The iconic hard-pack circuit of Teutschenthal in Germany played host to the latest stop on the MXGP calendar, with some changes to the track layout providing a fresh challenge for the riders. It was a busy weekend under the Van Venrooy KTM awning, as both Cas and Lynn Valk were in action with the MX2 and WMX classes on the schedule.
For Cas Valk, it was another weekend that showed glimpses of his speed despite tough conditions and a couple of untimely setbacks. In the opening moto, the Dutch rider was buried off the start and sat 18th after the first lap. He made quick progress to 14th before a crash pushed him all the way outside the top 25. Despite the setback, Cas regrouped and charged back to 16th at the chequered flag – a solid recovery on a circuit that didn’t make overtaking easy.
Rain during the break added another variable for race two, altering the surface and overall feel of the track. Cas capitalised with a much stronger start, running seventh early on, but another crash halted his momentum. He eventually crossed the line in 12th place, leaving him with more experience gained and positives to take into the next round.
Meanwhile, Lynn Valk lined up for the third round of the WMX championship and once again showed her consistency and front-running pace. A strong start in race one saw her inside the top three early, and she went on to secure a strong fourth in tricky conditions. The second moto mirrored her first – another good start, another third place – but unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough for the overall podium, as she narrowly missed out and finished fourth overall on the day.
With a break in the WMX calendar before round four takes place in Arnhem, Lynn now has time to put in the work and build towards a podium challenge in front of the Dutch fans. For Cas, focus quickly shifts to Latvia this weekend as the MX2 World Championship enters its second half.
Both Valk siblings continue to grow and develop at the highest level, showing plenty of potential and determination as the season rolls on.
Cas Valk (14th overall): It was not the results that I was hoping for at the weekend but overall I showed good things. A crash in both motos ruined my results but I am looking forward for this weekend in Latvia. It is always a nice track there.
Lynn Valk (4th overall): It was an okay weekend for me in Germany. I am disappointed to miss the podium but I am looking forward to working hard these weeks before the next round that takes place in Arnhem.
Photocredits – Juan Pablo Acevedo and Niek Kamper
