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Moto News Wrap for March 26, 2019 by Darren Smart

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The LATEST News

• Musquin and Ferrandis win in Seattle SX
• Chad Reed OUT of 2019 Season
• 2019 A4DE postponed – Date TBA
• Cairoli and Kjer Olsen storm Matterley Basin MXGP
• Forato and Anderson win EMX in Great Britain
• Prado sits out MXGP of Great Britain
• Herlings to return to MXGP in May
• Holcombe dominates EnduroGP
• HRC’s Ricky Brabec wins the Sonora Rally
• Ryan brothers shine at Casey Stoner Cup

Musquin and Ferrandis win in Seattle SX

Seattle hosted last weekend’s round of the AMA Supercross Championships and it was French riders Marvin Musquin and Dylan Ferrandis who won the 450SX and 250SX West main events respectively after an action-packed and somewhat controversial night of racing.

The race was reasonably stagnant right up to the chequered flag with Musquin, Roczen, and Tomac filling the.  Musquin took his second consecutive win but as far as the points go he was docked seven points for jumping through a medical flag.

Marvin Musquin

“I know what I did wrong, I have no excuses, I was leading and going for it and I saw the yellows (flags) and I did slow down but I did jump, but this doesn’t take away from my win because after that I slowed down and was looking back and Kenny was right behind me but I put in a solid main, I am really happy with my riding and that doesn’t take anything away (from the win), so I am really happy.”

Chad Reed lost traction as the field entered the second jump section at Seattle on the weekend, and sustained a hefty injury list from the clash, with eight broken ribs, a broken scapula and a collapsed lung. But blamed nobody but himself. See below for more details.

450SX Main Event Results

1. Marvin Musquin
2. Ken Roczen
3. Eli Tomac
4. Cooper Webb
5. Joey Savatgy
6. Dean Wilson
7. Blake Baggett
8. Zach Osborne
9. Cole Seely
10. Tyler Bowers

450SX Points after 12 of 17 Rounds

1. Cooper Webb – 262
2. Marvin Musquin – 248
3. Eli Tomac – 243
4. Ken Roczen – 239
5. Blake Baggett – 200
6. Dean Wilson – 180
7. Joey Savatgy – 159
8. Chad Reed – 151
9. Justin Barcia – 144
10. Cole Seely – 142

250 West Coast Report

Cianciarulo made a mistake in the whoops late in the race, handing Ferrandis a handy lead with one lap remaining but Cianciarulo was able to close right back up on Ferrandis and even went for an unlikely block pass on the final turn. He came up short so it was Ferrandis’ first main win in America while Cianciarulo, Decotis, Mosiman and Chris Blose rounded out the top five ahead of RJ Hampshire who came back to sixth after the start straight crash.

Cianciarulo now holds a 12-point lead over Ferrandis as they head to Houston next weekend while the big losers at Seattle were Shane McElrath and Nichols with the third and fourth placed riders in the points scoring zero on the night thanks to McElrath pulling out after practice with a back injury and the first lap crash of Nichols.

Dylan Ferrandis

“It has taken me three years in America to get my first win, I have suffered a lot of bad starts but tonight I got a good start then my teammate (Nichols) crashed right in front of me so I took the lead and I was leading the main which is new for me so I just tried to ride with no mistakes, Adam was right on my back and it was really challenging for me but I think for the future this is going to help me a lot.”

250 West Coast Main Event Results

1. Dylan Ferrandis
2. Adam Cianciarulo
3. Jimmy Decotis
4. Michael Mosiman
5. Chris Blose
6. RJ Hampshire
7. Mitchell Harrison
8. Cameron McAdoo
9. Enzo Lopes
10. Justin Starling

250 West Coast Points after 7 of 11 Rounds

1. Adam Cianciarulo – 163
2. Dylan Ferrandis – 151
3. Shane McElrath – 123
4. Colt Nichols – 121
5. J. Hampshire – 103
6. Michael Mosiman – 99
7. Chris Blose – 98
8. Cameron McAdoo – 94
9. Jimmy Decotis – 94
10. Garrett Marchbanks – 85

