By The third round of the 2016 International Road Racing Championship, takes place this weekend at Chimay in Belgium.
A favourite with many riders the iconic roads circuit, has in recent years seen many of continental Europe’s pure road racing greats, showcase the absolute height of their roads prowess.
Photo by Robby Repsol
Going into Chimay IRRC superbike championship leader is Vincent Lonbois, who to date this year has gone unbeaten, with overall four wins from the Hengelo and Oss meetings.
Holding a 27 point lead over his Herpigny Motors BMW Motorrad Belux team mate and reigning champion Sebastien Le Grelle, he will prove hard to beat in the superbike encounters, as will his fellow Belgian.
Photo by Robby Repsol
Four times IRRC champion Didier Grams, has enjoyed so far in 2016, a highly productive roads campaign, wrapping up many a world class result.
Most recently he finished runner up in the grand final at Terlicko in the Czech Republic. Backed by G&G Motorsport the rider regarded by many as Germany’s leading pure road racer, has the undoubted race winning craft to dominate this weekend at Chimay.
Further anticipated front runners include Johan Fredriks, Petr Biciste and 2012 newcomers A Manx Grand Prix winner Kamil Holan.
Photo by Robby Repsol
Performance Racing Team Achterhoek’s Jochem Van Den Hoek amongst the quickest newcomers to the Mountain Course at TT 2016, is one to watch, don’t be surprised to see him secure series of podium finishes.
Additional one’s to watch include David Jean Luc, Thomas Wendel and Optimark Road Racing’s Julien Toniutti and Xavier Denis.
Rising roads star Sam West is a possible entrant, like many of the superbike field, if he competes he will be competing on S1000RR BMW machinery.
Looking towards the IRRC supersport races, Joey Den Besten and Marek Cerveny level at the top of the standings on 90 points, are both confident of emerging victorious at Chimay.
It’s going to be a crucial meeting for both riders, who are both bidding to become two time IRRC supersport championship winners.
2012 and 2013 champion Laurent Hoffmann, will start as arguably the biggest challenger to the championship pace setters.
Don’t discount as well Herloc backed Kevin De Frenne, who made an eye catching Oliver’s Mount, at the Cock of The North Road Races.
Added potential podium finishers include Thomas Walther, Thomas Wendel, Pierre Yves Bian and Denmark’s Anders Blaha.
Highly accomplished TT Races exponent Tuukka Korhonen, Optimark Road Racing’s Julien Toniutti and Xavier Denis add a touch of Mountain Course quality to the entry.
There is also enthralling super twin, Belgium road racing championship and sidecar races in prospect.
The iconic Chimay circuit, that first hosted motorcycle racing back in 1926, celebrates this weekend, it’s 90th anniversary.
Regarded by many as Belgium’s most historic, prestigious and popular roads venue, it’s fast flowing nature makes it in parts comparable with the fastest road racing circuit in the world, Dundrod, home of the Ulster Grand Prix.
Expect as at the Ulster GP, close fought top quality battles at Chimay, as the 2016 IRRC field embarks on the third round of this years series.
Words by Stevie Rial
