MX Panda podiums again!

Photo: CDS

LS Motors-Honda rider Clément Desalle took third in today’s GP of Great-Britain, the seventh race in the FIM MX1 world Championship. More than 35.000 people witnessed how Desalle was one of the pace setters at the technical and demanding track filled with jumps. Unfortunately the 20-year old Belgian come up one point shy off Germany’s Max Nagl, while world champ Philippaerts won the GP. However ‘Panda’ is gaining momentum in world standings closing in on both fifth placed De Dycker and fourth placed Josh Coppins, rescpectively four and five points away.

Desalle clearly felt comfortable in the UK, in spite of the elevated temperatures, many ruts and bumps the Mallory Park venue had in store. Clément’s Saturday performance in qualifying was just a sign of things to come, because he bounced back twice from crashes but managed to come home sixth. Desalle saw his first heat efforts rewarded with second place, climbing up from sixth and finishing 3.5 seconds behind Philippaerts. Again Desalle climbed up from sixth to third in the second moto but a crash set him back to where he started. However Desalle managed an impressive comeback guiding his CRF 450R ahead of Coppins, Pichon and Mackenzie, only second placed Philippaerts remained out of range.

Clément Desalle: "Finishing second only one point behind Nagl was quite disappointing! Especially because my speed was so good. It’s a shame about the mistake I made in the second moto because I’m sure there was more to come. On the other hand, I’m happy with my championship standings and closing in on De Dycker, Coppins and Barragan."

LS Motors men aim for British success

Photo: CDS

The FIM World Championship travels to Great-Britain this weekend for the seventh round of the series. After switching venues for many years the world’s MX stars will be racing in the familiar surroundings of the Mallory Park race track, located in the East Midlands region, where last year’s British GP was held. However Mallory Park will have a different layout compared to last year, but again the track seems challenging, technical and filled with jumps. So far the freshly-built circuit has received positive feedback from Brits who sampled the track in the buildup to the GP.

MX1 sensation Clément Desalle enters Mallory holding sixth place -shared with Tanel Leok- in provisional standings. Clément enjoyed a strong result last season in the UK when he was seventh in the first race, crashed early on in the second heat but still managed seventh overall (equal in points with Sebastien Pourcel and Marc De Reuver). The young Belgian has going from strength to strength lately so it’s going to be interesting to see how he goes in the second half of the seaon.

The halfway point GP also marks the third race of the FIM veteran’s World Cup, where reigning world Champion Peter Iven will defend his leadership. The LS Motors-Honda mounted rider is more than keen to repeat last year’s Mallory Park victory. The likeable Dennis Verbruggen (MX2) raised more than a few eyebrows with his excellent qualifying speed in Bellpuig and hopes to translate his refound pace in a healthy points score. Verbruggen is excited about racing in front of the English fans as well: “The GP in the UK is always fun because of the atmosphere, normally it’s always packed and the crowd is awesome.”

LS Motors-Honda team manager Steven Lettani says: “We are confident that Desalle will be up there again, especially knowing he did well in Mallory last year. It’s a type of layout that suits him, although the soil can be quite treacherous even more so as it becomes rutted up and bumpy. Getting a good rhythm throughout the weekend and capitalizing on Sunday will be the key for both riders. It’s just that we have to keep on eye on how Clément handles the after effects of the dental surgery he had last week. A nerve in one of his teeth was causing discomfort while racing, particularly last season in the Belgian GP, but he had that fixed now. The only thing is, that he had to stay of the bike for a while and he was just getting some mileage yesterday (Tuesday). As far as Dennis is concerned the ability and the ingredients are there. He needs to hang in there week after week and I’m sure persistence will pay its dividends!

Happy birthday Clément!

Artwork: Tom Jacobs

Today, 19th of May 2009, Clément Desalle celebrates his 20th birthday. Over the last two seasons the promising Belgian has established himself as one of the future stars of the MX1 class and the Honda mounted rider is currently not only the youngest in the top ten, he’s also the highest ranked privateer in the MX1 World Championship. While he’s racing only his fourth season in the premier class, Clément has already made a name for himself on the international scene grabbing the runner-up title in the ADAC Masters last year and claiming four heat podiums in GP’s this season.

