The team headed to The Netherlands for the preseason international of Lierop where both boys showed some great speed. Gyan qualified second in timed practice with Max just behind in third.
Going into race one both riders unfortunately went down on the first turn. Gyan remounted quickly and made his way through the pack on the difficult circuit to come back to a respectful 10** place. However, for Max he tweaked his shoulder in the crash and had to retire from the days racing.
In race two Gyan pulled the holeshot on his KTM250 SX-F and lead the opening lap. He was only passed by current world champ Kay De Wolf and MX2 rookie Cas Valk to claim an impressive third place. He finished the day 4th overall.
Max: “My weekend in Lierop, I was really feeling good going into the day. I had a good time practice but then on the first start in the first corner I came together with another rider and went down and hurt my shoulder. Life is tough sometimes, but I will get some checks, and we will do everything to be back for Cozar.”
Gyan: “That’s Lierop wrapped up! A positive day in the end, started the day with P2 in timed practice, which was good and to have third overall in both groups was positive. The first moto I crashed at the start and couldn’t really find my rhythm, was struggling all moto to finish 10th. Second moto I took the holeshot, which surprised me and riding the first lap in the lead was something special especially being a home race for me. It was nice to see everybody cheering me on, it was an amazing feeling! I went back to third and rode my own race, l was a bit nervous, but time will make this better and I’m looking forward to the season now. I’m building my confidence a lot and looking forward! A big thank you to my team and to also my fans and sponsors that came to support me this weekend.”
Team Manager Shaun Simpson: “It was nice to be back at Lierop, it’s been a while. We had a very positive lead up to the weekend, the mechanics have worked hard the last couple weeks making the final preparations to our race bikes to be ready for the first EMX250 race in Cozar. Qualifying went well, both riders looked comfortable, and the speed was there finishing second and third. Unfortunately, they both crashed in turn one of the first race. Gyan got back up and made a hard charge through to 10th but unfortunately Max tweaked his shoulder. It’s not looking too serious at the moment but he is going for further checks so he should be back on the bike again soon and we will still be coming into Cozar in 3 weeks time 100%. Gyan regrouped after the first race and managed to pull the holeshot in the second race ahead of a few factory MX2 riders! He stayed at the front for a lap and then got passed by Kay De Wolf and Cas Valk showing that he has the speed and fitness on the 250f. It is a big boost for the whole team that we are in the ballpark in regards to speed and the bike preparation. We are now looking ahead to another solid 3 weeks leading up to Cozar which we are really excited about kicking of the 2025 EMX championship fight. Everything is coming together now and we are excited to get the championships underway!”
Next Event: 16th March – EMX250 | R1 | Cozar
📸 Rendel Baetens Photography
