Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

day two, on both days placing comfortably ahead of Husaberg's Bjome Carls- Claiming his highest class finish of '03, CH Racing Husqvarna rider Mika Saarenkoski improved from fourth on day one to claim a well-deserved second on day two. "I really pushed hard son, who struggled to get to grips with the events enduro tests. eN &ran Premia d'ilalia Rodenga Saiana, Italy Results: May 11,18, Z003 [Round 4 of &1 today, possibly a little too hard," Saarenkoski said, "because I had a big crash and lost quite a lot of time. pointment of his enthusiastic fan club. Gaining the most from Sala's misfortune was UFO Corse Yamaha rider Peter Bergvall. With the reigning class World Champion having seemingly ended his ~opes of retaining his title when he broke his collarbone at round three of the series in Greece, the Swede again looks like the rider set to claim the title in '03. Placing third on day one, Bergvall topped day two by half a minute to claim valuable championship points. "I don't know why, but I wasn't in as much pain today as I was yesterday," Bergvall said. "It has been really hard for me this weekend on the downhill parts of the cross-country tests because of my shoulder. It's bad luck for Gio [Sala] this weekend, but 1 had my bad luck in Greece, so maybe things are starting to change for me." With Sal a and Bergvall claiming a day win each, Italian Husqvarna- and Yamaha-mounted riders Roberto Bazzurri and Giuseppe Gallino shared the runner-up positions for the weekend. Third on day two, having placed in fifth on day one after looking like a definite for a podium position, was TM rider Bartosz Oblucki. Again failing to top the 450cc class but having a "good championship weekend," CH Racing Husqvarna rider Anders Eriksson was outpaced by crowd favorite Farioli KTM rider Alessandro Botturi. Winning on both days, and in doing so claiming his first-ever overall class win, the (Yam) I, II ,30.59; 4. Paul Edmondson (Yam) 1,11,57.81; 5. He",e Ve"ace (Hus) 1;12,24.71; 6. Vzllteri Salonen (Hus) I: 12:31. J2; 7. DZlmien Miquel 1012,55.72; 8. Ivan Boano (Hus) 1,12,57.43; 9. Day One Petteri Silvan (KTM) I: 13:05.02; 10. Homero Diaz 1,20,31.27; 5. Pelt.,i Silvan (KTM) 1:20:57.54; 6. 250: I. Stefan Merriman (Hon) 1:08:37.94; 2. Helder Rodrigues (KTM) 1: I 0:23.84; 3. Fausto $covolo (GG) 1:10:50.12: 4. Jani Laaksonen (GG) 125: I. Rickard La"son (TM) 1,19:30.13: 2. Marc Germain (Yi!lm) 1:19:40.74; 3. PllIul Edmondson (Ye.m) 1:20:20.89; 4. Mike. Saarenkoski (Hus) But I'm really happy with the way the weekend has gone." Just like both the 125 and 250cc categories, the 250cc Four-Stroke class also saw a major shake up of the series standings after day one class winner Giovanni Sala failed to reach the end of day two. Having topped Saturday's competition by a sizeable 48 seconds, the hugely popu, lar former World Champion was forced out of the competition when his bike cried enough, much to the disap, Scovolo (GG); 7. Alessandro Botturi (KTM); 8. Roberto Bazzuri (Hus); 9. Rickard Larsson (TM); 10. Jordi Duran (KTM); 11. David Knight (KTM); 12. Stefano Passeri (Yam); 13. Peter BergvlllI (Yam): 14. Anders Eriksson (Hus): 15. Mlirc Germain (YllIm) Day Two 125, I. Ricka,d Locsson (TM) I, I 1,1137; 2. Mika Saarenkoski (Hus) I: I 1:22.39; 3. Marc Germain Petri Pohjamo (GG) 1:21:12.52: 7. Darnien Miquel (Hus) 1:21:57.96; 8. Ivan Boano (Hus) 1:21,59.11; 9. Herve Versace (KTM) 1:22:30.78; 10. Homero Diaz (KTM) 1,23:07.67. 250: 1. Stefan Merrimlln (Hon) I: 17:31.04: 2. Samuli Aro (KTM) 1:17:47.37; 3. Fausto $covolo (KTM) I, 13,08.B2. U054.65; 5. F,.ddy Blanc (KTM) 1,11,06.64; 6. Sebastien Guillaume (Hus) 1:11:15.74; 7. Fabien Planet (Hus) I: 11 :27.66; 8. JZlrno Boano (Hon) U 1,33.61; 9. Stefano Passeri (Yam) I, II ,46.05; 10. Jari Mattila (GG) U 1,55.76. 