Monster Energy Yamaha’s Jago Geerts picked up his first MX2 trophy of the season last week at Maggiora for 3rd place in the Italian Grand Prix. The result marked a return to form for the Belgian who scored 12th in Russia and 11th in Great Britain after dealing with a twisted left knee sustained in the final pre-season international race in France. Despite the achievement the 21-year-old momentarily played down his chances in 2021.
Geerts finished 2nd in the ‘20 series and was champion Tom Vialle’s most consistent and constant threat through a truncated eighteen-round campaign. The knee injury was a blow on the eve of the twice-delayed 2021 championship and Geerts had to watch teammates Maxime Renaux win in the UK and rookie Thibault Benistant claim the first moto in Maggiora.
“The first two races were really tough with my knee injury but it is getting a lot better,” Geerts claimed after his 4-5 in Italy. “I don’t really have the pace yet to battle for the win but I will train hard in the next two weeks.”
Geerts is remaining cautious on his prospects to be title contender, even though he is considered one of the favourites and – again – a strong rival to Vialle as Yamaha chase their first MX2 title since 2007. Five riders are split by just 14 points in the young MX2 championship narrative, with Geerts hovering 7th and trailing Mattia Guadagnini by 46. “Currently I’m not thinking about the title,” he says “but it is a long season where anything can happen. First, I want to get 100% and battle for the win again.”
Sandy Grands Prix in three of the next four rounds in Holland, Latvia and Belgium could be the stage for Geerts to accelerate a climb up the table.
Words: Adam Wheeler
Pic: Yamaha Racing