Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128097
Chico [Allessio Chiodi] has been there before, he's won three World titles, but today was my day. I've done the hard work all winter long and today it showed. I listened to some motivational music before the start and that really made me think about all I've been through. I didn't have any trouble at all today." Chiodi, back on the track after a yearlong injury-induced layoff, was impressive after getting off to a slow start. "I was not with the front pack going into the first corner," Chiodi said. "From 10th place, I could not race with Dobb or the other KTMs. I felt good, I just need to race a little more. It's going to be a long hard season and I know I have time, a podium was good today." American Scott Sheak rode well. The tough Honda rider began the 125cc moto in third place, and despite losing several places as the crash to finish in third. Smets' performance was nothing short of brilliant, but Everts' victory overshadowed Smets' great ride. "It's a shame to lose a Grand Prlx in the whoops," Smets said. "The bike also stalled and I had to try and get it going with the new electric starter. The only problem was that it did not work straight away, so I lost some time there. I cannot complain, though. I'm not making excuses, [because] the best rider won today, and we just have to go to Valkensvaard in two weeks and try and win. It's a long season and my form is good, I am not too worried by this." In the 250cc class, which was just prior to the Open-class final, Corona Suzuki's Mickael Pichon came away with the win, but it wasn't the most confidence-inspiring win in the world. Pichon's win had a lot to do with other riders crashing, the Suzuki rider himself included. When all was said and done, Pichon came out on top, with German Pit Beirer and Frenchman Frederic Bolley finishing 1-2. "My condition is good," Pichon said. "It was nice to lead early, and then I crashed over a jump at the back of the track and landed in some mud. Then I slipped over and [Gordon] Crockard and [Claudio] Federici passed me, but luckily they also had trouble." (Above) Corona Suzuki's Mlckael Pichon (2) opened the 250cc series off with a win. (Right) KTM's James Dobb scored a nlftaway win in the 125cc class. Crockard, who hails from Ireland, held the lead twice, once after Pichon crashed and then again when the Italian Federici crashed. "I did not want to be leading," Crockard said. "When Pichon fell, I thought, 'Now I have all the pressure,' then Federici passed me and I was okay. 'I'll just sit behind him,' I thought, then he crashed. I had all the pressure after winning in Spain last year, everyone expected me to do it again. I then crashed and lost some time on the front three. My arms just pumped up and I lost ground and could not pull it back." Crockard ended up seventh on the day. As for Federici, he fell in the whoops section, an area many riders had trouble with. "I was really riding within myself," the fourth-place finisher, Federici, said. "It was a silly little crash, but I lost some rhythm and had to get my momentum going again. At least I know I have the speed to win, and I will this year." The 125cc class was a little more one-sided. Jamie Dobb, riding a factory KTM, took the lead on lap three, opened up a big lead and won easily over KTM teammate Thomas Traversini and three-time World 125cc Motocross Champion Alessio Chiodi, on a Yamaha. "I'm having fun out there," Dobb said. "I love racing with these guys. cue I ... race wore on, he showed more promise in this one race than he did all last year. ''I'm coming along good," Sheak said. "I have only been in Italy for three weeks, it's not the perfect preparation, but we are working hard and I can feel the speed coming back. I liked the track today, some whoops, which was not problem for me." eN n ... _ S • MARCH 28,2001 9