250 East Coast Points after 6 of 9 Rounds

1. Austin Forkner – 151
2. Chase Sexton – 125
3. Justin Cooper – 123
4. Alex Martin – 92
5. Martin Davalos – 89
6. Mitchell Oldenburg – 88
7. Brandon Hartranft – 82
8. Kyle Cunningham – 81
9. Kyle Peters – 79
10. Jordon Smith – 70

Chad Reed OUT of 2019 Season

Superstar Chad Reed has been forced out of the remainder of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship following injuries received in a multi-rider pile-up at Seattle last weekend.

Reed was on the inside of Cooper Webb going through the second right hand corner of the main event but his JGR Suzuki spun up as he was trying to launch into the next rhythm section and with the rest of the field flying down to the left his Suzuki spewed directly into the path of a heap of riders bringing Ryan Breece and Justin Brayton down before Kyle Chisolm was left with no choice but to land right on top of Reed.

Via social media the 32-year-old Reed announced that the crash has resulted in the multi supercross champion having to sit out the remaining five rounds.

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Chad Reed – Instagram

“Yesterday was fun. Finally a halfway technical track; The whoops were so freaking awesome loved every pass, unfortunately a mistake in the main was costly. Eight broken ribs, broken scapula and a collapsed lung. I’m bummed my year comes to an end with five to go.”

2019 A4DE postponed – Date TBA

Motorcycling Australia (MA) have advise all competitors and teams entered into the 2019 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE), that the event has been postponed, with a date to be confirmed in due course, find below further details:

Motorcycling Australia (MA) Statement

“Due to government approvals surrounding the environment in which the 2019 A4DE will take place, the date for this prestigious event has been delayed. To ensure that the area spanning the event’s four days are supported and protected to best of the Motorcycling New South Wales Enduro Committee’s and Far South Coast Motorcycle Club’s abilities, this change in date is vital to the success of the A4DE 41st anniversary.

“To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams alike, full refunds due to the date change will be provided, if requested, within 21 days. For a full refund please contact the A4DE secretary via [email protected].

“For further information surrounding the event and how to enter, please head to the A4DE website and Facebook. “MA and A4DE appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. Further updates regarding the 2019 A4DE official date will be released via MA in due course.”

Cairoli and Kjer Olsen storm Matterley Basin MXGP

Perfect weather and a huge crowd gave Great Britain’s Matterley Basin circuit a boost as it hosted the second round of the FIM World Motocross Championship last weekend and it was Tony Cairoli who clinched his second win of the season while Thomas Kjer Olsen rode the wheels off his Husqvarna in the MX2 class to take his first win of the year.

MXGP Report

Despite a shoulder injury Cairoli garnered his 87th GP victory with 1-2 moto results but you would have to say ‘the man’ of the GP was Tim Gajser who had a massive high-speed crash while leading the opening moto only to bounce back to finish third THEN get it all together to win the second moto ahead of a determined Cairoli.

Gautier Paulin’s 2-3 gave him third overall ahead of Clement Desalle, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Arnaud Tonus, Max Anstie, Jeremy Seewer, Arminas Jasikonis and Julien Lieber so after two rounds Cairoli leads the championship by just 8 points over Gajser who in turn has a 15-point lead over Paulin.

Tony Cairoli

“It was a great weekend and this track is for sure one of my favourites but, today it was very difficult to push from the beginning. I couldn’t really push because I am stiff on my right shoulder and neck which gave me arm pump right away. Hopefully I can be 100% again for the next race but overall, I’m really happy, of course for the championship everything is going well and this is my goal.”

Tim Gajser is proving to be Cairoli’s main competition so far this season.

Tim Gajser

“Today was a special day for me and I’m really happy to finish on the podium. The first race I had a good start I was behind Tony and managed to pass him quickly but made a little gap then I made a mistake … thankfully I could continue. I was really happy to win the second race and I’m looking forward to next weekend. We can see that we are going to the right direction so we will continue pushing hard with the team and everybody I’m just happy that the pace and everything is finally back.”