With an amazing line-up for so many years it’s very challenging for any up and coming rider from Belgium to get noticed, but Desalle’s recent form has gained him recognition both at home and abroad. Below is a small selection of people wishing ‘Panda’ a happy birthday, each in their own way. At least there’s some consolation for the man himself who has a visit to his dentist scheduled today… Joyeux anniversaire, Clément!

If you wan to download the wallpaper of the 'MX Panda' please visit our friends at Motocrossmag here: http://www.motocrossmag.be/2009/05/20/motocross-mxgp-telechargez-le-wallpaper-clement-desalle/

Joël Robert (MX legend, 6-time world champion, 50-time GP winner)

"I’m following Clément for quite some time and as I see it getting up to speed in GP’s is like catching a train. Before he was just able to catch the last railway carriage and now he’s getting closer to the locomotive! He’s on the right direction and I hope he can continue to improve because he has all the ingredients to become a champion. So I wish him the best of luck, off the track Clément remains level-headed and I hope he doesn’t change. And the most important thing is not to crash too often of course!

Steven Lettani (LS Motors-Honda Team Manager and owner)

"Obviously this is our first season with Clément but I’ve been really impressed by his fighting spirit and the professionalism that he and his family display. It’s a great joy for LS Motors-Honda to work together with such a rider! We will continue to support him in the best possible way to achieve his goals. Happy Birthday Clément!"

Paul Malin (MX of Nations winner, vice world champion, came fourth overall in the 500 World

Championship at the age of nineteen, Youthstream/Motors TV commentator and journalist)

“Clément caught my eye last year, but he was still a little bit wild, maybe because of his age and being on a big bike. When I saw him again in Faenza on the Honda he was a changed man! That’s not to hold anything against the Suzuki he rode last year but I think the CRF suits him really well. He looks more smooth and more comfortable. Furthermore he impressed me with his intelligence and race craft, especially in Portugal. Clément is not afraid of anyone and I’m sure there’s much more to come. Good luck at the dentist and happy birthday!”

André Malherbe (MX legend, 3-time world champion, Honda icon)

“I have been keeping track of Desalle’s progress and I’m really impressed with him! It’s clear that he has a lot of skills on the bike and he’s smooth in his riding. He’s in good shape and has a bike that seems to work well so he could get a top five overall this season. To me from all of the Belgian riders -and considering his youth- Clément is our brightest hope. I believe he can fight for the world title next year. But for now he just needs to enjoy his birthday!”

Cloe Desalle (sister and personal assistant)

“It took a while for my brother to start competing actually! He did his first local race only when he was 11. Before than he just wanted to ride with his dad and two local riders he was coaching, but when Clémént did his first race he won both heats. He has a lot of determination and knows what he wants. Few people realize how he didn’t take the easiest options. Managing school and racing was certainly not simple but he got his certificate without delay. Being his older sister I’m biased of course but he’s just a cool guy to hang out with as well and people who get to know him realize he has a great sense of humour. We’re all very proud of him, joyeux anniversaire, Clément!”

Georges Jobé (MX legend, 5-time world champion, one of the few privateers to win a world title, in 1987

on a Honda CR 500)

“We are thrilled finally to have a strong rider from Wallonia again. Clément has been impressive in some of the previous GP’s so I think that his first win can’t be too far off now. I wish him a splindid birthday and the career he’s dreaming of!”

Roger Harvey (Former British GP star, Honda Racing off-road manager)

“Clément absolutely stands out because of his attitude. At the races, he’s very focused and serious bout the job at hand. Even after a good ride he won’t be satisfied easily. That’s very refreshing to see from such a young guy! But I know there’s a different more mellow side to Clément as well and over time I think we will get to see some more of that. Happy birthday Clément!”

Gérald Wery (Belgian TV commentator and journalist, RTBF)

"Ah I remember when I saw Clément riding for the first time. It was in Ernée three years ago and his style immediately reminded me of Ricky Carmichael! By the way, I’m convinced that he will get his first win this year in Ernée. And there’s two reasons, first of all that’s where I first witnessed his talent and secondly because I will be there with a cameraman to report it!”

Joël Smets (5-time world champion, BMW enduro ambassador, MX of Nations Team Belgium manager,

color commentator Sporza)

"For us in Belgium it’s great to have a French-speaking guy at the top again. As a coach of the Belgian MXoN team I can only be happy if I have more strong riders to chose from! When me and Stefan (Everts) were racing we had a lot of support in the southern part of Belgium and I’m sure it will be the same for Clément with Flemish people, that’s how sports can bring people together. Clément is a guy with a lot of guts and energy and that’s something I really appreciate. He does his talking on the track with the throttle. On top of that he’s not intimidated by anyone and that should suit him well when he gets to go head to head with the Americans in the Nations. Broaaap, broaaap Clément!

