Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

Ericksson had to play second best to Ahola on both days, seeing his championship lead slashed. Anticipating that the championship fight will go all the way to the final day's competition, Eriksson, like Ahola, knows that the final southern European event in Italy will be critical in deciding the championship outcome. "I expected to win and to extend my championship lead this weekend, but Mika was quite a bit faster than me," explained Eriksson. "I like to push on the front wheel to turn the bike while Mika is an expert of turning the bike with the power, which helped him this weekend. It looks like it's going to be a battle to the end again." Third on day one was UFO Corse Yamaha rider Mario Rinaldi. After a troubled start to the championship, the veteran Italian claimed his best result of the year before finishing a lowly eighth on day two. Third on day two was another veteran Italian, KTMmounted Giovanni Sala. Despite three rounds of the '02 series still remaining, Finnish 125cc championship leader Petri Silvan is already thinking about lifting his third eighth-liter title and is taking no chances when it comes to scoring points - even if it means giving up the top spot. "Today was okay," said Silvan at the end of the second day's competition. "I was just riding carefully to make sure that I didn't crash. I would rather not win than not finish the race." Having used the same tactics on day one, the reigning 125cc champion saw series rival Rickard Larsson crash out on day two and was happy to claim third. "It's important for me to make a result, not a zero race," explained SiIvan, pointing out once again that he's not bothered about winning races. Winning day one, TM-mounted Larsson was more than happy with his result, especially as series leader Silvan had finished down in third. "Everything went really well today," said Larsson. "I was pushing quite hard, to take points from Petteri was exactly what I wanted to do." Larsson pushed a little too hard on day two and crashed out of the event as French UFO Corse Yamaha rider Marc Germain claimed the win. While the 125cc class saw a different winner on both days, Gas Gasmounted Finn Petri Pohjamo claimed second twice in what was his most consistent result so far in '02. Team CH Racing Husqvarna rider Silvan wasn't alone in thinking about a title, as Finnish teammate Samuli Aro also has his sites firmly set on a World Championship. Openly admitting that the technical course suited his style of riding, the 250cc Huskymounted rider now knows what he needs to win and is doing little more. "Today was the same as yesterday," explained Aro. "One crash, safe riding and a good result. I knew that I was faster than the others, so I decid- (Left) Giovanni Sala finished fourth on day one and third on day two in the 500cc Four-Stroke class. (Above) Peter Bergvall finished first on both days in the 2!50cc Four-Stroke class. Guillllume Floirac (Hbg); 13. Frederic Pallut (KTM); 14. Por Olsson (KTM); 15. Joon Jou (KTM). 500 4·STRK; 1. Miko Aholo (Vor); 2. Anders Eriksson (Hus); 3. Giovanni Sail! (KTM); 4. Jordi Duren (KTM); 5. Bjorne Carlsson (Hbg): 6. Mili!m Barros (KTM); 7. Andreas Teressan (Hbg); 8. Mario Rinaldi (Yam); 9. Christoph Seifert (KTM); 10. Richard Hay (Hus); 11. Uturent Bouffloux (KTM); 12. Tahills Auerswald (Hus); 13. Chris Ten (Hus). WORLD C'SHIP ENDURO SERIES POINTS STANDINGS (ofter 4 of 7 rounds); ed not to take any risks. I've been riding relaxed and only pushed hard on a couple of tests. When I knew that I was leading, I just did enough to stay ahead of the others." Second on day one was Husqvarna France rider Sebastien Guillaume. Having improved during each of the last two rounds of the championship, the spectator's favorite finished ahead of Gas Gas rider Jani Laaksonen. Day two saw Aro again claim the win, finishing this time ahead of Laaksonen in second with TM's Simon Wilk making it an all Finnish podium in third. Guillaume was to claim fourth on day two, a weekend's work that would lift him to sixth in the quarter-liter championship. In the 250cc Four-Stroke class, UFO Corse Yamaha-mounted Swede Peter BergvaJl claimed a