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MXGP Valkenswaard: NZ’s MX Champions BT and JC speak on GP track: Dylan Walsh preview

Dylan Walsh British MXGP Photo Credit: Revo Husqvarna UK

Dylan Walsh heads into MX2 World MX Championship at Valkenswaard, Netherlands this weekend, standing 13th Overall in points table and breaking bench-mark set by NZ’s 2004 MX2 World MX Champion Ben Townley, and 2005 MX1 Vice World MX Champion Josh Coppins.

Ben Townley 2004 MX2 Valkenswaard GP Photo Credit: MX Large

Both Townley and Coppins set unprecedented results at Valkenswaard GP’s which have not been beaten since by a NZ Rider- making Walsh first ever MX2 rider to line-up at same track venue- some 15 years later.

In 2004 Ben Townley slayed Europe’s best MX2 riders winning MX2 World MX Championship including going 1-1 at Round 13 GP of Netherlands, Valkenswaard.

To get glimpse on how challenging racing European sand tracks are, BT shares insight:

BT: ‘Well sand tracks are a big part of racing the World Championship and they are certainly tough for young Kiwi’s. It’s not a soil type that we are that familiar with. From what I’ve seen it looks as though Dylan has been doing his homework though and his sand riding is improving, but it’s time that truly helps that’.

In 2007 Josh Coppins claimed GP victory at MX1 Opening Round, Valkenswaard along with many GP’s racing the challenging sands of Netherlands. Having been based close to Valkenswaard track for most part of ‘The Lizzard’s’ career, Josh makes clear point on how practice, training, and putting in laps on sand tracks gives rider total ability to race all types of GP circuits.

Josh Coppins 2007 MX1 Valkenswaard GP 1st Photo Credit Yamaha Racing

JC: ‘Yes 100%.  Training on sand enabled me to understand how to train and how to improve and then there were no unknowns when it came to racing. Also physically- as the tracks in that area are demanding in racing and training so the preparation was great.

JC: ‘Also every time you were at the track training, there were good riders there, so you always knew your speed and where you were at in terms of physical condition’.

Dylan being based in Belgium with Revo Husqvarna UK Team workshop close-by, has put in the hard work pre-season, and results showed gaining 8th Overall at Matterley Basin GP last weekend.

Lining up in MX2 at Valkenswaard GP will be special moment: BT and Josh share some pearls of wisdom from racing Europe’s World MX Championship Series and latter coaching and mentoring NZ’s up-coming talented riders for International racing.

Dylan Walsh British MXGP Photo Credit: Revo Husqvarna UK

BT: ‘Focus on his starts which he appears to be doing a great job of and then just keep chipping away. Have small goals each weekend and try to keep achieving them.

BT: ‘The starts will help pull him along a lot, so if he can continue to start up front I’d say it won’t long until we see him finish near the front because he seems pretty hungry for his goals’. 

JC: ‘Work hard, prepare well and execute your plan step by step. Don’t look at the end result. Execute your plan and let the results come’.

The GP of Netherlands: Valkenswaard March 30th-31st.

Words: Sharon Cox

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