PS I will announce my MXoN pre-selection after the GP of Sweden…"

Pascal ‘Pasky’ Bayl (French top designer, OCD)

“From the first time I met Clément he struck me as friendly and approachable. He’s certainly a great talent destined to go far. I like his riding style as well, it’s fluent and efficient- that’s how I like to design as well! When I was asked to design his helmet we started playing around with the Panda theme and I think it’s quite cool because as ‘mascotte’ the panda is so unusual in motocross. Enjoy your day MX-Panda!"

François Lemariey (Clément’s mechanic, LS Motors Honda)

“Clémént has ended his 19th year in great fashion, after the milestone of 20 I’m sure he will continue to improve! So here’s to a new decade and more success!"

Christophe Desmet (Belgian photographer and mxworld.be editor)

“For a photographer ‘Panda’ is an excellent rider to have in front of your lense. The action explodes around him, he’s

aggressive yet playful on the bike. Certainly he’s one of the most flamboyant riders from Belgium with a style that’s more influenced by the Americans. It’s going to be interesting to see what he has in store for us in the months and years to come. Go Clément!”

Another top ten for Elien

Photo: CDS

One week after Agueda in Portugal the Womens Motocross World Championship moved to yet another new location on their calendar : Bellpuig. The Catalan track would turn out to be a positive experience for Elien. Two ninth places and a good rythm confirmed the good streak of Belgium’s leading MX lady. De Winter took also ninth overall and remains ninth as well in the WMX point standings. Because of her American commitments Ashley Fiolek was not present in Spain. The next GP of the WMX championship is the French GP in Ernée on june 6-7.

Elien De Winter: "There was a huge difference with Portugal. Things went a lot better this weekend. I got a good

feeling right from practice. That feeling was confirmed in the qualifications. In the first heat I got a good start when I was third. I wanted to follow Laier and Papenmeier but lost the front in a corner. As a result of that my front brake lever got destroyed. I didn’t lose a lot of places because of the crash. But riding without a front brake was not easy and that’s how I ended in ninth.

In the second heat I had a real bad start and it took a while before I could find the right rhythm. After that my pace was ok. But I was behind American rider Sarah Whitmore for most of the heat. Even if I was quicker it was really difficult to pass her because there was only one line. That was a bit of a bummer, but I know now that I need to be more aggresive in the beginning of the heats. I’ll be working on that in the next few weeks."

Desalle sixth after Spain

Photo: CDS

After six rounds in the 2009 MX1 World Championship, Clement Desalle is the revelation of the season so far. Desalle is currently sixth in the point standings, a place he shares with Estonian Tanel Leok. Despite the blistering heat in Spain today, the LS Motors-Honda rider showed his potential once more with a brilliant second place in heat one behind former GP-winner Jonathan Barragan. In the second heat « Le Panda » seemed to be in the running for yet another podium finish. However he would miss the podium for just two points. In the GP-overall the 19 year-old ended up fourth on equal points with German rider Max Nagl. In two weeks time the British GP is the next round on the World Championship calendar.

Clément Desalle: "Things went decent, both yesterday and today. Despite that I couldn’t claim a real top result. That’s why I have mixed emotions about this GP. In heat one I started as sixth but was able to make my way up to second. But Barragan was way too strong and out of my reach. In the second heat I got away in around eight place. I was able to pass Cairoli and Barragan’s crash put me in fifth. However the track was really treacherous in some place and that’s why I played it safe in the remainder of the second heat."

Dennis Verbruggen continues to improve

Dennis surprised a lot of people by taking fourth behind Van Horebeek, Goncalves and Guarneri, aboard hisCRF250R during Saturday’s qualifying race. However he wasn’t able to repeat Saturday’s performance in the GP. Nevertheless, Verbruggen rode a decent first heat, ending in twelfth. In the second race, Crusty, would throw the towel after just two laps. The victory in the Spanish GP went to Verbruggen’s fellow countryman Jeremy Van Horebeek. Verbruggen is now 25th in the MX2 point standings.

