It could well be that there will be another Everts in a few weeks
becomes world motocross champion. Liam Everts (19) is in 2nd place in the MX2 class and the gap to the leader can still be bridged. Stefan Everts’ son himself remains remarkably calm. “I am already very happy with my three victories, I am not concerned with the world title.”
First there was Harry Everts, four times world champion. Then Stefan followed: 10 times world champion. And now there is Liam Everts.
In the MX2 class he has closed to within 48 points of World Championship leader Adamo, with two Grand Prix to go. A world title is therefore still a possibility.
“My goal this season was not to compete for the world title at all. I mainly wanted to ride for podium places and I succeeded. So my season has been a success anyway,” says Liam.
Father Stefan’s smile suggests that he dreams of something more, but he does not express it. “The goal was top 5 and we are now second in the World Cup. It can still go in any direction because the top 4 are close together. A lot depends on what Adamo does. I especially hope that Liam can continue his season in the top 3 end.”
Liam achieved his first victories this season. At the beginning of June in Germany and in recent weeks in the Netherlands and Turkey. “That does something to a person,” says Stefan. “I once saw my father standing on that stage, I was there myself, and now my son.”
“A win like that gives confidence and that’s something I missed,” Liam admits. “Now I know that I belong in the top 3. And even though I am in the lead, I remain calm. This is how I make progress step by step.”
Liam has already won three GPs this season.
Stefan took a step back: “What happened on the circuit also came to the kitchen table”
And with those victories comes attention. But Liam already got that because of his last name. “The fact that my family name is Everts is a heavy burden on my shoulders,” says the young rider. “I am confronted with this so often and it bothers me.”
“I have learned to deal with that. Especially in the past six months, I have started to think about it much more calmly. I have been guided by a psychologist. And the fact that the results are now coming certainly helps.”
“I often talk about that with my dad, and certainly with my grandfather. Also about how things can be improved.”
Stefan Everts took a step back in guiding his son and that turned out to be a key moment. “The start of the season was difficult for Liam,” says dad Stefan. “It just wouldn’t come out. That caused a lot of frustration.”
“After a family meeting with Grandpa Harry present, we decided that I would take a step back in supporting Liam. The extra pressure I put on was sometimes too much.”
“That was not an easy step,” says Liam. “I found it very difficult to even give that a chance, but it was all a bit too much for me. What happened on the track was also discussed in the kitchen.”
“And in the Swiss Grand Prix we immediately saw progress,” Stefan continues.
“I think we have gotten better and better since that step,” Liam adds.
I have learned to deal with the weight of my last name. I was guided by a psychologist for this.
Liam Everts
Stefan Everts: “I’m still in pain, but Liam’s performance makes me happy”
“Dad is less present now, especially during training. In recent weeks I have been training with grandpa more often,” says Liam. “Grandpa is really very important to me. In terms of character I am actually more like him. We’re both calmer types.”
“It was very difficult for me to let go,” says Stefan, “but sometimes less is more.”
“And of course I think it’s very nice that Liam and his grandfather get along so well. It must be even more special for my father to now see his grandson there too.”
“Grandpa Harry is very important to me, we have taken steps together in recent weeks,” says Liam. “We definitely see progress, step by step. He’s taking his time.”
“In fact, he is already further along than I was at his age,” says Stefan.
What is he still working on? “He can learn to drive even more intelligently, keeping the lines straight
follow more intelligently, drive more aggressively.”
Stefan lists it all quickly and Liam reluctantly agrees. “It will happen. One step at a time.”
Stefan Everts has had some difficult years after he ended up in a coma following a bite from a malaria mosquito. Ultimately, toes on both his feet had to be amputated.
“That pain still remains,” he says. “It will never be optimal again. I still have wounds on my feet, which we are trying to close.”
“But it’s going well. When your son performs like this, that’s fantastic. It makes me happy.”
Stefan and Liam Everts at the impressive trophy cabinet in their house.
2023-09-13 23:11:58
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