Maxime determined to outsmart ‘trainer’
Maxime rides in a previous event. Inset with former German champion Kuppers. PHOTO BY JB SSENKUBUGE
What you need to know:
Motocross. Teenage sensation Van Pee will compete against former German champion Jurgen Kuppers at Garuga Racing track today.
KAMPALA
The clash between teenage rider Maxime van Pee and his trainer, German Jurgen Kuppers, will be one of teh highlights of the MX1 class at today’s 5th Nomi National MX Championship at Garuga Racing Track.
“I have been training at his school (International MX School) for the past two years. I have benefited from his training programme,” Maxime told Sunday Monitor. “Before, I was very slow and could not last 20 minutes of constant racing. But that has changed because we train on a heavy sand track which holds an advantage over the two tracks here (Garuga and Busiika) which are mainly murrum.”
He added: “It will give me much pleasure if I beat him on today. At least it will show how far I have come.”
Kuppers, 41, praised Maxime for the progress he has made since he joined his school.
“He has the technical skills; his handling of the machine at different times of the race has given him confidence thus improving his speed,” he said. The former Germany champion also singled out youngster Ali Omar (MX85cc) as one to watch in the future.
However, veteran rider Arthur Blick Jr has vowed to spoil the party for the two riders. Elsewhere, Fortune Ssentamu has recovered from fractured leg and is ready to battle for MX 65 cc title.
At the same meeting, fans for the first time will have a chance of seeing the Barracuda Buggy in action. Unlike the usual buggies which use car engine, the Barracuda runs on motorbike engine of 1,000 cc.
Leaders after four rounds
MX50cc
Habib Kiggundu – 206 pts
MX65cc
Ben Nsunba – 198
MX85cc
Ali Omar – 215
MX2
Fatuh Kiggundu – 222
MX1
Maxime Van Pee – 237
MX veterans
Jesse Kamstra – 117
Ladies Class
Esther Mwangala – 171
