Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

outpaced on the day's opening test before increasing his speed toward the end of the day. He explained. "Stefan was faster (Left) Mats Andreason had an up-and-down weekend, finishing out of the points on clay one and third on clay two in the 400cc FourStroke class. (Right! Peter Bergvall dominated the 250cc FourStroke class on both clap, carding" pair of wins, and leads the championship by six points over Paul Edmondson. than me on the cross-country test today, but on the motocross tests we were riding at almost the same speed. I'm improving the way I ride the four-stroke all the time, so I'm happy with the way things went." Opting for a higher seat on day two (and despite fitting the wrong front tire, thinking the ground would be wet after overnight rain) Salminen put his name at the top of the class, finishing six seconds clear of Merriman. For Merriman, a relatively slow opening cross-country test proved decisive. With the tests being onelined, not very technical and relatively sbort, the Aussie ace was unable to catch Salminen. Third on day one was Vor pilot Roman Michalik, despite receiving a 10-second penalty at the start of the day, when his bike failed to start during the allocated 60 seconds. Third on day two was Yamaha-mounted former now proving that he can win, it looks motocross rider Mats Andreasson. like being a three-way battle from Just as in the 400cc Four-Stroke here on in." class, the 500cc thumper division Third on day two was Ahola. "I was was to see two different riders top the sleeping this morning," he admitted. event - Vor's Mika Ahola on day one and then Husaberg's Bjome Carlsson "Afterfeeling so good yesterday, 1didn't push hard enough this morning." CN on day two. ~Iinece Topping day one, Ahola, having reverted back to the seat-and-handle- IllIsaIts: AjIril 20-21, 2D02 DAY ONE 125: 1. Richerd Larsson (TM); 2. Petteri Silvan bar setup he used in '01, started the (Hus); 3. Olivier Rebufie (KTM); 4. Ivon Boono (Hon); day as he intended to finish it, setting 5. Petri Pohjemo (GG); 6. Mere Germain (Vam); 7 Mike Soarenkoskl (Hus); 8. Zdenek Gottveld (Hus); 9. Alessio Paolo (KTM); 10. Simone Albergoni the quickest times on all but three of the day's tests. Finishing 23 seconds clear of championship leader Anders Eriksson, Ahola was confident about his chances of a double victory. "I felt that I was riding really well today," explained Ahola. "I feel relaxed on the bike and am enjoying my riding." Lucky not to have taken a trip to the local hospital, Husqvarna's Eriksson crashed heavily on the opening day's first motocross test, losing precious time and any chance he had of the day's win. "I was extremely lucky," explained Eriksson. "To still finish second after such a big crash is more than I could have hoped for." (KTM). II. Mikko P1hlojovesi (KTM); 12. Jori Mattllo (GG). 13. Homero Dio. (KTM). 14. Vito Kukik (KTM); 15. Fredrik Georgsson (KTM). 250: I. DllVid Fretigne (Vern); 2. Semuli Arc Anders Eriksson (Hus); 3. Mike Ahola (Vor); 4. SOO 4·5TRK: 1. Biorne Corlsson (Hbg); 2. 250 4-STRK; I. Peter Bergvoll (131); 2. Poul Edmondson (125); 3. Oblucki Bortos. (97); 4. Mario Rinaldl (Yam); 7. Keri Tieinen (KTM); 8, Febio Gerrard Farres (68); 5, Riccaro Fermi (52); 6. Niklas Gustefsson (50); 7. MlIrc Joriot (47); 8. Gjermund Andreos Toresson (Hbg); 5. Giovonni Salo (KTM); 6. Forloli (KTM); g. Jordi Duron (KTM); 10. Mlion Borros (KTM); II. Lourent Bouffiou. (KTM); 12. Juri Simoncini (Vor); 13. Richard Hay (Hus); 14. Mareno Sanz (KTM); 15. Tobio. Auerswold (Hus). WORLD C'SHIP ENDURO SERIES POINTS STANDINGS (after 3 of 7 rounds); 125; I. ?etten Sllvan (133); 2. Rickord Lorsson (119); 3. Marc Germain; 4. Simone A1bergoni (64); 5. Petri Pohiomho (63); 6. Mikko PIhlojoves (54); 7. Alessio Paoli (48); 8. OUvier Rebufie (48); 9. Ivan Boono (45); 10. Zdenek Gottvold (42); 11. Miko Sarenkoski (22). Edword Jones (21); 13. Jori Mattilo 0; 14. Poblo Peli (18); 15. Homero Di.. (16). 