| Home » Articles » VOL.199 - THURSDAY 01 JULY 2010
|
|
|
Submitted by Alan Henderson
Thursday, 1st July 2010
Viewed 218 times |
VOL.199 - THURSDAY 01 JULY 2010
HOT NEWS
CHRIS BIRCH WINS 2010 Red Bull Romaniacs.
Edited copy courtesy of redbullromaniacs.com
Chris Birch didn't go for safety on last night's last stage - in fact, Birch even rode 6 minutes faster than Graham Jarvis on the last 126 km of this year's Romaniacs and secured his first ever win at the world's toughest Enduro Rallye. "I'm extremely happy today, because regarding all my technical problems, I didn't even think that I would finish the race", said an all smiling Chris Birch.
A delighted Chris Birch. Photo courtesy of redbullromaniacs.com
Day 4 video highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofnyW-d7P1o&feature=player_embedded
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEVI SHERWOOD GOING TO X GAMES 16.
I had a catch-up with former Freestyler Luke Smith who said Levi Sherwood has been invited to the X Games 16 in Los Angeles 29 July to 01 Aug.
It will be Levi's X Games 'Rookie' debut after injuries kept him out of 2009. Levi underwent an ACL reconstruction on his right knee in 2009 and spent six months off the bike. Besides the debut of XG Freestyle in 1999, where all athletes were first-time XG competitors, no X Games rookie has ever won Freestyle gold.
Luke also said that Blake (Bilko) Williams had broken his collarbone at the RedBullXFighters in Moscow and has it plated already and says he will also be at the X Games !!
The ESPN site says that James Stewart will compete in Speed and Style and Best Whip at X Games 16.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Levi Sherwood wins Red Bull X-Fighters Moscow.
Edited copy courtesy Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour.
A sell-out crowd of 40,000 fans were on hand to witness the best twelve freestyle motocross riders in the world battle it out in front of the world-famous Kremlin on Moscow's Red Square on Saturday night. Kiwi young-gun Levi Sherwood showed his class in the final against Nate Adams (USA) to take his second ever win on the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour.
It was the first time that the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour hit Russia. With temperatures touching 35 degrees Celsius, it was 18-year-old Levi "rubberkid" Sherwood who jumped through the air and into the hearts of the Russian fans packed into the historic location: "The tricky course here was just right for me. This day will go down in history."
Just metres from the eastern walls of the Kremlin, spectacular tricks, incredible flips and the whine of two-stroke motors brought the tens of thousands of fans in the stadium to boiling point. The legendary square in the heart of Moscow, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1990, was packed to the rafters as the best riders in the world came to town. "The pressure was huge, the course was tough and the heat was a problem for everyone," explained defeated finalist Nate Adams (USA). "It is an incredible feeling to jump here. The equivalent back home in the USA would be to perform in the garden of the White House!"
Andre Villa continues to lead the overall standings in the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2010 after finishing third in Moscow. Robbie Maddison (AUS), famous for his incredible long-distance jumps over London's Tower Bridge and the Corinth Canal in Greece, failed to qualify for the semi-finals after missing a landing, eventually finishing fifth. Japan's Eigo Sato progressed into the semi-finals but has to settle for fourth place after losing his duel against Adams.
The comeback kids Dany Torres (ESP) and Mat Rebeaud (SUI) were unable to keep pace with the best riders in the world in Moscow as they returned to the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour after injuries, finishing sixth and tenth respectively.
Following stops in Mexico City (MEX), Cairo (EGY) and Moscow (RUS), the biggest freestyle motocross tour on the planet now moves on to the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas bullfighting ring in Madrid for the next event of the season on 22/23 July 2010 before the final two showdowns of the season in London (GBR) and Rome (ITA).
Levi Sherwood performs the Tsunami wins Red Bull X-Fighters Moscow in front of the St. Basil's basilica in Moscow's Red Square. Photo courtesy of redbullxfighters, photographer; J. Mitter
Levi Sherwood performs the Shaolin Flip. Photo courtesy of redbullxfighters, photographer; D. Klero
Levi gets the champagne treatment. Photo courtesy of redbullxfighters, photographer; J. Mitter
Red Bull X-Fighters Moscow 2010 Final Result:
1st. Levi Sherwood - NZL
2nd. Nate Adams - USA
3rd. Andre Villa - NOR
4th. Eigo Sato - JAP
5th. Robbie Maddison - AUS
6th. Dany Torres - ESP
7th. Adam Jones - USA
8th. Cam Sinclair - AUS
9th. Jim McNeil - USA
10th. Mat Rebeaud - CH
11th. Alex Kolesnikov - RUS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW ZEALAND NEWS
NZ Miniature TT Championship
This weekend (Saturday 03 July - Sunday 04 July) is the Taumarunui Motorcycle Club's, 2010 Bike Torque Yamaha Taumarunui NZ Miniature TT Championship at Kuratau on the Western side of Lake Taupo. It will be predictably cold at this time of year and a check on the forecast is a nasty cold front coming through. Two years ago we left our Yamaha Ezi-Up overnight, but lowered to the ground, and when we returned in the morning it had fully collapsed under a metre of snow !! It snowed again mid morning and was wierd watching them racing in snow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MERCER SAND TRACK PRACTICE THIS SATURDAY.
Saturday 03 July from 12pm to 4pm.
Memberships are due. The form is available here: http://www.pukemx.com/uploads/documents/2010-2011%20PMCC%20Membership%20Form.pdf
Practice fees: Members $10 / Non Members $20.
Seniors and Juniors are to park in the paddock - i.e. the old golf course.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEN FELLS POSTPONED TO THIS SUNDAY.
Ken Fells MX Series Round 2 will now be held this Sunday 04 July. Start time, race schedule, classes, prize-money as per website. Silverdale track next to Snowplanet. Need MNZ licence. See website for details: www.fellsfarmmx.co.nz/ All welcome.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ELF LUBRICANTS AND LA KTM.
After last week's story on the LA KTM Team, I had an invite to their team intro to Elf Lubricants last Thursday after work.
The newly painted LA KTM team truck was also present.
It was a barbecue occasion and all the 'team' were presented with their Elf kit of a jacket, polo shirt, cap and a box of assorted lubricants. From left to right: Adrian Dennis, Joel Doeksen, Evan Hood (front), Jan Doeksen, Brandon Tipene, Liam Underwood, Ashton Dennis, Harry Hart, Troy Tipene (Team Manager) Absent: Blake Gillard.
Managing Director (and Owner/Operator) Andrew Stewart invited Speedway legend Graham Standring along. Graham gave an amusing insight to 10 years as a top motocross rider and 25 years as one of NZ's top speedway drivers. Graham started riding back in 1973 and immediately was in amongst the top echelon. He was 3 times North Island Motocross Champion on a TM125 back in the days when there was 4 inches of suspension travel and twin shocks. It was a transition period for motocross bikes - horsepower went from 14hp to 30hp. It was an interesting 10 years but hard on his body. 32 broken bones and a both knees reconstructed. There was several good stories but the one that 'tickled' me was a trip to Whakatane's pre New Year event. He had his left arm in plaster but it was okay as it was his clutch arm. Trouble came mid race when he dropped the bike and as he was picking it up another rider collided with him and broke his other arm.
