Bei den Junioren war es Constantin Piller, der das Qualifikationstraining für sich entscheiden konnte. Im ersten Wertungslauf war er es, der zusammen mit Radek Vetrovsky das Feld anführen konnte, wobei Piller immer wieder in Führung ging und diese nach kleinen Fahrfehlern wieder abgab. Gegen Rennende wurde der Meisterschaftsführende Camden Mc Lellan immer schneller, konnte beide überholen und das Rennen gewinnen. Die Plätze 2 und 3 gingen an Piller und Vetrovsky. Im zweiten Lauf war es erneut der Bayer Constantin Piller, der das Feld anführen konnte. Dieses Mal blieb er fehlerfrei und fuhr einen Start-Ziel-Sieg ein. Dieses Ergebnis bedeutete den ersten Tagessieg für Constantin Piller. Die weiteren Plätze gingen an Camden Mc Lellan und Liam Everts.

Im ADAC MX Youngsters Cup waren mit Michael Sandner und Marcel Stauffer zwei Österreicher die schnellsten. Michael Sandner war es auch, der den ersten Lauf mit einem Start- und Ziel-Sieg gewann. Auf den Plätzen 2 und 3 folgten Richard Sikyna und Dylan Walsh. Bei Fallen des Startgatters zu Lauf zwei blieben einige Favoriten in diesem hängen und mussten dem Feld hinterher jagen. So war es Jakub Teresak, der zunächst das Feld anführen konnte. Nach wenigen Runden übernahm der Meisterschaftsführende Rene Hofer die Spitze. Gegen Rennmitte wurde er von Dylan Walsh überholt und auf Platz 2 abgewunken. Platz 3 sicherte sich Hardi Roosiorg. Mit den Plätzen 2 und 1 ging der Tagessieg an den DIGA Procross Piloten Walsh.

In der Topklasse, der ADAC MX Masters, konnte Max Nagl erneut die Pole Position einfahren. Nachdem sich Sulivan Jaulin den Holeshot sicherte und sich kurz an der Spitze behauptete, konnte der Honda Pilot Hunter Lawrence die Spitze übernehmen und bis ins Ziel behaupten. Max Nagl startete nicht optimal ins Rennen und musste einige Konkurrenten überholen. Am Ende ging ihm bei der Aufholjagd die Zeit aus und er musste sich mit Platz 2 begnügen. Den letzten Podestrang sicherte sich Henry Jacobi. Im zweiten Lauf war es der TM-Factory Pilot Nagl, der sich gleich von Beginn an die Spitze setzte und das Rennen souverän gewann. Die weiteren Plätze gingen an Henry Jacobi und Jens Getteman. Damit ging der Tagessieg auch bei der dritten Veranstaltung an Max Nagl.

Bielstein. Die 7.800 Zuschauer auf dem Bielsteiner Waldkurs wurden bei der dritten Runde des ADAC MX Masters mit perfekten äußeren Bedingungen und äußerst spannenden Rennen verwöhnt. Angenehme Temperaturen um 17° Celsius und eine top präparierte Strecke ermöglichten Motorsport auf höchstem Niveau. In der ADAC MX Masters-Klasse war es erneut Max Nagl (TM Factory Racing), der dem Rennen seinen Stempel aufdrückte. Nach einem Fehler in der Anfangsphase des ersten Durchgangs, musste sich der Bayer zwar mit dem zweiten Rang hinter Hunter Lawrence (KMP-Honda-Racing) begnügen, konnte jedoch im zweiten Rennen mit einem beeindruckenden Start-Ziel-Sieg seine Welt wieder geraderücken. „Ich hatte einen guten Start in den ersten Lauf“, so Nagl. „Aber ein Fehler in der Waldpassage hat mich viele Plätze gekostet. Bis ich mich wieder auf Rang zwei nach vorne gekämpft hatte, war Hunter Lawrence schon sehr weit weg. Ich konnte zunächst Zeit auf ihn gut machen, hatte dann jedoch ein Problem mit meinem Motor und musste deshalb das Tempo drosseln.“

Mit dem Ersatzmotorrad an der Spitze des Feldes ins zweite Rennen gestartet, ließ Nagl der Konkurrenz keine Chance und gewann mit über 24 Sekunden Vorsprung vor Henry Jacobi (STC Husqvarna Racing) und Jens Getteman (Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil). „Ich war nach dem ersten Durchgang richtig wütend auf mich selbst und konnte es deshalb kaum abwarten endlich ins zweite Rennen zu starten. Dabei konnte ich mir den Frust nämlich schön von der Seele fahren“, schmunzelte der Meisterschaftsführende nach seinem eindrucksvollen Sieg.

Henry Jacobi hatte sich dazu entschieden, in Bielstein mit seiner 250 ccm Maschine zu starten und diesen Schritt auch nicht bereut. „Ich fahre einfach wahnsinnig gerne mit der 250er“, versicherte Jacobi. „Da der Kurs in Bielstein relativ eng ist und nicht ganz so lange Bergauffahrten hat, schien mir die Strecke hier ideal. Trotz dem Leistungsdefizit konnte ich ein hohes Tempo fahren und bin mit den Rängen drei und zwei zufrieden. Im zweiten Lauf wurde es am Ende noch mal recht eng, als ich oben im Wald übers Vorderrad gerutscht bin. Da konnte ich mich gerade so noch vor Getteman behaupten.“ Der Belgier hatte kurz vor dem Rennen in Bielstein noch mit einer schweren Erkältung zu kämpfen und war deshalb selbst von seiner Leistung überrascht. „Im ersten Lauf fühlte ich mich völlig kraftlos und kam nicht über Rang 13 hinaus“, schilderte Getteman. „Dafür ging es in Rennen zwei deutlich besser und ich konnte mich vor Hunter Lawrence auf Rang drei behaupten.“

Lawrence hatte den ersten Lauf souverän mit über 13 Sekunden Vorsprung gewonnen, jedoch keinen guten Start ins zweite Rennen erwischt. „Ich steckte zunächst im Verkehr fest und tat mir schwer, schnell nach vorne zu kommen“, räumte der Australier ein. „Aber nach ein paar Minuten lief es besser und ich konnte viele Plätze gut machen. Rang zwei in der Tageswertung ist absolut Okay – ich fahre mit einem Lächeln im Gesicht nach Hause.“ Tagesrang vier sicherte sich Lukas Neurauter (Cofain Racing Team/KTM) mit den Einzelergebnissen vier und fünf.

ADAC MX Youngster Cup

Die beiden Rennen des ADAC MX Youngster Cup waren an Spannung kaum zu überbieten. Ein besonders turbulentes Wochenende erlebte Michi Sandner (Thermotec Racing KTM/Mefo Sport Racing Team). Der Österreicher hatte schon am Samstag die schnellste Rundenzeit in der Qualifikation gefahren und konnte auch den ersten Lauf am Sonntag trotz einiger Attacken seiner Gegner für sich entscheiden. Nach dem perfekten Auftakt kam jedoch der Start in den zweiten Lauf: „Der Fahrer neben mir ist ein wenig zu früh losgefahren und ich habe mich davon leider mitreißen lassen“, ärgerte sich Sandner, der bei der Aktion mit dem Vorderrad ans Startgatter knallte und erst als letzter ins Rennen gehen konnte. „Das war natürlich unklug, aber ich habe alles darangesetzt, dass ich nochmal nach vorne komme.“ Seine unglaubliche Aufholjagd brachte Sandner schließlich noch bis auf den fünften Rang und damit auch auf Platz zwei der Tageswertung.

