Kevin Strijbos signs with Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing for 2021
By Andrew Hill on 21st Jan 21
Kevin Strijbos has signed with Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing to keep the veteran racer in the FIM Motocross World Championship for at least another year.
The experienced Belgian will be the third rider in the Dutch-based MXGP team as he joins the already confirmed Calvin Vlaanderen and Brent van Doninck for a team that now has a great mix of youth and experience.
Strijbos, who is now 35 the same age as nine-time champion Tony Cairoli will participate in the MXGP championship as well as the Dutch Masters of Motocross. The experience held by the popular Strijbos is appealing to Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing as they look to him to help with testing and development.
"I have signed the contract with Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha for 2021 and I am happy that they did everything in their power to try and make it work," said Strijbos.
"Also, from my side, we both wanted to make it work and we did it the best way we could. Im really happy that we could find an agreement so I can go on for another year.
I am looking forward to getting back on the Yamaha, I think its a great bike already from stock.
"Looking at last year I think the Gebben van Venrooy bikes are really good so I cant wait to throw my leg over the bike and see how it goes.
"I want to thank Gebben Van Venrooy Racing for this opportunity, my sponsors like HENS because theyve been there for me the whole time since Ive been racing GPs. Hes a friend, a private sponsor for me and always been a big help so a big thanks for making it work. I am happy with how everything is looking for the season ahead."
The MXGP series is scheduled to get underway at Oman on April 3 and the team are very motivated for the upcoming season, the team says. "The Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha team are delighted to confirm this agreement with Kevin Strijbos," said team manager, Klaas Hattem.
"The team are delighted to have such an experienced rider to support the younger riders with their further development in MXGP. Kevin will contest the MXGP World Championship in 2021 as well as developing the YZF450 Yamaha for the team.
"There is no doubt that with the experience Kevin has he can help bring more balance to the team. It is important the riders have a benchmark in training that ensures they can make each other stronger.
"Kevin Strijbos has a lot of experience, is well structured and can certainly contribute to bringing the team to a higher level. The structure of the team fits in seamlessly with Yamaha Motor Europe Branche Benelux (YMBNL) who supports the Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha team."
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