Dennis Verbruggen: "I felt super after Saturday’s fourth place. So I started heat one with quite some expectations. I

had a reasonably start. After a slight dip, halfway through the race, I was able to come back strong and finish in 12th. My start in the second race was ok, but I got passed several times during the first few laps. After yesterday’s result that just demoralized me so much I called it quits. I know I shouldn’t have done that but at that moment I just couldn’t go through with it."

Manicq talks about Bellpuig

Photo: CDS

Talented Belgian Clément Desalle (LS Motors-Honda) will be aiming for an encore this weekend in Spain after his podium in Agueda Portugal. The Spanish GP is the sixth round of the 15-round series and will be staged at the hard-pack, fast Bellpuig track. The track in western Catalunya also welcomes the girls for the third round of the 7-round FIM women’s World championship. Bellpuig hosts the combined Spanish GP now for the eighth consecutive time, after a string of 125 GP’s in the nineties.

While the 1.6 kilometre offers plenty of spectacular jumps and step-ups under normal circumstances the hillside course has also been prone to produce mud races in recent years, most notably last season when the second race of the MX1 GP even had to be cancelled. LS Motors-Honda sports manager Marnicq Bervoets, himself a former Spanish GP winner looks ahead.

On Clément Desalle It’s obvious that Clément is still making headway week after week. He is an all-rounder who can make his marks on all sorts of tracks really, that’s how talented he is. Although he is the youngest rider (19) in the MX1 top ten he quickly makes up for his lack of experience because he rides with his head and learns fast. For the moment just Cairoli and De Dycker seem to be out of reach, but he can sets his sights on a first heat win now and with some riders out his chances of getting a first GP win are becoming more realistic as well. Whether he picks up that first win soon or at the end of the season doesn’t matter, sometimes you need a little bit of luck as well. On the other hand it will certainly fuel his motivation even more.

The will power of Elien De Winter never ceases to amaze me. She pulled off a major coup by racing at the first round of the WMX series after a dreadful back and pelvis injury just weeks before. We understood that she wanted to race there, but on the other hand we were worried that it would set her back a little as well. That’s my experience when you want to recover so fast and it’s only human! So Elien needs to be a little bit patient to build up her speed again. She’s now ninth in standings and having back-to-back GP’s will suit her fine to gain more valuable time on the bike in competitive conditions.

One step forward and two steps back that’s about the best I can describe the situation Dennis Verbruggen is in. It’s crystal clear he’s having a hard time, but we had hoped that he would have stepped up his game after the encouraging results he had in Valkenswaard. Dennis will need to dig a lot deeper to get out of this rut because not only is the MX2 level really high at the front, the depth of the field makes things even harder.

'Kickash' does it again!

Photo: CDS

WMA Champion Ashley Fiolek (18) steered her CRF 250R to a third place in today’s WMX GP of Portugal. The fast American was also third on Saturday. This not only meant that ‘KickAsh’ took her second consecutive podium but also that she was second in WMX standings, laying 14 points behind points leader Lancelot. However, this was Ashley’s last race for now because from now on she will focus on defending her American Women’s title. Elien De Winter will look back with mixed feelings on Agueda. After a severe injury Elien is gaining momentum but she clearly needs to rack up race miles to up her speed. Elien was 12th on Saturday and 10th on Sunday. In the WMX standings however she gained two spots jumping from 11th to 9th. Both LS Motors-Honda lasses served as camerawomen this weekend. Ashley rode some laps with an helmet camera as Elien put in some laps to show the track to the TV audience.

Ashley Fiolek: "On Saturday I missed my start but my riding was also lacking. It seemed like I was stuck in a rut. On Sunday it was a different story with deep ruts all over the track. But that’s how I like it! I clinched the holeshot and was able to attack more than during the first moto. It was good to be able to follow Lancelot’s pace in that second heat. On the other hand I’m a bit sad to say goodbye to the GP’s now that I’m second in the points standings. But I knew beforehand that my priority is defending my American title with Red Bull/Honda. Hopefully, some day I will be able to do the whole GP series. But I’m still young so I have plenty of time!"

Desalle shines in Portugal

Photo: CDS

Weekend after weekend Clément Desalle confirms himself as one of the future stars of the World MX1 class. After a first podium during the Italian GP in Faenza, the 19-year old LS Motors-Honda rider clinched his second podium today in Agueda. Two third places meant that Desalle found himself on the third step of the podium behind De Dycker and Cairoli. During Saturday’s qualification race « Le Panda » showed his speed by leading during most of the race. Finally he would cross the finish line in third behind Coppins and De Dycker.

