Liam Everts had a few GP’s off the podium but he put things right in Switzerland going 2-5 for third overall. The Belgian was superb in the first moto passing a host of top class riders and even caught Kay de Wolf but just couldn’t make a pass stick. In the second moto a bad start cost him a potential GP win but getting back on the podium is a step back in the right direction.
We caught up with Everts after the Swiss GP to discuss a range of topics…
GateDrop: I would say the past few GPs haven’t really gone to plan for you, so that first moto especially was amazing. It must have felt good to ride like the way you did and make a lot of passes as well…
Everts: Yeah, the last five rounds, I have pretty much messed up my podium chances, I had just some little small tip overs… But yeah, today, even with a tip over in the second one and the first one, still managed to get on the box, which was really nice.
GateDrop: Just on the track, it looked like you needed very good throttle control. I noticed you were standing up quite a lot too, just like your dad. Did you enjoy the track?
Everts: I enjoyed it a lot, actually. I mean, a lot of people say it’s a simple track, which it is, but I think the rain really slowed the track down a lot, very deep ruts, and for me that plays in my favour a lot… but I don’t think this is really a GP-worthy track if you watch the national this weekend in the US.
GateDrop: Do you think they could do anything to improve it, to make it better, or do you just think we should maybe go somewhere else in Switzerland?
Everts: I don’t know… It’s not my part to fill in.
GateDrop: Just on your season, I mean, when you first came back in Spain, you were really good. Last few GPs, maybe a dip, what would you put that down to, or do you just think it’s been a few silly mistakes here?
Everts: Yeah, just silly mistakes but we are focused, and yeah, we just tried to find a way to make it work again. I think today was the right step for it.
GateDrop: Just on the level of MX2 this year, it seems very intense, and it seems like no matter the track, you need to get out of that gate, because there are rockets at the front, whoever it is, whether it’s you, Kay, Lucas etc…
GateDrop: Yeah… I mean, today you can make a lot of difference on a rutty track. I spun up on the gate twice, and the start is so important. The level is very high. You can see also the crashes that happened again with Kay and Lucas. It’s really high.
GateDrop: I’m sure you’re glad to be on the podium, but you’re probably here to win, so…
Everts: Yeah, but I mean, I’m already happy I got back on the podium, so this is a step forward. Of course, I know I let a GP win slide away here, but the way I get on the podium is a very big positive for me.
GateDrop: Belgium announced their Motocross des Nations team, a very young team with you, Lucas, and Sacha… First of all, is that an event you’re looking forward to, to represent Belgium again?
Everts: Yes, always, actually. I really, really enjoy doing that event. I don’t know which bike I’ll be doing it on, but… Yeah, definitely looking forward to it.
GateDrop: I think you raced a 350cc last year at the event, isn’t that right? Is it a case of you’ll try both the 350cc cand the 450cc before Matterley, and then make a final decision?
Everts: Yeah, we’re going to do some testing and get ready, and see what’s the best choice.
GateDrop: What are your plans now in Turkey? I’m sure you’re glad with a weekend off, three in a row, it’s very demanding, so what are your plans between now and Turkey?
Everts: Actually, I’ve got some testing on for the Nations within the next two weeks which is nice. I mean, we’re coming into final stages of the season, which obviously I’m not in the championship battle. I’m maybe in for third, but quite a way ahead of fifth, so you can play around a bit. So I think it’s a good time to try the 450cc, try the 350cc, and get a feel for Nations, which is a fun thing to do.
GateDrop: And Joel Roelants is the team manager. Is this his first year, or was he manager last year? I think this is his first year. What’s it been like with him as team manager?
Everts: Yeah, it is his first year. I didn’t go riding earlier this week, but I went to his home, and he has some trails in the woods, so we enjoyed ourselves there.
GateDrop: What’s the communication been like with him?
Everts: Oh, very good, actually. I like working with him a lot. I think he’s a good team manager and knows what he’s doing.
GateDrop: When you were on the 85cc, you and Jett were good friends. Do you still keep in touch with him?
Everts: Yeah, now and then we speak. Obviously, his career went like this (up), you know. But he’s still, in my opinion, the same. Still a dumbass like he was before. A super nice guy.
GateDrop: You must be looking forward to racing him at Matterley Basin and seeing him again…
Everts: It is always nice to see them, you know. Also Hunter as well. Yeah, it’s cool.
