Ken De Dycker dominated the Braun Grand Prix of The Netherlands while Tony Cairoli took enough points to tie up the world championship.
De Dycker was quickest in both practice sessions, took pole position and won both races at Lierop as no one could get close to the young Belgian on the technically demanding sandy circuit.
"I was having so much fun out there but it was not so easy because the track was so demanding and coming up to lapped riders I really had to concentrate,” said De Dyckers, who was cheered on the large contingent of fans from Belgium.
“I saw a lot of people cheering so I waved to them when I could; it was a really nice experience. This was not a simple GP so I am really pleased with the result."
Probably not as pleased as Yamaha Red Bull De Carli rider Cairoli who, despite nursing an injury to his left knee, wrapped up his third world championship (his first in MX1).
The Sicilian’s only remaining championship rival, KTM’s Max Nagl, kept the title race going for as long as he could by qualifying in third place on Saturday to Cairoli’s 12th. But the German crashed in race one, while Cairoli took fifth, leaving him needing to score two more points in race two.
Cairoli was past Nagl early on in race two, ensuring he left Holland with the title. “This means so much to me and I am a little lost for words at the moment,” said the new world champion. “I did not expect this in my first season and was already a bit surprised to have the red plate by the third round, and then keep it until the end.
“If you look at most of the MX2 riders who move up to MX1 they need a season or two to establish themselves so this is a big achievement for us and I am very proud. I want to say thanks to everybody, all my team, my family; I am so happy.”
The result, which also sealed the manufacturers’ title for Yamaha, means Cairoli succeeds David Philippaerts. With the championship remaining on Italian soil for another season, Team Italy will be the ones to beat at the Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations at Franciacorta in October.
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