Max Anstie and Lommel

While all eyes will be on the Red Bull KTM Factory riders Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings, there might be a little surprise for the Belgian public if Max Anstie has his way.

Amazing to think, but Anstie has won three Grand Prix’s in a row at the Lommel circuit, going 1-2-1-1-1-1 in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Although these GP wins have come in the MX2 class, and the MXGP class is another animal, it gives you the feeling the British youngster is on something of a roll at the tough Belgian circuit.

Of course, after a crash at the last Grand Prix in Loket, Czech Republic two weeks ago, the British rider picked up a foot injury, but it shouldn’t be enough to slow his speed in Lommel. Racing for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna factory team, and knowing that a good performance will be a nice gift for the team, the main goal will be to stay consistent and out of trouble.

“We had a great week of testing before the GP in Loket,” Anstie said. “We made some big steps forward. In the qualifying race (in Loket) my start was good but I got stuck in the first turn and lost time. Then on Sunday I was feeling quite good despite the muddy conditions. Unfortunately, I crashed on the first lap and hurt my foot. The pain was unbearable so I had to stop and get it checked. I had the medical team check it and luckily it was nothing serious, just some bruises on my foot. I did my best in moto two but the pain was still there.”

After last year’s win, Anstie made it clear he was loving his time at Lommel, and despite sleepless nights, and a lot of pressure to go for his third win in a row, the performance in 2016 was impressive.

“I love it there. It was difficult I have done three in a row, and I was nervous this time. I had never won a qualifier and I crashed, and everyone was saying you need to win. I didn’t sleep Saturday night and it was a difficult weekend. Jeremy (Seewer) was fast. Jeremy was riding really well and it was hard to make up time. I am glad for the team, this is where we wanted to be. In that first moto, it was crazy. It was fast early, then the rain came and it was nearly impossible to see. I have to hand it to the other riders, they were really fast.”

Now into 2017, and a crack at four Grand Prix victories in a row at the famous Belgian sand trap. While as mentioned most will be looking at Herlings and Cairoli as the two favourites, don’t be surprised to see Anstie poke his nose in front at one point or another over the weekend. Can you beat the two best sand riders in the world? What we will have to wait and see until this coming Sunday. What we do know, from the last three years, he is the most successful rider at the circuit, and that has to count for something.

Author:

Geoff Meyer