250; I. Somull Arc (135); 2. Dovid Knight (102); 3. Simon Wilk (90); 4. Jani Laak.sonen (82); 5. Helder Rodriguz (70); 6. Sabostien Guilloume (51); 7. Dovid Fretigne (51); 8. Cyril Esqirol (50); 9. Xocob Agro (46); 10. Jorno Boono (46); II. Giovonnl Grittl (20); 12. Jean Etienne-Memmi (17); 13. Martin Gottvald (16); 14. Swen Ederlein (14); 15, Emmanuel Alberpart (12). Frostod (42); 9. Rowon Jones (35); 10. Doniel Eld (31); 11. Xovier Colomer (28); 12. Oriol Tort (17); 13. Potrick hess (20); 14. Oonielle Tellinl (20); 15. Jons Oestreich (12). 400 4-STRK; 1. Stefen Merrimon (135); 2. Juho Salminen (131); 3. Marko torkkolo (79); 4. Miki Arpa (68); 5. Mats Andre.sson (61); 6. Ales..bdro Botturi (60); 7. Xavier Puigdemont (53); 8. Roman Michelik (50); 9. Eric Bernerd (45); 10. LAry Gustavsson (Hsb) 27; 11. Doniel Persson (Yom) 26; 12. Olivier Somof.1 (23); 13. More Puigdemont (23); 14. Guilleume Porte (17); 15. Andrea Cobass (16). 500 4-STRK; I. Anders Eriksson (135); 2. Mike Ahola (122); 3. Bjorne Carlsson (103); 4. Keri Tiainen (65); 5, Giovanni Sale (65); 6. Andreas Toresson (63); 7. Fobio Forioll (52); 8. Jordi Duron (44); 9. Milon Boros (38); 10. Lourent BoufflOUX (35); 11. Mario Rinaldl (31): 12. Juri Simoneini (21); 13. Rtchard Hay (20); 14. Jose Moreno (18); 15. Tobias Auerswald (I 0). (Hus); 3. Simon Wilk (TM); 4. Joni Looksonen (GG); 5. Sebastien Guilleume (Hus); 6. Helder Rodngues (Hon); 7. David Knight (Yam); 8. Jamo Boono (Hon); 9. Cyril Esquirol (KTM); 10. Giovanni Gritti (KTM); 1 I. Emmanuel Albepart (GG); 12. Jeen·Etienne Memmi (GG); 13. Euon McConneil (Hus); 14. Xocob Agro (KTM); 15. Martin Gottvold (Hus). 2S0 4·STRK: I. Peter Bergvoil (Yom); 2. Poul Edmondson (Hus); 3. Bartosz Obluckl (Hus); 4. NikJas Gustafsson (KTM); 5. Riccardo Fermi (Yam); 6. Gerard Farres (KTM); 7. Mark-Olivier Jonot (Hus); 8. Daniele Telllni (Yam); 9. Gjermund Frostad (Yam); 10. Rowan Jones (Yam); II. Patrik Hess (Yam); 12. Jens Oesteich (TM); 13, Sakis DimopouJos (tITM): 14. Dimitris Prepas (KTM); 15. Dimitris Athanasoulopoulos (Yam). 400 4-STRK: I. Stefan Merriman (Hus); 2. Juha Salminen (KTM); 3, Roman Michellk (Vor); 4. ~rko TlIrkkllla (Hbg); 5. Miki Arpll (Vor): 6. Eric Bemllrd (KTM); 7. Alessllndro Botturi (KTM); 8. Xevl Puigdemont (GG); 9. Dliniel Persson (Yam); 10. Torbjom Bock (Hbg); 11. Olivier Samofol (Hbg); 12. Lorry Gustofsson (Hbg); 13. Andreo Coboss (TM); 14. Joen Jou (KTM); 15. Christos Tosoulls (Hbg). 500 4·5TRK: 1.Miko Aholo (Vor); 2. Anders Eriksson (Hus); 3. Bjome Carlsson (Hbg); 4. Mario Rinaldi (Yam); 5. Kari Tiainen (KTM); 6. Giovanni Sala (KTM); 7. Andreas Toresson (Hbg); 8. Fabio Third on day one was Swede Forioli (KTM); 9. Lourent BoufIioux; 10. Milon Borros Carlsson. Changing the gearing on his Husaberg, he started day two (KTM); 11. Juri Simoncini (Vor); 12. Richllrd Hay (Hus); 13. Moreno Sanz (KTM); 14. Jordi Duran (KTM); 15. Tobias Auerswald (Hus). determined to win, and by winning all DAY TWO the special tests on lap one, he was able to back off a little on lap two and BRIEFLY••• Finn Mikko Pihlajavesi has been drafted into the Farioli KTM squad - the Austrian factory's official team in the World Enduro Championship - for the remainder of the '02 season. afler scoring consistently as a privateer in the opening two rounds of the championship. -We've not signed Mikko to a multi-year contract." explained Fabio Farioli. - He did a great job as a privateer in Spain and Portugal so we've decided to support him for the remainder of the series. - Look for Mikko to move further toward the sharp end of the quarter-liter class as the championship concludes in Scandinavia. Former 250cc Four-Stroke World Champion, Italian Mateo Rubin. looks set to sit out the rest of the '02 season afler breaking his leg during a KTM photo shoot prior to the season opener. With extemal metal work being used in the rehabilitation of the injury. Mateo's leg, which -is in a thousand pieces where it broke" according to KTM teammate Giovanni Sala. will take the remainder of the season to heal. Polish CH Racing Husqvama rider Oblucki Bartosz claimed his first-ever outnght