The famous Brou circuit, just eighty kilometres from Le Mans, has been running Motocross International events for decades and this weekend hosts the fifth round of the World Sidecarcross Championship. It is in the heartland of Motocross country and always attracts fanatical spectator support.
Report by Barry Nutley – Images courtesy of WSC
Sidecar Cross is a special favourite with the French fans, and they are hungry for one of their own to succeed.
The best chance of home race success lies with the current French Champions, Killian and Evan Prunier, but they are down in seventeenth place with thirty-two points. A home GP might be just what they need to galvanise their season, but the men at the top need no such boost.
A return to form saw defending champions Etienne Bax and Ondrej Cermak scored well in round four, whilst Koen Hermans and Ben Van Den Bogaart were sensational in Heerde, sweeping all before them. They have propelled themselves to second in the standings.
Red plate holders Marvin Vanluchene and Nicolas Musset faltered in the sand, but here on a track Musset knows intimately, they could well bounce back to winning ways.
Either way, this is going to be an exceptional fight, with several other teams delivering fast and furious performances. But for a blown engine in Holland, Justin Keuben and Dion Rietman were set for a podium, Jason Van Daele and Kostas Beleckas go well on hillside tracks but were unhappy in the sand, and Davy Sanders/Luc Rostingt are favourites with the French crowds.
Do not discount the fast-starting German Tim Prummer, who with Jarno Steegmans alongside has more than proved his worth.
Of the British crews, Brett Wilkinson and Joe Millard were having their best start to a season until a clutch fault stopped them during race one in Heerde.
They now sit fourth, twenty-one points behind Etienne Bax.
Dan Foden and Ryan Humphrey have raised a few eyebrows with their speed and endurance, so a good ride here will help to keep the dream alive.
We are all thrilled to be going back to France for the first of two visits this season. I for one, have many fond memories of this country’s passion for our sport, and indeed of Brou.
The French circuit commentators are legendary, so the weekend will have more than its share of high volume and energetic race description.
Bring it on, we are so ready!!!
Stay with us for updates and all the news as it happens here on www.fimsidecarcross.com