double victory, finishing once again ahead of Husqvarna teammates Paul Edmondson and Oblucki Bartosz. "I'm very happy to have won this weekend," admitted Bergvall, "because the conditions weren't to my liking this weekend. It was very difficult not to make any mistakes, but I still had to ride at 100-percent to ensure that I stayed ahead of Edmondson and Bartosz." !:II Selles, France Results: May 11-12, 2002 DAVONE 125; 1. Rickord Larsson (TM); 2. Petri Pohjomo (GG); 3. Petteri Silven (Hus); 4. Simone Albergoni (KTM); 5. IVlln Boano (Hon); 6. Zdenek Gottvald (Hus); 7. Alexander Wilk (KTM); 8. Andrelt RllIphael (GG); 9. Poblo Peli (Vom); 10. Alessio Pooli (KTM): 11. Johan Pelleteret (Hus); 12. Roberto Bazzuri (Hus); 13. Roberto Bazzuri (Hus); 14. Paolo CerTllrll (Yam); 15. Marc Gennein (Yem). 250: 1. Samuli Aro (Hus); 2. Sebestien Guillaume (Hus); 3. Jani Laaksonen (GG); 4. David Knight (Yllm); 5. Helder Rodrigues (Hon); 6. Simon Wilk (TM); 7. Emmonuel Alberp.rt (GG); 8. Fobien Planet (Hus); 9. Jean-Etienne Memmi (GG) ; 10, Jarno Boano (Hon); 11. Martin Gottvald (Hus); 12. Xocob Agro (KTM); 13. Swen Enderleln (KTM); 14. Ameud Besnier (TM); 15. Gloveni Gritti (KTM). 250 4-STRK: 1. Peter BergvaJi (Vern); 2. Paul Edmondson (Hus); 3. Oblucki Bartosz (Hus); 4. Gerrerd Femes (KTM); 5, Riccardo FermI (Yllm); 6. Nlklas Gustafsson (KTM); 7. Rowan Jones (Vern); 8. Daniele Tellini (Yam); 9. Gjermund Frostad (Vem); 10. Rolph Hubers (Vom); 11. Vv.n Popelard (Vom); 12. Marc-Olivier Joriot (Hus), 400 4~STRK: I. Stefen Merrimem (Hus); 2. Juha SlIdminen (KTM); 3. Metts Andreasson (Yam); 4. Morko Torkkolo (Hbg); 5. Miki Arpo (Vor); 6. Alessandro Sotum (KTM); 7. Olivier Semofal (Hbg); 8. Roman Michalik (Vor); 9. Daniel Persson (Yam); 10. Larry Gustafsson (Hbg); 11. Helkkl Timonen (KTM); 12. Andreo Coboss (TM); 13. Por Olsson (KTMl; 14. Fronek Guilloume (Hbg) ; 15. Joen Jou (KTM. 500 4-STRK; 1. Miko Aholo (Vor); 2. Anders Eriksson (Hus); 3. Mario Rinaldi (Yam); 4. Giovenni Sele (KTM); 5. Bjome Carlsson (Hbg); 6. Milen Baros (KTM) 7. Andreas Toresson (Hbg); 8. Laurent Bouffioux (KTM); 9. Jordi Duran (KTM); 10. Fabio Farioli (KTM); 11. Richerd Hay (Hus); 12. Christophe Seifert (KTM); 13. Christophe Croizet (Hbg); 14. Tobias Auersweld (Hus): 15. Christophe Guillaume (Hbg). DAVTWO 125: 1. Marc Germ8in (Yam); 2. Petri Pohjemho (GG); 3. Petteri Silvan (Hus): 4. Simone Albergoni (KTM); 5. ldenek Gottvald (Hus); 6. IVlln Boano (Hon); 7. Andrea Rapheel (GG); 8. Alexander Wilk (KTM); 9. Mika Saarenkoski (Hus); 10. Johen Pelleteret (Hus); 11. Pablo Peli (Yam); 12. Alesio Paoloi (KTM); 13. Fredrik Georgsson. 250: 1. Samuli Arc (Hus); 2. Jani Leeksonen (GG); 3. Simon Wilk (TM); 4. Sebastiene Guillaume (Hus); 5. D8vid Knight (Yam); 6. Helder Rodrigues (Hon); 7. Jarno Beano (Hon): 8. Emmanuel Alberport (GG); 9. Xocob Agro (KTM): 10. Fobien Plenel (Hus); t 1. Jean-Etienne Memmi (GG); 12. Swen Enderlein (KTM); 13. Euan McConnell (Hus): 14. Martin Gottvllid (Hus); 15. Francisco Lopez (KTM). 250 4-STRK: 1. Peter Bergvall (Yam): 2. Paul Edmondson (Hus); 3. Oblucki Bertosz (Hus); 4. Gerrard Farres (KTM); 5. Niklas Gustafsson (KTM); 6. Riccardo Fermi (Yam); 7. Patrick Hess (Yam); 8. Rowen Jones (Yam); 9. Gjermund frostad (Vem); 10. Oriol Tort (KTM); 11. Jens Oestreich (KTM): 12. Denielle Tellini (Yam): 13. Ralph Hubers (Yam); 14. Vvon Popelyord (Vom). 400 4-STRK: 1. Stefan Merriman (Hus); 2. Juha Salminen (KTM); 3. Roman Michelik (Vor); 4. Miki Arpa (Vor); 5. Marko Tarkkala (Hbg); 6. Alessandro Botturi (KTM) 7. Olivier Samofal (Hbg); 8. Torbjom Back (Hbg); 9. Heikki Timonen (KTM); 10. Larry Gustafsson (Hbg); 11. Daniel Persson (Yam); 12. 125: 1. Petteri Silvan (165); 2. Rickard Larsson (144); 3. Mllre Germliin (105); 4. Petri Pohjamo (103); 5. Simone Albergoni (90); 6. Ivon 6oono (66); 7. Zdenek Gottv81d (63); 6. Alesio Paoli (57); 9. Mikko Pihlajavesi (54); 10. Olivier Rebufie (48); 11. Mika Saarenkoski (36); 12. Pablo Peli (29); 13. Jari Mottilo (26); 14. Edword Jones (21); 15. Andreo Rophoel (19). 