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/128210
FIM World Championship Motocross Series Round 2: Eurocircuit Michael Pichon and Stefan Everts go at it but get a little too close for comfort "I am a little surprised," Pichon said. "I expected a harder fight from the Belgians. This track is really suited to them, and I came here looking for a podium. Stefan had a good pace early, and while I was not pushing too hard, [ really could not push any harder. 1 could see Everts begin to make mistakes, and then I tried to pass him. When 1 passed him, he ran into me, then again we collided. The last time I made a pass stick and could move away." While Pichon saw those early lap exchanges as nothing more than hard racing, Everts was upset and was quick to vent his anger to the press. "I think he has to [earn how to pass a rider," Everts said. "He just rode into me on more than one occasion. I didn't have my spokes broken by anything other than his bike. He hit me pretty hard; lowe him some payback, and you can be sure 1 am STORY AND PHOTOS BY GEOFF MEYER VALKENSVAARD,HOLLAND,APR.13 ickael Pichon continued his march through Europe with a stunning victory in the deep sand of the Grand Prix of Netherlands. The Corona Suzuki rider didn't have it all his own way, though, as six-time World Motocross Champion Stefan Everts forced the Frenchman into a torrid battle in the early going of the race. Pichon and Everts locked handlebars for the opening laps, with Everts coming out of it with broken spokes in his front wheel. With the Belgian's being forced to make a pit stop, Pichon moved away from new second-placed man Joel Smets. The flogging came to an end as Pichon won by 36 seconds. Third place went to Kawasaki factory rider Kenneth Gundersen. For Pichon it was time to celebrate. M (Above) Michael Pichon won his second MotocrossGP in a row. (Left) Stefan Everts was chased down by Pichon, and when the two riders got a little too close, Everts was left with seven broken spokes and a lengthy pit stop. 20 APRIL 23. 2003' cue I e n e vv !is not going to give up. My speed was good in Valkensvaard, and 1 know he won't have the better of me this season. I feel good about the upcoming races." Third-placed Smets was, once again, happy to finish on the podium in Holland, and despite finishing a long way behind Pichon, he is enjoying his time in the 250cc class. "The start is the most difficult with the new bike," Smets said. "I like it a lot, but in the start, it's a problem. My jump was good, but I was like 15th in the first corner. I made my way into third, but the gap to Everts and Pichon was too far. I pushed a little to try and make up the gap, but 1 made some mistakes and took it easier. I had to be happy with second place. "This track is rough, and I spent