Gautier Paulin’s second round on the Yamaha earned the French star a solid podium.

Gautier Paulin

“Every weekend on the box is a good weekend. I was happy with the first moto. In the second moto I was riding stiff in the beginning, but overall, we had a good weekend and made a big step forward since Argentina. This was always the goal and this is what we are working really hard towards. I am really happy with my team Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and the work they are putting in.”

Dean Ferris started the opening moto just inside the top 30 but as you would expect our fastest 450 rider made his way to 15th with lap times that were comparable to the like of Max Anstie, Arminas Jasikonis and Glenn Coldenhoff but a fall at the start of the second moto not only put pay to what should have been a great weekend for Ferris and it looks like he has picked up a knee injury.

Dean Ferris

“It was a tough weekend, but I got more comfortable in every session. I thought the last fifteen minutes of the race I found my groove and had some really good lap-times, so I was content with that. In moto two, I went down on the start and I have hurt my knee, so that will need to be assessed.”

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten

1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 36:37.831
2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:01.956
3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.473
4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:24.293
5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:26.271
6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.618
7. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:45.107
8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:46.683
9. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:49.675
10. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:56.271

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten

1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 36:01.717
2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.709
3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:54.204
4. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:57.637
5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:00.564
6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +1:05.984
7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:20.385
8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:22.071
9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +1:26.697
10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +1:28.257

MXGP Overall Top Ten

1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 47 points
2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 45 points
3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 42 points
4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 32 points
5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 31 points
6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 30 points
7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29 points
8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 22 points
9. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 21 points
10. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 17 points

MXGP Championship Top Ten

1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 97 points
2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 89 points
3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 74 points
4. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 66 points
5. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 65 points
6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 56 points
7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 50 points
8. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 39 points
9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 39 points
10. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 38 points

MX2 Report

Olsen’s dominant weekend ended with a perfect 1-1 score to take the overall ahead of the hard charging Henry Jacobi’s 2-3 and Tom Vialle’s 3-4 which put the second-generation French motocross star on the podium in his second ever MX2 GP.

Thomas Kjer Olsen’s first win of the season is not only a confidence booster but the Husqvarna rider now has a 16 point lead over second placed Jacobi in the championship and more importantly a 44 point lead over defending champion Jorge Prado who was forced to sit out the GP with a shoulder injury.

Thomas Kjer Olsen

“It was amazing to go 1-1 for the first time and it was even better when I was on the podium and they gave me the red plate because I didn’t realize I would be leading the points. Overall I had a great weekend, I felt really good out on the track, I had great energy and I felt really comfortable, we even made improvements every time I was out so I was really happy with that and how the whole team is working.”

Jacobi is supported by F&H Kawasaki but it is far from being a factory team.

Henry Jacobi

“I had some special lines that I was seeing and nobody else took. 2nd overall is really good for us, the team, you know we are not a factory team, but we made some really good steps over the winter with F&H Racing.”

Australian riders Jed Beaton and Mitch Evans had mixed success with Beaton’s return to racing after an injury kept him out of the opening round earned the Husqvarna rider tenth overall with a 9-13 finishes while Evans finished 15th overall after a DNF in the opening moto and an eighth in moto two.

Jed Beaton

“I had a really good weekend here at Matterley Basin. It was my first GP after many months, and I felt strong on the bike. It was good to get a top-10 in the opening moto. In the second moto I was close to the top-10 again and ended up finishing in 13th place. Getting a top-10 result in the overall is really positive for the rest of the season. There’s still a long way to go in this series. I’m pretty happy with where I am, hopefully I can start building from here.”