250; 1. Somuli Aro (185); 2. Dov;d Knight (126); 3. Jani U1eksonen (118); 4. Simon Wilk (116): 5. Helder Rodrigues (91); 6. Sebastien Guillaume (84); 7. Jomo 6oono (61); 8. Xocob Agro (57); 9. Dovid Fretigne (51); 10. Cyril Esquirol (50); 11. JeanEtienne Memi (29); 12. Emmenuel Alberpart (29); 13. Martin Gottvald (23); 14. Giovanni Gritti (21); 15. Swen Enderlien (21). 2504·STRK; 1. Peter Bergvoll (181); 2. Poul Edmondson (165); 3. Oblucki Bartosz (129): 4. Gerard Farres (94); 5. Riccardo Fermi (73); 6. Nicklas Gustafsson (71); 7. Gjermund Frostad (56); 8. Rowan Jones (52); 9. Mark-Olivier Joriot (51); 10. Odol Tort (33); 11. Don;el E1d (31); 12. Potrik Hess (30); 13. Xavier Colomer (28); 14. Danielle Tellini (28); 15. Jens Oestreicj. 400 4-STRK: 1. Stefen Merriman (185): 2. Juhe Salminen (171); 3. Marko Tarkkala (103); 4. Miki Arpa (92); 5. Alessandro Botturi (80); 6. Matts Andreasson (77); 7. Roman Michelik (74); B. Xavier Puigdemont (53); 9. Eric Bernard (45); 10. Olivier Samofal (41); 11. U1rry Gustavsson (39); 12. Daniel Persson (38); 13, Marc Puigdemont (23); 14. Andrea Cabass (20); IS. GuillllUme Porte (19). 500 4-STRK; LAnders Edksson (175) ; 2. M;ko Ahola (172); 3. Bjome Carlsson (125); 4. Giovanni Sela (94); 5. Andreas Toresson (80); 6. Kllri Tiainen (65); 7. Jordi Duran (64); 8. Fabio Farioli (58); 9. Milen Barros (58); 10. Mario Rineldl (55); 11. Laurent Bouffioux (49); 12. Richard Hoy (31); 13. Juri Simoncini (21); 14. Jose Moreno (18); 15. Tobias Auerswald (16). BRIEFLY••• Seven-time World Champion Kari Tiainen was the most notable non-starter In France and will take no further part in the '02 World Sedes after deciding to undergo surgery on his Injured left elbow. The Finnish factory KTM star had been suffering from a lack of strength In the opening rounds of the championship. a result of a crash in this year's Pads-Dakar rally. Tlainen is expected to be out for three months. during one·and-a-half of which his arm will be Immobilized in a cast. He will also miss this year's ISDE in the Czech Repubiic. The decision by the French organizers to run day two' 5 motocross tests In the reverse direca tion to that of day one was met with mixed feelings and was something that the World Enduro Championship hasn't seen for many years. -I'm against it because I think it's dangerous for the riders.· was the opinion of 500cc Four-Stroke championship-leader Anders Enksson. -I rode for eight hours on day one. finished at six in the evening and then had something to eat You don't have any time to start walking special tests then.· While Anders was against the change. his archrival Mika Ahola viewed the changes in a much more positive light. -I think that it's a very good idea.· said Mika. - It gets boring riding the special tests ;n the same direcllon all weekend. I think that they should think about introducing the change to all the World Championship races. Team UFO Corse Yamaha rider Matts Andreasson cont;nued his up-and-down season by finishing third in the 400cc Four-Stroke class on day one before crashing out on day two of the French event. Losing traction while trying to jump a small ditch. Matts highsided off hiS machine collecting a handlebar to his groin on his way to the floor. After a trip to the hospital, the enduro rookie was released with bruising and a baseball-sized lump at the top of his left leg. It was the second race in a row thaI Matts has claimed a podium finish and a DNF. having failed to finish day one of the third round of the championship in Greece before going on to claim third on day two. Having never ridden an enduro before the start of the year. the young Swede has proven to have the speed. but not yet the consistency. to challenge for a title. Factory TM pilot Rickard Larsson saw his hopes of claiming his first ever 125cc World title slip when he DNF"ed on day two. It was a case of third time unlucky for the Swede. haVing crashed twice early on day two before finally putting himself out of the event. -When Rickard asked me which part of Sweden we were in. I realized that it was time to call it a day,· explained 2 Fast 4 You team manager Gionni Fossat\. - Larsson is expected to make a full recovery and compete in the fifth round of the championship. the 'campionato del mondo d' ltalia.· c U .. I e neVlls MAY 29, 2002 35

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