Tagessieger in der hart umkämpften Nachwuchsklasse wurde Dylan Walsh (Team Diga Procross/Husqvarna), der sich im ersten Lauf noch über einen Fahrfehler ärgern musste. „Ich war mir sicher, dass ich gewinnen könnte“, so der Neuseeländer. „Aber durch meinen Sturz hatte ich mir die Chance auf den Triumph verbaut.“ Im zweiten Durchgang ließ sich Walsh auch nicht von einem mittelmäßigen Start einbremsen und sicherte sich den Sieg vor Rene Hofer (KTM Junior Racing) und Hardi Roosiorg (WZ-Racing/KTM).

Hofer durfte mit den Einzelergebnissen vier und zwei auf die letzte Stufe des Tagespodiums klettern und konnte damit auch seine Führung in der Gesamtwertung verteidigen. „Ich bin voll zufrieden mit meinem Auftritt“, zog der Österreicher ein positives Fazit. „Ich habe beide Starts gewonnen und konnte meine Gesamtführung behaupten, auch wenn ich die ersten Runden im ersten Rennen ein wenig verschlafen habe. Jetzt geht es nach Möggers. Das ist zwar rund 500 Kilometer von mir zu Hause entfernt, aber natürlich trotzdem mein Heimrennen. Ich hoffe, dass mich die heimischen Fans dort zu Top-Leistungen pushen werden.“

ADAC MX Junior Cup 85

Im ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 konnte Constantin Piller (Mefo Sport Racing Team/MSC Freisinger Bär/KTM) seinen ersten Tagessieg in der laufenden Saison feiern. Der Bayer hatte schon am Samstag mit der schnellsten Rundenzeit seine Ansprüche angemeldet und konnte auch am Sonntag überzeugen. Piller lag im ersten Lauf schon klar auf Siegkurs, musste sich jedoch nach einem Sturz mit dem zweiten Rang hinter Camden Mc Lellan (Kosak Racing Team/KTM) zufriedengeben. Im zweiten Durchgang lief hingegen alles glatt und der Bayer durfte sich verdient über den Sieg freuen. „Mein Start war zwar nicht perfekt, aber ich war ganz vorne dabei“, schilderte Piller die Anfangsphase. „Ich habe mir dann recht schnell einen Vorsprung rausgefahren und konnte diesen auch bis ins Ziel verteidigen. Der Sieg ist super, aber leider konnte ich damit wieder keine Punkte in der Gesamtwertung auf Camden Mc Lellan gut machen.“

Der Südafrikaner hatte nämlich den ersten Durchgang gewonnen und sich im zweiten Rennen hinter Piller auf Rang zwei platziert. „Ich hätte selbstverständlich gerne beide Läufe gewonnen“, versicherte Mc Lellan. „Aber dazu hätte ich im zweiten Rennen besser starten müssen. Immerhin konnte ich mit dem Resultat meinen Vorsprung auf Liam in der Gesamtwertung ausbauen.“ Liam Everts (KTM) fuhr mit den Rängen vier und drei zwar aufs Podium, doch der ehrgeizige Sohn des zehnfachen Weltmeisters Stefan Everts war nicht zufrieden mit seinem Auftritt. „Ich hatte hier kein gutes Wochenende“, übte der Belgier strenge Selbstkritik. „Normalerweise fühle ich mich auf technischen anspruchsvollen Strecke wie hier in Bielstein wohl, aber es ist hier einfach nicht rund gelaufen für mich. Beim nächsten Rennen werde ich dafür umso stärker zurückkommen.“

Die besten Szenen vom ADAC MX Masters werden in der Saison 2018 weltweit im TV zu sehen sein. Der Sender Motorvision TV zeigt die Highlights der sieben Rennwochenenden in einem 30-minütigen Magazin in mehr als 100 Ländern. Bei Motorvision auf Sky sind die Highlights vom ADAC MX Masters in Bielstein erstmals am 8. Juli ab 13:30 Uhr zu sehen, Motorvision International zeigt das Magazin erstmals am 22. Juli ab 17.30 Uhr.

Text: Harald Englert
Bild: ADAC Motorsport

München. Die dritte Runde des ADAC MX Masters wird auf dem traditionsreichen Bielsteiner Waldkurs (23./24. Juni) gefahren. Auf der 1.655 Meter langen Strecke werden die Fahrer zum ersten Mal in dieser Saison auf hartem Boden unterwegs sein und somit vor andere Herausforderungen wie bei den ersten beiden Rennen in Fürstlich Drehna und Mölln gestellt. Somit könnten auch neue Gesichter und alte Bekannte auf dem Siegertreppchen auftauchen, die bisher noch nicht richtig zum Zuge kamen.

Allen voran der vierfache ADAC MX Masters Champion Dennis Ullrich (2-Stroke Revolution Racing), der auf seiner 300 ccm Zweitakt-KTM bisher einen sehr schweren Stand hatte. „Die Rennen in Fürstlich Drehna und Mölln waren nicht gerade einfach für mich“, räumt der 24-Jährige ein. „Im Sand von Fürstlich Drehna hat mir Leistung gefehlt und der Kurs in Mölln hat mir noch nie gelegen. Bielstein ist technisch anspruchsvoll und sollte mir und meinem Motorrad entgegenkommen. Ich hoffe, dass ich dort mal wieder vorne mitfahren kann.“

Als Favoriten auf den Sieg gehen erneut Max Nagl (TM Factory Racing) und Henry Jacobi (STC Husqvarna Racing) ins Rennen. Nagl hat nach dem Ausrutscher von Jacobi im zweiten Lauf von Mölln schon 20 Punkte Vorsprung in der Gesamtwertung und möchte diesen gerne weiter vergrößern. Dass der Bayer in Top-Form ist, bewies er zuletzt mit einem starken siebten Rang beim elften Rennen der Motocross-Weltmeisterschaft MXGP im italienischen Ottobiano. Jacobi hatte bei den letzten WM-Rennen in Frankreich und Italien ein wenig Pech und ging gleich mehrmals zu Boden, doch die Form und das Tempo des Thüringers stimmen nach wie vor, was er nicht zuletzt mit einem Top Ten Rang im ersten Durchgang in Ottobiano belegen konnte.

Äußerst interessant dürfte der Kampf um Platz drei der aktuellen Meisterschaftswertung in Bielstein werden. Den drittplatzierten Jeffrey Dewulf (Motorshop Desmet-KTM) und seinen Verfolger Jens Getteman (Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil) trennen gerade einmal vier Punkte. Während Getteman als starker Fahrer auf harten Böden gilt, muss Dewulf erst noch beweisen, dass er seine Erfolge von den ersten beiden Rennen auch auf hartem Geläuf wiederholen kann.

In Bielstein wird auch Hunter Lawrence (KMP-Honda-Racing) erstmals in dieser Saison ins Geschehen der ADAC MX Masters-Klasse eingreifen. Der Australier hat sich mittlerweile von seinen Verletzungen erholt und konnte schon wieder fleißig WM-Punkte sammeln. Er gilt für das Rennen in Bielstein als einer der Favoriten auf vordere Plätze.