special-test win in Greece when he won the second motocross test on the opening day's first lap. -I'm delighted. - expressed the Husqvama team's youngest rider. - I've come close to Winning a test overall before. so to finally win a test is great. - What made Bartosz's test-winning performance all the more memorable was the fact that he rides alongside Paul Edmondson as one of the team's 250cc four-stroke-mounted riders· one of the least powerful bikes on the World Championship circuit. (GG); 3. Richord Lorsson (TM); 4. Ivon Boono (Hon); still claim the win. "I'm very happy to have won today," explained Carlsson, having claimed his first World Championship win since the Slovakian round of last year's championship. "The changes I made to the bike's gearing worked perfectly." Second was Eriksson, seven seconds behind. Winning only one of the day's tests, he was to see his championship lead reduced by just one point - something he wasn't too worried about. "I still have a comfortable lead in the championship, and with Bjorne 125: 1. Peten Silvan (Hus); 2. Petteri Pohja:mho 5. Zdenek Gottvald (Hus); 6. Mikka Plhlajavesi (KTM); 7. Mar<: Gennoin (Yom); 8. Simone Albergoni (KTM); 9. Homero Diaz (KTM); 10. Alessio Paoli (KTM); 11. Jori Mattllo (GG); 12. Vito Kukllk (KTM); 13. Fredrlk Georgsson (KTM); 14. Paolo Carrara (Yom); 15. Poblo Pell (Yom). 250: 1. Samull Aro (Hus); 2. David Fretigne (Yam): 3. Simon Wilk (TM); 4, Helder Rodrigues (Hon); 5, Janl Laaksonen (GG); 6. David Knight (Yam); 7. Jarno Boano (Han); 8. Sebastien Guillaume (Hus); 9. Xacob Agra (KTM); 10, Emmonuel Albeport (GG); 11. Giovonnl Grittl (KTM); 12. Jean-Etienne Memmi (GG); 13. Martin Gottvald (Hus); 14. Cyril Esquirol; 15. Froncisco Lopez (KTM). 250 4·5TRK; 1. Peter Bergvoll (Yom); 2. Poul Edmondson (Hus);3. Bartosz Oblucki (Hus);4. Gerrard Farres (KTM); 5. Daniele Tellini (Yam); 6. Mark-Olivier Joriot (Hus);7, Gjermund Frostad (Yom); 8. Oroll Tort (KTM); 9. Rowon Jones (Yom); 10, Patrick Hess (Yam); 11. Dimitris Prepas (tITM); 12. Dim Athanasoulopoylos (Yam). 4004-STRK: 1. Juho Solminen (KTM); 2. Stefon Merriman (Hus);3. Mats Andreason (Yam); 4. Roman Mlchelik (Vor); 5. Morko Toorkolo (Hbg); 6. Ales"'ndro Bottun (KTM); 7, Xevi Puigdemont (GG); 8. Eric Bernard (KTM); 9, Daniel Persson (Yam); 10. Mikl Arpe (Vor); 11. Larry Gustavsson (Hbg); 12, Despite being the first time a World Championship enduro has ever been staged in Greece, the comments of most of the riders were positive when asked what they thought of the organization. course. and general running of the event. -They've done a great job. - com· mented Vors Mika Ahola. -Okay, the special tests were a little Similar. and the course was a little easy. but it made a nice change from the tough events in Spain and Portugal." Despite the course being a little easy for many. the original lap was deemed too difficult afler the master lap on Friday. A lap ridden prior to the event by team and federation representatives determined bad weather or stuck riders could make many of the goat tracks impassable. Returning to World Championship duties in Greece were Yamaha riders DaVid Fretigne and Mario Rinaldi in the 250cc and 500cc Four-Stroke classes. respectively. For Fretigne. afler finishing a disappointing 10th at the first day of the championship in Spain. Ihe flat Greek special tests proved to be right up his street as he recorded an impressive 1/2 score card. Rinaldi's return to the 500cc Four-Stroke class also proved a success as he finished fourth and sixth in ciass. Team Eric Bernard KTM rider Olivier Rebufie crashed out of the second day's competition in Greece afler having scored an impressive third In the I 25cc class on day one. Knocking himself unconscious. and then reportedly suffering from pain in his head. the French youngster was taken to the hospital. where he was held for observation. Olivier Samofol (Hbg); 13. Andreo Coboss (TM); 14. Adamos Prases (KTM); 15. Christos Tassoulis (Hbg). cue I • netIVs MAY 8, 2002 25

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