Andrew Stewart at right introduces Graham Standring.
Then it was onto Speedway - he was NZ TQ Champ (i.e. ¾ Midgets in 1985/86), Midget Champ 3 times (1988, 1990, 1997 plus 4 times 2nd place and 3 times 3rd place). He was 15 times in the NZ Team and he currently sits on winning 99 Features. Motocross helped him with his Speedway. It taught him about fitness, being decisive and being able to feel the traction. He told that to the 'boys' - focus and fitness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MXoN MX2 class for Under 23 year old riders only.
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) regulations for the MX2 class confirms that in 2010 the maximum age for the MX2 class rider is 23 years. This means that riders born between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 1995 are eligible for selection. The event will be held on 26 September in Colorado, USA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New FROM Yamalube.
The American motorcycle media have this week, been full of a biodegradable foam air filter oil and cleaner kit is environmentally safe, requires water only.
Cleaning and oiling foam air filters is the most overlooked maintenance issue that motorcycle and ATV technicians see today, and neglect often leads to expensive engine repairs. Although effective, mineral foam oil requires solvents for cleaning. Solvents are harmful to the environment and require a sealed container for transportation if you want to clean your air filter during an event or at your favourite riding area.
To solve that problem, Yamalube® is introducing the Yamalube® Biodegradable Foam Air Filter Oil & Cleaner Kit that only requires water for cleaning and can be poured on the ground without hurting the environment. This makes cleaning and oiling foam air filters easy and environmentally safe.
The kit contains dirt-grabbing, water-resistant, super-tacky filter oil and a non-alcohol-based heavy duty, concentrated detergent specifically design to clean foam air filters treated with this oil. Yamalube® Biodegradable Air Filter Oil can only be washed out with Yamalube® Biodegradable Foam Air Filter Cleaner and water. The Yamalube kit retails for US$15.79.
I asked Yamaha New Zealand's Graham Wilcox when it will be released here but he is away until Monday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A REQUEST FROM KATHERINE PRUMM.
Hey Everyone. I have applied for an AMP scholarship in an effort to inspire other kiwis to get out there and be active. I want to have my own personal training business and be a group fitness instructor with Les Mills. Also. l want to set up an online community for Kiwis to get in touch through my business and help inspire each others to stay active. Please vote for me in the People's choice section on the AMP scholarship website.
Click on the following link and vote for me: http://doyourthing.co.nz/2010-02182/katherine-prumm
Thanks, Katherine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENDURO / CROSS COUNTRY
RACE BRIEF ... FROM Paul Whibley - GNCC Round 9, Snowshoe, West Virginia.
Edited copy courtesy of Paul Whibley
Another one of those days !!! In the first couple of miles I began to have clutch problems. With the Snowshoe event having a long lap of around 22 miles it was some time before I was back to the pits. One problem was fixed and another was created.
I was sent back out on the track although a long way back. All I could hope for was to score some points. Since the track was rocky and pretty tough there were a few positions to be gained when others dropped out with their own issues. The race was also long in duration, running about 3 hours and 30 min and I picked up a few positions late in the race passing riders that had spent everything already on the demanding course.
The Ohlins suspension again did a fine job of gobbling up the roots and rocks and smoothing the track out. The G2 throttle cam system allowed me to tune the power delivery to find traction in the slickest sections. Front Tire, Kenda Washougal. Rear Tire, Kenda Triple (soft). I'm not sure what went wrong with the clutch, my only guess is I put something in incorrectly. A very disappointing weekend.
1st: Nate Kanney; 2nd: Jesse Robinson; 3rd: Chris Bach
Paul Whibley is supported by: AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, Ohlins, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D
The AmPro Yamaha Team is supported by: FMF Kenda Yamalube Asterisk Cannondale CV4 Cycle Gear E-Batt EBC Brakes Factory Connection Fastway Gaerne Boots GYTR IMS Jonny Signs Leatt Brace Matrix Racing Products Motion Pro MSR Pro-Clean Rekluse Scott Shoei Slavens TM Designworks Twin Air Wiseco ZipTy Racing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Epic Events Trail News #9.
Hey well done to everyone who rode the last Suzuki Trail Blazer on a rainy day after what seemed like 2 weeks of solid rain. I didn't get a chance to ride the tracks on the day, but when I rode them the day after I could see that the ruts would have been challenging for some riders. However the 600 odd riders who braved the conditions were able to make it around all 55 odd kms of trail with no course changes needed which is mainly a result of great soil and course options.
Next up on the calendar is the Grandpappy of all Trail Blazers - the Suzuki Trail Blazer 2 day ride 17-18 July. Because the 2 day is one of our most popular events, we have made heaps of improvements to what are already great courses.
Saturday is held at Te Toke Road (South of SH5). This is the second visit to the South for 2010. Some of you might know that I allowed the final of the National Enduro series to be run at Te Toke road last month. Well the big gain for us is that there is now 5-8km more single track available. Now that might not sound like a lot, but at about 20km per hour, that will take around 15 minutes to ride. So if you rate yourself as a bit of an 'Enduro' rider this is the ride to do. We have also added some fun new trail to replace some fairly beaten up sections and finally added a new expert hill climb section. The long track is up to around 46km long (maybe more, we have not measured yet). The short track is 12km.
Sunday we all shift across SH5 to the North side. This venue has had a whole lot of work too. After all the June rain filling up some low points on the track, the call went out to the Bulldozer operator to 'head for higher ground'. Our theory is that heading for high ground means we can drain any water off the side of the hills. The Middle track has had 3km more hill trail inserted and the long track has also had 3km of fun new trail. Plus we have added 2 new Expert Only single track sections. A summary of tracks on this side is Long 43km, Middle 13km, Short 8km.
Costs per day are Adults $40, Sudents 18 or under $20, Families $80.
Planning beyond July... We are just a few weeks away from announcing all rides from August to November. There will be a great mix of one and two day events including Suzuki Pumice Blast, some more Trail Blazers and more. The Taupo four hour is definitely taking place Saturday 21 August so keep an eye out over the next week for some exciting developments with this fantastic race. Info at: www.epicevents.co.nz
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motorcycling Australia will not be sending Australian Teams to compete at the 2010 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) to be held in Morelia, Mexico on 1-6 November. MA has made this decision after much consultation with a number of groups - including; the Australian Embassy in Mexico, a briefing held by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and a number of riders and support crew members.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUSTRALIA NEWS
Kiwis at the 2010 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MX NATIONALS.
