Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

THQ World Supercross GP Series Round 2: Gelredome Stadium great - it's not like the Honda. The combination of Suzuki and working with Rick Johnson is great for me. My confidence is so much greater than ever before. I trust the bike 100 percent. The last four years has been difficult for me - now I am back with a normal chassis and I feel much better." The second heat race went to VujlJemin, the French rider continuing his great form from round one. "I felt good," Vuillemjn said. "I was tired for a few laps. I had to work on one section, which eventually came good. Chad tried to pass me and showed me his wheel - 1 was surprised he was so close. I made a mistake, and he got me for a little while, but 1 could pass him back pretty quickly." As for second-placed Reed, just as he had done at the U.S. Open back in October, the Aussie sensation had produced an action-packed race, without a doubt the best of the night. "I wanted to attack for sure," Reed smiled. "At the first corner, everyone went in really fast; I was in the middle, and I had to wait and see what happen. I tried to pass Langston, but everything I could do he could do, so I had to wait for him to make a mistake. Once I got him, I got Vuillemin pretty quick - it was good to know my speed was better than his." 12 JANUARY 8,2003' eye I Once on Vuillemin's rear wheel, Reed pushed and hoped for an opening. However, it didn't come, and he was not about to do anything that might jeopardize his place in the main event. "I didn't want to do anything stupid," Reed said. "I did want to win, though; I tried to pass him, and he blocked me pretty good. I know where 1 stand with him, and that's good for future races. Everyone thinks I'm impatient, but I just want to win, and you don't win waiting around." Red Bull KTM's Grant Langston continued to show awesome supercross skills, and his battle with Reed proved he could race with anyone. The South African raced side by side with Reed for several laps, with only a mistake costing him a possible second-place finish. "I was lucky in the first corner," Langston said. "I was on the inside and I didn't get too bunched up - it's a tricky first turn. Chad passed me after I made a mistake and hit the haybales. I was behind Chad for a while, but I hurt my back early in the week, and I had to slow a little; the pain was beginning to get too much. I am pretty happy with my speed - I think along with Vuillemin and Reed I'm the fastest out there." Fourth-placed LaRocco bumped • n .. VII S and bounced his way through the race, while the first corner was not what it should have been. It was something that also haunted him in Geneva. With two solid rides under his belt· Switzerland and Holland Reed will be heading into the opening round of the U.S. SX series with a lot of confidence. "I got caught up with Kyle Lewis in the first corner and tipped over the berm," LaRocco said. "I was again a long way back and got through to fourth, which was good. It's easier to

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