By Croix-En-Ternois is a short circuit in France close to the Belgian boarder. Races have been held on the circuit since 1973 and last weekend it hosted national Belgian Championship races.
In terms of results from last weekend, we find some road racers names, known for their exploits at traditional road races like Circuit De Chimay, Hengelo (Varsselring) and Horice.
Belgian Twin Trophy wise, notable starters included last year’s road race challenge Champion Toufik Bijenhof.
He was supplemented by additional experienced roads scene pilots like Christophe Carlier, Benjamin Vanacker and Geoffrey Vankoekelbergh.
Another fast pilot in this category and a Twin Trophy Champion, Sander Claessen, is also well known for starts at Chimay and Hengelo in Superbike races.
2023 Manx Grand Prix newcomer, Northwest 200 newcomer this year, Frenchman Julien Cregniot (this year astride Team ILR with Frog Vehicle Developments Paton and Yamaha for Manx GP) tackled the Benelux (Belgium Netherlands Luxembourg) Supersport encounters around Croix-En-Ternois.
Another French rider, Morgan Baplu, tackled the Superbike races and is a newcomer to the Northwest 200 in May.
Victory in both Superbike races went to Chimay Open Trophy experienced, Ouri Bikkems.
Next real roads merchants presenting themselves in the top five ranking, in both Benelux Superbike races were Chimay sub-1.40, Hengelo sub 1.50 second lap-time club members: Sebastien Le Grelle, Yan Ancia and Thijs Peeters. The previously mentioned Sander Claessen also belongs in this close group of riders.
IRRC regular, former series participants also sampling the Superbike race stints were Erwan Bannwart, Mike Ceuppens and Marnix D’Hondt.
Northern Sidecar Cup exponents wise, previous, current roads craftsman racing included Chris Baert (125cc experience at Horice during the 1990’s), Renzo Van Der Donckt (respected Mountain Course racer, Manx GP podium finisher).
Final point of interest sees us return to 2015, 2017 IRRC Superbike Champion, ex World Supersport, Moto GP rider Sebastien Le Grelle.
He is still in the lists of fastest riders for 2024 IRRC host venues since his last appearances in 2017.
Second fastest Imatranajo pilot, third outright in Chimay, fourth in Frohburg and top 10 in Horice, Hengelo and IRRC affiliated races at Schleiz!
Photo credit: Michael Wincott
Words by Jan Vavra
