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FIM World Championship MX Series Round 1 1 : Circuit of Gal dorf "I can see some chance," Smets said. "It's a slim chance, but it's not over. I will not concede this title just get, Stefan has to win it. I won't lay down for him." STORY AND PHOTOS BY GEOFF MEYER GAaDORF,GERMANY,AOGOST19 wo new World Motocross Champions were crowned at the Grand Prix of Germany held at the Circuit of Gaildorf, one was a veteran, the other an outcast. Jamie Dobb, the 29-year-old KTM factory rider, won the '01 World 125cc Motocross Championship, and, in doing so, is the first British rider to win a World MX title since Dave Thorpe in 1989. As for Pichon, his victory follows the success of fellow Frenchmen Sebastien Tortelli (1998 Champion) and Frederic Bolley (19992000 Champion). For both riders, it was an emotional day. On a hot, sunny Sunday in front of 15,000 German spectators, Dobb and Pichon accomplished their long-time goals. Pichon took his crown by winning his 250cc moto ahead of Chad Reed and Josh Coppins, while Dobb took a consistent fourth place in the 125cc moto behind Luigi Seguy, Steve Ramon and Alessio Chiodi. For a teary-eyed Dobb, it was a chance to remember a friend and remind himself that age does not weary those who have the heart. "I was racing GPs when most of my competition was playing with their toys," Dobb joked. "I've raced in America and probably been written off enough times to be considered a loser - today I was a winner. I would like to dedicate this championship to a friend who passed away recently, John Deacon." As for Pichon, as he held his baby boy in his arms on the podium, he also shed a tear. For the French rider's victory came after his troubled U.S. career and injury while leading the 2000 World Championship. "I have worked all my career for something like this," Pichon said. "I know I had a long career in America and also now a couple of years in Europe. It's taken me two years to win this championship, and the feeling is great. After getting injured in last year's championship while leading, I am glad this is over. I was so nervous during the later stages of the race; my legs and arms were like cement. Now I want to return to the Corona team in 2002 and defend the title." The 500cc Championship looks likely to go at least to another round, as Stefan Everts and Joel Smets battle for that title. While Everts holds a handy points lead over Smets, anything could happen. In Germany, the T 32 AUGUST 29. 2001 • cue • 125cc GRANO PRIX Just as they have done all season long, the 125cc riders began their moto as if their lives depended on victory. Italian Thomas Traversini and Dobb led the field into the first lap with both KTM factory riders looking super quick on the hard-packed track. Within no time, the two orange machines had pulled away from thirdplaced Alessio Chiodi; however, by lap three, several riders were making progress on the lead two. Dobb took the lead on lap three, while Traversini dropped back to fourth place. as Steve Ramon, Kenneth Gundersen and Dobb began their own little war. French Motocross des Nations team rider Luigi Seguy had climbed his way up to fifth place after a terrible start, the Yamaha-mounted rider had clocked the quickest lap of the previous round's Swiss 125cc GP once again set the best time of the 125cc race as he moved past Gundersen and set out after Ramon and Dobb. Ramon, in turn, passed Dobb, and by lap nine Seguy had also bulldozed his way around the soon to be World Champion, Dobb. (Left) Mickael Pichon clinched his fi~ World Championship In Gennany after leading every lap of the 250Cc molo. (BeIowI Jamie Dobb (right) also clinched his first World Championship with a fourth-place finish in the 125cc molo. Alessio Chiodi (Ieftl, a three-time 125cc Wortd Champion in his own right, finished a strong third at round 11. GP victory went to Smets, followed by Andrea Bartolini and Everts. With a points lead of 53 and only three rounds remaining (and a possible 75 points) it seems likely that Everts can not be beaten; however, only a fool would write off Joel Smets. And Everts is no fool. "I know he will fight until the last point is decided," Everts said. "I am of course confident that I can win the championship. I did not want to take any risks here today, and third place is good enough on this occasion." Smets, who has struggled all season long with motivation, is now talking about fighting for his number-one plate. With huge support from his Belgian countrymen, Smets looked like the Joel Smets of old in Germany. e n e _ so