Ahead of the new The Dirt Pack stories, our test rider Ziggy took a training course with MxStage.be at the MSV De Uitlaat in Vlissingen, Netherlands. MxStage.be is a Motocross training and coaching platform founded by Alain Rolls.
The day was also the first real-world test for The Dirt Pack’s new van, the KIA PV5, KIA’s latest electric van, due for delivery in late July. Ziggy brought along the Stark Sq MX and its charger from KIA to test bi-directional charging. It worked smoothly. The fully charged van covered the 1.5-hour drive from Roeselare to Vlissingen the evening before, and the class was topped up from KIA’s batteries between training sessions using a standard device from Kia to connect to the Starke Future’s standard charger. On the way home – via Meulebeke, Ieper and Roeselare – the KIA was charged for half an hour to reach 80% charge state.
Among six groups of about 15 riders, Ziggy was the only rider to go on power that day. Most people still prefer the petrol-powered MX over the noise, smell and vibration of the electric-powered MX. Ziggy’s long-term goal is to train riders who want to ride on all types of roads, develop as an MX and Enduro rider on electric machines and learn to use FMX within Mototerapia.
Ziggy, as always, thoroughly enjoyed training: he says that training is a never-ending process. Coaches Alain Rolls and Jens van der Meer have a strong skillset working with riders at all levels from youth and beginners to professionals. The next season with Allen’s team for Ziggy is planned for 1-2 August at the Ribecourt-Dreslincourt circuit in France.
About Dirt Pack
The Dirt Pack is a dedicated test review format, and within The Pack is the new category: a premium content series built entirely around real-world electric off-road testing. No spec sheet. No press release. Real riding, on real terrain, with an experienced Enduro and Motocross test rider behind the bars. Each The Dirt Pack review includes a full test ride day at a relevant off-road location, photography, a long-form review published on The Pack, and cross-promotion on all The Pack social channels.
But The Dirt Pack also powers Ziggy’s own initiatives (his main work is moto – but there’s also theory, car, truck and bus):
Electricity On-demand moto coaching and team building (on and off the road): Instructor at driving school. Personal and group training can be booked through www.emxforall.be And www.edirtpark.beIn collaboration with Zeger. Contact: zeger@thedirtpack.eu
Mototerapia Belgium: Mototherapia Belgium is an innovative social initiative that brings therapeutic motorcycle experiences, mainly on quiet electric motorbikes, to hospitals and care environments. The project provides moments of joy, distraction and emotional relief to sick and vulnerable individuals, and is increasingly being recognized as a valuable complementary therapy. Run by off-road rider Zeger “Ziggy” Verbeke and supported by Motorsport Vlaanderen, Mototherapia Belgium exists for a simple reason: to create smiles, peace and connection for people facing illness or disability.
About Stark Square MX 1.2
The class MX tested is Ziggy Stark Future’s electric Motocross bike, now in its updated 1.2 version. It delivers up to 80 hp and 978 Nm of power at the wheel, yet still beats conventional 450 cc combustion bikes in raw output. Power is fully adjustable from 10 to 80 hp, allowing riders to dial in power delivery, engine braking and throttle response via the onboard Arkenstone smart device.
That Arkenstone unit is a military-grade Android device built into the cockpit, providing riders with real-time power map changes and GPS-based lap timing via the new ‘Laps’ feature. The range comes from a new 7.2 kWh battery, 20% larger than before, housed in a magnesium honeycomb case that also acts as a structural frame part, paired with a motor tuned for improved thermal efficiency so riders can enjoy a full day of moto fun.
Ziggy: “So far I’ve only been able to test it on dry, well-groomed hardpack terrain and in sand. So I can’t say anything about riding on wet terrain yet. Big advantage for riders like me, who handle the physical prep work around the bike without a dedicated mechanic: there’s no clutch, no gears. This means that as a rider you can focus entirely on your body position on the bike and your steering and braking technique. As a result, I had zero arm pump and could concentrate completely on steering technique with my legs combined with looking technique.
Versatility from the adjustability of the bike. You start at 50 cc and can end up at 450 cc if you want. I already knew this from MotoTherapia sessions, but it’s even more notable on an MX track. One push of a button and you’re on a different CC planet.
I once had myself physically thrown to the ground, chasing lap times on a four-stroke Kawasaki 450 at MC Amigny, with no real experience. I’m looking forward to getting back on the Stark for serious entertainment as well as growing as a rider.”
Almost no maintenance, no piston hours, no air filters, no fuel, and easy to clean after a training session.
Development was overseen by two-time world champion and Stark’s racing director Sebastian Tortelli, based on testing feedback from over 50 countries and specific racing programs.
About MxStage.be
MxStage.be is a Belgian Motocross training and coaching platform founded by Alain Rolls. It offers private training and coaching sessions, Motocross events held on rented and prepared circuits for beginners, intermediate and competitive riders, and winter and summer camps including weekends and international events in Spain.
more info: www.mxstage.be
