Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Schwantz in Mettet, happy but sore!
By Rodolphe Coiscaud
This last weekend saw the legendary Number 34, Kevin Schwantz, in a Supermoto show in Europe. After a French round near Paris, Kevin turned to Belgium to participate to one of the most important events in Europe, Guidon d’Or at Bercy.
A nice first taste for the former 500cc World Champion, who ran over the weekend with other big names of motorcycling, in a battle of USA vs. Europe!
With Ben Carlson, Chris Fillmore, Steve Drew alongside Schwantz and Aussie Shannon Johnson, America faced Europe, represented by Stephane Chambon, Stefan Everts and Frederic Bolley, among others.
This Starbiker crowd, during the Superbiker of Mettet, was the most important in the event. The stars and stripes flew in front of the blue one of the European contenders, and Schwantz enjoyed himself, saying “I really enjoy this type of racing, it’s so nice to be so close to the people. Also for me it’s great to ride with one of the best motocross riders ever, Stefan Everts, and also Boris and Stephane Chambon, and Freddy Bolley.
“Of course I’d like to be able to beat them, but I’ve been retired 10 years†! The desire and the heart are there, I’ve got racing again inside of me but I’m 40 and the reactions and the mind are not really on the same level as before.”
Despite a big crash during practice on Saturday, Kevin still raced on his DRZ400 Suzuki, same as Stephane Chambon, and scored a 20th place in the Starbiker race where Everts, Chambon and Bolley put their boots on the podium.
“I went to the hospital yesterday, have some broken ribs, I’m a little bit sore but everything is OK. The racing is fun here, but the fans are even more fun! The main difference between the American Championship is the speed, it’s better for road racers.”
This tremendous event ended with the Superbiker Final. On the same grid, World Championship Supermoto stars were lined up against the Starbikers.
Boris Chambon added the Mettet rendezvous to his trophy collection in front of Frederic Fiorentino and Eddy Seel. Stephane Chambon scored in 4th place and Stefan Everts finished 7th.