Frank Lenaerts from Oudsbergen is best forklift driver in the country

Scania forklift driver turns Belgian LindeCup to his will

Saturday, June 1, took place for the 11^the the Belgian LindeCup took place, the annual one-day competition in which Linde distributor Motrac searches for the best forklift driver in Belgium. As with the 2023 edition, we saw a brand new winner: it was Scania employee Frank Lenaerts (50) who got to climb onto the top step of the podium for the first time.

Wanted: a steady hand

The stakes were extra high this year, because in addition to honors and a nice trophy, there were also entry tickets to the World Forklift 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 participants and the competition itself.

To qualify for the 5 finalists, the participants had to pass one theory test and complete two practical tests quickly and safely. With the forklift truck they had to stack 9 containers on top of each other without toppling them over, and with the reach truck - equipped with a miniature forklift truck on one of the forks - they had to pick up 3 golf balls with the utmost precision and put them elsewhere. Nerves of steel and a steady hand were no luxury.

Limburg above

Although presenter Virginie Claes performed her duties professionally and neutrally, she still seemed to have an inspiring effect on her fellow provincials. Among the 5 finalists were 3 Limburg forklift drivers, all of whom also finished in the top 3. Frank Lenaerts (Scania) from Oudsbergen was the fastest in the final test, and was joined on the final podium by Jimmy Vleminx (Madrico) from Bree and debutant Maarten Coteur (Carglass) from Bilzen. 'It was my goal one day to make the top three and be able to compete in the World Cup in Germany. So I am extremely happy with this result', said the proud winner.

That goal has effectively been achieved. Frank, Jimmy and Maarten will represent our country Oct. 25 and 26 at the World Championships in Germany, where again some challenging tests will decide which country has delegated the best forklift drivers this year.