5 Roczen 30, 6 Jorgensen

27, 7 Aubin 26, 8 Guarneri 26, 9 Monni 23, 10 Van Horebeek 23

MX2 World Championship standings: 1 Musquin 421, 2 Goncalves 383, 4 Paulin 372, 5 Guarneri 357, 6 Frossard 284, 6 Roczen 269, 7 Aubin 229, 8

Roelants 222, 9 Moni 222, 10 Boog 197, 15 Dennis Verbruggen (BEL-LS Motors Honda) 143

Bad luck for Clément at home GP

Photo: Ray Archer

Starting from pole position, whilst sporting a new outfit in his national colours, Clément Desalle took the holeshot. He held the lead for a couple of laps, then he battled with Ken De Dycker who proved too fast for Clément. However the LS Motors-Honda rider could hold off Steve Ramon to take second. The second heat would however turn into a bit of a nightmare for the fledgling young Belgian. Crashing in the first bend Desalle damaged his exhaust pipe. In true “Panda style” he made his way back from 27 th to 7th in just two laps. Soon he would find himself fifth, a place he would lose on the finish line to Manuel Priem. However, Desalle would loose a lot more places when he got docked a time penalty of one minute because of his damaged exhaust. That meant Desalle would be classified ninth and fifth overall. The time-penalty meant also he lost 4 points and his fourth place in the provisional World championship standings. Desalle now trails 4 points behind Ken De Dycker.

Clément Desalle ”I was happy with my pole position, still I knew Sunday was going to be something else. My new engine was working really well this weekend and it was great to get the holeshot in the first race. De Dycker was just a bit faster, but in the first place my goal was to be on the podium in my home GP. Unfortunately I went down in the first corner. I was able to come back quickly, although my exhaust was getting more and more damaged and I was loosing power. It’s a shame, but things like this happen. On the positive side, I was not feeling tired after my race in the US and my speed was good.”

Heat 1: 1 De Dycker (B-Suzuki), 2 Clément Desalle (B-LS Motors-Honda), 3 Ramon (BEL-Suzuki); 4 Coppins (NZ-Yamaha), 5 Cairoli (ITA-Yamaha), 5

Philippaerts (I-Yamaha), 6 Nagl (D-KTM), 7 Philipaerts (ITA-Yamaha), 8 T. Leok (EST-Yamaha), 9 Strijbos (BEL-Honda), 10 Priem (BEL-Aprilia)) / Heat 2: 1 Nagl, 2

Cairoli (ITA-Yamaha), 2 Nagl, 3, De Dycker, 4 Ramon, 5 Priem, 6 Leok T., 7 Coppins, 8 Swanepoel, 9 Clément Desalle (B-LS Motors-Honda), 10 Philipaerts

GP of Limburg classification: 1 De Dycker 47, 2 Nagl 40, 3 Cairoli 38 4 Ramon 38, 5 Clément Desalle (LS Motors-Honda) 34, 6 Coppins 32, 7 T. Leok

28, 8 Priem 27, 9 Philippaerts 25, 10 Terreblanche 14

MX1 World Championship standings; 1 Cairoli 466 2 Nagl 415, 3 Philippaerts 388, 4 De Dycker 383, 5 Clément Desalle (LS Motors-Honda) 379, 6 Coppins 375, 7 T. Leok 327, 8 Barragan 215, 9 Swanepoel 188, 10 A. Leok 167

Desalle and Verbruggen strong in qualifying!

Photo: CDS

LS Motors-Honda enjoyed a great day of qualifying at its home GP in Lommel. Clément Desalle clearly recovered well from his Washougal AMA race last weekend. The 'MX Panda' won the race ahead of Ramon, Coppins and Nagl. It was also the second pole position of his career. Desalle said: "Of course, I am satisfied and it's important to win today, but tomorrow is even far more important! My start was good and still felt quite fresh because I didn't ride at all this week after coming back from the US. I have worked in the sand this winter, so I should also do well tomorrow."

In MX2 Dennis Verbruggen capped a strong race coming from behind -down in 16th place- off with a strong top five. The birthday boy, who celebrated his 22nd today, looked fast al day long. So Crusty might just be the MX2 surprise in his home GP!

