Frank Lenaerts, forklift driver at truck maker Scania, has won the Belgian LindeCup. He thus crowned himself the best forklift driver in the country. The LindeCup is the annual one-day competition organised by Belgian Linde distributor Motrac.
The stakes were extra high this year, because in addition to honour and a nice trophy, there were also entry tickets to be won for the World Forklift Truck Driving Championships in Germany. The participants were unanimous in saying that the level was extra high this year, both in terms of the field of competitors and the competition itself.
To secure a place among the five finalists, participants had to pass one theory test and complete two practical tests quickly and safely. For example, they had to succeed in stacking nine containers on top of each other with the forklift without toppling them, and with the reach truck – equipped with a miniature forklift on one of the forks – they had to pick up three golf balls with extreme precision and put them elsewhere. Nerves of steel and a steady hand were no luxury here.
Limburg upstairs
Although presenter Virginie Claes performed her duties professionally and neutrally, she seemed to have an inspiring effect on her fellow Limburg contestants. Among the five finalists were three Limburg forklift drivers, all of whom also finished in the top three. Frank Lenaerts (Scania) from Oudsbergen completed the final test fastest, and was joined on the final podium by Jimmy Vleminx (Madrico) from Bree and debutant Maarten Coteur (Carglass) from Bilzen.
“It was my goal to finish in the top three one day and be allowed to compete in the World Championships in Germany. So I am extremely happy with this result,” said the proud winner.
That goal was effectively achieved in this one. Frank, Jimmy and Maarten will be allowed to represent Belgium at the World Championships in Germany on 25 and 26 October, where a number of challenging tests will again decide which country has delegated the best forklift truck drivers this year.
