Everts continues to make history in MXGP

Stefan Everts won all three classes (125cc, MXGP and 650cc) at the final round of the Motocross World Championship in Ernee, France on Sunday, becoming the first rider ever to do so.

The Belgian is already the most successful rider of all time, with seven double wins already this season in the 125cc and MXGP classes. After taking the MX championship at the last round, Everts decided to be the first rider to attempt all three classes on the same day.

The opening event was the 125cc race. Despite not entering the first quarter of the 125cc championship, Everts ended the season in second place after recording his eighth victory in nine starts. The title went to Steve Ramon, who settled for a safe fifth place in the race. Joining Everts on the podium were Alessio Chiodi and Luigi Seguy, giving Yamaha the top three places, and helping them to win the 125cc manufacturer’s title.

The MXGP race saw Everts take the holeshot and maintain his lead to the flag, with closest rival Joel Smets crashing out. Second-place in the race went to Brian Jorgenson, with Josh Coppins third.

The final race of the day was the highlight for race fans. Joel Smets has only lost one race this year on the 650cc bike. Everts was tired after the earlier races and was riding a specially-created smaller machine. But then Smets crashed out landing from a jump and had to settle for third despite a frantic comeback through the pack.

The race became a battle between the Belgian and Spaniard Javier Garcia Vico, after Everts fell at slow speed and dropped to second place. It looked as if the day might end on a sour note, but Everts was simply resting and recovering before re-passing to take the lead and the chequered flag for this third win of the day.

” What a great day, but really, really tough. I knew this would be my last chance to attempt all three classes in one day, but even if that wasn’t the case I would never try it again it has been so physically demanding, ” said Everts. ” The 650cc race was the toughest of the day, but the whole day has been really exciting. ”

The three wins take Everts’ total number of GP victories to 72, which incidentally matches his race number. He’ll also be the last person to be able to take part in all three races, as from next year the season will switch to two races, with MX1 (Motocross GP) and MX2 (125cc two-strokes and 250cc four-strokes) replacing the three class format.

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