Stefan Everts vs. Joel Smets on the BMX track. Dessel 2000. By BdJ

Oct 05, 2010

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 12737 times

Former motocross world champions Joel Smets and Stefan Everts met behind the starting gate once again, but this time on BMX bikes. Some more MX starts were brought in (Ken de Dijcker, Joel Roelants and Gareth Swanepoel) as well as some roadies who used to ride BMX (a.o. Max van Heeswijk). All this happened as a celebrity race during the 10 years Dessel 2000 BMX weekend. On Sunday a regular BMX race was taking place but it become a special one as my Philip decided he wanted to enter his first BMX race.

I wasn't sure how the regulations are right now. Do you need a padset? Do you need a special colour numberplate? Gloves? Full face helmet? Racing pants?

Well, Philip stood out in his jeans, long sleeved shirt and Vans shoes. He was almost a cool standout in the field of colourfull racing pants and jerseys. The recently purchased THE carbon helmet ($35 at the Hall Of Fame auction) was a nice finish so at least he looked good and his head was well protected. His 3 years old Fox gloves were found on the floor of the shed but they did the job. After registering for the recreational class of the 7 year olds it was time for practice. A

few laps without the gate, and then his first ever gate start. Andy Patterson would have been proud to see his one-pedal starts.

Things in Belgium seem to go easy and without much stress. I have no problem with that, I actually dig it. When they say it's time for a break, it's time for a break. No stupid security either.

The friendly easy going people is what I've missed since I left the country in 2001 (yes I officially lived in Belgium from 1996-2001). It's always nice to be back and seeing Philip do well (2-3-2-3) was a big bonus.

On Saturday the big money race and Old School races were held. The main happening on day two was the celebrity race. Joel Smets took the microphone and introduced all celebs in a funny way. Smets is brilliant on the microphone in case you didn't know. It was Joel on the mic, not only because he knows how to talk, but the BMX Circuit in Dessel is actually named after him and now exists 10 years exactly. Stefan Everts had crashed hard in one of the warm up laps so Joel was feeling good for the win, until he saw Max van Heeswijk blast out of the gate.

The ex pro roadie (over 60 pro wins) showed everyone what's up and hit his brakes towards the end of the lap to let the other guys come a bit closer. It was all fun and games but non of these guys like to lose, or better, every one of them likes to win.

In case you're interested, the Latvians ruled the Elite men class on Sunday but we do not have the official results yet. The Free Agent rider won, followed by a lot of the Meybo riders.

It was a good day at the race. I'm afraid I'll be back. Philip is hooked.

BdJ