250 (GG) 1:19:10.02; 4. Stefano Passeri (Yam) 1: 19:35.59; 5. Sebi!lstien Guillaume (Hus) U9,41.04; 6. Held., Rodrigues (KTM) 1:19:41.78; 7. Fceddy Blanc (KTM) 1:20: 17.67; 8. Jani Lallksonen (GG) 1:20: 19.04; 9. Jari Mllttilll (GG) 1:20:26.03; 10. Emmanuel Albepa" (GG) 1:20:43.40. Ivan Cervantes was fast all weekend. He went 1-2 In the 500cc Four-Stroke class over the weekend. 250 4·STRK: 1. Giovanni Sala (KTM) 1: 18:40.03; 2. Roberto Bllzzurrl (Hus) 1: 19:28.49; 3. Peter Bergvall (Yam) 1:19:39.45; 4. Giuseppe Gallino (Yam) I: 19:48.52; 5. Bartosz Oblucki (TM) 1:20,03.11; 6. Riccardo Fermi (Yam) 1:21:31.12; 7. Daniele Tellini (Yam) 1:22: 13.23: 8. Giuseppe Cllnova (Hus) 1:23:00.17: 9. Gerard Farres (KTM) With Anders improving from his day one position of third to second on day two, and with his closest championship rival Roman Michalik finishing in a disappointing fifth and sixth positions, the six-time World Champion now sits comfortably at the top of the class. "I feel much more comfortable on the bike now," the long-time 500cc four-stroke rider said. "Although I didn't win, it's been another good weekend for my championship. I've had enough of the dusty races, though; now I can't wait to get to Scandinavia. " Claiming third on day two after suffering a mechanical DNF on day one was KTM Racing rider Xavier Puigdemont. In the Over 500cc Four-Stroke class two riders dominated on the first day - KTM rider Ivan Cervantes and Juha Salminen. With the win going to Cervantes by 23 seconds on day one, the tables were reversed on day two when Salminen placed his KTM Racing machine at the top of the class. "I'm really happy to have won on day one because Juha is the best rider, so to beat him is really something special for me," Cervantes said at the end of the second day's competition. "Today I hurt my leg on the second lap and wasn't able to push as hard as I would have liked so I tried to just ride safely." Wanting to make up for what he 4·STRK: I. Peter Bergvall (Yam) U 0,28.48; 2. Giuseppe Gallino (Yam) I, 10,58.05; 3. Bartosz Oblucki (TM) I: II :30.17: 4. Ricclirdo Fermi (Yam) 1,12,18.20; 5. Roberto Bazzu," (Hus) 1:12:46.68: 6. Giuseppe GZlllino (Y8m) 1:14:27.54; 7. Vita Kuklik (KTM) I: 14.35:23; 8. MZlurizio Micheluz (Yam) U4,51.66; 9. Ga,a,d Farres (KTM) 1,15,58.20; 10. Daniele Tellini (Yam) 1,16,06.92. 450 4·STRK: I. Alessandro Botturi (KTM) 1,10,27.62,2. Anders E,iksson (Hus) 1,10,43.68; 3. XtJlvier Puigdemont (KTM) I: 11 :38.83; 4. Jordi Duran (KTM) 1,11,43.18; 5. Ma,ko Ta,kkala (Hbg) ],I 1,46.83; 6. Roman Michalik (Vo,) I: II ,48.77; 7. 1:23:37.74; 10. Maurizio Micheluz (Yam) 1,23:57.31. Niklas Gustafsson (KTM) 1:12:21.53; 8. Alessandro Zanni (Hon) 1: 12:36.53; 9. Martin Lind (Hbg) 450 4·STRK: 1. Alessandro Botturi (KTM) I: 19:22.50; 2. Jordi Duran (KTM) I: 19,32.41; 3. Anders Eriksson (Hus) 1: 19:40.28; 4. Marko 1,08,59.62; 2. Ivan Ce",an'es (KTM) 1:09: 10.75: 3. I: 12:40.97; 10. Paolo Goncalves (GG) 1:12:50.99. 500+ 4·STRK: 1. Juhlll Salminen (KTM) Muller (KTM) 1:22:38.30; 8. Juri Simoncini (KTM) 1,23: 16.71; 9. Christoph Seifert (KTM) 1:23:31.44; 10. Johan Bjerkert (KTM) 1:24:35.81. David Knight (Yam) 1:09:45.62; 4. Bjome CZlrlsson (Hbg) 1,11,03.11; 5. Mika Ahola (Vo,) I: 12:36.88; 6. Werner Muller (KTM) 1:13:44.40; 7. Christoph Seifert (KTM) 1:14:36.40; 8. Juri Simoncini (KTM) I: 14:39.66; g. Joan Jou (KTM) I: 15:29.37; 10. Johan Bjerkert (KTM) 1: 17: 11.27; II. Tobias AuerswZlld (Hus) 1:22:55.22 O/A: 1. Stefan Merrimlln (Hon); 2. Juha Salminen (KTM); 3. Ivan Cervantes (KTM); 4. David Knight (Yam): 5. Helder Rodrigues (KTM); 6. AJessendro Betturi (KTM); 7. Peter Bergvall (Yam); 8. Anders Eriksson (Hus); 9. FllIusto Scovolo (GG); 10. JtJlni Lallksonen (GG); 11. Giuseppe Gllllino (Yllm); O/A: I. Stefan Merriman (Ho.n); 2. Ivan Cerv8nles (KTM); 3. Samuli Aro (KTM); 4. Juha Slliminen (KTM); 5. Giovlllnni Sllia (KTM); 6. Fausto (Hus) Ta,kkala (Hbg) 1:20:02.69; 5. Roman Michalik (Vor) 1:20:38.63; 6. Paolo Goncalves (GG) 1,20,55.93: 7. Niklas Gustafsson (KTM) 1:21 :01.88; 8. Aless8ndro Zanni (Hon) 1:21:33.01; 9. Tullio Pellegrinelli (Hus) 1,21,43.49: 10. Martin Und (Hbg) 1 :21 :49.99. 