The 2023 WSC season promises to deliver one of the busiest and best competitions for many years, with Talavera de la Reina setting the ball rolling over the weekend of 25/26 March. The famous circuit sits around one hundred and twenty kilometres south west of Madrid and has hosted all levels of International Motocross including the 2019 Sidecar GP.
Words by Barry Nutley – Images courtesy of WSC
The steep hillside track is known for its speed, its hard-packed surface and its fearsome jumps. This opening round will not be for the faint-hearted, but maybe that is part of the appeal.
The hype, excitement and expectations are all high, with a real air of anticipation ahead of the new season. If the strength of the entry list is anything to go by, this is just what the doctor ordered after two years of difficult times.
There are old hands and young lions alike from no fewer than nine nations simply itching to get to grips with track action, and the usual “musical chairs” game has seen a number of rider/passenger changes. At least half the top ten drivers from the 2022 season will appear with different names alongside.
That is not the case for the reigning champions Etienne Bax and Ondrej Cermak. The Dutch/Czech duo are back to defend their title, one year older and one year wiser.
Former champion Marvin Vanluchene lines up with French ace Nicolas Musset in the hot seat, whilst Koen Hermans enjoys the services of multiple World Champion Ben van den Bogaart. Gert van Werven is teamed with Robbe de Veene on his trusty Italian TM machine, and looking to replicate the great form he showed in 2022.
Young blood with high hopes comes in the form of French brothers Killian and Evan Prunier and Latvian sensations Daniels and Bruno Lielbardis. The identical twins had an unfortunate debut in Kaplice last year, but young bones heal quickly and young memories are short. Young Briton Dan Foden achieved his goal with a top-ten finish last year, and with the experienced Ryan Humphrey on board, will feel he can better that result.
Fellow Brits Brett Wilkinson and Joe Millard stay as one, and will surely benefit from knowing each other’s game-plan. Stuart Brown is back for more (try keeping him away), with new man Nathan Cooper replacing the now-retired Josh Chamberlain.
It is impossible to name-check everyone on the list, but the overwhelming impression is that the crews are overjoyed to be facing a full-length and meaningful season. Rest assured they will all be featured one way or another as this amazing sport rolls into an even bigger and better year.
Just one week later, the whole circus rolls up in Portugal, with even more teams joining the fray.
If ever I was to feel a “Whoo Hoo” coming on, this is the year. We will bring you more news on this exciting calendar as it unfolds, so stay with us here on www.fimsidecarcross.com and all our social media platforms for that news as it happens.
Entry Lists
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