MX1 Qualifying Race top ten: 1. Clement Desalle (BEL, LS Motors-Honda), 2. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), 3. Joshua Coppins (NZL, Yamaha), 4. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), 5. Tanel Leok (EST, Yamaha), 6. Ken de Dycker (BEL, Suzuki), 7. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Honda), 8. Manuel Priem (BEL, Aprilia), 9. Matteo Bonini (ITA, KTM), 10. Gareth Swanepoel (RSA, Kawasaki)

MX2 Qualifying Race top ten: 1. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), 2. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Yamaha), 3. Rui Goncalves (POR, KTM), 4. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), 5. Dennis Verbruggen (BEL, LS Motors-Honda), 6. Nikolai Larsen (DEN, Suzuki), 7. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, Yamaha), 8. Loic Larrieu (FRA, Yamaha), 9. Manuel Monni (ITA, Yamaha), 10. Marcus Schiffer (GER, KTM)

American video starring "MX Panda"

Photo: CDS

Clément Desalle certainly made an impact on the US scene with his ride in Washougal last weekend. Check the Alliance of Action Sports video here: http://www.allisports.com/videos/rider-week-clement-desalle

MX Panda on the podium in Washougal!

Photo: Ray Archer

LS Motors-Honda rider Clément Desalle came ninth overall yesterday in what was his first race on American soil, in Washougal (Washington). However the twenty-year old Belgian made a huge impression on fans and media throughout the day. The ‘MX Panda’ posted a strong third time in qualifying behind series leader Chad Red and Andrew Short. Desalle backed his qualifying pace up in moto one with an excellent third place. Adding a career first AMA moto podium to his fast growing tally. The stage was set for a memorable second moto, but this time Desalle struggled with a bad start, a crash and technical woes. Still Clément kept on fighting in the sweltering heat to finish 25th.

Clément Desalle: ”To ride in the US for the first time was really a big thing for me so it was very cool to be on the podium! Racing in Washougal was a great experience, and the weather was very hot but I felt quite strong actually. Away from the bike it was also a little bit stressful and overall the result coud have been better. We had quite a lot of trouble with setting up the bike and I had some bad luck in the second moto. Still I wanted to continue after the crash I had, but I suffered some technical problems and couldn’t push like I wanted to. I know I can do more when I arrive better prepared.”

Moto 1: 1 Chad Reed (AUS-Suzuki), 2 Tommy Hahn (USA-Kawasaki), 3 Clément Desalle (B-LS Motors-Honda), 4 Matt Goerke (USA-Suzuki), 5 Josh Grant (USA-Yamaha), 6 Jake Moss (AUS-Honda), 7 Andrew Short (USA-Honda), 8 Jimmy Albertson (USA-Yamaha), 9 Justin Brayton (USA-KTM), 10 Jason Lawrence (USA-Yamaha) / Moto 2: 1 Chad Reed (AUS-Suzuki), 2 Josh Grant (USA-Yamaha), 3 Jason Lawrence (USA-Yamaha), 4 Michael Byrne (AUS-Suzuki), 5 Jarred Browne (USA-Suzuki), 6 Nick Wey (USA-Yamaha), 7 Davy Millsaps (USA-Honda), 8 Justin Brayton (USA-KTMi), 9 Ben LeMay (USA-Yamaha), 10 Jimmy Albertson (USA-Yamaha), 25 Clément Desalle (B-LS Motors-Honda),

Washougal overall: 1 Reed 50, 2 Grant 38, 3 Lawrence 31, 4 Brayton 25, 5 Byrne 25, 6 Albertson 24, 7 Wey 23, 8 Hahn 22 9 Clément Desalle (LS Motors-Honda) 20, 10 Tedesco 20

Clément off to a flying start!

Photo: CDS

Washougal MX Park seems to hold few secrets for LS Motors-Honda's Clément Desalle! Clément immediately felt at home on the scenic and fast track. The Belgian qualified third behind Short and Reed. Pretty impressive out of the box, because 'MX Panda' wasn't able to practice this week. It's literally going to be hot for the moto's, because the temperature is 32° C and rising! Full results here:

1. Chad Reed, Australia, Suzuki, 2:11.449
2. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 2:11.673
3. Clement Desalle, Belgium, LS Motors-Honda, 2:12.107
4. Michael Byrne, Australia, Suzuki, 2:12.944
5. Thomas Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki, 2:13.264
6. Jason Lawrence, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 2:13.306
7. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 2:13.316
8. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 2:13.432
9. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 2:13.643
10. Cody Cooper, New Zealand, Yamaha, 2:13.767

Clément off to the US

Photo: CDS

At 4 AM on Monday morning LS Motors-Honda team rider Clément Desalle has left his native Belgium for the US. Twenty-year old Desalle has been the MX1 sensation in Europe this season. He's currently fourth in the MX1 world championship and second in the Belgian Nationals. Desalle will compete in the eighth round of the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. With the next GP on the 1st and 2nd of August in Lommel, 'MX Panda' was keen to get his first taste of racing in America and Washougal is the perfect occasion!

