Cyril Genot dominant at Loon-Plage

08.11.26

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Loon-Plage (59)

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Belgian rider Cyril Genot (Honda Motoblouz SR) claimed victory in Sunday’s Ronde des Sables at Loon-Plage, the second round of the French Sand Championship Motoblouz. In front of Sébastien Poirier, President of the French Motorcycling Federation (FFM), the Honda factory rider, who had taken the holeshot, initially allowed his teammate Todd Kellett to take the lead. As usual, the Englishman set a blistering pace at the front of the field during the opening stages.

Milko Potisek, who had also made a strong start, failed to complete even one lap, retiring with a mechanical problem on his Yamaha. Meanwhile, Norwegian rider Hakon Fredriksen stayed in touch with the leaders for 30 minutes before dropping back and eventually suffering a mechanical issue of his own.

The race soon turned into a straight duel between Kellett and Genot. Patient but determined, the Belgian finally took control with one hour remaining. Having been outclassed at Berck, Cyril Genot proved to be the man to beat in the closing stages, steadily extending his lead lap after lap to finish more than a minute clear. In doing so, he brought Kellett’s remarkable run of ten consecutive CFS victories to an end.

Dutchman Damien Knuiman (Yam Sand Racing) salvaged some pride for Yamaha by securing third place, while his compatriot Lars Van Berkel helped Triumph Sand Sifam secure a place in the top five. Mathilde Martinez completed the success for the Honda team by winning the women’s race, ahead of Mathilde Denis and Laurine Hugues.

In the championship standings, Genot and Kellett have now each claimed one victory, but it will be the Belgian who wears the red leader’s bib at the next round.

With a record 1,200 riders taking part, the Moto-Club du Littoral once again demonstrated its organisational capabilities. All six races delivered plenty of action, with some unexpected winners along the way.

In the Quad race on Saturday afternoon, Romain Colleatte, a regular front-runner but yet to take a victory, finally claimed the top spot ahead of Harry Walker and Jérémy Forestier. Keveen Rochereau, who had initially finished second, was relegated following a failed sound-level test. Camille Petit took victory in the women’s category.

In the youth classes, Conrad Pinchon and Anaïs Méry secured further victories in the Espoirs category. The Juniors class, however, saw a change at the top, with Ryan Bart Van Hove taking the win, while Léa Lesoil claimed victory in the women’s category.

The Vintage race attracted almost 200 riders to the starting line, with Florian Miot taking the honours aboard his Honda 500.

The French Sand Championship Motoblouz now takes a one-month break. The next round will be the Endurance des Lagunes, in Saint-Léger-de-Balson, on 5 and 6 December.