MCUI COUPE DE L’AVENIRE & COUPE 85cc TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR ANGREAU 8TH/9TH OCTOBER 2011
Although the biggest news in global motocross this week is the fast approaching MonsterEnergy FIM Motocross of Nations in France whereby Ireland will be represented, the MCUI have also announced their line up of riders that will be representing Ireland in the upcoming Coupe de l’Avenire Nations Under 21 Cup in Belgium in just under three weeks time…
OFFICIAL MCUI PRESS RELEASE 8TH SEPTEMBER 2011
At a meeting of the MCUI Motocross Commission on 7th September 2011 the selection was made for the teams to travel to Angreau in South West Belgium for the 40th running of the Coupe de l’Avenir, the annual Nations Cup for Under 21’s, and, for the first time, a team of 85cc riders will also be travelling to compete in the Coupe 85cc.
The riders selected are:
Ed Allinhgam, Norman Watt/NoFear Energy Drink Kawasaki KX250F, This will be the Greysteel 20 year olds second trip to Belgium after his debut year in 2010, hampered last year by a lack of bike time, Ed has been on super form since hsi switch to the Kawasaki outfit, and is eager to improve on last years performance
Ed Allingham has shown outstanding form of late
Michael Mahon, VMX KTM SXF350, 20 year old Dubliner, Michael is appearing for the third time at the annual event, and is another rider hoping to improve on last year where a broken bone in his foot hampered his weekend in Belgium, currently leading the G&G Ross Irish MX2 Championship, the smooth riding Dubliner will be looking to a better result this year
Michael Mahon will be representing Ireland for the 3rd time
John Meara, TMC Honda CRF250, The new boy on the squad, 17 year old Loughbrickland lad John will hope to crown an eventful year for him with success for the team. John broke his neck in California while practicing in January, and although he missed early season races is now chasing Mahon for the G&G Ross Irish MX2 Championship.
John Meara completes a very strong Irish trio bound for success in Belgium (Photo: N. McKinstry)
Reserve rider will be Drew Gowdy, the 20 year old Carrick rider on his Body Tech 350 KTM has had a sensational season in the newly introduced Heaney Plumbing Under 21 Championship, and will travel only if one of the team members is injured before the event.
The team will be managed by Trevor Callaghan as usual, and he is expecting a good performance from the lads, given that two of them have experience of the track and the event.
For the first time Trevor will be assisted by Ross Brown to look after the 85cc riders as the MCUI are sending a team to this event run concurrently with the Coupe de l’Avenir for the last few years, these riders will be:
Jason Meara, KTM 85cc, Loghbrickland, 14 year old brother of John, Jason is recovering from a broken wrist sustained at Desertmartin last month, but is expected to be fully fit for the event, current Irish BW85cc Champion, Jason is seen as a hot prospect for the future.
Dylan Coffey, KTM 85cc, Dublin, Dylan was runner up to Jason in the Irish Championship, and is seen as the best hope for the future of MCI motocross, there has been little to choose between Jason and Dylan all year, so the prospects look good for Belgium.
Stuart Fee, Suzuki 85cc, Dromara, Stuart finished third in the Irish 85 Championship, and runner up in the Enkalon Ulster Championship behind Jason, winner of a race at Canada Heights BYMX round earlier this year, Stuart is no slouch either.
This years Coupe de l’Avenir is the 40th running of the event which has been won by eventual GP winners and World Champions such as Stefan Everts, Steve Ramon,Dave Thorpes, Jacky Martens etc.
Established by 5 times World Champion Joel Robert, who attends every event to present the trophies, all profits from the event go to local orphanages, and it is highly supported by local businesses, and spectators usually include Joel Smets, Stefan Everts, etc.
Further details on the event can be found at www.coupedelavenir.be
Source:Malcolm Beattie MRA Press Officer