Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

@flJ DUD molograndplIX.com early, when Langston crashed in front of me. I thought I would also crash, but kept it going. I was back in sixth L-.I and specialist Eric Eggens scored his f1m-ever GP victory In the 125cc class. or seventh, and Pichon and Crockard were already getting away from me. I DeGroot Kawasaki's Ramon wasn't had a lonely race really. Once I got content with fourth, though it put him into third place, I just held my lines and tried to be consistent." Defending World Champion Fred- in second in the points standings. "I know it's only early days, but I need 5J[JrjiJD~ For a group that was so adamantly aga;nst this year's change to a single-moto format, the riders and team managers in the GP paddock are quite angry about the expected changes for 2002, despite the fact that they would likely return the racing to two motos per class. At the season-opening Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago, the AM announced that there will be only two classes in 2002 - a premiere Open division (including the 250cc machines) and a 125cc class (likely at a support level). Defending 500cc Champion Joel Smets has been vociferous in his opposition to the move, and was seen arguing with the track officials on Sunday morning. Smets stood pointing his finger at the official, and even asking him what would happen if the riders decided not to race. When asked about the matter, Smets quickly smiled and mentioned that everything was okay. Smets' countryman Stefan Everts, on the other hand, isn't overly concerned. "They make so many different decisions that I don't even think it will happen, the Open class," Everts said. "I think they need to start to think first, then make some decision on next year." KTM team manager Kurt Nicoll was also unsure what the format will be for 2002. "The teams are not happy," he sajd. "The riders are not happy. We are all talking, and something will be organaed soon; don't count on there being an Open class in 2002. KTM have backed the single-moto format and have invested a lot of money into the new 250cc machine; we want to use It in 2002, and I don't think an Open class is the best place for that bike." AM Motocross delegate Wolfgang Srb was disappointed when asked if the American 250cc MX series is the toughest in the World.• 1 don't think you can say that," Srb said. "We have put a lot of effort into the European series, and I think our series is as good as anything in AmerIca. Sure the Supercross is great, but moIocross - for me, the best is in Europe." When Cycle News toured the pits asking for riders' and team managers' Views, none approved the decision, and In fact many communicated the opinion that the World Motocross ChampionslUp is spiraling out of control. As a result, many riders are considering coming to the United States to race in 2002. Carl Nunn, Josh Coppins and Smets were among those who mentioned that possibility this weekend. There are even rumors (confirmed by journalist Mitch Friedman) of American Suzuki wanting Mickael Pichon to return to the States, though the AMA might have something to say on that matter. It seems if the GP series does not begin to appeal to the riders, many will attempt to sign with American teams, and some of the Grand Prix teams are even interested in switching over to the American series. to start making the podium. With the eric Bolley failed to finish, dropping new race format, you can score so out on lap nine while in 19th place. many points by taking a top-three fin- 125 The KTMs held a huge advantage on the thick sand in the tiddler division, and it was quickly apparent that ish." American Scott Sheak struggled and, despite having a liking for this type of track, he never came to terms with the European circuit. Eggens and Dobb were the two fastest riders on the track. While Eggens grabbed the holeshot in the moto, Dobb mounted a charge from the back of the pack and clocked the quickest lap times following a poor start. It wasn't enough to chase down Eggens, however, and the happy homeboy took the win. "I knew once I got