Pro Open:
Cody Cooper - 1st overall with a 1st, 1st, 4th
Pro Lites:
Darryll King - 15th overall with a 14th, 24th, 14th
Michael Phillips - 17th overall with a 20th, 9th, dns
Overall Under 19;
Cameron Dillon - 6th overall on 43 pts with a 10th, 9th, 3rd
John Phillips - 8th overall on 38 pts with a 6th, 10th, 6th
Kieran Leigh - 9th overall on 37 pts with an 11th, 8th, 7th
Ethan Martens - 12th overall on 23 pts with a 12th, 14th, 14th
Hamish Dobbyn did not ride - Australians are saying his knee has blown out again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cody Cooper takes control at Round Six of 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals.
Edited copy from Erin Lagoudakis from Motorcycling Australia.
New Zealander and Team Rockstar Motul Suzuki rider, Cody Cooper, won the sixth round of the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals at Wodonga on Sunday.
Meanwhile CDR Rockstar Yamaha's Jay Marmont has retained his Series lead and now sits 16 points clear of Kawasaki Racing Team's Billy Mackenzie.
With the thermostat dropping to minus two degrees in the early hours of the morning, riders were in for a chilly start to the round.
After struggling in the first half of the season, Cooper finally found some consistent form, stringing together a run of strong rides, however he wasn't alone with a number of Aussie riders stepping it up a gear and putting on a spectacular show for fans at the Wodonga circuit. Cooper was fastest in qualifying, however with Honda privateer Dean Ferris merely 0.001 of a second behind him, and four other riders all within one second, the day was shaping up to be massive.
In the first moto, Mackenzie looked to continue his strong form from previous rounds, leading for the majority of the race with Marmont, CDR Rockstar Yamaha's Cheyne Boyd, Cooper, and Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor Racings Todd Waters all chopping and changing until the final laps of the moto.
Cooper came from seventh place at the beginning of the race, gradually picking his way through the field to catch and pass Mackenzie on the very last lap to take the win. The Kiwi continued his strong form in the second moto, scoring the holeshot and taking command of the race ahead of JDR Motorex KTM's Tye Simmonds and Mackenzie.
While the front runners didn't change, Marmont was facing challenges of his own; trying to keep as many Championship points ahead of Mackenzie as possible. At the flag, Cooper had stormed out to an eight second lead, ahead of Simmonds with Mackenzie wrapping up the moto in third.
The final moto, however, belonged to the 'Boy from Bourke', with Simmonds taking the lead ahead of Mackenzie and reigning Champ Marmont within the first lap. At times it seemed Mackenzie was catching the 18 year old, however the determined rider powered on to take his first Pro Opens win since joining the class this year.
Again Mackenzie was forced to settle for second place ahead of Marmont who managed to hold onto third despite a late challenge from Cooper.
Cody Cooper. Photo courtesy of Kajx Communications for WEM.
Cody Cooper : "The last few weeks have been massive for me and the team," Cooper said. "I've been over here and we've been working soo hard to get the bike right and getting me sorted and the entire team has done an amazing job. We made some changes to my program as well, and I'll even make some more changes as a result of today which will be even more positive. I'm pumped to be up on the top step and certainly hope to keep it this way for the rest of the Series."
Round 7 of the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals will be held on Sunday 18 July at the Moree Motorcycle Club in NSW - 10 minutes North of Moree on the Newell Highway.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.J. Larsen continues dominance in the PRO LITES.
Edited copy from Erin Lagoudakis from Motorcycling Australia.
JDR Motorex KTM's PJ Larsen has continued his domination of the Pro Lites class by taking out the sixth round of the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals.
Larsen kicked off the day qualifying fastest ahead of Serco Yamaha's Ford Dale and Team Rockstar Motul Suzuki's Lawson Bopping.
He then proceeded to dominate for the rest of the day, taking the lead in all three races and appearing unstoppable at every turn.
In the first moto, Larsen was chased down by teammate Ryan Marmont, with Dale and Kawasaki Racing Team's Codie Mackie close behind.
While Dale settled into second place, Mackie and Marmont battled it out for the remaining podium place, with Marmont overcoming the Kawasaki rider to take third.
A red flag within the first two laps of the second moto had riders back at the gate waiting patiently for a re-start, however when gates dropped it was a repeat performance as Larsen once again flew through to take the holeshot and a commanding lead.
South Australian and Serco Yamaha rider Kirk Gibbs managed to keep pace with Larsen when he broke away in the first few laps; however the closest he could get was still more than three seconds behind, before the American rider slipped away.
The third moto wasn't much different expect it was new recruit to the JDR Motorex KTM Racing satellite team - Queenslander Brendan Harrison, who was fighting for second place, overcoming challenges from Gibbs, Dale, Mackie and UK rider and Serco Yamaha mounted Jason Dougan.
With a quick look over his shoulder in the last lap, Larsen knew he was in the clear and with a pump of the fist, rode to finish the round with a perfect score.
PJ Larsen. Photo courtesy of Kajx Communications for WEM.
PJ Larsen: "I'm really happy going three for three. I got three good starts on the concrete today but the track was a little tricky and it was easy to make mistakes on. I just really tried to break away quickly, find my pace and just settle in for the ride. There's more that I could do in those first three laps, but I just need the pace to get a good gap and after that I just keep my eye on the guys behind me and set into a pace the same as theirs so they can't catch me!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ross Beaton has wINS the Under 19's class.
Edited copy Erin Lagoudakis from Motorcycling Australia.
In the Under 19's class it appeared MX Rad Coastal KTM's Josh Cachia would continue to build on his Championship lead, however despite winning the first moto, he couldn't hold back former Yamaha Junior Development Team rider Beaton, who was in fine form, taking out the last two motos and the round win. Beaton has now made some inroads to reigning in Cachia's points lead, and now sits 26 points behind the Kilmore local.
Ross Beaton. Photo courtesy of Kajx Communications for WEM.
Ross Beaton: It's been a great day today. All the boys on the team have worked so hard; we put in the hours and do what we need to do to get on top. It's all just finally paying off and working for me so it's been an awesome. All it takes is a few race wins to close the gap on the Series leader, and hopefully get the points back and go from there. I love having the number one, I've had second place plenty of times before so it's good to be up on the top step.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RACE BRIEF ... FROM MIKE PHILLIPS - Cougar Bourbon Thor Honda - PRO LITES CLASS.
It had been a month since our last round and I had been back home training hard and doing loads of riding and feeling really good. I flew into Melbourne on Friday and drove north 3 and a half hours to Wodonga Saturday morning with the team. It had stopped raining on the way up which we were all happy about. Sunday morning rolled around and they had ripped and prepped the track really well considering all the rain they had. Qualifying was alright but I pumped up a little and only got a few quick laps in. I Qualified 13th.