Auch im ADAC MX Youngster Cup dürfen wieder äußerst spannende Rennen erwartet werden. Rene Hofer (KTM Junior Racing) hat zwar elf Punkte Vorsprung an der Spitze der Meisterschaftswertung, doch hinter dem Österreicher lauern die Verfolger. Mit Dylan Walsh (Team Diga-Procross/Husqvarna), Jett Lawrence (Team Suzuki Germany), Roland Edelbacher (Dimoco Europe Racing/KTM), Richard Sikyna (JD Gunnex KTM Racing Team) und Hardi Roosiorg (Sahkar Racing/KTM) gibt es gleich fünf Fahrer, die nicht nur durch lediglich sieben Punkte in der Gesamtwertung getrennt werden, sondern von denen auch jeder Einzelne für einen Sieg gut ist.

Eine besondere Würze wird das Rennen im ADAC MX Youngster Cup durch die Gaststarts des Führenden und Zweitplatzierten im ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 bekommen. Filip Olsson (Team Diga-Procross/Husqvarna) und Raf Meuwissen (Raths Motorsports/KTM) nutzen die planmäßige Pause ihrer „Stammklasse“ um Racing-Luft im heiß umkämpften ADAC MX Youngster Cup zu schnuppern. Dass die Beiden dabei Respekt zeigen und sich hinten anstellen werden, darf allerdings nicht erwartet werden. Und so darf man durchaus gespannt auf das Gastspiel der beiden Top-Nachwuchsfahrer sein.

Auch bei den jüngsten Fahrern, im ADAC MX Junior Cup 85, wird in Bielstein spannende Action geboten. Mit zwei Siegen, einem zweiten und einem dritten Platz hat sich Camden Mc Lellan (Kosak Racing Team/KTM) an die Spitze der Gesamtwertung gesetzt und wird auf dem Bielsteiner Waldkurs alles daransetzen, seinen Vorsprung von gerade einmal fünf Punkten zu verteidigen. Bisher ärgster Widersacher des Südafrikaners war der Belgier Liam Everts, der selbstverständlich auch in Bielstein zum engsten Favoritenkreis zählt. Mit Constantin Piller (Mefo Sport Racing Team/MSC Freisinger Bär/KTM), Paul Bloy (Bauerschmidt KTM) und Nick Domann (Kosak Racing Team/KTM) ist ein schlagkräftiges deutsches Trio am Start, das den beiden Favoriten einen Strich durch die Rechnung machen möchte. Piller stand bereits in Mölln auf dem Podium und rechnet sich auch für Bielstein gute Chancen aus.

Bielstein ist ein Ortsteil der Stadt Wiehl und liegt knapp 50 Kilometer östlich von Köln. Der Bielsteiner Waldkurs des veranstaltenden Clubs MSC Drabenderhöhe-Bielstein e.V. bietet durch die teilweise Lage im Wald eine ganz besondere Atmosphäre und damit ein einzigartiges Erlebnis für die Fans. Im Rahmenprogramm des ADAC MX Masters in Bielstein wird am Samstagabend ein Open Air Konzert mit der Rockband Benjirose stattfinden. Auch für die Fußballfans ist vorgesorgt. Pünktlich um 20:00 Uhr am Samstag startet ein Public Viewing mit dem WM-Spiel des deutschen Nationalteams gegen Schweden. Familien mit Kindern dürfen sich auf die ADAC Unfallschutz Hüpfburg und den ADAC Young Generation Suzuki Quadparcours freuen. Als zusätzliche Attraktion für die Fans wird es am Sonntagmittag um 11:45 Uhr eine Autogrammstunde mit Max Nagl, Henry Jacobi, Jeffrey Dewulf, Hunter Lawrence und Dennis Ullrich geben. Die Top-Fahrer werden am ADAC-Truck eine halbe Stunde lang für Unterschriften und Fotos mit den Fans zur Verfügung stehen.

Ein Wochenendticket für Erwachsene kostet 20,- Euro, Jugendliche im Alter von 13 – 15 Jahren erhalten 50% Ermäßigung. Kinder bis 12 Jahre haben in Begleitung eines Erwachsenen freien Eintritt. Wer nur am Samstag kommen möchte, zahlt lediglich 10,- Euro (inkl. Konzert). Die Tageskarte für Sonntag kostet 17,- Euro. Für ADAC Mitglieder gibt es im Vorverkauf 10% Rabatt auf die Eintrittspreise.

Text: Harald Englert
Bild: ADAC Motorsport

The 2018 Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia is underway below the sun at the sandy Ottobiano circuit. Today’s unpredictable racing was as exciting as it was impressive with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington claiming their respective Qualifying Race wins!

The summer heat along with the sandy circuit of Ottobiano gave the riders difficult conditions but gave the fans amazing racing! Both the MXGP and MX2 Qualifying races were full of action but adding to the racing of the premier classes was the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship and FIM Europe’s EMX250 Championship.

The Italian fan favorite from the Women’s racing was without a doubt MXFONTARACING Yamaha’s Kiara Fontanesi. Leading the race early was Larissa Papenmeier followed by Fontanesi, Altherm JCR Yamaha’s Courtney Duncan, and Nancy van de Ven. At the end however it was Fontanesi taking the home race win over Duncan, Van de Ven, and Papenmeier with Shana van der Vlist 5th.

EMX250 Race 1 was a perfect performance from Team DIGA-Procross’ Dylan Walsh. Walsh took the holeshot and led every single lap. Behind Walsh was Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Mathys Boisrame, BUD Racing Monster Energy’s Brian Moreau, and ASTES4-TESAR YAMAHA’s Roan van de Moosdijk. With 3 laps complete Moreau crashed while chasing Boisrame and gave third to van de Moosdijk. Later Boisrame closed to the back wheel of Walsh but a strong response from Walsh gave him the race win with Boisrame 2nd, and van de Moosdijk 3rd.

Starting the weekend many eyes where on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli. From the Italian fans to media and more Cairoli was the center of attention but at the start of the MXGP Qualifying Race it was Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Official Team’s Jeremy Seewer who stole the show. The MX2 overall winner from last year took the holeshot and lead while Cairoli was buried towards the back of the pack.

Chasing Seewer was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Standing Construct KTM’s Kevin Strijbos. The opening lap was a struggle for Cairoli who not only had a bad start but also clipped another rider and went down. Rejoining the race in last position Cairoli had to work hard to achieve decent gate pick for tomorrow’s pair of championship races.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle was fourth at the beginning of the race and had both Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders, Max Anstie and Gautier Paulin chasing him. First to make a move was Paulin who pushed past his teammate for fifth as Febvre started to pressure Seewer for the lead.

On lap 5 Febvre took over the lead from Seewer and Desalle took 3rd from Strijbos. During next lap Strijbos lost 2 more positions to Paulin and Anstie. Around the same time Cairoli moved past Gajser after a short battle over 16th.

Cairoli continued his charge forward for the next seven laps. With the final turn to go the Sicilian was 9th but with his fighting spirit managed to pass both Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek and BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle before the finish for 7th.

Romain Febvre claimed the qualifying win with Seewer in second and Desalle took third after a last lap battle with Paulin.

Romain Febvre: “I’m feeling very good, I’m getting better and better every week so that’s really important. Today I was good all day long, I was third in time practice and took a good start, it was almost the holeshot and then after three laps I took the lead from Jeremy Seewer.”

Antonio Cairoli: “It was a very difficult qualifying race and I had one little crash and a big one at the end of the waves on the first lap. I struggled a little bit to come back to 7th but I’m already really looking forward to tomorrow.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), 23:45.610; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:03.260; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:04.700; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:06.325; 5. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:08.975; 6. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +0:16.010; 7. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:20.156; 8. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:20.330; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:20.331; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +0:24.015.

