WSBK riders learn new tricks
The World Superbike riders are famous all over the world for their spectacular manoeuvres on track, but the challenge some of them had to face today went beyond their knowledge of riding on two wheels. World level bike trial rider Rick Koekoek, who lives in Hoogeveen, 40km from TT Assen Circuit, held a Master Class of the discipline to a selection of WSBK riders: Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team), Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet), Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike) representing the eni FIM Superbike World Championship, Kenan Sofuoglu (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki), home riders Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Supersport) and wild-card Kevin van Leuven (United Gebben Racing) for the Supersport World Championship and Tony Covena (Nito Racing Kawasaki) for the Superstock 600 European Championship.
At the SBK Paddock Show, Rick Koekoek first demonstrated his own bike trial skills and then taught the basics to his one-time students. The award for the best bike trial rookie went to Leon Haslam, the only one able to perform every increasingly-difficult task required by Rick Koekoek. All riders were on the stage afterwards for a quick interview session.
