JoÌÇl Smets has just released the names of the seven pre-selected riders of whom three will represent Belgium at the 2010 Red Bull Motocross of Nations in the US. The pre-selection includes: ClÌ©ment Desalle, Steve Ramon, Ken De Dycker, Kevin Strijbos, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Dennis Verbruggen and JoÌÇl Roelants.
Earlier this week the riders met for the first time during a teambuilding event. As usual the Belgian top riders enjoyed a relaxing day out with waterski, cycling and a barbecue to finish off.
Although the teambuilding day underlined the enthusiasm and positive vibe surrounding the Belgians it was not all fun and games. Clearly team manager Smets is facing some tough choices before the final team is made public.
That final selection for the 64th Motocross of Nations will be announced on Sunday, August 15 during the fourth round of the MX Pro Series at Keiheuvel-Balen. Last year the Belgian squad with Desalle, Ramon and Roelants took an honourable third behind the U.S. and France.
Last year there was a lot of commotion following the non-selection of Ken De Dycker. De Dycker himself even stated that he never wanted to ride for Team Belgium again?
"Obviously that statement was made ‰Û÷in the heat of battle‰Ûª," JoÌÇl Smets said.
"Since then we have discussed about our argument and Ken made it clear that he understood the reasons behind my choice. At the German GP a couple weeks ago I enjoyed a short but good conversation with him. I absolutely don‰Ûªt hold that outburst from last year against him. Actually it shows that Ken cares about the MX of Nations and wants to be a part of the Belgian Team. In other words, it‰Ûªs a good thing.‰Û