Just as MXGP’s Qualifying race was difficult for Cairoli the MX2 Qualifying race was a challenge for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington however had the perfect race. Covington scored the holeshot and checkout from the field within the first laps.

Also strong off the start was LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes in second position. Behind Pootjes was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and then, after a series of passes during the opening lap, Pauls Jonass. By the end of lap 2 Jonass was passed Prado and pressuring Pootjes for second.

On lap 6 both Jonass and Prado where past Pootjes who then lost another pair of spots in the next two laps to Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen and Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson.

On the 9th lap Jonass could be seen restarting his bike and in the meantime lost positions to Prado, Vlaanderen, and Watson. At the finish line it was Covington who took the qualifying race win, his 3rd this season and second in row, with Prado 2nd, Vlaanderen 3rd, Watson 4th, and Jonass 5th. Covington’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate, Thomas Kjer Olsen, fought his way up to 9th following a crash on start.

Thomas Covington: “Every weekend this is how you plan for a race to go but it is pretty rare for it to actually happen. Two consistent starts and being strong at the end tomorrow is going to be really important.”

Yamaha SM Action M.C. Migliori’s new rider, Michele Cervellin, took 13th during today’s qualifying which is his 2nd home GP of the season. Michele in the press conference said: “This is home GP… I will try to do my best and tomorrow is for sure going to be difficult with two longer races but we will fight for a good result.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 23:58.093; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:07.842; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:13.121; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:15.931; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:23.208; 6. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:24.636; 7. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:25.513; 8. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:27.659; 9. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:27.869; 10. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:35.619.

Text/Bild: Youthstream

MXGP is entering the second half of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship season this weekend in Italy. For the second time this year MXGP races in the home country of the defending champion, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli! The 2018 Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia will take place at the Ottobiano circuit just outside of the city of Milan. The 11th round of 20 this season comes just days after the last racing weekend in France.

The Ottobiano circuit was first used as a MXGP stop last year where the racing was epic with thousands of fans watching the top riders battle each other, the grueling heat, and the technical track. All the same elements are expected this weekend with the addition of an epic battle for title.

Joining the MXGP and MX2 classes this weekend will be the FIM Womens Motocross Championship for its 4th round and FIM Europe’s EMX250 class for the 7th stop on the calendar. The Women of Motocross were last seen racing at the Tuetschenthal circuit alsonside the MXGP of Germany where points leader, Altherm JCR Yamaha’s Courtney Duncan dominated the field. This weekend we can expect close racing with the defending champion and home fan favorite, MXFONTARACING Yamaha’s Kiara Fontanesi, on a track she trains often on. In the EMX250 class the level of competition remains intense with many potential winners and Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Mathys Boisrame as the new points leader.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings continues to top the points standings and has grown his lead over the past several races. The sand of Ottobiano is the speciality of Herlings but unfortunately a training crash earlier today resulted in a fractured collar bone. The MXGP point leader’s status for this weekend is questionable as he will undergo surgery to repair the fracture this evening. Meanwhile his Red Bull KTM Teammate, Antonio Cairoli always steps his game up in front of the home fans, making this weekend an especially interesting one to watch. Cairoli took the overall win here in 2017 while Herlings struggled in the heat.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle had a bit of an up and down weekend just days ago in France. Desalle had the speed in race 1 to finish second but then only managed a 6th in race 2 which left him just off of the podium. Still holding 3rd in the points Desalle will be looking to improve on his 7th overall from last year.

Fighting not only for the spot as top frenchman but also for 4th in the championship is Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin. Febvre has a 27 point lead on Paulin and the pair battled last weekend in front of their home crowd. Last year Febvre was 4th at Ottobiano while Paulin took 6th.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser reached the podium last weekend in France and is getting faster week by week. Gajser result from 2017 was 10th overall but in all fairness it was among his first races after returning from injury.

Also to watch out for this weekend is Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie, and Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing’s Alessandro Lupino. Seewer won the MX2 class here last year, Anstie was third in MXGP, and Lupino has been riding strong lately plus it is a home GP for the #77.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 486 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 424 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 351 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 323 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 296 p.; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 295 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 267 p.; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 226 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 219 p.; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), 177 p.

2017 Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia Top 3 MXGP:

1. Antonio Cairoli
2. Jeffrey Herlings
3. Max Anstie

In the MX2 championship Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado comes off a successful weekend in France where he cut into the points lead of his teammate Pauls Jonass and became the winningest rider in Spanish history. Prado however struggled in the heat here last year and didn’t finish while Jonass took 2nd overall behind Jeremy Seewer.

Jumping into the championship fight of the KTM teammate are Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen and his American teammate Thomas Covington who both reached the podium last weekend. Olsen has been the more consistent rider this year but Covington was on the podium here last year.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson has made more passes throughout the season then most due to poor starts. Watson’s speed is clearly there as he routinely has come from near last to finish inside the top five. With a pair of good starts Watson is clear threat to the podium this weekend.

Watson isn’t the only Kemea Yamaha MX2 rider who has been fast lately, the #193 of Jago Geerts has been finding his form recently and was 4th overall in France after an impressive 5-2 finish. Geerts raced here in 2017 but in the EMX250 class where he took 12th.

Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen will also be interesting to keep an eye on this weekend. The South African is 5th in the MX2 Championship standings and has reached the podium 2 of the last 3 races.

Also looking to impress this weekend on home soil is Yamaha SM Action M.C. Migliori’s Michele Cervellin. The young Italian recently made the switch to the Yamaha and the new bike appears to suite him well with his strong performance in France.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 434 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 418 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 328 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 305 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 259 p.; 6. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 217 p.; 7. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 216 p.; 8. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 211 p.; 9. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 187 p.; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 187 p.

2017 Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia Top 3 MX2:

1. Jeremy Seewer
2. Pauls Jonass
3. Thomas Covington

Text/Bild: Youthstream

The MXGP of France is off to a massively successful start, especially for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington as they won their respective qualifying races.

Aside from the amazing riding from the two winners the event itself was full of amazing fans who filled the French hillside to watch the Qualifying actions. The weather was predicted to rain but the mother nature instead provided sunshine and blue skies along with warm temperatures. The redesigned track and its conditions where in top shape with deep lines and technical sections challenging the top riders.

Joining the MXGP and MX2 racing this weekend is the classes of EMX250 and EMX125 presented by FMF Racing. Due to a massive number of rider entries both classes had to be split into 2 groups for Free and Time Practice then each had a Last Chance Qualifying Race.

The 40 top riders lined the gate for Race 1 of EMX125 presented by FMF Racing first. Leading from the beginning and never looking back was France’s Thibault Benistant on his Yamaha Europe EMX125 machine. Benistant’s lead was massive throughout the race but the battle for second was between 3 or 4 riders at any given point. Taking second place after running in 4th the early stages of the race was the red plate holder, KTM Junior’s Rene Hofer. Taking the 3rd spot was Yamaha Europe EMX125’s Rick Elzinga just ahead of Team Maddi Racing Husqvarna’s Mattia Guadagnini.

The final race of the day was that of the EMX250 class where Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Mathys Boisrame held off his fellow French competitors. First BUD Racing Monster Energy’s Brian Moreau was second but he fell back letting Tom Vialle take over the runner up spot. Finishing third was ASTES4-TESAR Yamaha’s Roan Van de Moosdijk which made him the only non French rider in the top 5.

MXGP’s Qualifying Race hosted another dominating performance from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings. Choosing to line up on the furthest inside gate, after scoring the fastest lap time in both Free and Time Practice, Herlings took the holeshot and set sail. Herlings led every lap of the 13 recorded and won by 17.9 seconds.