Moto 1and I was all set to carry on were I left off the round before. I got a good start off the concrete gates and was in the top 5. I was riding a little loose on the first lap and a few guys got past. I was struggling to find my rhythm and then it all went bad. I jumped a little ski jump a little too far and landed in a nasty braking bump. I went over the bars. I got back on and pulled into the pits. Got the bike straightened up and started my charge back through the field. I made it back to a disappointing 20th
Moto 2 was restarted after a crash on the second lap. I was happy with that as I got caught up in a first turn crash so it gave me another chance at a good race. I got a good start on the restart and was in about 4th. I got past by a few riders and settled into 7th. I was on the back wheel of Suzuki rider Kade Mosig but couldn't make a pass. On the last lap I had a lapse of concentration and got bitten by the same bump that got me in the first moto. I went over the bars again. I got back to my bike and finished the race in 9th.
Moto 3 I was just planning to finish the race with some good points. After the best start of the day I came around the first few corners in 4th but half way through the first lap I caught my foot in a rut and twisted my ankle badly. Fearing the worst I pulled into the pits and that was my day over.
I was feeling really good coming into this round having trained really hard at home and in my mind done everything right to prepare for this event. My ankle is feeling a lot better today and it doesn't feel like there is any major damage done. We have 3 weeks until the next round in Moree. I'm taking the next week or so off to get the body back to normal and then it's back to the drawing board.
Mike
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vets MX Cup awarded Australian Championship status
Edited copy courtesy Erin Lagoudakis from Motorcycling Australia.
Williams Event Management (WEM) and Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced that the Vets MX Cup has been awarded Australian Championship status for 2010.
Following from the success of the Cup at the final round of the Championship in 2009, and of Veterans classes in the USA, New Zealand and at a World Championship level, WEM approached the MA Board to approve two classes enabling former stars to rejoin the Championship.
WEM Director Kevin Williams said that he was blown away by the support for the class in 2009 and couldn't wait to see the riders battling it out for their own title at the final round of the Series this year.
"We were overwhelmed by the success of the Vets Cup in 2009 and it became clear that there was a need to make it an Australian Championship," Williams said.
"There will be two Vets classes at the final round for 2010; a 35-39 years class running three motos on Saturday and a 40+ class which will run three motos on the Sunday."
In 2009 Darryl King took out the inaugural Veterans Cup ahead of Glen Bell and Peter Melton, and with not one but two Championships on the line, it's expected that a few more former stars will be hitting the track once again.
Riders interested in competing can download entry forms from the Series website at: www.mxnationals.com.au in the competitor information section.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FREESTYLE NEWS
BIKE FLIPS OVER DAKAR TRUCK.
Russian FMX rider Alexey Kolesnikov and Dakar 2010 winner and KAMAZ-master team pilot Vladimir Chagin accomplished a unique joint project: the first ever motorcycle jump over a flying truck. Excellent production.
http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Video/Alex-Kolesnikov-flips-over-flying-9-ton-KAMAZ-021242863830768
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EURO NEWS
Desalle and Herlings fight hard to win in Latvia.
Edited copy courtesy of Youthstream
At sunny Kegums (Latvia), Clement Desalle and Jeffrey Herlings came back onto the top of the MX1 and MX2 podium respectively as both collected their second Grand Prix win of the season. Four hard fought moto's made it an exciting day of racing.
Desalle won from MX1 Championship leader and second heat winner Antonio Cairoli with Steve Ramon completing the overall podium. Both Cairoli and Ramon made their comeback to the rostrum.
Securing the second career GP win courtesy of his victory in heat two, Herlings took first overall ahead of Ken Roczen and Steven Frossard, all starring a three way battle for first in a dramatic final heat.
Now that's what you call grooming ! Photo Courtesy of Youthstream.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MX1:
Edited copy courtesy of Youthstream
Narrowly missing out on the Latvia Grand Prix victory last year due to a technical problem, Rockstar Teka Suzuki World MX1's Desalle completed his mission this weekend and took also his second victory of 2010. The Belgian charged hard in the opening moto to take a provisional second within the first half of the race, then moved on to pass a fast Bobryshev and snatch the lead. In the final moto instead he settled to second behind Cairoli with the result being enough to earn the overall win.
A disappointed Cairoli took second on the podium behind Desalle. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX1 rider struggled to pass Philippaerts in the opening moto and was impossible to catch the top three riders by the time he had moved up to fourth. The Italian took his revenge by winning the second heat in dominant style and work his way up to the overall podium.
Other Rockstar Teka Suzuki World MX1 rider Ramon completed the podium, with the Suzuki duo sandwiching the Championship leader on the podium. Ramon rode two steady moto's to take two third places. The podium brought Ramon up to fourth in the Championship while team mate Desalle is second.
Clement Desalle (courtesy of the Suzuki Press Office): "I was close to winning here last year so I am glad I could do it this time. To take the GP is really good but I wanted to win that second moto as well but Antonio was too fast. I concentrated on my lines and did not want to make any mistake. The first moto win was good and I saw Bobryshev getting tired towards the end so I pushed hard and knew that I was taking seconds on him each lap. No crashes, my shoulder feels very strong and a lot of points; it was a good weekend."
CAS Honda's Bobryshev narrowly missed his maiden podium finish. The Russian was about to win moto one when Desalle charged hard in the final laps and moved past. Bobryshev took second eventually but could not repeat himself in moto two, finishing a distant fourth. Ending level in points with Ramon, Bobryshev took fourth overall.
Kawasaki Racing's Boog completed the top five ahead of Philippaerts and Nagl, who got the holeshot in the final heat.
German GP winner De Dycker struggled and ended twelfth while Steinbergs was the best placed home rider with a 24th overall position. Japanese Tomoya Suzuki was 31st.
MX1 Race 1 Top 10: 1. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 38:54.633; 2. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:12.451; 3. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:24.131; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:33.514; 5. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), +0:39.071; 6. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:44.621; 7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:46.826; 8. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Honda), +0:48.973; 9. Tanel Leok (EST, Honda), +0:50.444; 10. Ken de Dycker (BEL, Yamaha), +0:54.965;
MX1 Race 2 Top 10: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 39:44.581; ; 2. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), +0:13.410; 3. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:25.118; 4. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:32.040; 5. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:37.404; 6. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), +0:41.379; 7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:42.842; 8. Tanel Leok (EST, Honda), +0:44.219; 9. Rui Goncalves (POR, KTM), +0:50.391; 10. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Honda), +1:09.611;
MX1 Overall Top 10: 1. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 47 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 43 p.; 3. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), 40 p.; 4. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), 40 p.; 5. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), 31 p.; 6. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), 31 p.; 7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), 28 p.; 8. Tanel Leok (EST, Honda), 25 p.; 9. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Honda), 24 p.; 10. Rui Gonçalves (POR, KTM), 22 p.;
MX1 Championship Top 10: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 384 points; 2. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 323 p.; 3. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), 298 p.; 4. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), 277 p.; 5. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), 276 p.; 6. Ken de Dycker (BEL, Yamaha), 269 p.; 7. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), 248 p.; 8. Tanel Leok (EST, Honda), 207 p.; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), 189 p.; 10. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Honda), 189 p.;
MX1 - Saturday Qualifying race. Photo Courtesy of Youthstream.
