Lommel: Everts on preparation and pressure of home GP
By Andrew Hill on 30th Jul 21
European Motocross Lommel Liam Everts
After a problematic first Grand Prix at Matterley Basin, a venue he has previously excelled at, Liam Everts showed flashes of brilliance at the following round in the Netherlands. Now he is looking to build on that momentum as he enters his home GP on one of the most notorious tracks in the world of motocross.
For the third round of the EMX250 championship, the brutal Belgian sand track of Lommel is knocking at the door. Liam was asked how he's feeling just days before his home Grand Prix. "I feel good," he declared. "The last few weeks we made some small changes on the bike. To feel comfortable and confident on the bike."
Some riders can't wait for their home GP. They enjoy the extra attention, thrive off the added pressure and the crowd willing them on drives them forward. In contrast, others dislike being on home soil for much the same reasons. Their routine is interrupted, and they tighten up with the added pressure of expectancy.
Liam Everts
Liam who knows a thing or two about pressure leans into the home GP vibe. "Yeah, I like a home Grand Prix because you're home early *laughs*. No. Jokes aside, we're trying to prepare for the race as normal as possible, and on race day it is of course nice if there are more people cheering you on. So I hope that the home crowd will be there in full force."
Liam has spent plenty of time at Lommel, turning more laps there than any other circuit he knows it like the back of his hand. But he plays down the advantage. "It is certainly no disadvantage, but the track evolves completely different on open practice days than on Grand Prix weekends," he explains.
After landing on the podium at Oss, externally, expectations may have increased. However, the 16-year-old starlet isn't letting on what his targets are. He's looking for flow and rhythm but needs good starts. "Take two great starts and get a good feeling on the track while riding," the Red Bull athlete said.
Liam Everts
There are times when Liam speaks; you can hear his family influence. "When you take a good start, and you're feeling good doing your laps, a nice result will follow," he adds.
Everts will be in action on Saturday, and Free Practice starts at 8.35 local time. The first race is at 13.55, and the second is the final moto of the day at 16.35.
He currently holds fourth place in the championship standings, just four points shy of breaking into the top three.
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