Though Herlings was on his own the battle for 2nd was on between 4 of the best riders in the world championship. Leading the group of 4 was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin. Paulin was massively improved after today compared to a week ago. With the roar of the French crowd behind him Paulin managed a small cushion between himself and those giving chase.

First of the riders in pursuit was Team HRC’s Tim Gajser but just behind him was the former world champion and French fan favorite, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre. Febvre, with the added pressure of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli giving chase, pushed his way past Gajser on lap 9 after great battles.

Cairoli, who had a collision between himself and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Clement Desalle followed the moves of Febvre to take another position from Gajser on the following lap. Desalle eventually finished the MXGP Qualifying race in 19th.

Cairoli would however take third from Febvre on the final lap and close onto the back wheel of Paulin at the finish. Also having a strong Qualifying race was BOS GP’s Evgeny Bobryshev with a 6th place.

Jeffrey Herlings: “The main focus is the start for tomorrow and luckily we got it all dialed in today. Tomorrow we are going to go out, do our best, and like I said focus on the start and work from there.”

Romain Febvre: “I had a good start, that was the main focus, after I made a mistake and stalled my bike losing 2 positions but I passed Tony and then I passed Gajser and was third but then Tony passed me, at the end it was a good day.”

French rider Marchetti Racing Team KTM’s Benoit Paturel managed to finish qualifying in 15th position to which he said: “I feel ok this week, not perfect but I will do my best tomorrow. It is an amazing GP in front of the home crowd, it was a good memory for me in 2016 in MX2 where I finished second after Jeffrey. I am excited to ride tomorrow and I hope to get my best result.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 24:35.251; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:17.990; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:19.988; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:27.922; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:34.999; 6. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +0:45.959; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:46.320; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:50.508; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:51.783; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:51.920.

Breaking up the KTM party at the front of the field today was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington. Covington, who had a strong start to the race in 3rd, by the end of lap 1 was into second past the fast starter of Henry Jacobi on his STC Racing Husqvarna.

Leading on from the end of the first lap was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado. Prado, now known for his strong starting ability, was just alongside Jacobi in the first turn but Jacobi’s line uphill prevailed at first.

Among the most notable action on the start was the 3 rider crash involving Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen, Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson, and LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes. All three took a minute to go again but each rejoined the racing and came through the pack. Olsen recovered to 13th, Watson to 12th, and Pootjes to 20th after another scare on lap 10 cost him a handful of positions.

Back at the front Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass was giving chase to Covington who in turn was looking for a way around Prado. On lap 7, just before coming down the middle section of the track, Covington took the lead from Prado and by the bottom of the hill Jonass was around his teammate also.

The remaining 6 laps Jonass chased Covington and even made some stabs at the leader but none were successful. Across the finish line it was Covington from Jonass, Prado, Jacobi, and Hitachi KTM UK’s Conrad Mewse who made a last lap turn pass on Team Diga Procross’ Iker Larranaga for 5th.

Thomas Covington: “I just really have to focus on my start tomorrow like Jeffrey said and we worked really hard this week to try and improve the bike off the gate, we have just really been working on starts this week and I think it is going to show”.

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 25:31.406; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:01.740; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:02.339; 4. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:21.548; 5. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:23.429; 6. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:23.767; 7. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Kawasaki), +0:30.405; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:32.346; 9. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:33.106; 10. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:36.918

Text/Bild: Youthstream

The FIM Motocross World Championship heads back into mainland Europe this weekend for the 2018 MXGP of France at the Saint Jean d’Angely circuit for the 10th round of the season. We are now the halfway point of the season and the MXGP title fight is in full force between Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli. The pair of title rivals have again elevated the level after last weekend’s epic battle where Herlings stole both race wins and the overall from Cairoli during the final laps of each races.

The Saint Jean d’Angely circuit returns to the calendar and serves as the lone French round this season. The beautiful circuit is known to get rough and challenge the riders which will ultimately lead to great racing. Of course not to forget is the always epic atmosphere created by the French motocross fans who year after year prove to be some of the most dedicated and always show up in large numbers.

Joining the World Championship in France is the classes of EMX250 and EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing. In the EMX250 class REVO Husqvarna UK’s Martin Barr and Mel Pocock are fighting for the title but momentum is on the side of Car Glass Honda’s Steven Clarke after his home win last weekend. Meanwhile in the 125 2 stroke class KTM Junior’s Rene Hofer has a 48 point championship lead over Yamaha Europe EMX125’s Thibault Benistant at what is also their championships halfway mark.

Leading the way in the MXGP class coming into France is without a doubt Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli. The two have battled many times this year but none were as epic as last weekend’s MXGP of Great Britain. With Herlings taking the wins right out from under Cairoli the action will surely be incredible to watch this weekend. Historically Herlings has won here three times and never been outside of the top 5 while Cairoli has won twice and finished on the podium another three times.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle has also won on the Saint Jean d’Angely circuit with his last 5 visits all resulting in a top five performance. Also to note is that Desalle won on French soil last year but that time it was at the Ernèe circuit.

Sitting 4th in the Championship is Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre. Febvre has high hopes for this weekend as not only is it his home GP but he comes into the weekend after scoring his first podium of the season last week. Febvre had memories from the circuit seeing he took the overall victory here at the last visit in 2016.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin is on a redemption mission after crashes hampered his results in Great Britain. Paulin has scored 2 podium here in the past and will surely be looking to make it three in front of the home fans this weekend.

Worth mentioning is Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff. Gajser had strong races in Great Britain, is truly returning to his world champion form and was 2nd overall here in 2016 while Coldenhoff has been mastering the starts and fighting up front more often recently.

Also not to forget is BOS GP’s Evgeny Bobryshev who took 3rd overall here in 2016 and comes off his best racing of the season in Great Britain.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 436 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 382 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 314 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 291 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 267 p.; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 257 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 237 p.; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 207 p.; 9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 198 p.; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 162 p.

2016 MXGP of France MXGP top 3:
1. Romain Febvre
2. Tim Gajser
3. Evgeny Bobryshev

In MX2 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass continues to battle with his teammate Jorge Prado as the pair have set themselves apart from the rest of the field. Both riders have been consistent and strong starters so far this year. Jonass just missed the podium here with a 4th in 2016 while Prado took 5th in the EMX250 stop that year.

Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen has been successfully on the podium the past 2 weeks and will look the new tradition going while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen will be keen to achieve a strong finish after scoring zero points last GP due to mechanical issues in both races.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson will have been working on his starts this week after they were his lone weakness in Great Britain. Watson’s speed and endurance is clearly on point as he managed to pass his through the field last weekend.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington will be one to watch along with his fellow American, BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darien Sanayei. Covington took 5th overall in Great Britain with a third in race one and 9th in race 2. Sanayei on the other hand struggled during the race last week but clearly had the speed with the second fastest lap time in last weekend’s free practice. Also worth noting it that Sanayei took double race wins here for the EMX250 overall in 2016.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 401 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 373 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 288 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 279 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 234 p.; 6. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 216 p.; 7. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 187 p.; 8. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 179 p.; 9. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 166 p.; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 161 p.

2016 MXGP of France MX2 top 3:
1. Jeffrey Herlings
2. Benoit Paturel
3. Jeremy Seewer

Text/Bild: Youthstream

The 2018 edition of the MXGP of Great Britain is complete under sunny skies at the Matterley Basin circuit. Eager British fans lined the track witnessed some of the best races of the season so far and saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Pauls Jonass assert themselves as undisputed winners.