MX1 start on Sunday. Photo Courtesy of Youthstream.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MX2:
Edited copy courtesy of Youthstream
With only six points separating the top four riders of the Grand Prix of Latvia, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX2's Herlings came out on top of the pack courtesy of his final moto victory and of team mate Musquin's crash at the start of the final heat.
Herlings started strong in the first moto to snatch the lead from holeshotter Musquin but dropped down to an eventual third. Moto two was different as Herlings found himself at the leap of the first laps but Frossard came past to take the lead. Before the race finished Herlings was back on top and won a three way battle for first with Frossard and Roczen to take the overall win.
Teka Suzuki Europe World MX2's Roczen made it to second on the podium but was disappointed not to have started his attacks a bit before. In moto one the German came dramatically close to eventual winner Musquin only in the final laps and narrowly missed out on his second heat win of the season after Germany's second moto. In the final heat instead Roczen was overtaken by Frossard and ended third.
Kawasaki CLS' Frossard was an eventual third on the podium. With Musquin being another candidate for third overall, Frossard had to work his way up to second in the final moto by passing Roczen and even troubling Herlings for the win otherwise he would have not been on the rostrum. In the first heat instead he was a steady fourth.
After a winning streak of five GP's, Musquin of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX2's missed the podium and dropped down to fourth overall in Latvia. The Championship leader took victory in moto one but a fall in the first corner of the second moto put him out of the potential winners' list. Musquin recovered from dead last to an eventual seventh to give the crowd a demonstration of his impressive talent.
Jeffrey Herlings (copy and photo courtesy of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team): "I'm really satisfied with my weekend. I've had my ups and downs this season. I started really good in the first five rounds then I had three bad rounds so it felt awesome to be back on top again. This was my second GP win. In the first heat I was in the lead after two corners and then I got passed by Marvin and Ken (Roczen) and I finished third. Then I took the holeshot in the second and I had a long fight with Steven (Frossard) but I fought hard and I was able to win the moto and the GP."
Yamaha Monster Energy Motocross' Paulin completed the top five ahead of Roelants while team mates Kullas and Charlier were respectively seventh and eighth.
After taking three consecutive podiums, Osborne finished 13th overall and even crashed at the first corner of moto one. Latvian Karro ended right after in 14th place.
MX2 Race 1 Top 10: 1. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), 40:02.269; ; 2. Ken Roczen (GER, Suzuki), +0:00.701; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:10.349; 4. Steven Frossard (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:32.455; 5. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), +0:53.511; 6. Harri Kullas (FIN, Yamaha), +1:08.966; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +1:21.629; 8. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +1:42.337; 9. Valentin Teillet (FRA, KTM), +1:43.915; 10. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), +1:52.417;
MX2 Race 2 Top 10: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 39:22.107; ; 2. Steven Frossard (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:02.998; 3. Ken Roczen (GER, Suzuki), +0:05.224; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:39.306; 5. Zach Osborne (USA, Yamaha), +0:48.873; 6. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), +0:50.140; 7. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), +0:53.176; 8. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Suzuki), +1:06.550; 9. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), +1:11.730; 10. Jake Nicholls (GBR, KTM), +1:21.620;
MX2 Overall Top 10: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 45 points; 2. Ken Roczen (GER, Suzuki), 42 p.; 3. Steven Frossard (FRA, Kawasaki), 40 p.; 4. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), 39 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), 32 p.; 6. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), 31 p.; 7. Harri Kullas (FIN, Yamaha), 24 p.; 8. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), 23 p.; 9. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Suzuki), 22 p.; 10. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 21 p.;
MX2 Championship Top 10: 1. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), 404 points; 2. Ken Roczen (GER, Suzuki), 330 p.; 3. Steven Frossard (FRA, Kawasaki), 308 p.; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 286 p.; 5. Zach Osborne (USA, Yamaha), 249 p.; 6. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 246 p.; 7. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Suzuki), 236 p.; 8. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), 214 p.; 9. Jeremy van Horebeek (BEL, Kawasaki), 209 p.; 10. Harri Kullas (FIN, Yamaha), 182 p.;
MX2 - Saturday Qualifying race. Photo Courtesy of Youthstream.
Ken Roczen in the Qualifying race. Photo Courtesy of Youthstream.
MX2 start on Sunday. Photo Courtesy of Youthstream.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VETERANS: Mats Nilsson established his authority on the FIM Veterans' World Cup through two dominant heat wins. Eventually he topped the podium from Erwin Hendrickx and Pascal Bal. After losing the American round to Dubach, Nilsson was back to action in Latvia with two heat wins and topped the overall podium from sand specialist Hendrickx, someone who will be among the favourites in the remaining two rounds in Lommel and Lierop. Frenchman Bal completed the podium ahead of Lheriteau and Hiruts.
Vets Race 2 on the Sunday. Photo Courtesy of Youthstream.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UDDEVALLA, SWEDEN.
Round 5 of the UEM EMX 125 series will get underway in Uddevalla, Sweden, this weekend and I note that Kiwi Kayne Lamont has entered.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
De Reuver will also miss the Swedish GP.
Marc De Reuver will miss the Swedish GP at Uddevalla, Sweden as well after the Dutch rider contracted a high fever and throat infection and missed the Latvian GP as a result. His Doctor has prescribed a stronger course of antibiotics. And any exertion has been ruled out. He hopes to be back in action at the Belgian GP at Lommel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Further frustration for Coppins in Latvia.
In the first MX1 moto Coppins pulled a decent start, rounding the opening lap inside the top 15. Feeling good on the bike Coppins battled it out with Goncalves, Swanepoel and Strijbos, ultimately finishing the 35 minute and 2 lap moto in 14th position.
The second moto would see another solid start for the number 6 Aprilia, as Coppins quickly settled into a good rhythm. Mid way through, whilst battling with Strijbos, the chain came off the bike putting an end to the race for the frustrated New Zealander.
Josh gave his thoughts on the weekend:"The track was really good this weekend, very rough and bumpy but I enjoyed it and felt comfortable with the bike in the first race. The second moto was pretty frustrating though, I was having a decent race when the chain came off."
Josh Coppins at Kegums. Image courtesy of CDS.
WHAT HAPPENED TO JOSH AT GERMANY ?
I never received my usual email so sourced this.
It was a weekend of technical woes for Josh Coppins at Round 8 in Germany as electrical issues hampered the factory Aprilia machine. During the Saturday qualification heat 'Lizzard' rode a solid moto posting 12th place and securing a good gate pick for the Sunday event.