the start I would be hard to beat," Eggens said. "I felt okay and kept a good pace. I have grown up on these sand tracks, and I knew with this bike that if I rode to my potential I would be hard to beat. I looked back a few times and could see Jamie [Dobb] coming through, but I had time on my side." A rider getting in his way on the start had been Dobb's problem. "The lines I had found in practice had been graded, so it was just like road racing," Dobb said. "Everyone "I got a bad start," Sheak said. "The track was really tough - riders going down everywhere. I got up behind Chiodi and was making some time on him, then my bike kicked sideways and I went down. Luckily I didn't lose any places and was able to fmish in 10th place." I:I1II EuncilCllit Vallcensvunl, Holland llaulls: April 1, zaGl IROlRId Z Df 151 t25: 1. Eric Eggens (KTM): 2. Jomie Dobb (KTM); 3. Mark De Reuver (Yam); 4. Steve Ramon (Kow): 5. Potrick Cops (Vom); 6. Luigi 5eguy (Vom); 7. Brian Jorgensen (Yam); 8. Sven Breugelmans (Yam); 9. Alessio Chiodi (Yam); 10. Scott Sheek (Hon); 11. Christian Stevllnini (Hus); 12. Jan Van Hostenberg (Vom): 13. Antti pyrhonen (Hen); 14. ErIk Connerlengo (Vom); 15. Alessondro BeJomettl (Vom). FlM 125« WORLD C'SHIP MJ( SERIES POINTS STANDINGS (Mer 2 01 t5 rounds); 1. Jomle Dobb (45/1 wins); 2. Steve Ramon (26); 3. Erik Eggens (25/1 win); 4. Alessio Chiodi (23); 5. Thomas Traversini (20); 6. Luigi Seguy (20); 7. Mark De Reuver (16); 8. Scott Sheok (13); 9. Sven Breugelmons (12); 10. Pot,;ck Cops (II): 11. Kenneth Gundersen (11): 12. Christion Stevoninl (I t); 13. (9); Ales~ndro BeJometti (10); 14. Brian Jorgensen 15. Alex Puuor (8). 250; 1. MickooJ Pichon (Suz); 2. Gordon Crockord (Hon); 3. Josh Coppins (Suz); 4. Poul Cooper (Yom); was going quick. I knew Eggens 5. Jussl-Pekka Vehvilllinen (Hon); 6. Cerl Nunn would be competitive, and I didn't (Husky) ; 7. Donny Theybers (KTM); 8. Pit Beirer (Vom): 9. Morko Kevoloinen (Yom); 10. Vves Demorio wish him to have a crash or anything. Second place here is okay. I made some points up on the others, and that's important." De Reuver had been happy just to qualify, so a podium finish was more than he could have ever dreamed of. The 18-year-old even raced side-byside with Eggens in the early going. "I can work on this now," De Reuver said. "The start was perfect, and I could follow Eggens for a while. I knew when Dobb was coming, he would get me, then Steve Ramon was also putting some pressure on. In the (Yam); 11. Claudio Federici (Vern); 12. ColUo Dugmore (KTM); 13. Massimo Bartolini (Kaw); 14. Johnny Aubert (Yom); 15. Lauris Frelbergs (Hen). FlM 250<:c WORLD C'SHIP MJ( SERIES POINTS STANDINGS (After 2 of t5 rounds): 1. Mickoel PIchon (50/2 wins); 2. Gordon Crockord (29); 3. Pit Beirer (28); 4. Josh Coppins (26); 5. Poul Cooper Europe will host an indoor motocross on June 2. in the midst of the motocross GP season. With the date now open due to the cancellation of the Italian and Austrian GPs being cancelled for that month. this added event will be run in Genk. Belgium. on an MX track with little in the way of American-style Supercross obstacles. The entry list will include Joel Smets. Stefan Everts. Josh Coppins. Chad Reed and many others. It now seems that. with the complete month of June free from Grand Prix motocross. the RM and Doma will try and set a new GP during that month. At the moment. Greece is a favorite to replace the Italian GP. which was canceled last month. The Austrian Grand Prix looks sure to go ahead in September. having been originally set on June 10. The upcoming Australian Grand Prix was rumored to be cancelled. yet Doma confirmed that the event will go ahead as planned. -There have been many rumors about foot and mouth disease being the cause for the event to be cancelled. - said Doma in a press release.