The unusually sunny British weather was scorching hot and when combined with the nearly 2,000 meter circuit provided testing but epic conditions for the world’s best motocross riders. The stadium like venue gave perfect viewing for all in attendance as the racing action kicked off.

Aside from the wild MXGP and MX2 racing the FIM Veterans Motocross World Cup was action packed with riders like last year’s winner, Martin Zerava, who won the VMX in 2014 and 2017 too, the 2 time Motocross World Champion KTM Rocket Juniors Mickael Pichon, and multi time GP winner Mervyn Anstie all joining in the racing. Saturday’s Race 1 was led from start to finish by Zerava while Pichon worked his way back to the front after a bad start while Anstie crashed out. Anstie crash looked worse than it was fortunately but a fracture to his collar bone plus some injured ribs left him out of racing Sunday. When the racing returned Sunday so too did the dominant performance from Zerava with Pichon again second for a surprising result. Finland’s Niko Kalatie rode consistent all weekend taking 2 third place finishes to round out the podium behind Pichon and back to back winner Zerava.

MXGP Race 1 started with a Fox Holeshot from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Antonio Cairoli just ahead of his teammate Glen Coldenhoff. A few spots further back was the other Red Bull KTM of Jeffrey Herlings, the MXGP points leader.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser also had a good start and ran third after the start but by the end of the 1st official lap Herlings moved into second as Coldenhoff dropped to fifth behind the surging Clement Desalle on his Monster Energy Kawasaki.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Jeremy Van Horebeek ran 6th and 7th with BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle in 8th. Febvre later jumped into 5th past Coldenhoff which he held for the remainder of the race.

Searle was looking strong before a piece of plastic caught in his chain started to distract the Brit. Meanwhile Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Julien Lieber was gaining ground and with 4 laps remaining Lieber took a spot from Searle along with Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer. Searle took the 9th back when Seewer fell in a turn and lost a handful of positions before finishing fourth.

Back at the front the battle was on between Cairoli and Herlings. A bad lap and some mistakes left Herlings in a position to take the lead but Cairoli fought back and the two carried on for the next laps. With 2 laps to go Herlings dove to the inside of Cairoli and both bobbled with Cairoli going down. Herlings took the race win but Cairoli got up quickly and managed second with Gajser 3rd.

Race 2 started just the same with Cairoli taking the FOX Holeshot and Herlings around 4th with Febvre and Desalle in between. Meanwhile Gajser lost traction and had a big save in front of Pit Lane. After the first few corners Herlings was already into 2nd and chasing down Cairoli while Desalle took 3rd from Febvre.

The front two started to pull away from Desalle after a couple of laps as both were setting their fastest laps each time around. On lap 6 Desalle fell, letting both Febvre and Gajser through before remounting his Kawasaki.

Gajser then started to close on Febvre coming within passing distance several times but couldn’t make it through. As Gajser continued to try to get by Febvre it was Desalle who ended up making it past the Slovenian.

When the 2 lap board came out Herlings was still behind Cairoli by a few seconds and realized he need to make a pass for the lead. As the pair started the final lap and came down the start straight into the first turn Herlings spotted his opportunity and took the spot! Herlings’ pace on the final lap resulted in the fastest lap of the race with a 2:19.285 and gave him the race win for maximum points and the clear overall. Herlings win gave him his 100th World Championship podium as Cairoli finished 2nd and Febvre took 3rd.

Jeffrey Herlings: “I am very happy to be here in this spot and to win… we made it happen and it’s a pleasure. It was a great race, both times I managed to get the lead, the first race 2 laps until the end and in the last race it was in the last lap, it was an amazing fight and a great way to get my 100th podium.”

Romain Febvre: “I am really happy to be on the podium again as the last few weeks have been tough…”

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:58.965; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:10.188; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:14.527; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:32.384; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:47.533; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:50.591; 7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:58.183; 8. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:01.933; 9. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:06.611; 10. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +1:09.122.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:26.698; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.150; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:40.145; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:42.049; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:54.266; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:58.266; 7. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:59.513; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:01.221; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +1:32.712; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:39.421.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 36 p.; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 36 p.; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 36 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 30 p.; 7. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, SUZ), 23 p.; 8. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 23 p.; 9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 22 p.; 10. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 17 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 436 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 382 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 314 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 291 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 267 p.; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 257 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 237 p.; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 207 p.; 9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 198 p.; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 162 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 447 points; 2. Kawasaki, 325 p.; 3. Yamaha, 314 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 283 p.; 5. Honda, 272 p.; 6. TM, 160 p.; 7. Suzuki, 139 p.

Much like in the MXGP class tension is building within the MX2 championship as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado each try to assert themselves as the top rider. Prado who won yesterday’s Qualifying Race by a near mile took the Race 1 Holeshot but Jonass responded before the pair excited turn 3.

While Jonass was leading and Prado held second F&H Racing Team’s Ruben Fernandez was off to a blistering start. Fernandez ran third in front of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington and Thomas Kjer Olsen. Fernandez held the position the first 5 laps before Covington took the spot.

On the same lap as Covington’s move forward his teammate, Olsen, was shifted back by Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen. The following lap both Vlaanderen and Olsen moved Fernandez down the running order.

Things then started happening fast for the #70 of Fernandez dropping another 2 positions the next lap and 4 more after that. Olsen however found his groove again and passed Vlaanderen back and went even further forward to pass Covington. Olsen then faced a mechanical issue and was unable to finish the race while Jonass and Prado crossed the finish line followed by Covington, Vlaanderen, and Jumbo No Fear Vamo Honda’s Marshal Weltin, who had a stellar ride. Also impressive was Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson who after having an issue on the start came back from dead last to finish 6th.

Race 2 was another Fox Holeshot from the fast starting spaniard, Jorge Prado. Race 1 winner Jonass was behind Prado from the start but didn’t let the #61 get far away. In third was STC Racing Husqvarna’s Henry Jacobi with Olsen and Vlaanderen giving chase.

Just outside the top 5 was F&H Racing Team’s Jed Beaton in 6th but on his third time around he ejected of the uphill triple and did not finish the race. Inheriting 6th position from Beaton was LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes.

On around lap 6 the battle for 3rd intensified between Jacobi and Olsen. Olsen went around the outside of Jacobi but the German fought back which caused him to miss his line and as Olsen tried to charge by again Jacobi slammed the door causing Olsen to go down. The battle allowed Vlaanderen to pass both and jump into third. Olsen tried to rebound from the fall but his bike again gave out forcing another DNF.

Just after the battle for third was decided Pauls Jonass charged past Prado for the lead. Meanwhile Watson was again fighting forward after another bad start and with 2 laps to go the British hero took 4th from Jacobi as Jonass won the race ahead of Prado and Vlaanderen. The overall finished the same as race 2 with Jonass on the top step, Prado second, and Vlaanderen taking 3rd for the second time.

Pauls Jonass: “Today I managed to turn it around and in the first race on the start I was just behind Prado and managed to pass him right away. I am happy to go 1-1 again and especially like this because in previous races when Jorge has got the holeshot and a lead he just pulls away, so for me it was good to catch him and pass him in the last laps today.”

Jorge Prado: “It was tough, really tough, he (Jonass) was riding really good this weekend so I did my best and I am happy with that.”

