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FIM World Championship Motocross Series Round 3: Talkessel Circuit TEQTSCHENTHAL, GERMANY, MAY 3·4 M ickael Pichon is without doubt lMJ the fastest motocross rider in Europe, and in front of 15,000 spectators around the picturesque Talkessel circuit, the Corona Suzuki rider again produced his magic, only this time he did so with some competition. Having won the first three Grands Prix of the season and holding a handy 11-point lead in the MotocrossGP points standings, Pichon continues to look over his shoulder, yet this time it was not Joel Smets or Stefan Everts who was taking the Frenchman on, but rather Ireland's Gordon Crockard. The two-time World Motocross champion blitzed to victory in the German Grand Prix, leading home Crockard by just two seconds and Smets by four seconds. While Pichon has looked dominant so far this season, he has yet to experience resistance from the legends of the sport, Smets and Everts. "I was surprised it was Crockard behind me," Pichon said. "I really expected Smets and Everts to be strong on this track. Crockard is one of the few guys to beat me in the last years, so I knew he would be strong once he got his bike sorted." It was in fact Crockard who led home Pichon twice in 200 I, while the Irishman's 2002 performances were very average due to his dislike for the KTM machine he rode. But he is back with the CAS Honda team (the team he rode for in 2001), and the Irish· man has returned to his rightful place in Grand Prix battle. It was not a totally enjoyable weekend for the rider known as "Rockhard: though. After having busted his shoulder in the Dutch Grand Prix two weeks earlier, Crockard entered the German race under a cloud. "I didn't even know if I was going to race today: Crockard said. "I decided two days before the Grand Prix and rode the bike for the first time in three weeks on Saturday. I took some pain killers and strapped the shoulder up. I knew when the race began that I would not last the distance, and near the end I had to let Pichon go a little. I just have to build on this, and I seriously think I still have a chance to win the championship." As for Smets and Everts, they trailed home in third and fourth and at no time looked capable of attacking the two lead riders. Smets did 30 n STORY AND PHOTOS BY GEOFF MEYER MAY 14, 2003· cue • e e "" s make some ground on the slowing Crockard as the race closed, while Everts once again suffered severe arm pump. "I felt okay: Smets said. "It's not easy racing with Pichon; he's just got an incredible speed at the moment. I didn't get a great start again. I need to get the lead, and if you're not fighting with Pichon early, then you can forget it." Despite taking pole on Saturday, Everts was nowhere to be seen as the riders entered the first corner, and while he had worked his way into fifth place on lap one, his problematic forearms began to play havoc. "I didn't take a start at all," Everts said. "I am so disappointed. My arms began to hurt again. It's going to be so difficult now. I have to start thinking about winning motos and nothing else." In the 125cc race it was the young sensation Marc De Reuver who took his debut Grand Prix victory ahead of defending World champion Mickael Maschio and former 500cc champ Andrea Bartolini. With the win De Reuver also moved to the top of the series points table, with 60 points, just one ahead of Belgian rider Steve Ramon. "I didn't feel nervous here today: De Reuver said. "In Holland it was my home race, and I expected maybe too much. Today was my day, and I can say that winning my first GP will hopefully open up the flood gates to more wins." KTM factory rider Joel Smets backed up his podium place in the MotocrossGP class with a win in the 650cc class, leading home Spanish KTM rider Javier Vi co Garcia and Honda-mounted Cedric Melotte. '125cc GP There was no doubt about the form of De Reuver. The Dutchman produced a great start and never gave his rivals the opportunity to challenge his lead. Maschio did move to within a few seconds of De Reuver, although a near crash dropped him off the pace of the leader. "It took me some time to pass Bartolini," Maschio said. "Once past him I tried to get to De Reuver, but he was just too quick. Then I made a mistake, and Bartolini got me again. Near the end I made a hard pass on Bartolini to get back to second. It's not the type of pass I like to make, but I have to get as many points as possible after scoring no points in