Mitchell Evans

“My weekend started well with a fourth in the qualifying race on Saturday, but Sunday I struggled with my starts. After a bad start in the first race I crashed whilst trying to fight my way forward. After a pit stop to fix a damaged clutch, I found myself almost a lap down and unfortunately, due to the track having such a long lap, I was unable to make up any positions. Another bad start in race two left me with a lot of work to do. I was able to fight my way back to eighth. I am happy with my riding and fitness after ten days of sitting on the couch following Argentina, due to an infection in my knee. We will work on my starts this week and be more prepared for next weekend! Thanks to my team and everyone supporting me!”

The next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship is this weekend for the MXGP of The Netherlands in Valkenswaard.

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten

1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 35:01.449
2. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:04.278
3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:16.160
4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.500
5. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:30.179
6. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:35.271
7. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:36.018
8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:44.908
9. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:50.189
10. Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:54.010

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten

1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 37:10.022
2. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:09.936
3. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:16.035
4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:16.935
5. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:20.044
6. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:38.635
7. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:43.577
8. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:46.268
9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:54.765
10. Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:59.920

MX2 Overall Top Ten

1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 50 points
2. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 42 points
3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 38 points
4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 35 points
5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 34 points
6. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 28 points
7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 28 points
8. Dylan Walsh (NZL, HUS), 22 points
9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20 points
10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 20 points

MX2 Championship Top Ten

1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 94 points
2. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 78 points
3. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 71 points
4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 65 points
5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 63 points
6. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
7. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 50 points
8. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 49 points
9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 45 points
10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 41 points

Forato and Anderson win EMX in Great Britain

Elberto Forato and Brad Anderson have won the opening rounds of the EMX250 and EMX2T classes respectively at the Matterley Basin round of the FIM World motocross Championships last weekend.

EMX250 Report

The EMX250 class is now age limited to 23 years of age and the overall winner was clearly Forato who led every lap on the way to a perfect weekend while Stephan Rubini took second with 3-5 finishes ahead of Roan Van de Moosdijk finished third with 6-3 scores.

Alberto Forato

“For me it was a good weekend, I lead from the first lap of every race, so I was able to focus on myself and I want to do this every weekend. It is a different bike and a different team this year but now I am really comfortable with everyone, the bike, the mechanics, and everything so it is good for me.”

EMX250 Race 1 Top Ten

1. Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), 32:04.381
2. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:07.871
3. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:13.441
4. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:17.624
5. Pierre Goupillon (FRA, Honda), +0:20.202
6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:24.296
7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:25.668
8. Karlis Sabulis (LAT, KTM), +0:29.951
9. Josh Gilbert (GBR, Honda), +0:31.131
10. Caleb Grothues (AUS, Yamaha), +0:53.522

EMX250 Race 2 Top Ten

1. Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), 32:24.557
2. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), +0:09.886
3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:22.042
4. Pierre Goupillon (FRA, Honda), +0:23.370
5. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:26.631
6. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, Yamaha), +1:01.793
7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +1:06.422
8. Michael Ivanov (BUL, KTM), +1:10.730
9. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:13.653
10. Josh Gilbert (GBR, Honda), +1:17.062

EMX250 Championship Top Ten

1. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 50 points
2. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 36
3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 35
4. Pierre Goupillon (FRA, HON), 34
5. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, KAW), 30
6. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 29
7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 28
8. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 23
9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 22
10. Michael Ivanov (BUL, KTM), 22

EMX2T Report

The EMX2T class is the newest category of EMX racing and with this weekend being the first round of the championship a long list of riders entered for their chance to become the first winner and in the end it was Brit Brad Anderson who earned the overall with 1-1 moto results ahead of Vaclav Kovar’s 3-2 results while Andrea Gorini battled hard to go 6-4 for third overall.