Clavin Vlaanderen: “It is really good to get back to back podiums. There is a big battle for 3rd place on the podium with about 5 guys so it is fun to battle with them, it is good racing and it’s always clean.”

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 36:21.354; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:00.840; 3. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:49.040; 4. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:55.651; 5. Marshal Weltin (USA, Honda), +0:59.351; 6. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +1:00.863; 7. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +1:01.791; 8. Jed Beaton (AUS, Kawasaki), +1:06.628; 9. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +1:10.412; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +1:16.918

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 36:42.951; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:01.294; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:38.493; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:40.283; 5. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:54.081; 6. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:58.663; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:59.296; 8. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +1:07.559; 9. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +1:13.917; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +1:23.880.

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 50 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 38 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 33 p.; 5. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 32 p.; 6. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 30 p.; 7. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, HUS), 25 p.; 8. Marshal Weltin (USA, HON), 24 p.; 9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 22 p.; 10. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, YAM), 22 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 401 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 373 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 288 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 279 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 234 p.; 6. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 216 p.; 7. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 187 p.; 8. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 179 p.; 9. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 166 p.; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 161 p

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 444 points; 2. Husqvarna, 356 p.; 3. Yamaha, 301 p.; 4. Honda, 296 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 251 p.; 6. TM, 104 p.

Text/Bild: Youthstream

The FIM Motocross World Championship jumps across the pond this weekend for the 2018 MXGP of Great Britain at the famous Matterley Basin circuit for the 8th round of the year. It has been nearly two weeks since the last race in Germany where Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings dominated and his teammate and main title rival Antonio Cairoli had his worst finish of the year with a 6th overall.

While the battle has recently been between Herlings and Cairoli many others are stepping up their game such as Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin, Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing’s Clement Desalle and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser. The Matterley Basin track has long been famous in the world of motocross for not only hosting some of the biggest races in the world such as the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Presented by Fiat Professional as recent as least year where Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie led team GB to the podium but also for its rolling hills and grassy natural terrain.

In the MX2 category Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Pauls Jonass continue to battle in ultra competitive but clean racing. The teammates speed is however starting to be matched by some of the other youngsters in the class like Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen and Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson who will have the extra motivation of racing in front of his home fans!

Joining the MXGP and MX2 riders this weekend will be the EMX250 Championship, the EMX300 presented by FMF Racing Championship, and the FIM Veteran Motocross World Cup. In EMX250 REVO Husqvarna UK’s Martin Barr holds the points advantage but by only 2 points over his teammate Mel Pocock. Meanwhile in EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing GL12 Racing’s Mike Kras leads the way with 3 rounds complete of the 7 this season. The one off event, the Veteran’s Motocross World Cup, will host interesting racing with past winners such as Martin Zerava battling against Bogomir Gajser and Mervyn Anstie among others.

Looking to continue his strong start to the MXGP is Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings. Herlings now leads the championship by 48 points over Antonio Cairoli. Both Herlings and Cairoli race the MXoN at Matterley Basin last year where Herlings had a 1st and a 2nd while Cairoli scored an 11th and a 7th. Historically Herlings has raced MX2 here on 5 occasions and never missed the top five including 2 wins in 2014 and 2016. Cairoli on the other hand has raced this GP 7 times scoring 4 overall victories.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle has been consistently strong this season and is the only rider to win outside of Herlings and Cairoli. Desalle has raced here 6 times since 2006 and won the GP in 2013 then followed it up with second overall in 2014 and 2015.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin has recently been focused on improving his starts and it clearly worked in Germany when he took both Fox Holeshots, for the first time this season. Paulin has been on the GP podium at Matterly Basin 3 times but has never won here with the monumental exception of leading team France to MXoN victory here last October 2017.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre has stepped up his game lately even leading and challenging for a race win in Latvia’s race 1. The Frenchman who damaged tendons in his arm during Latvia’s race 2 will have taken full advantage of the weekend off to get back to 100%. Febvre’s best result at Matterley Basin came in 2015 with 3rd overall. Also not to forget is that he has more good memories from the circuit last year when he was part of the French MXoN winning team with Paulin.

TM Factory Racing’s Max Nagl has been working to improve on his results so far this year and Matterley Basin may be one track that could host a strong performance from the German, he took second overall here in 2016.

Also to mention is Team HRC’s Tim Gajser as he not only is gaining ground on the speed of the championship leaders but he won the overall here at the last World Championship event in 2016 and he had his first ever FIM MX2 World Championship podium finish in 2014.

Last but not least is the home GP heroes, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie and Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle. Both have had a difficult season so far but Anstie and Searle teamed up here at the 2017 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Presented by Fiat Professional to score team GB their first MXoN podium in several years.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 386 points;2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 338 p.;3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 278 p.;4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 258 p.;5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 255 p.;6. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 221 p.;7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 207 p.;8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 193 p.;9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 176 p.;10. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 149 p.

2016 MXGP of Great Britain MXGP Top 3:
1. Tim Gajser
2. Maximilian Nagl
3. Gautier Paulin

Just as in MXGP the MX2 class is led by 2 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders, Pauls Jonass leads the points and was dominant early in the season while Jorge Prado has continued to improve and has the momentum in his favor.

Jonass has raced the circuit twice in his career opting out of racing the MXoN event last year but scoring a 4th in 2015 and a 3rd in 2016. Prado on the other hand has only raced here during the 2017 MXoN event where he finished a disappointing 28th and 40th in the two races.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen is the only rider to have won this season apart from Jonass or Prado. Olsen’s win came only 2 GPs ago in Latvia. Olsen, similar to Prado, only raced here last year with race results of 9th and 10th.

Holding down 4th in the MX2 championship is Great Britain’s own Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 rider, Ben Watson. Watson has had his strongest season on record yet including his career first podium and he still continues to impress. Watson’s only MX2 result at Matterly Basin comes from 2015 when he finished 18th. Going off of his season thus far and the added benefit of the home fans it is likely to see Watson battling for the top five if not the podium or even a win this weekend.

F&H Racing Team’s Jed Beaton currently is 5th in the points but has Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen just 7 points further back. Both Beaton and Vlaanderen have had stand out rides this year but Vlaanderen seems to have the momentum after scoring his first podium of the season at the last GP in Germany.

Also to keep in mind is the return of Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darien Sanayei this weekend who is no stranger to the Matterley Basin circuit. Sanayei showed serious speed early in the year before injuring his knee and may be a wild card for the podium.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 351 points;2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 329 p.;3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 288 p.;4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 246 p.;5. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 203 p.;6. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 196 p.;7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 160 p.;8. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 157 p.;9. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), 140 p.;10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, HON), 139 p.

2016 MXGP of Great Britain MX2 top 3:
1. Jeffrey Herlings
2. Dylan Ferrandis
3. Pauls Jonass

Text/Bild: Youthstream

The 2018 MXGP of Latvia has left us filled with action and close racing today with the best motocross riders in the world lining up behind the gate and taking on the challenging Kegums circuit. For the second year in a row Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen have left Latvia as overall winners.

Only a short drive from the Latvian capital city of Riga, Kegums was full of warm weather mixed with deep sand and a technical circuit to provide not only a challenge of skill and mental strength but also physical endurance and quick reactions. Latvia’s motocross fans lined the edges of the circuit and its hillsides to watch their national hero, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass, along with all the other riders of the FIM Motocross World Championship cheering at the top of their lungs.

Latvia’s Kegums circuit was reversed ahead of this weekend’s racing but the changes had little effect on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings. Herlings, who won his first ever MXGP overall here last year, started the weekend in dominant form first topping the Free and Time Practice sessions by a substantial margin and then winning Saturday’s Qualifying race by 50 seconds.

