With an amazing line-up for so many years it’s very challenging for any up and coming rider from Belgium to get noticed, but Desalle’s recent form has gained him recognition both at home and abroad.

Below is a small selection of people wishing ‘Panda’ a happy birthday, each in their own way. At least there’s some consolation for the man himself who has a visit to his dentist scheduled today… Joyeux anniversaire, Clément!

Joël Robert (MX legend, 6-time world champion, 50-time GP winner )

"I’m following Clément for quite some time and as I see it getting up to speed in GP’s is like catching a train. Before he was just able to catch the last railway carriage and now he’s getting closer to the locomotive! He’s on the right direction and I hope he can continue to improve because he has all the ingredients to become a champion. So I wish him the best of luck, off the track Clément remains level-headed and I hope he doesn’t change. And the most important thing is not to crash too often of course!

Teven Lettani (LS Motors-Honda Team Manager and owner )

"Obviously this is our first season with Clément but I’ve been really impressed by his fighting spirit and the professionalism that he and his family display. It’s a great joy for LS Motors-Honda to work together with such a rider! We will continue to support him in the best possible way to achieve his goals. Happy Birthday Clément!"

Paul Malin (MX of Nations winner , vice world champion, came fourth overall in the 500 World Championship at the age of nineteen, Youthstream/Motors TV commentator and journalist )

“Clément caught my eye last year, but he was still a little bit wild, maybe because of his age and being on a big bike. When I saw him again in Faenza on the Honda he was a changed man! That’s not to hold anything against the Suzuki he rode last year but I think the CRF suits him really well. He looks more smooth and more comfortable. Furthermore he impressed me with his intelligence and race craft, especially in Portugal. Clément is not afraid of anyone and I’m sure there’s much more to come. Good luck at the dentist and happy birthday!”

André Malherbe (MX legend, 3-time world champion, Honda icon)

“I have been keeping track of Desalle’s progress and I’m really impressed with him! It’s clear that he has a lot of skills on the bike and he’s smooth in his riding. He’s in good shape and has a bike that seems to work well so he could get a top five overall this season. To me from all of the Belgian riders -and considering his youth- Clément is our brightest hope. I believe he can fight for the world title next year. But for now he just needs to enjoy his birthday!”

Cloe Desalle (sister and personal assistant)

“It took a while for my brother to start competing actually! He did his first local race only when he was 11. Before than he just wanted to ride with his dad and two local riders he was coaching, but when Clémént did his first race he won both heats. He has a lot of determination and knows what he wants. Few people realize how he didn’t take the easiest options. Managing school and racing was certainly not simple but he got his certificate without delay. Being his older sister I’m biased of course but he’s just a cool guy to hang out with as well and people who get to know him realize he has a great sense of humour. We’re all very proud of him, joyeux anniversaire, Clément!”

Georges Jobé (MX legend, 5-time world champion, one of the few privateers to win a world title, in 1987 on a Honda CR 500)

“We are thrilled finally to have a strong rider from Wallonia again. Clément has been impressive in some of the previous GP’s so I think that his first win can’t be too far off now. I wish him a splindid birthday and the career he’s dreaming of!”

Roger Harvey (Former British GP star , Honda Racing off-road manager )

“Clément absolutely stands out because of his attitude. At the races, he’s very focused and serious bout the job at hand. Even after a good ride he won’t be satisfied easily. That’s very refreshing to see from such a young guy! But I know there’s a different more mellow side to Clément as well and over time I think we will get to see some more of that. Happy birthday Clément!”