EMX2T Race 1 Top Ten

1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 32:30.711
2. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), +0:11.823
3. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:18.398
4. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.185
5. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:29.117
6. Andrea Gorini (SMR, Yamaha), +0:41.229
7. Jamie Law (GBR, KTM), +0:48.410
8. Emanuele Alberio (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:51.244
9. Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +0:53.367
10. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:54.018

EMX2T Race 2 Top Ten

1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 31:53.709
2. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:13.016
3. Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:23.472
4. Andrea Gorini (SMR, Yamaha), +0:31.933
5. Ben Putnam (GBR, Yamaha), +0:39.101
6. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:41.262
7. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:42.289
8. Matt Burrows (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:53.431
9. Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +0:57.771
10. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:59.480

EMX2T Championship Top Ten

1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 50 points
2. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 42
3. Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 33
4. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 33
5. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 30
6. Ben Putnam (GBR, YAM), 26
7. Marco Lolli (ITA, YAM), 24
8. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 22
9. Matt Burrows (GBR, HUS), 21
10. Emanuele Alberio (ITA, HUS), 21

Prado sits out MXGP of Great Britain

Defending MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado did not take part in the second round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship last weekend in Great Britain after sustaining a shoulder injury thanks to a crash while practicing three weeks ago.

Prado did complain of a sore left shoulder after the crash but the Spaniard continued to prepare for Matterley Basin but felt the condition of the joint deteriorate and become more painful.

Further detailed medical examination with renowned surgeon and specialist Dr Claes in Belgium revealed a haematoma under the left shoulder blade was causing the discomfort so the best course of recovery involves rest, and Prado will return for another check-up on Tuesday 26th for further evaluation ahead of the Grand Prix of the Netherlands at Valkenswaard.

Claudio De Carli – Red Bull KTM Team Manager

“After such a strong start to the season for the team and Jorge it is disappointing for everyone that he and Jeffrey are now missing Matterley Basin and the first European round of 2019. Unfortunately this is part of the sport but, fortunately, it could be worse and we hope Jorge will be back on the bike very quickly. We’re in good shape and we are confident, and we believe this will not be such a big setback for us in what is a long season.”

Herlings to return to MXGP in May

In the wake of a complex operation on his broken right foot, MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings has stepped-up his physical training program with a view to start riding his Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F in late April and return to competition in the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship action sometime in May.

The four-times World Champion was already missed the opening two Grands Prix and he will also miss Holland and Italy but will then hopefully be counting the days until he can again be behind a FIM World Championship gate.

Jeffrey Herlings

“Rehab has been going very well and I cannot wait to be back and to throw a leg over the bike again. I want to be back at the GPs as quick as possible but we cannot say which race yet until I get some riding time. I’m also able to step-up my cycling and swimming now. For sure we’ll miss the next three rounds and we also don’t want to rush things and risk a setback.”

Australia to host MXGP in 2020?

There was some noise made at the British GP last weekend with Australian GP promoter Willie Thomson on hand to hold talks with Youthstream, but it must be noted that nothing is concrete right now and that Thomson has yet to convince the WA government to foot the bill.

Holcombe dominates opening EnduroGP round

In almost perfect conditions Germany hosted the opening two rounds of the World EnduroGP Championships and it was defending champion Steve Holcombe who dominated both days but it was Aussie Will Ruprecht who etched his name in history to win Friday night’s Super Test against the best in the world before backing that up with a pair of podiums in the Junior class.

Holcombe won the overall EnduroGP class as well as the E3 class and Brad Freeman dominated the E1 class while it was Loïc Larrieu and Eero Remes who shared victories in the E2 class.

Steve Holcombe

“It’s difficult to sum up how much of a surprise it is to win both days. My goal was to podium and claim strong points, so as you can imagine a double victory in EnduroGP and Enduro 3 is a huge result to take. I didn’t have a great Super Test on Friday – I never really do – but I wanted to push hard from the beginning on Saturday to see where I was at. That strategy paid off and I won by 70 seconds. I went with that tactic again on Sunday and made things count on the opening two laps. I ran out of steam a little on the final lap but knew that with the effort I’d put in earlier on, barring any major mistakes, I could win. We’ve a couple of weeks now until round two in Portugal, so the plan remains unchanged – keep working with the goal of getting stronger. I know there’s room to improve. Finally, a huge thanks to Beta and all the team – a result like this is very much a team effort.”