Successful MX2 debut for Verbruggen

Photo: CDS

LS Motors-Honda's MX2 rider Dennis Verbruggen rode to an excellent fifth overall in what was his first outing on the Honda CRF450R, yesterday in Nismes at the third round of the Belgian championship. Verbruggen jumps rom a tenth to a sixth in the championship standings..

In the first heat Dennis came back from seventh to fourth but would be overtaken by Josh Coppins in the last lap. Together with team mate Clément Desalle, Crusty would even dominate the opening stages of the second heat. While Desalle extended his lead lap after lap, Verbruggen was a shock third leaving many top MX2 regulars behind hilm. Unfortunately the former European champion was a bit to generous with the power of his CRF450R and lost his thirdposition to Josh Coppins. Dennis ended up fourth in front of Ramon and Priem.

In the last heat Dennis Verbruggen had his weakest start of the day and wouldn’t find the speed of his previous heats. This meant he lost every chance to be on the podium, although he would end the heat in sixth. His fifth overall was also a new career best for Dennis in the open class, who previously raced the United Telecom Trophy in 2007.

Dennis Verbruggen: “My first race on the CRF450R was definitely a confidence booster, although I had very few practice on the MX1 bike. Today, I felt good on it right away and I really enjoyed myself. Despite that the last heat was a bit of a bummer. I really felt that I could do better. I will do the rest of the Belgian Championship on my CRF450R. Mainly because it just increases my chances in the Open class, but also because I want to gain some experience before I could switch to MX1 full time in 2010. That's something I consider, but I haven't made my mind up yet.”

MX Panda dominates Nismes!

Photo: CDS

Top privateer outfit LS Motors-Honda struck hard during the third round of the Belgian Motocross Championship in Nismes. The first round of the year in Walloonia was also Clément Desalle’s home race. Desalle took three heat wins and became the dominant victor by doing so. Desalle is also closing in on championship leader Ken De Dycker.

Clément Desalle had been chasing Championship leader Ken De Dycker for almost a full first heat. With only two laps to go, it seemed that De Dycker would take another heat win in the Belgian championship. Desalle made a mistake but the 20 year old would turn the situation completely. In no time he came back, trailing in De Dycker’s wake. At the beginning of the very last lap the LS Motors Honda rider launched his attack. De Dycker would react prompt and professional, but to no avail as Desalle took the lead a few hundred metres further.

The LS Motors Honda duo would dominate the opening stages of the second heat. Desalle would break away from De Dycker and would build his lead lap after lap. Meanwhile Verbruggen was hanging on in third. Being a bit to generous with the power of his CRF450R caused him to lose that position to Josh Coppins. In the decisive third heat Desalle would get rid of holeshot winners Van Daele and Priem. With De Dycker just metres behind Desalle it looked like this would pan out as an absolute thriller. However, a small collision between both top Belgians meant De Dycker would lose valuable time. This enabled “MX Panda” to increase his lead and take his third heat win of the day.

Clément Desalle: “Today turned out to be really positive. Just like last year I won the overall in Nismes. My wins in heat two and three were fairly easy. In the first heat I crashed after I had been pressuring De Dycker. Luckily, I was able to come back and win. It was good to race this close to home, a lot of fans and friends showed up to support me. That makes it extra nice to win this race. Given the points standings I’m already looking forward to the Keiheuvel track.”

Can Desalle make it an encore in Nismes?

Photo: CDS

Next up on our schedule is the third round of the Belgian Motocross championship in Nismes. Nismes is an awesome, spectacular hard pack track near the French border. It was the venue for the 1997 MX of Nations and some GP's, the last one in 2005. It was also the place were Clément Desalle gave the Belgian stars somewhat of a shock by coming out (from racing the German series) and beating them all in a guest ride!

