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SOUTH AFRICAN RIDERS TURN
HEADS AT YOUTH INTERNATIONAL
29 July 2013
by Mark Sangster and Matthew Phelps
A small, but potent group of South African riders descended upon
the MX Master kids Youth International in France, which was held
over the 12th to 14th July. The three riders from South Africa,
Marcus Phelps, Justin Sangster and James van Hinsbergen joined Tristan
Tavares and one or two other expats, to form quite a formidable
SA presence at the event. 24 Countries, were represented and with
700 entries, remains one of the largest gatherings of MX riders
in Europe. Countries like Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Germany, Holland
USA and Russia participated. The junior classes, 50cc, 65cc and
85cc were the largest, but the 125 and open nevertheless attracted
full gates. This is how things went:
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Marcus Phelps
He was really on top of his game and on the back of his good
ride in the Red Bull race two weeks earlier, and his 6th place
finish in the Dutch National at Winterswijk the week before,
he qualified 1st and won all three heats. This saw him qualify
for the GOLD final.
Just before the race started, the track was watered and this
was to have an effect on the outcome. Marcus was second through
the hole shot, but the roost soon affected his vision. He
unfortunately pulled off all his tear-offs at once and in
lap three threw away his goggles. He was never going to get
close to the front runners without good vision.
Colton Eigenmann from the USA rode a brilliant race as did
the race winner. Marcus had to settle for 4th place. Marcus
is really up there with the best in Europe and gave a brilliant
account of himself.
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Justin Sangster
Justin, yet again rose to the occasion. He was entered into
the under 12 years, 65cc class and was up against some of
the fastest riders in Europe. Justin qualified 9th and after
finishing in the top ten in all three heats (gate of 40),
he too qualified for the GOLD final.
Justin had a brilliant jump out of the gate and was through
the hole shot in 5th spot. This position he held until the
last lap when one of the USA riders snuck past in the penultimate
corner. He finished 7th overall on the big wheel KTM.
The race was won by the Dutch champion and current European
points leader Rivio Dankers on bike 10. Justin was up against
Marc Gonzales (USA) who qualified 5th a few months ago for
the Loretta Lynn’s in America. He also beat the GT and
UK cup leader, Ike Carter.
Justin was the second 10 year old home in the race. He had
the French commentators screaming as he pulled a gap on many
big names including Mack Bowenstein, the Dutch No2.
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James van Hinsbergen
James who rode in the open class (over 20 years), for the first
time, had to contend with a full gate of 40 MX 2 riders. James qualified
for the SILVER final and after coming through the hole shot in 18th
position in the final, he could not withstand the onslaught of the
chasing pack. James ended 16th in his group and 30th overall. Not
a bad result given the level of competition. He relished the experience
and has returned home much wiser.
Well done to our three riders – next year even more riders
will join Team SA.
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