Danny McCanney

“I finish third today, I’m a little disappointed, but overall I’m very happy with my weekend. I can’t wait to continue the season and gain some more good results.”

Brad Freeman

“I’m happy because today (day 2) I was able to increase my pace to catch up with Danny. I’m still a long way from Steve, but I’m happy to be on this 100 per cent British podium.”

Eero Remes

“The first day was very disappointing for me and the team, but I told the team that the season is very long and we are going to catch up. I feel good and this victory in E2 is a first great reward.”

Akrapovic Super Test Award Standings

1. Wil RUPRECHT 10 points
2. Benjamin HERRERA 9
3. Thomas OLDRATI 8
4. Daniel MCCANNEY 7p
5. Steve HOLCOMBE 6
6. Kirian MIRABET 5
7. Hamish MACDONALD 4
8. Andrea VERONA 3
9. Loïc LARRIEU 2
10. Alex SALVINI 1

EnduroGP Day 1 Top 10

1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
2. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
3. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
4. Christophe NAMBOTIN – France
5. Loïc LARRIEU – France
6. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
7. Albin ELOWSON – Sweden
8. Christophe CHARLIER – France
9. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
10. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile

EnduroGP Day 2 Top 10

1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
2. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
3. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
4. Eero REMES – Finland
5. Alex SALVINI – Italy
6. Loïc LARRIEU – France
7. Davide GUARNERI – Italy
8. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
9. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
10. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile

E1 Day 1 Results

1. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
2. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
3. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
4. Davide GUARNERI – Italy
5. Rudy MORONI – Italy

E1 Day 2 Results

1. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
2. Davide GUARNERI – Italy
3. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
4. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
5. Rudy MORONI – Italy

E2 Day 1 Results

1. Loïc LARRIEU – France
2. Albin ELOWSON – Sweden
3. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
4. Giacomo REDONDI – Italy
5. Antoine BASSET – France

E2 Day 2 Results

1. Eero REMES – Finland
2. Alex SALVINI – Italy
3. Loïc LARRIEU – France
4. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
5. Antoine BASSET – France

E3 Day 1 Results

1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
2. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
3. Christophe NAMBOTIN – France
4. David ABGRALL – France
5. Anthony GESLIN – France

E3 Day 2 Results

1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
2. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
3. Anthony GESLIN – France
4. David ABGRALL – France
5. Dennis SCHROETER – Germany

EnduroGP Juniors

The Junior classes were as hard fought as the senior division and it was Italian Andrea Verona who came away with victory in both days but Ruprecht kept him honest all weekend in the overall Junior class and the J1 class while Jack Edmondson and Enric Francisco shared victories in the J2 class with Kiwi Hamish Macdonald dominating the J3 class.

Andrea Verona

“This might be the most beautiful victory of my career so far. When I lost so much time this morning after the bike stopped in the Cross Test I knew I had the potential to win. My body hurts because I really attacked all day, but I’m super happy.”

Wil Ruprecht

“I don’t know what to say to you, I am so disappointed, I cracked under the pressure, I crashed three times on the last test. Andrea was the better man and he deserves it. I can only try to learn and improve after such a defeat.”

The next round of the Maxxis FIM EnduroGP World Championship will take place in Portugal in the city of Valpaços from May 3rd to 5th.

Junior – Day 1

1. Andrea VERONA – Italy
2. Théophile ESPINASSE – France
3. Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
4. Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
5. Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium

Junior – Day 2

1. Andrea VERONA Italy
2. Wil RUPRECHT Australia
3. Théophile ESPINASSE France
4. Enric FRANCISCO Spain
5. Jack EDMONDSON United Kingdom

Junior 1 (J1) – Day 1

1. Andrea VERONA – Italy
2. Théophile ESPINASSE – France
3. Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
4. Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium
5. Thomas DUBOST – France

Junior 1 (J1) – Day 2

1. Andrea VERONA – Italy
2. Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
3. Théophile ESPINASSE – France
4. Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium
5. Thomas DUBOST – France

