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/128169
on Caps and took the lead, never to be headed again. It was not all easy going for the French rider, though. "I thought I was going down early in the race - a rock was thrown in front of me and I was carrying so much speed I couldn't avoid it," said Maschio later. "I was right back on Sword's rear wheel, and eventually 1 found a way around him. I knew I couldn't leave it too long as the front two might get away. After a few disappointing weeks with machine troubles and a crash in Bulgaria, I feel that everything is coming strong again. The team have been great and supported me throughout. We have all worked hard and now I feel confident that, with this win, we can work towards a 125 World Championship title for Kawasaki in a few weeks." As for Caps, he missed the chance of victory after getting tight in the mid -race stage. "I just didn't ride smooth enough," Caps said. "I made mistakes and that was not helping me. When Maschio was coming, I got even worse. The championship is very close and I just have to work hard like I have been." Finishing behind Maschio and Caps was Steve Ramon, followed by Sword, Alex Puzar, Mark De Reuver, Jeff Dement, Yves Guidetty, Philippe Dupasquier, and Josef Dobes. Tallon Vohland came home in 15th place after making his return to the GPs after a long lay-off from injury. "I just didn't have any energy after the halfway mark," Vohland said. "I'm fit, just not race-fit." (Left) Pichon clinched his second straight 250cc World Motocross Championship with two rounds yet to run. (Below) Stefan Everts (1) and Joel Smets (2) were this close for much of the 500cc event, but Everts tightened up and Smets raced away with his fifth win of the season. Even though Everts Is leading the points, he now has one win less than Smets on the year. 125cc GRANO PRIX Steve Ramon led the 125cc riders through the undulating Gaildorf circuit for the first lap of the moto. Following the Belgian KTM rider were Caps and Stephen Sword. Maschio trailed in around 10th place, although his troubles were nothing compared to several of the field. A turn-four crash left American Trampas Parker sliding down one of the hillsides, while KTM rookies Ben Townley and Tyla Rattray and Swiss veteran Philippe Dupasquier also struggled to get untangled from the accident. All but Townley were able to get going. Townley's motorcycle had broken a clutch and he was forced back to the pits. Up front, the two Belgians battled for the top spot, with Caps taking the lead and Maschio working his way into second. With half a dozen laps remaining, Maschio made his move cue .... n ... VII S • AUGUST 28. 2002 35