Belgium’s victory at the MXoN: Tears of joy for the Everts family

The Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Ernée, contested for the coveted Chamberlain Trophy, opened up new horizons for the sport of motocross. A total of 104,000 spectators were reported to have attended the event over the course of the weekend in the seething cauldron of the venue. Although Team France was plagued by bad luck this time round, there was jubilant celebration in the end. Belgium claimed victory with Lucas Coenen, Liam Everts and Sacha Coenen – 13 years after their last title in Teutschenthal in 2013.

The omens were anything but good: a week ago, Lucas Coenen could barely walk. He himself confirmed in Ernée on Sunday that he had been reduced to tears after consulting with team manager Joel Roelants, when the possibility of him having to pull out was on the cards. In the end, Lucas battled his way to fifth place behind Liam Everts in Sunday’s decisive race, thereby securing victory for Belgium.

Überglücklich: Liam Everts

Foto: Husqvarna

What makes this particularly special, however, is Liam Everts’ triumph: his father Stefan won the trophy a total of five times during the golden era of Belgian motocross, alongside riders such as Joël Smets, Marnicq Bervoets and Steve Ramon in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2004. Stefan was also present at Ernée. The ten-time world champion was completely overcome with emotion after crossing the line at the end of Race 3, standing alongside his wife Kelly, and shed tears of joy.

What’s more, Liam Everts’ uncle, coach Ruben Tureluren, also played a part in the triumph at Ernée. Grandad Harry Everts was also there in person at Ernée – he made his grandson’s triumph complete. During his own career, Harry had also been able to admire the Chamberlain Trophy at close quarters. The four-time world champion won the MXoN trophy in 1976 and 1979 – on both occasions alongside Roger DeCoster. In 1976, he also rode with Gaston Rahier.

MXoN-Sieger Belgien

Foto: MXGP