In Moto 1 on Sunday Coppins grabbed a decent start racing his number 6 machine through the opening laps inside the top 15, but a small miss-fire began to play havoc as Coppins negotiated the technical yet high speed circuit. Doing his utmost to 'ride through' any issues Josh soldiered on to a 14th position.
As the gate dropped for Moto 2 and the riders dropped through the first turn 'Lizzard' was down in 17th position. Pushing hard Coppins started to get past the competition, but early into the race he realised that the misfire from Moto 1 was still there. Relentlessly the New Zealander pushed on getting himself through to 14th place on lap 5. The technical issues where getting worse though and unfortunately one lap later the machine cut out completely, putting a frustrated Coppins out of the race.
"I am really motivated to get the bike into the top 10, both the team and I are putting so much effort in, but this sort of result is not reflecting anything. I will keep giving 100% and hopefully soon the results will come to us. I look forward to Latvia next week," commented Coppins.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Britain's short list for MX of Nations announced.
After meeting with members of the ACU Motocross Committee last week, Steve Dixon the Team Manager has announced a short list of five possible riders for the 2010 MX of Nations to be held at the end of September.
The three riders who will actually represent Team GB will be chosen from, Brad Anderson, Max Anstie, Jake Nicholls, Tommy Searle and Shaun Simpson. At the meeting all logistics of the event were discussed and Mr Dixon is now talking with each rider and Team Manager over various issues which will determine the availability of the five named above.
Dixon said: "I have given a lot of thought before announcing the five man squad. Obviously there are other riders who may have felt they should have been listed, especially as we do not currently have a top 10 contender in the MX1 world championship. However, with the 350 KTM now being available and proven to be competitive, there is a possibility that either, or both, of our MX1 and MX3 riders could be on a 350."
Motocross Committee Chairman, Brian Higgins added: "We have given the job of Team Manager to Steve Dixon and we have every confidence in his decision when it gets to the final three. Steve's vast knowledge at world level is invaluable and he has the contacts to get data from Manufacturers for setting the bikes up at high altitude, which the Denver circuit is."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USA NEWS
Dungey'S Fourth Straight AND TOWNLEY SECOND.
Edited copy courtesy of Brandon Short for Alli Sports.
Lakewood, Colorada, the fifth round of the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship translated into a exceptional day of racing under threatening skies and a jam-packed hillside of exuberant Colorado fans for the Toyota Trucks Thunder Valley National from Thunder Valley Motocross Park. Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey extended his 450 Class points lead with his fourth consecutive overall victory.
Since round two of the 2010 season, Dungey has been on a mission, showing his peers that despite being a rookie, he is more than ready to lead the way in the title fight. On Saturday, he maintained the form that has put him in the drivers seat early on, securing a runner-up effort in Moto 1 and going on to win his sixth of the last eight motos in the final race of the day.
Ryan Dungey: "I've been fortunate to win some races (this year). I just want to keep it up and win as many races as possible. I didn't know what to expect (coming into the season), so I came in with an open mind. Hangtown wasn't what I expected, there just wasn't enough time. But I put it behind me and we're moving forward. They let the track go today and it got rough which was cool. It made for some great racing."
Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda's Ben Townley posted his best finish of the season, grabbing the runner-up spot (6-2) while GEICO Powersports Honda's Brett Metcalfe finished third (4-4) and assumed the runner-up position in the season standings. Defending champion Chad Reed, of Australia, finished ninth (10-7) and fell from second to third in the points.
Dungey now holds a 51-point advantage heading into the halfway point of the season, leading the most laps in the class at 62 and holding the best average finish of 2.7.
Ryan Dungey. Photos courtesy of the Team Suzuki News Service.
450 Class (Moto Finish)
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (2-1)
Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda (6-2)
Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda (4-4)
Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha (1-10)
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda (8-3)
Kyle Regal, Kemp, Texas, Honda (9-6)
Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha (7-8)
Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM (12-5)
Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki (10-7)
Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha (13-9)
450 Class Championship Standings
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 218
Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 167
Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki, 160
Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM, 154
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 153
Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 152
Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda, 151
Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha, 108
Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Suzuki, 101
Kyle Regal, Kemp, Texas, Honda, 94
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pourcel Becomes First Repeat Winner in 250 Class.
Edited copy courtesy of Brandon Short for Alli Sports
While Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel added to his championship advantage with his second overall win. Through the first four rounds, the 250 Class had seen four different riders stand atop the overall podium. However, Pourcel ended that at Thunder Valley, going 1-1 on the day to take a convincing win.
Christophe Pourcel: "My race went good. I won both motos and had some good starts so it was a pretty good day. I'm surprised (with the competition). You never know who will be out there. But it's been great and I've been riding good. All you can do is ride your best. I'm trying to do my best for the fans and give them my best on the podium."
After five rounds, Pourcel is the only rider in the class with more than one moto victory and has found his way to the top of the podium for at least one moto at each stop. GEICO Powersports Honda's Trey Canard captured second overall (3-2), while last week's winner and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Dean Wilson rounded out the podium in third (2-3). Pourcel moves into a 34-point lead over Wilson in the standings and leads the class in laps led with 72 and average finish at 2.4.
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel. Photos courtesy of Kawasaki Racing.
The MotorcycleUSA.com Women's Motocross Championship returned to action at Thunder Valley with the Able Planet National, round three of the 2010 season. DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha's Jessica Patterson remained perfect through three races, sweeping the day's moto's en route to the overall. Honda Red Bull Racing's Ashley Fiolek finished second (5-2) while Monster Energy Kawasaki's Sara Price finished third (2-6).
250 Class (Moto Finish)
Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki (1-1)
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda (3-2)
Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki (2-3)
Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki (4-4)
Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda (6-5)
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha (5-6)
Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Yamaha (8-8)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (7-9)
Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda (9-12)
Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda (16-7)
250 Class Championship Standings
Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 219
Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki, 185
Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 180
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 162
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 151
Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 140
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 135
Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 112
Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Yamaha, 108
Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 106
Round 6 of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues next weekend from Buchanan, Michigan, for and the Rockstar Energy RedBud National from RedBud on July 3.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ben Townley scores podium in Thunder Valley.
Lucas Oil - Troy Lee Designs - Honda racer, Ben Townley has successfully scored his first overall podium of the season at round 5 of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross championship held in Denver Colorado. The gutsy New Zealander posted a 6-2 score for 2nd overall and now has his sights set on his first AMA Motocross victory.
Townley had one of his best starts of the season in Moto 1 and was positioned in 2nd behind fellow Honda rider Andrew Short.
BT hit a wet patch on the circuit going into a turn and lost his front, sending him to the ground. He quickly remounted around 10th and gave chase and quickly moved up the ladder again. After securing 4th position BT hunted down Brett Metcalf in 3rd spot and was about to make his move on the Australian when he went down again. Remounting for the second time, he salvaged 6th position but ran out of time to make a move on Kyle Cunningham and Metcalf as he closed them down on the final lap.
