This picture was taken early 1965. On the left is Joel Robert, the new star of Motocross, who had just conquered his first Motocross world title in the 250cc class in the previous year, riding for the Czech factory CZ. He was teammate of Russian rider Viktor Arbekov (on the right), who had finished third in 64 behind Joel and the Swede Torsten Hallman – 250cc Champion in 1962 and 1963. In those days a few riders from USSR were riding in Motocross World Championships since 1960. That year in ‘65, the fight between Joel Robert, Hallman and Arbekov ended with the win of the Russian rider, taking the first world title in Motocross for the Soviet Union. Arbekov finished four points ahead of Joel Robert, ten ahead of British rider Dave Bickers (on a Greeves) and 17 of Torsten Hallman (Husqvarna).
In the two following seasons, Hallman would win two more titles on his Husqvarna, Joel finishing runner-up. The Belgian would start his titles’ collection as from 1968 with five consecutive crowns until 1972. Arbekov would finish 4th in 1966 and 67, and 9th in 1968. Then he did no longer appear in GP races.
Marc Pétrier