Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

125cc MOTO Dutchman Eggens - who has been hot of late - didn't mess around as he posted his third GP win of the year, grabbing the lead in the first corner and not looking back. Trailing him in second was French rider Seguy, with whom Eggens has recently been contesting the third spot in the points standings (Eggens' victory assured that the position would go to him). "I knew I had to beat Seguy," Eggens said. "With the rain, I felt good. The track was enjoy[able], and I could enjoy the race. I didn't feel too much pressure from Seguy, although he really attacked me in the early stages. Once I could make a small gap, he seemed to give up." Seguy was an emotional wreck after the race, saying, "I am so unhappy about what happened today. I had the chance to finish third in the points, and I end up with fifth place. I did my best to keep with Eggens, and I just had not enough chances to pass him. Still, my year has been good. Now I want to win the 125cc class at the des Nations and show I am the quickest guy in Europe on a 125cc bike." Ramon claimed third in Austria and can now look to 2002 and a factory ride with KTM (the manufacturer that won 13 of 14 rounds this year). Ramon had long wrapped up second place in the series, so the last round "I didn't have much to win here," Ramon said. place in the needed to points. The CA1MtN11'IIouIlIIhe "I am happy with second series, and I knew I only ride around for some conditions did not help 00 anyone. My start was average, and 1 just put my head down and made some passes when I could. In the end, third place was good for me." The young Aussie was hungry for a strong finish, as he hoped to overtake Irishman Gordon Crockard for second in the final points standings, a feat he was able to pull off with his The quarter-liter series finished like it started - as a Pichon benefit - podium finish. "I would have liked to raced with Pichon: said Reed, who will race in the U.S. in 2002. "Unfortunately, he got a better run in the first lap, and all I could do was try and run him down. I knew I had to beat Crockard, and he was a long way back. Once I got into third, I did my best to catch Beirer. In the end, I just missed out. Still, second in the championship is awesome. I was looking forward to equaling what [fellow Australian] Jeff Leisk did in Europe in 1998, when he finished second in the World 500cc championship. Now I've done that. I would like to come back to Europe one day and finish what I started here. I still want to be a World Motocross Champion in the future." with the Frenchman collecting his 10th victory of the year after taking the lead from German Beirer at the six.lap mark. "I am not training much anymore this year, and it showed a little today." Pichon said. "My condition is not as good, and my timing is a little off, but with the track being not too difficult, 1 could maintain a good pace. I could see that Beirer was making mistakes, and I just waited rider post8d double-digit wi_In IIXGP racing this _,and that r1der_ Mlckael Pichon, who posted vlctoty number 10 at the 250cc series finale. until I could- pass - I didn't want to make contact with him. The track was so muddy that it was important to get by Beirer; once 1 did, I threw my goggles off and took it easy." Beirer's problems weren't over, as he had another rider to worry about as the laps closed down. "I did not expect to beat Pichon today: Beirer said. "I'm not on his level this year. I did have the idea that I could finish 500cc MOTO Under cloudy skies, Everts and Smets lined up for what would for all intents and purposes be a battle' of top-three. It was a tough race. First Pichon put a lot of pressure on, then with the race closing out, Chad Reed also got very close to me. I was able minds. When the gate dropped, the two bolted out and did not back off, entering the first corner locked elbow-to-elbow. Smets took the lead to hold Reed off, but it was not easy he was all over my back whe~l." cue I MDIIo '-bd up_title, 250cc MOTO (IAftJ Only - _ --.. orr .... rode co_n• .....,. to . . . was pretty much a walk in the park for the Belgian. 'I.... , in turn two, and in the third corner, e n • _ S • OCTOBER 3,2001 13

• Cover