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/128151
World Champions Joel Smets (fresh off his season-opening GP win) and Andrea Bartolini were on-hand, as were top 250cc aces Pit Beirer (third in the first GP) and Josh Coppins, and 125cc pilots such as Erik Eggens and the young Kiwi sensation Ben Townley. The group was accommodated in the beautiful Ramada Hotel of Doha, and every day a few shuttles handled all the transfers (when the drivers didn't get lost) to the circuit, which is located about 45 minutes south of the capital. The scenery is amazing, as the track is located just feet from the beach on a huge dune. So unique was the scene that it's actually difficult to explain with words, so, hopefully, the photos will help in understanding. Of course, the riders had a lot of fun, especially on the dunes next to the circuit, where they were allowed to "play." A two-day format was utilized for the midweek event, with the free practices and a qualifying session on Wednesday and three motos (two 10lap races and a 15-lap final) on Thursday. Although everyone expected Smets to dominate on his big KTM, it was Josh Coppins who proved fastest in all of the day-one sessions (qualifying included). The first moto went solidly to German star Beirer, who held off Smets and Honda teammate Coppins. In the second outing, the German had a great start but went down hard while running second and had to retire with an injured right forearm and a broken fork. So it was Smets with the win, with Coppins, Lauris Freibergs and Bartolini following. The final moto again saw Bartolini's CRF450R to turn one in front (just as in heat one), only to be passed by Smets, who scored another win over Coppins. Smets also won the overall and the $10,000 first-place prize. The 125cc class ran together with the bigger bikes, but with separate results, and another Belgian, Patrick Caps, won this division. There was also a Team Challenge contest, with the Hondas of Bartolini, Coppins, Beirer and manager Corrado Maddii beating a huge number of KTMs (though money went to eve~one). cn Quomr MX Chollengo Daho, Qmr Mon:h Z7 -Z8, ZODZ MOTO 1: 1. Pit Beirer (Hon); 2. Joel Smets (KTM); 3. Josh Coppins (Hon); 4. Christizm Bumh~m (KTM); 5. And",o Bartolini (Hon); 6. Lourls Freiberg. (Hon): 7. Patrick Caps (KTM); 8. Danny Theibers (KTM); 9. Peter Iven (KTM); 10. A. Demeester (Yom). MOTO 2: I. Joel Smets (KTM); 2. Josh Coppins (Hon); 3. Lauris Freibergs (Hon): 4. Andrea Bartolini (Hon): 5. Erik Eggens (KTM); 6. Tylo Rottroy (KTM); 7. Polrlck Cops (KTM); B. Peler Iven (KTM); g. Christian Bumhllm (KTM): 10. Johlln Boonen (KTM). MOTO 3: I. Joel Smets (KTM): 2. Josh Coppins (Hon); 3. Lauris Freibergs (Hon); 4. Patrick Caps (KTM); 5. Tyla RatlrllY (KTM): 6. Christian Bumhllrn (KTM): 7. Leon Giesbergs (Hon): 8. Danny Theibers (KTM); g. Morcel Von Drumen (KTM); 10. Ben Townley (KTM). O/A: 1. Joel Smets (KTM); 2. Josh Coppins (Hon); 3. LlIurls Frelbergs (Hon); 4. Plltrick Caps (KTM); 5. Christlon Burnhom (KTM); 6. Andre. Bertolini (Hon); 7. Tyle Rettrey (KTM); 8. Denny Thelbers (KTM); g. Erik Eggens (KTM); 10. Moreel Von Drumen (KTM). TEAM CHAU£NGE: 1. Honde Rllcing; 2. KTM; 3. M.illenium KTM; 4. Boonen KTM; 5. Vengllni KTM; 6. Yllmahll; 7. Nicoll KTM. eatal'otl. http://www.pm-wheels.com or call 800.774.3472 ®Per'onnance ""~ f •• Machine· Inc DIsc. 7t4.S2~."J007 cue I • n RAKIS AND WHIILS .892 Marlin Clrd., L_ Pol .... , CA 90623 • _:IS • APRIL 24, 2002 43