Team Australia with the Lawrence brothers v team USA spearheaded by Eli Tomac and the MX2 powerhouse of Haiden Deegan are, on paper, the two heavy favourites for the Chamberlain Trophy at the 2025 MXoN at Ironman.
But if things go well, Belgium might just put their name into the mix going into the decisive moto 3 on Sunday afternoon. Yes, France should be amongst it too but the young talent of Belgium could be the dark horse that could steal victory.
Lucas Coenen is a freakish talent at just 18, showing the raw speed to beat MXGP powerhouse names such as Tim Gajser, Jeffrey Herlings and Romain Febvre in his rookie season. He was even running with Tomac and Prado on a 250 last year at Matterley Basin.
Coenen didn’t lose the MXGP title on speed just experience, and when he is on he is electrifying to watch with the perfect combination of flow and speed. Lucas is one of the few people on planet earth who may have the raw talent and confidence to challenge Jett Lawrence. Their first battle could be this weekend!
Backing up Coenen is Liam Everts. Always consistent, Everts was fantastic on the 350 at Ernee two years ago. There is no reason to think his smooth style won’t suit the 450, Everts like Lucas, should be even better on a big bike and he could open a lot of eyes in the States and excels in ruts.
Like Lucas, Sacha doesn’t have a speed issue and he usually has great starts. The diminutive Coenen brother has incredible heart and desire to win, that sometimes leads to big crashes but he wont be intimidated by Haiden Deegan and, if he gets a start and can limit the mistakes, he can get the score to vault Belgium into contention.
Don’t count Belgium out this weekend. If all three are on their game they will be contenders and we might just see the first Lucas v Jett battle that could be a common place of Lucas moves to the US soon, they are arguably the two most talented riders of their generation.