This weekend Desalle and his team mate Dennis Verbruggen will be back. However, this time around Clément is not only out for the win in Nismes is also fighting for the Belgian title agains De Dycker and Coppins. Furthermore some a couple of guys you might have heard of are making their comeback on Sunday: Steve Ramon and Kevin Strijbos. Add Aprilia factory rider Manuel Priem, KTM's Jeremy Van Horebeek and Patrick Caps to that and you know it will be quite an exciting race!

Clément and Dennis in MXoN pre-selection

Photo: Racing is an Art

Both Clément Desalle (MX1) and Dennis Verbruggen (MX2) have been selected for the Belgian MXoN team. Or at least to be part of the pre-selection for the final team!

On Wednesday the Belgian GP riders met for their annual team building day. This year’s program included mountain bike training, a BMX race session on the Joël Smets BMX track in Dessel and some log cutting. On the image you can make out a driven 'Panda' attacking some wood with the aid of Steve Ramon (right) and Ken De Dycker (middle) As always the day concluded with a barbecue at “Chez Joël’s”. Desalle is clearly in a strong position, he's the first Belgian in the MX1 GP's, for his first MXoN ride. However team manager Smets will only announce his team on the 15th of August during the fourth round of the Belgian Motocross championship at the Keiheuvel, Balen. Competition for the final selection is tough with Desalle, De Dycker, Strijbos and Ramon all competing for two places.

MX-Panda now fourth!

Photo: Ray Archer

One would almost forget that the weekend started off on the wrong foot for Desalle. He crashed early in Saturday’s qualifying race in the wavesection. TM’s Aigar Leok went down in front of Clément and it was too late to avoid him. Luckily ‘MX Panda’ managed to get going again, contrary to Leok himself. However his GP chances received a heavy blow because the LS Motors-Honda star had to continue with bent handlebars and only managed a miserable 21st position on the gate as a result.

Cool, calm and collected Desalle made the best of the situation powering his CRF450R skilllfully through the first corner, thus putting him near the front of the pack. Settling into third place Clément never looked back even when he came under serious pressure from Cairoli. The second moto saw a slightly less effective start, although Desalle took the fifth place before the end of the opening lap. The Ufo-sponsored rider remained close to Philippaerts (third) and De Dycker (fourth) for most of the race, but settled for fifth in the end.

Clément Desalle ”I’m glad I was able tot turn my chances around after a disastrous qualifying race! The track was not in a great shape either on Saturday, but conditions got better as the weekend went along. In general I’m quite happy with the GP, because I was able to climb up another spot in the championship. I was third in front of Cairoli in the first moto, but in the second race my start was not so good. I was staying close to De Dycker and Philippaerts. Then I had a small battle with De Dycker for fourth but then I lost contact again. I started making up ground on them onceagain but then I made a mistake and settled for my position.”

Heat 1: 1 Nagl (DUI-KTM), 2 De Dycker (B-Suzuki), 3 Clément Desalle (B-LS Motors-Honda), 4 Cairoli (ITA-Yamaha), 5 Philippaerts (I-Yamaha), 6 Coppins

(NZ-Yamaha), 7 T. Leok (EST-Yamaha), 8 Aranda (FRA-Kawasaki), 9 Swanepoel (RSA-Kawasaki), 10 Bryan Mackenzie (GBR-Honda) / Heat 2: 1 Cairoli (ITA-

Yamaha), 2 Nagl, 3 Philipaerts, 4 De Dycker, 5 Clément Desalle (B-LS Motors-Honda), 6 Leok T., 7 Coppins, 8 Vuillemin, 9 Swanepoel, 10 Bill

GP of Sweden classification: 1 Nagl 47, 2 Nagl 43, 3 De Dycker 40, 4 Philippaerts 36, 5 6 Clément Desalle (LS Motors-Honda) 36, 6 T. Leok 29, 7 Coppins 29, 8 Swanepeoel 24, 9 Bill 19, 10 Bryan Mackenzie 18

MX1 World Championship standings; 1 Cairoli 428, 2 Nagl 375, 3 Philippaerts 363, 4 Clément Desalle (LS Motors-Honda) 345, 5 Coppins 343, 6 De Dycker 338, 7 T. Leok 299, 8 Barragan 215, 9 Swanepoel 175, 10 A. Leok 167