• As long as riders do not try and get food into the country. or dirty riding gear. then it will go ahead. The customs in Australia will be very strict with this. " Two riders who are no doubt happy Ihat the Australian GP isn't canceled are Aussies Andrew McFarlane and Chad Reed. Both riders struggled with the unfamiliar sand of Valkensvaard. and Reed commented. "I have now got two weeks to train on tracks that I know. The weather will be a lot better than here in Europe. so I should be able to set myself up and get back into the race. " Joel Smets will also be happy to retum to Australia. Smets. who was disappointed with the whoops section in the Spanish GP two weeks ago. likes the Broadford track. -It is what real motocross is all about." Smets said. -The track is natural terrain. very beautiful. The organization in Australia do a great job. and I look forward to racing there again this year. American .Jeff Dement is still recovering from an operation on his back. Dement crashed at the Spanish GP and damaged two vertebrae. then underwent a successful operation, Dement is expected to be out for another two or three months. Some confusion occurred with the televising of the Dutch Grand Prix. In the end. the event was aired live. yet it was not mentioned in the national television-programming magazines. and many people failed to catch the action. On Belgian television. the SOllec race was shown live. Unlike in Spain. where Jamie Dobbs' 125cc KTM was the quickest bike on the track. the 500cc machines we... f a _ in Holland. Joel Smets' best lap in Valkensvaard was 2:01.944. while Mickael Pichon's best was 2;03.987. Erik Eggens was the quickest of the 12Scc riders at 2:06.992. Pichon's race time would have placed him second in the 500cc moto. just three seconds behind Smets. but it must be said that Smets slowed considerably in the later stages of his race. Eggens would have finished in third place in the 500cc race and fifth in the 2SOcc race. (24); 6. Claudio Federici (18); 7. Jussi-Pekka Vehviloinen (18); 8. Frederic Bolley (16); 9. Donny Theybers (15); 10. Morko Kovoloinen (11); 11. Corl Nunn (10); 12. Chod Reed (8); 13. Johnny Aubert (7); 14. Vves Demorio (6); 15. Mossimo Bortolini (5). 500; 1. Joel Smels (KTM); 2. Stefon Everts (Yam); 3. Marnicq Bervoets (Yam); 4. Avo Leok (KTM); 5. Johon Boonen (KTM); 6. Willie Von Wessels (Hbg); 7. Moreel Von ONnen (Hbg); 8. Misko Aoltonen (Vom); 9. Johnny Undhe (Hus): 10. Jookim Karlsson (Hon); 11. Francisco Vico Garcia (KTM); 12. Jono. Engdohl (KTM); 13. Andrew McForlone (Vom): 14. Demien King (KTM); 15. OscarVromans (Vern). FIM 500« WORLD C'SHIP 500« MX SERIES POINTS STANDINGS (Mler 2 01 t5 rounds): 1. Stefon Evert. (45/1 win): 2. Joel Smets (41/1 win); 3. Momicq Bervoets (29); 4. Andreo Bortalini (20); 5. Willie Van Wessels (15); 6. Fransisco Vico Garcia will now go to the next GPs and try (15); 7. Johnny Undhe (15); 8. Avo Leek (13): 9. Johon Boonen (12); 10. Cedric Melolle (11); t1. Andrew McForlone (10); 12. Moreel Von Drunen (9); and qualify for as many as I can." Jookim Korlsoon (6). end, I could hold him out for third. I BRIEFLY••• 13. Fabrizio Dini (9); 14. Miska Aaltonen (8); 15. South African Grant Langston. who moved to race in the U.S. after winning last years 12Scc Wood title. showed up at Valkensvaard to contest the 250cc division. Despite claiming a handy fourth place in qualification, the KTM rider crashed on lap one of the race while holding down a top-five position. Langston eventually finished in 17th place, a long way from what he had expected. -I came here to have some fun. - Langston said. -I would have liked to have done better. of course. I felt I could have won here: irs a track I like very much. I seems irs just not my year.Heavy rains forced organizers to cancei Friday's qualifying sessions, as the track was underwater in some points. Saturday's practice sessions had to be shortened in order to squeeze in all the qualifying. Mickael Maschio was a non-starter in Holland. detained in hospital after Spain with internal bleeding. Further medical tests revealed a damaged kidney. which requires three to four weeks of total rest. Maschio should be back in action at Genk. Belgium. American Trampas Parker had a day to forget. The GP veteran was registered in 29th place. having retired with just seven laps on the board. cucl. n • _ S • APRIL " , 2001 19

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