Michael takes a rocky path to Valkenswaard
By TMX Archives on 29th Apr 09
BRITISH participation in the World Veteran MX Cup was down to one at Valkenswaard over the weekend, and it was a trip-and-a-half even for Michael McEvoy.
The dramas had started even before the 45-year-old rider from Southampton got to the venue: "The fuel pump went on the motorhome as we were driving through Belgium. Fortunately I was able to contact Tom Lowe, who was travelling over to watch the GP, and we packed the bike and everything into his camper and we finally arrived at Valkenswaard at midnight on Friday.”
Rising early to get set up and the bike through Technical Control early Saturday morning, Michael's adventure continued to follow the rocky path on the track as he hurt his left thigh later in the day and then took another knock on Sunday morning.
"Someone went for a line that wasn't there in Warm-up and ran straight into the same thigh, the left one. They took me off on a stretcher, and the pain was excrutiating, but I wasn't going to waste the 500 Euros.” Michael could only cruise round to complete five laps, but he raced for the entire 25 minutes.
His effort is sponsored by former GP rider Howard Stanfield and Mick Caulfield Roofing, and the entire gang are looking forward enthusiastically to more luck at Mallory.
Terry House, British Vet hero of Faenza, arrived at Valkenswaard, but did not ride after hurting his back before first practice.
Victory in the Vets class went to Mats Nilsson. This was the first Swedish success on the world stage for nine years. Mats may not be the most stylish rider to have graced the sport, but the same artisan approach which has brought him the scalp of Everts in the last two Gotland Grand National events was too much for title holder Peter Iven.
This pair, together with the enigmatic Alex Puzar, should keep fans entertained at Mallory.