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Eric Geboers gives Belgian GP preview Date: 2009-07-16 15:37:00 | Author: Geoff Meyer   In a little over two weeks the Grand Prix series will recommence with the Grand Prix of Belgium, set for the Lommel circuit. Of course this circuit is one of the most famous in the sport. Event promoter Eric Geboers is looking forward to making some pleasant changes to this event, but wants to also keep the atmosphere to the highest level. Q: Eric, last year Lommel saw some great racing, but what changes have you made for Lommel this year?   Geboers: Last year we had a fantastic race, but a different experience came from the public. They didn't have good places to see the track. We made some big sand berms for this year, so the people can stand on those; we also redesigned the circuit to lower the corners, make it easier for the fans to see the action. Our first priority is the viewing of the public, because last year we made some mistakes with that. We will make it lower and flowing and we will also take everything in the centre of the circuit will be taken out, so people can see the whole circuit, there won't be anything blocking their view.   Q: What about your MX Rookie event. Tell us about that?   Geboers: MX Rookie starts on Tuesday and it is free of charge, all the amateur riders from all over Europe have the chance to be involved. Categories from 15 years to 18 years, 18 years to 25 years, MX1 and MX2 and also above 25 years and older, and we call that the MX diehards. They all have the chance to race on a second circuit next to the Grand Prix circuit, they will all ride on Tuesday and Wednesday and then on Friday those people who make it to the final will get to ride on Grand Prix circuit and also use the Grand Prix podium and get the feel of what the GP riders feel. It is a great experience for the amateur riders.   Q: Stefan Everts is also helping out, what will Stefan be doing?   Geboers: For sure I have a complete new team to organize this event and all I needed to take care of was the race track, so he will be involved in the design of the circuit, also working together with Greg Atkins. The three weeks before Lommel there isn't any races, so Stefan will be able to be involved in a big way.   Q: How about a legends parade for the older riders?   Geboers: In the past I did the thing in Namur with the Champions parade; it might be a good idea to think about that thing. I think you should change your way of saying old riders, you should say former riders (laughing). Sure it would be nice to have some legends parading around, I have to think about how I could do that.   Q: You have been retired 20 years now, do you miss racing?   Geboers: Not anymore, but it took me a while, but I don't miss it now. I used to watch riders racing and think - give me that bike, let me show you how to do it, but I don't do that anymore.   Q: What about somebody like Cairoli, you and him are both little guys. Do you see anything similar about him and you?   Geboers: I see a lot of stuff about Cairoli that is similar to me, but I see more likeness to Roczen. He does so many things I would have done the same. I think in Latvia he improved a lot from Germany.   Q: I agree, he looked amazing in Latvia. Did you see him in that straight area after the tent section?   Geboers: In Latvia that straight in front of the tents, we put on the pit board that he should wheelie through that area, just after Frossard had a big crash in that area. Once you tell Ken to do something he does it straight away. It was a good trick in the sand to lift the front wheel over the breaking bumps. He comes by and looks at the board and then does it, every time. He looks so in control.