The Czech Republics hosts round eleven of the 2006 Motocross World Championships this weekend, with Suzuki's Kevin Strijbos hoping for a repeat of his debut grand prix victory of one year ago.
The 2006 MX1 season so far has been ruled by reigning champion Stefan Everts, yet to be beaten in his final year of competition, but while the Belgian legend's tenth title now looks assured - the race is on to end his unbeaten run.
If history is anything to go by then the signs are good for Strijbos this weekend; the young Suzuki star is a Loket expert - while Everts has never won an MX1 event at the circuit.
"Yes, it is fair to say that Loket has been a good track for us!" smiled Strijbos, currently second in the championship standings but a massive 136 points behind Everts. "I hope with two good starts I might be able to get closer to Stefan. I am a good second in the Championship now and I need another podium result to get the momentum back after some back luck in South Africa."
Strijbos is currently 22 points ahead of team-mate Steve Ramon, with Kawasaki's Tanel Leok four points further adrift and CAS Honda's Ken de Dycker just eight further behind. All are expected to again be in podium contention this weekend, but it could be de Dycker's team-mate Josh Coppins - gaining ever more fitness after an early season injury - who finally ends Everts' stunning run.
Meanwhile, the situation isn’t so predictable in MX2, where KTM team-mates Tyla Rattray and David Philippaerts have won the most grands prix (three) but the more consistent Christophe Pourcel (one win) leads the standings by 32 points over reigning champion Antonio Cairoli.
Loket has entertained the World Championship every year since 2001. The circuit does not have a great deal of room to accommodate multitudes of fans but its off-cambered turns and steep inclines make it a flowing and natural test. The grip levels tend to vary and the race conditions have alternated between dry and wet over the past few years.
The weather forecast predicts cloudy and cooler temperatures but with the chance of a thunderstorm on Saturday.
Saturday’s first free practice session is scheduled at 10 am and on Sunday the first race will be held at 12.05 am.