Junior 2 (J2) – Day 1

1. Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
2. Enric FRANCISCO – Spain
3. Leo LE QUERE – France
4. Emanuele FACCHETTI – Italy
5. Till DE CLERCQ – France

Junior 2 (J2) – Day 2

1. Enric FRANCISCO – Spain
2. Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
3. Emanuele FACCHETTI – Italy
4. Ruy BARBOSA – Chile
5. Jimmy WICKSELL – Sweden

Youth Cup – Day 1

1. Hamish MACDONALD – New Zealand
2. Claudio SPANU – Italy
3. Matteo PAVONI – Italy
4. Alejandro NAVARRO HUERTAS – Spain
5. Hugo SVARD – Finland

Youth Cup – Day 2

1. Hamish MACDONALD – New Zealand
2. Matteo PAVONI – Italy
3. Claudio SPANU – Italy
4. Hugo SVARD – Finland
5. Nathan BERERD – France

HRC’s Ricky Brabec wins the Sonora Rally

The Sonora Rally takes place in the border region between Mexico and the United States near the Gulf of California and after five day Monster Energy Honda Team’s American rider Ricky Brabec claimed victory for the second time in the five year history of the event.

In conditions that varied from high speed arid tracks to 500km of sand dunes, Brabec set the pace of the race from the start, grabbing victories in the first three stages, which opened a significant margin of more than half an hour over rivals before the American masterfully managed the two final days of rallying, before reaching the final finish-line in the Sonora region capital with a 37’15” gap back to his nearest second place rival.

Ricky Brabec

“This rally was the first of the year for me so I was excited to just be able to ride the big bike again with some navigation. This desert to me is like home and very close from my home town so it makes it easy to show up with a small crew to race and as well to train. The terrain is sandy in spots with great dunes and a little more south is rocky hard pack, there’s a little of everything and for this I believe it’s proven training grounds.  Looking forward to the rest of the year racing and training; hungry for more and to top it off Dakar 2020 will be in a good way, I believe. We must stay strong in the fight.”

Ryan brothers shine at Casey Stoner Cup

Kurri Kurri hosted the Casey Stoner Cup last weekend and for the second weekend in a row the Ryan brothers have dominated a major dirt track meeting with Harrison Ryan winning the Junior Cup minutes before older brother Connor led the field home in the eight-lap Senior Cup.

While Harrison scored big winning margins in an unbeaten run over the two days of racing in the 13-16 years age class, Connor was made work much harder.

In the Junior Cup Wade O’Keefe and Jayden Rodgers followed Harrison Ryan home to complete a clean-sweep of placegetters from the host club but in the Senior Cup it was Coffs Harbour rider Bailey Spencer who lead for the opening six laps before one mistake was punished as Connor Ryan and then Boyd Hollis took over the front running.

In other senior classes Connor Ryan also won the Pro 450 final over Hollis and North Queensland rider Harry Maxwell before Taree rider Blake Wilby topped the very competitive Pro 250 class ahead of Brisbane rider Ben Montgomery and Taree’s Kye Andrews, while Anthony Farrell was best in the Over 35s.

All junior classes produced plenty of close battles with Bray Bowden (13-16 years) and Noah Grabham (7-10s) both scoring class victories after winning all five rounds, while Gold Coast rider Viv Muddle amassed nine wins and a second placing to win both of his classes.

There was more success for Taree riders with Cody Wilby and Will Bisley finishing 1-2 in the 80cc class, while Hayden Nelson also scored a class win as did Cameron Dunker and Jayden Holder but perhaps the most stirring win came in the 65cc – 9 to 13 years final when diminutive Forbes rider Beau Bailey led home Jayden Holder and Gold Coast rider Riley Nautam less than hour after Bailey had crashed heavily in an earlier race.

The next major dirt track meeting is the 30th staging of the Trackmasters at the Barleigh Ranch track on the weekend on April 13 / 14.