In the World MX1 standings the CRF450 R mounted rider moved from 9th into 7th position. Desalle now closes in on reigning World champ Philippaerts who is in sixth and has 8 points more than him.

Clémént Desalle: "I am pretty pleased with this GP. (smiles) It’s always nice to be on the podium of course! The whole weekend went as I’d wanted. Before this GP my plan was to focus on my starts and putting in some consistent laps. That went well. In the first heat I worked my way up after a decent start. A few laps later I was in third and able to control. In the second heat I had an excellent start and was leading early on. I noticed that there was a problem with my throttle because it seemed to be reacting somewhat strange. So, I decided to play it safe. All in all, I had another decent race and finished third again. It would be nice if I could battle for a heat win and, why not a GP win. These are definitely my next goals."

You can relive the action here: http://freecaster.tv/mx/1007927/mx-gp-of-portugal-09-mx1-race-2-replay?page=11

De winter and Fiolek are ready to rock!

Photo: CDS

LS Motors-Honda’s hard charging ladies Ashley Fiolek and Elien Dewinter fly to Portugal for the second round of the FIM WMX series this weekend. Agueda is new to the WMX calendar, but the various elevation changes, remarkable red dirt and cool layout should provide the fastest female riders in the world with a great playground. Belgium’s Elien Dewinter braved the pain in Bulgaria where she came back from a severe back and pelvis injury, but she is keen to test her improving pace in Portugal. Ashley Fiolek on the other hand enjoyed a great start to her season seizing another podium in Sevlievo. The 18-year old from Florida is known to give the established riders a run for their money and ‘KickAsh’ should be helped again by her great starts!

Ashley Fiolek: 'I am not sure what to expect in Portugal... (smiles) I heard the food is pretty good! I think I am more ready now, because for the race in Bulgaria, I hadn't raced in a long time and it was just nice to get back to it racing. Guess we will all just have to wait and see... The track looks pretty sick. It looks like several of the tracks that are in the US in Georgia which is not that far from my house. I am pretty excited, to ride on it should be a blast!'

All eyes on Agueda!

Photo: CDS

LS Motors-Honda riders Clément Desalle and Dennis Verbruggen will be gunning for strong results this weekend in Agueda, Portugal for the fifth round of the FIM Motocross World championship. The technical track about 80 km south of Porto –easy to identify because of the typical red soil- has been a regular in the GP series for the last six years. Both Belgians travel to Portugal encouraged by their pace in the opening round of their domestic series on Friday. The 19-year old Desalle claimed the overall podium in Beervelde behind De Dycker and Philippaerts, Team mate Verbruggen was 8th overall and second MX2 mounted rider behind Joël Roelants. On Sunday Clément ‘Panda’ Desalle also scored excellent second and third place finishes during the Flanders Trophy in Tongeren.

Clément Desalle: "I reallly like Agueda because the dirt is so special and the layout of the track is interesting as well. I had some strong races in the Belgian Championship and in Tongeren so I know my speed is fine. For Agueda I will be aiming to be be more consistent than during the previous GP’s because at this level you really can’t afford to make mistakes, even when they are small ones!

Bad luck for Desalle in Tongeren

Photo: CDS

Cruising around is not exactly the style of Clément Desalle so you can imagine how gutted he was when he saw a possible victory slipping away because of damaged exhaust in the opening heat! However the LS Motors Honda posted some impressive results with a second and a third in a field with Ken De Dycker (the overall winner), Max Nagl (second), Tanel Leok and Jonathan Barragan.

Click here for a video of the event: http://vimeo.com/4730482

Another podium for Desalle

Photo: CDS
In spite of the usual stiff competition in the Belgian championship Clément Desalle rode to an excellent third place in Beervelde, the opening round of the series. Desalle was consistent all day long and finished two times fourth and one time second. The overall winner was Suzuki factory rider Ken De Dycker ahead of David Philippaerts. Desalle actually provided the more than 5.000 spectators with a great battle fighting Philippaerts for second in race two. Onther attending top GP riders were Kevin Strijbos, Marc De Reuver and Josh Coppins.

Amidst all those big guns Dennis Verbruggen did a great job as well. Crusty came eighth overall, making him the second MX2 rider behind Joël Roelants. The second round of the United Telecom Trophy is Kester on June 14.