Jago Geerts – for the first time on his all-new 2019 YZ250F – and Anthony Rodriguez finished in the top three at the Belgian Masters in Balen. The Belgian teenager came home in second position (2+3 in motos), while his Venezuelan teammate stood on the third step (3+5) of the podium.
Geerts, who raced in front of his family and friends in his home town, had to start on the second row after a minor problem just before the start of the first moto. The Belgian teenager didn’t panic. Instead, he wasted no time in powering his YZ250F forward up into second place. Only leader Covington remained out of range. Rodriguez had a decent start and was able to gain some more places, finishing in third position.
Geerts had a great start in the second moto and put a lot of pressure on leader Covington. Unfortunately the Belgian made a slight mistake, crashed, lost a place and finished third. Rodriguez had a poor start, but came back very strong, finishing fifth.
Geerts kept his best performance of the day for the last race: the Belgian Masters, a super final with the best 500cc riders. Jago started as ninth and moved up into fourth place after passing some guys on the big bikes. Rodriguez rode a very consistent race and finished ninth.
“I’m very satisfied with the performances of Geerts and Rodriguez today”, said team manager Marnicq Bervoets. “It’s nice to see them both on the box. Jago was also very pleased with his new 2019 YZ250F. Like Ben Watson, Geerts will ride the new bike next weekend in the Grand Prix of Switzerland.”
RESULTS
First moto 250cc
1. Thomas Covington (USA/Hus)
2. JAGO GEERTS (BEL/YAM) +00:02.088
3. ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ (VEN/YAM) +00:25.164
4. Mike Bolink (Ned/Yam) +00:50.514
5. Erik Willems (Bel/Hus) +00:54.943
Second moto 250cc
1. Thomas Covington (USA/Hus)
2. Brent Van Doninck (Bel/Hus) +00:07.189
3. JAGO GEERTS (BEL/YAM) +00:40.457
4. Micha-Boy De Waal (Ned/Hon) +0:45.577
5. ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ (VEN/YAM) +00:47.549
Overall classification 250cc
1. Thomas Convington (USA/Hus) 50
2. JAGO GEERTS (BEL/YAM) 42
3. ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ (VEN/YAM) 36
4. Brent Van Doninck (Bel/Hus) 34
5. Micha-Boy De Waal (Ned/Hon) 33
Belgian Masters (superfinal)
1. Glenn Coldenhoff (Ned/KTM)
2. Kevin Strijbos (Bel/KTM) +00:05.456
3. Yentel Martens (Bel/Hus) +00:32.592
4. JAGO GEERTS (BEL/YAM) +00:38.152
5. Petar Petrov (Bul/Hon) +00:47.258
9. ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ (VEN/YAM) +01:00.302
Next race: August 19, GP16 Frauenfeld, Switzerland
Images by Bavo