Determined not to make the same mistakes again, Townley was motivated going into Moto 2 and once again grabbed a good start. He quickly moved from 4th to 3rd and then set up Andrew Short to move into second behind series leader Ryan Dungey. From there he rode a strong, steady race which earned him a well deserved podium and second overall for the day.
"I felt really good in the first moto but then washed out on the first lap. I came back really strong and was looking for a podium spot when I went down again behind Brett and that pretty much took the wind out my sails. I'm over these small crashes and mistakes but guess when you are pushing that hard these things can happen, but in the second Moto I sort-of backed it down a little and it paid off with a podium which is great for my confidence and for the team." explained Townley.
Townley still occupies 7th spot in the overall standings however the Kiwi is only a mere 16 points off second place Brett Metcalfe with Ryan Dungey sporting a 51 point over the Australian as the series hits the halfway mark next weekend in Red Bud - Buchanan, Michigan.
Photo courtesy of Synergy-Sport. Photographer credit - Frank Hoppen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim Ferry retires.
American motocrosser Tim Ferry (aka Red Dog) has retired. The 35 year old from Florida has been troubled with a heel injury since the Daytona Supercross last year.. Ferry represented the USA at three MXoN. The 2007 MXoN at Budds Creek was probably Team USA's greatest performance. The last few years he rode for Monster Energy Kawasaki and was team-mate to Ryan Villopoto.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMA SUPERCROSS
Two New Races Added to 2011 Tour
Feld Motor Sports has announced that the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, schedule that kicks off January 8 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., and concludes at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium on May 7. Monster Energy Supercross will include two new events.
Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles will host it's first-ever Monster Energy Supercross race on 22 January, which is the tour's third race. Monster Energy Supercross will maintain its tradition in Anaheim while expanding into Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium. From Los Angeles, Monster Energy Supercross will head to Oak-Alameda City Stadium in Oakland, California, for the first time since 1984 on 29 January.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTO GP
Valentino Rossi Update.
"Three weeks have passed since the accident and two since I was discharged from hospital, and I am very happy about how my recuperation is progressing. I am feeling a lot better and I'm starting to live a semi-normal life again, although for a completely 'normal' life I will have to wait until I'm back on my bike! I am walking with crutches and since a few days I've been able to put my foot to the floor. Honestly, I didn't expect to feel this good just a few weeks after the incident, and I mean both physically and in my 'spirit.'
The rehabilitation is continuing as usual, both sitting in the hyperbaric chamber and with some exercises in the gym. Unfortunately my shoulder is still giving me some pain but I am working on the muscles to reduce the pain a bit. If the rehabilitation proceeds without trouble and if everything continues in this way, then my objective is to return at the Czech Grand Prix in Brno.
I have started to leave the house and my good friends haven't left me on my own for even a minute, although I'm not used to spending so much time in Tavullia! I miss my bike, my team and the paddock a lot and this 'new' sensation is pushing me to get better as quickly as possible.
I'll speak to you, but more importantly see you, soon.
Ciao, Valentino Rossi."
A study in concentration. Photo courtesy of Yamaha Racing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assen win completes Lorenzo's trio
Edited copy courtesy of Moto GP
In front of 97,000 fans the Fiat Yamaha rider's fourth win of 2010 extended his World Championship lead to 47 points, and he joined a group of elite riders in having won in three or more different classes at the Dutch track. Lorenzo secured his first premier class win at the historic Dutch track, having won twice in the 250cc class and once in the 125cc category there.
Jorge Lorenzo's grip on top spot in the World Championship standings was tightened further with victory at the TIM TT Assen on Saturday, as the Fiat Yamaha rider extended his advantage to 47 points. Finishing almost three seconds ahead of Dani Pedrosa - who now sits behind him in the overall standings.
"I am really happy that I have won here in all three classes because it's such a historic place and the football I had in Parc Ferme was to celebrate this 'hat-trick'!" said Lorenzo, who joined Jim Redman, Mike Hailwood, Valentino Rossi, Phil Read, Luigi Taveri and Dieter Braun in the record books as one of the riders to have won in three or more classes at the Dutch TT, and on its 80th anniversary as well.
Assessing the race Lorenzo explained that he was made to work hard for his victory as Pedrosa hunted him down, whilst the decision to go with the harder rear Bridgestone tyre (fellow podium finishers Pedrosa and Casey Stoner had the medium option) paid off.
"This race was a bit more difficult than Silverstone because Dani was so fast with the softer tyre early on in the race and I had to really keep my concentration to stay in front of him at that point," said Lorenzo. "I was confident that my harder Bridgestone tyre would help me later on and this was the case, so we made the right choice. It wasn't easy though and at the end I was sliding quite a lot, in fact I made a mistake at the chicane and nearly crashed so I was quite glad to finish!"
In just eight days Lorenzo will be going for victory again at the Gran Premi Aperol de Catalunya, and he is eager to please his home crowd.
Lorenzo will be joined by injured team-mate Valentino Rossi's stand-in Wataru Yoshikawa at Catalunya
Jorge Lorenzo. Photo courtesy of motogp.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agostini celebrates 80th Assen TT with OW23 and special edition YZR-M1
Edited copy courtesy of Yamaha Racing
The Fiat Yamaha Team, the Yamaha Classic Racing Team and multiple-World Champion Giacomo Agostini joined together for a very special celebration at Assen ahead of the 80th edition of the historic Dutch TT. Giacomo Agostini, Shigeto Kitagawa, President of Yamaha Motor Racing and Ferry Brouwer, owner of the Yamaha Classic Racing Team presented the celebrated 1975 YZR500 OW23, on which Agostini won his last ever world title in 1975 and also the Dutch TT in 1974. In addition Yamaha unveiled a surprise 'Agostini' 2010 YZR-M1 in Fiat Yamaha Team colours, with the Italian's famous Number One stickers. Yamaha legend Agostini rode a display lap of Assen on both motorcycles on raceday to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the TT.
Lorenzo and Agostini. Photo courtesy of Yamaha Racing
Giacomo Agostini: "It's a double pleasure and honour for me to be here at Assen on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Dutch TT. First of all, I was honoured to be invited by the TT for this important occasion and secondly I am very excited to celebrate this event riding for Yamaha, to whom I gave a first world title in the 500cc series. I have a beautiful memory of this TT race and of these fans. I remember that when I used to ride here, many years ago, there were 160,000 fans all around the track. Unbelievable! Tomorrow I will have the chance to ride the "past" and the "present;" the first and the latest world champion bikes. My OW23 was like a bicycle with 120bhp, but used to get power at 6000rpm...whilst the M1 has 240bhp! When you ride the M1 for the first time, it seems that it's very easy: engine, gear, brakes, it seems that it does everything itself, but then when you open the throttle you discover its power and you realise how difficult it is to control such a force!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD SUPERBIKES
Biaggi secures win number eight
Edited copy courtesy of worldsbk.com
Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) continued along the rich seam of form he has been displaying for the past two rounds by taking his fourth double win of the year, the Italian utterly dominating raceday at Misano and moving further ahead in the championship standings. In front of 69,000 fans Max was eventually imperious after some early flurries of overtaking activity, but Superpole winner Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) was a co-star in race one, leading for 16 laps before yielding to Max, then finishing third. Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) fought back from eighth in race one to go second in race two, and keep Biaggi in his sights for the final five rounds of the year. In the overall championship Biaggi has 307 points, Haslam 270 and Carlos Checa (Althea Ducati) 172.
