Steffi, the multiple IMBA Ladies’ European Champion

With temperatures exceeding 39 in the weeks leading up to the weekend and during the weekend itself, it proved impossible for the organiser’s volunteers to set up the course and run the event. It would probably have been unrideable for the riders too, as such high-intensity competition in those temperatures could have posed a health risk. With three start-to-finish victories and the corresponding hole shots, the German-born rider – who lives in Belgium and competes for Belgium – secured the overall victory of the day and, once again, the title of IMBA European Champion. She was followed in all three races by the Belgian rider Toke Tops, who, riding a 125 cm² two-stroke machine, finished second in both the day’s standings and the overall classification, leaving the competition on more powerful machines behind her. Third place in both classifications also went to Belgium, with Milla Goormans ensuring the podium was entirely in Belgian hands. Viktorie Lohniska and Agata Sovova, who had travelled from the Czech Republic, put up a good fight against the Belgian and Dutch competition and finished in 6th and 7th places respectively, securing spots in the top 10. In 4th and 5th places were the Belgian rider Haeven Faes and the Dutch rider Myrthe Simons. The podium for the day’s results also served to honour the European Championship standings, whilst in the national team classification, all participants were on the podium. Belgium took the win ahead of the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

Special thanks must go to the organisers, the VMCF, and all the volunteers who made it possible for the IMBA to host the Women’s European Championship once again this year. Perhaps next year we’ll find another organiser willing to stage an event for the women as well as for the other categories.