Liam Everts admitted that Riola has traditionally been a difficult venue for him, making his latest podium result all the more meaningful.
“I mainly struggle here in Riola for some reason, I am always a bit uncomfortable coming here. It’s definitely a big confidence booster being on the box here this weekend,” Everts explained.
Rather than pushing the limits from the outset, he took a measured approach across the weekend to try and build into it – it turned out to be the perfect approach.
“I wasn’t pushing from Saturday, actually. I was just trying to stay alive and just get through free practice, do some riding, and then put in one heater in time practice, and that’s what I did. Then the qualifying race was okay.”
The Belgian also opened up more about managing his foot injury, which has significantly limited his time on the bike between rounds and something he’s been dealing with all season.
“We’re in a place where we’re just trying to get as many points as we can and make the most out of the given situation and hopefully give these guys a run for their money soon. I’m struggling with my foot at the moment, so I’m not riding at all during the week. So I’ve been on the bike once during the week after Argentina and that’s it. Like I say, every point is just a bonus.”
Despite the setback, Everts still managed to secure a second podium in a row – and at a track that he hasn’t got the best results on in the past.
“I’m on the podium here, which I never was in the past so in that case, it’s a big confidence booster here.”
Looking ahead, Everts is focused on getting through the upcoming round while managing his injury, with hopes that an upcoming break in the calendar will aid his recovery.
“I just want to get through Arco as good as I can and then I’m pretty lucky with this break coming up. Actually on the hard pack, riding is better (with the injury). It was a bit easier in Switzerland, I struggled more with the pain here.”
All things considered, it was a highly encouraging weekend for Everts and something he’ll hope to build on. With his injury still a factor, simply banking points and maintaining momentum could prove crucial, and once fully fit, Everts looks well placed to take the fight even closer to the front.