On the other side of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing paddock was the #222 Antonio Cairoli in his 222nd GP after 14 years in the World Championship. Cairoli was also remarkable on Saturday with a charge from near last to finish Qualifying in 3rd.

Today the fortunes swapped with Cairoli grabbing the Race 1 FOX Holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre while Herlings was around 10th. Cairoli and Febvre battled for the lead in the first few laps while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin ran in 2nd.

Febvre’s Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP teammate, Jeremy Van Horebeek jostled with Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing’s Clement Desalle over 4th the first laps before Herlings found his way past both on lap 4. Paulin then started to get pressured by Herlings and lost his 3rd spot only 2 laps later.

Another lap later Herlings was again moving forward taking second away from Febvre. On the 9th lap Herlings claimed the lead from Cairoli. The “Bullet” then continued to stay just out of the reach of Cairoli and save energy for race 2. At the finish Herlings was 3.095 seconds ahead of Cairoli and over 30 seconds ahead of Febvre who had to fight off Paulin to the line.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser had a challenging race 1 finishing 9th but the result was impressive after starting outside of the top 20.

Race 2 was more of the same off the start with Febvre taking the FOX Holeshot and Cairoli right alongside while Herlings was outside the top 5. Febvre crashed on the opening lap and Cairoli fought with the other Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider, Glenn Coldenhoff.

Cairoli led the field at the end of the first lap while Herlings crossed the finish in 5th. Tim Gajser made up for his poor start in race one by running in 3rd the first 2 laps of race 2. Paulin ran in 4th the first lap but lost the spot by the second time around to Herlings.

Herlings then again made his way to the front as Cairoli checked out with a 10 second lead. On lap 3 Herlings was into 3rd by Gajser and then into 2nd the following lap around Coldenhoff, on the same lap Coldenhoff was also passed by Gajser and later Paulin.

Febvre would fall for a second time when he ran into the back of Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Arminas Jasikonis, the fall left Febvre unable to finish the race. Febvre’s fellow Frenchman, Gautier Paulin, was however able to take 3rd from Gajser on lap 12.

As Herlings cut into the lead of Cairoli the Italian simultaneously was caught in lapped traffic. Cairoli’s issues mixed with Herlings’ charge resulted in Herlings making a pass for the lead 6 laps before the finish. Across the finish line first was Herlings, Cairoli, and Paulin securing the overall in the same order. Just missing out on the overall podium was Desalle and Gajser.

Jeffrey Herlings in the post race press conferene said: “I think it was a good weekend, you know yesterday was obviously perfect, I was able to get the holeshot and do my own thing. It was a little more demanding than I was expecting today especially after the result of yesterday but we did good things for the championship.”

Antonio Cairoli: “I’m really happy because my speed was good and we are in one piece, the track was very difficult and the rhythm was really very fast. I am a little disappointed with the second race, my plan was to hold him a little bit longer and fight for the GP win. But overall I’m really happy about the starts and the championship is very long so we are looking forward to the next races.”

Gautier Paulin: “I’m feeling good, physically, and I’m improving the starts. I crashed in the Qualifying race yesterday but I am feeling happy with the bike, the setup and the engine.”

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:17.750; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:03.095; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:30.745; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:31.253; 5. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:48.939; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:57.055; 7. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +1:01.142; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:02.892; 9. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +1:05.283; 10. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Honda), +1:09.370.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:20.083; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:06.153; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:56.082; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +1:02.105; 5. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:07.560; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:11.982; 7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +1:19.390; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:26.477; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +1:39.387; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:41.924.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 38 p.; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 32 p.; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 30 p.; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 28 p.; 8. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 26 p.; 9. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 21 p.; 10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 20 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 336 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 307 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 244 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 223 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 218 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 180 p.; 7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 179 p.; 8. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 177 p.; 9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 155 p.; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 134 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 347 points; 2. Kawasaki, 255 p.; 3. Yamaha, 246 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 226 p.; 5. Honda, 192 p.; 6. TM, 121 p.; 7. Suzuki, 93 p.

Coming into the MX2 races this weekend many eyes were on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado but at the start of MX2 race 1 it was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen who made the biggest impression.

Olsen took the holeshot and led Jonass while Prado clipped the back of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington and went down. With the threat of Prado missing Jonass was able to focus on catching Olsen but the tall Dane out rode Jonass leading every single lap to the checkered flag.

Behind the two front runners was originally STC Racing Husqvarna’s Henry Jacobi and Honda 114 Motorsports Hunter Lawrence. Lawrence fell hard on lap 2 and was unable to finish the race. Jacobi held 3rd for 7 laps before a charging Covington made it past the German.

2 laps after Covington’s pass on Jacobi, Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts passed the #29 and 2 laps after that Geerts’ Teammate Ben Watson did the same. At the finish Olsen beat Jonass, Covington, Geerts, and Watson while Jacobi took 6th.

Race 2 was a redemption race for Prado as he took his 7th Fox Holeshot of the season and sprinted away from the field. Jago Geerts had an amazing start in second ahead of Watson, Olsen, and LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes. By lap 7 Olsen was getting into a flow and the next lap made a pass on Watson and Geerts directly after.

Though Olsen was in 2nd Prado was long gone but Jonass was fighting his way forward from 13th on lap one. As Prado led he fell in the first turn just before Pit Lane which essentially cost him his entire advantage over Olsen.
Prado would however rebound from the mistake well and regain a gap with the help of an error from Olsen. Across the finish Prado took the race win by 2.6 seconds over Olsen, Geerts, Watson, and Jonass. In the overall classification Olsen claimed his second Latvian GP victory in 2 attempts while Geerts achieved his first career MX2 podium in 2nd and Jonass took 3rd.

Thomas Kjer Olsen stated: “It is a good feeling winning and I don’t know, there is something about this place that I really like. I have always had a good feeling here even in my European Championship days. It kind of reminds a little bit of Denmark but this is how I want to ride every weekend.”

Jago Geerts: “It was a really good weekend for me, my riding was good all weekend, just two solid races and second overall is really good for me.”

Pauls Jonass: “The home GP is always a little more difficult than the others but overall I’m really happy to be on the podium. The fans were really crazy, I could hear them when I made every single pass which was really good, they pushed me forward and I’m really thankful for everyone who came to support me, it helped a lot!”

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 34:09.629; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:11.055; 3. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:19.745; 4. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:30.988; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:32.466; 6. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:51.207; 7. Samuele Bernardini (ITA, TM), +0:52.956; 8. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:54.718; 9. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:57.004; 10. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:59.914.

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 34:24.759; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:02.681; 3. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:04.511; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:09.717; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:26.958; 6. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:36.606; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:47.007; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Honda), +0:56.954; 9. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:58.588; 10. Jed Beaton (AUS, Kawasaki), +0:59.115.

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 47 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 38 p.; 3. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 38 p.; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 36 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 34 p.; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 26 p.; 7. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 24 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, HON), 23 p.; 9. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), 21 p.; 10. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, HUS), 21 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 304 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 282 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 266 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 210 p.; 5. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 174 p.; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 156 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 140 p.; 8. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 128 p.; 9. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, YAM), 127 p.; 10. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 126 p.

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 344 points; 2. Husqvarna, 288 p.; 3. Yamaha, 232 p.; 4. Honda, 218 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 204 p.; 6. TM, 87 p.

Text/Bild: Youthstream