Race 1: Biaggi took his seventh win of the season in race 1, finally overtaking long time leader Corser and then proving able to hold off Checa's Ducati in the final laps. Checa was second, Corser third, the top three veteran riders covered by only 0.822 seconds at the flag. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) was fourth, Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) fifth. Leon Camier, on the second Aprilia RSV4, was an eventually lonely sixth. Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) ended race one seventh after working hard at Misano; Haslam a disappointed eighth, having some technical set-up issues that held back his possible charge. Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) and James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) were ninth and tenth respectively.
Race 2: Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) was in unbeatable form in race 2, surviving some hard early passing moves by his main rivals to get clear of the pack and push on to win, easing up across the line, by 4.095 seconds. This was double number four for the season. Haslam was a committed second after changing his machine and rear tyre as he attempted to halt Biaggi's championship surge. Fabrizio returned to some of his best form by going third, holding off the determined Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda). Checa was fifth after being ambushed in the early laps, Guintoli sixth and Byrne seventh. Luca Scassa was an impressive eighth for the local Supersonic Ducati Team, with Haga ninth and early leader Corser tenth after losing ten seconds in one lap.
2010 Standings Riders - FIM Superbike World Championship
Max Biaggi Aprilia 307
Leon Haslam Suzuki 270
Carlos Checa Ducati 172
Jonathan Rea Honda 158
Noriyuki Haga Ducati 151
Troy Corser BMW 149
James Toseland Yamaha 138
Michel Fabrizio Ducati 131
Leon Camier Aprilia 130
Cal Crutchlow Yamaha 120
Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia). Photo courtesy of worldsbk.com
« Back to Articles
Comments
|
|
|
| Alerts |
 |
2011 SENIOR MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP DATES CONFIRMED
SENIOR MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP DATES CONFIRMED
Following their meeting in Wellington on July 17th, Motorcycling New Zealand’s Motocross Commission has finalised the dates for next season’s Championships.
The season will move to February/March 2011. This change has been driven for the following reasons:
With better and more settled weather, we hope to encourage more public to attend and give the sponsors better value for their money and wider exposure for their brand
With new bikes arriving later and later in the year. By moving to early in the year the Industry will all have their new bikes in the country.
For the Clubs/volunteers who make these events happen, more public through the gate equates to better revenue for all their hard work
For the Riders, they will have the opportunity to train with the benefit of summer and daylight saving, rather than going into the Championships from the depths of winter.
An added advantage with the moving of the MX Championships is it will enable the Supercross season to run prior to the MX season and will also assist in aligning the New Zealand MX/SX seasons with our Australian neighbours.
Senior MX Championships:
Round 1 ~ Sunday February 20th ~ South Canterbury Motorcycle Club
Round 2 ~ Sunday March 6th ~ Patetonga Motorcycle Club
Round 3 ~ Sunday March 20th ~ Rotorua Motorcycle Club
Round 4 ~ Sunday March 27th ~ Taranaki Motorcycle Club
Prepared for Motorcycling New Zealand Inc.
Posted by Ian Standring 23rd Jul 2010 |
|
 |
Mr Bayer
Just A quick note to let you all know how Rob Bayer is doing after breaking both his Tib and Fib at the ankle last clubday, he under went surgey a couple of weeks ago and is back at home recoving well, we all wish him a fast and speedy return back to full health again and look forward to not only seeing him back at clubdays but also Meagan and Lucas too.
Posted by Greg Edmonds 11th Jul 2010 |
|
|
Dome Valley Funding Request Support
Hi All,
I am presently applying for funding from the RDC to get start gates and the red & white plastic road barriers for the Dome Valley MX track. It would be great if I could have some emails of support from riders who enjoy the park and how you like to race there with start gates etc, barriers etc..
If you could pen some words and send them to yardarm@xtra.co.nz, I will attch them to the application which I am submiting July 24th. Thanks in advance.
Dave Yardley
Posted by David Yardley 10th Jul 2010 |
|
|
Land wanted!!
The Club is on the look out for a sand track over the winter period, some where if its rains it makes it better, the club pays it land owners and if any body knows where one is just give me a call on 021 0570971 to see if we can make it happen.
Posted by Greg Edmonds 9th Jul 2010 |
|
|
Next Committie meeting
The next RMCC Committie meeting is the secound tuesday of next month,(the 17th of August). all members welcome, starts at 7;30 sharp.
Posted by Greg Edmonds 22nd Jun 2010 |
|
|
NAC Motorcycle Insurance
http://www.nac.co.nz/index.php
NAC Insurance (WEBSITE LINK ABOVE) located in Whangarei have a very competitive insurance rate for your pride and joy, a 6k bike is $147-00 per year, you can pay monthly/annualy, give them a go, you will be kicking your self should your bike be borrowed permanently !
Posted by Ian Standring 1st Jun 2010 |
|
|
Dome Valley Winter
Hi, due to wet riding conditions, we have decided to close Dome Valley for the winter. We may do an event and will advise if an event occurs. We plan to re-open in December depending on weather and track conditions.
Posted by David Yardley 14th May 2010 |
|
|
Dome Valley Text Alert
Hi, go join the Dome Valley Park Text alert, please text "ADD" to 021 869 318. This will give you notifications to the park status. To be removed, text "Delete" to the same number.Thanks, Dave
Posted by David Yardley 15th Mar 2010 |
|
|
Committe Meeting 17TH VENUE CHANGE
The Rodney comittee meetings are every Tuesday following club day, they kick off at 7-30pm sharp all members welcome to have your say, tonights meeting will be at Sportspro Racing, 32e William Pickering Drive, Albany,
Posted by Greg Edmonds 6th Feb 2010 |
|
|
NO DOGS
As a result of the incident at Grant Leighton's property 08/07/07, the NO DOG RULE will be enforced at every RMCC event from now on.
All pets must be left at home, no exceptions.
Please dont be offended when you are asked to take your dog home.
Posted by Jason Willis 27th Apr 2007 |
|
| We Need Your Input! |
If you had a good ride or something of interest happens, pics, articles, comments, letters or gossip -- we'd like to hear about it! C'mon - anyone can scribble a few lines down, help us give you guys some good content and yarns to read.
|
|