500+ 4-STRK: I. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1:17:42.68; 2. Juha Salminen (KTM) 1:18:06.07; 3. David Knight (Yam) 1:19:35.04; 4. Bjome Carlsson (Hbg) 1:20: 18.73; 5. Mika Ahola (Vo,) 1:20:32.92; 6. Andreas Toresso," (Hbg) 1:21 :50.85; 7. Werner 12. Bjome Carlsson (Hbg); 13. F,eddy Blanc (KTM); 14. Rick8rd Larsson (TM): 15. Sebtlstien Guillaume BRIEFLY••• UFO Corse Yamaha rider Marlo Rinaldi was the most notable nonstarter in Italy, having aggravated a foot injury one week earlier in France. Forced to spectate while sporting a cast on his left foot. the fonner four-time World Champion first sustained the injury at the Lignano beach race. which he won. Having then tried to race in the second round of the Italian Enduro Championship unsuccessfully. he failed to finish day one in France. "The doctors have told me that I have to rest the foot now, or they will have operate," Rinaldi said. Making things harder for Rinaldi was the fact that the Gran Premio d'ltalia really was Rinaidi's home race. as he lives just 10 minutes from the start of the event. Fonner World Enduro and U.S. GNCC Champion Shane Watts flew from his Florida home to compete in Italy on a KTM 450. Working under KTM Racing team's setup. the laid-back Aussie was the last rider to leave the start each morning at the rear of his class. almost one hour after the event's first riders. PlaCing 16th on day one and 19th on day two. WallS went the distance. which was something that he hasn't been able to do In the States for quite some time. due to injuries. "It was never my intention to try and win here. but, yeah, I got spanked." Watts said. "This Is just a one-off ride. and I'm stoked to have finished both days in one piece. It's been great to catch up with all the mechanics and riders that I know from my days racing the WEC series." The organizer's decision to heavily water both motocross tests prior to the start of the second day's competition angered many of the WEC's top 30 riders. especially Juha Salminen. the Finn who is the first rider to reach each and every test. "It's crazy.' Salminen said. 'The organizers say that it doesn't make much difference. but I can tell them that it does. It's impossible for me to make a time the same as the riders behind me because I have to ride with so much caution." Despite being disadvantaged. Salminen topped the 500+ Four-Stroke class on day two. Getting the FIM's equivalent of a yellow card. KTM Racing team manager Kari TIainen was officially wamed by the event's jury after VOicing his opinions about the state of the heavily watered special test. Having already spoken out about what he saw as a dangerous cross-country test, the often hot-headed Finn failed to understand why the jUry doesn't listen to the riders or those representing them. burly Italian placed just 10 seconds ahead of his nearest rival on day one and 16 ahead of Eriksson on day two. "It's been a very hard race this felt was a disappointing day one result, Salminen made a few adjustments to the suspension of his half- weekend because Df 'all the tests," Botturi said. "I was leading on day one, but then I crashed and lost 25 seconds. I then pushed really hard day's competition and topped day two. "I have had a completely different feeling with the bike today," Salminen and was able to win, which was really fantastic for me. Today I had one small crash but no other problems." Also claiming. his highest-class finish of the season was Spaniard Jordi Duran with second in the 450cc category on day one. Despite again post- said. "I lowered the bike yesterday night, and today it has been much better; it felt like it was sticking to the With competitors riding on average one hour and 20 minutes' worth of speCial tests as weli as seven hours' worth of controls on day one. many federation representatives proposed a shorter day of competition on day two - a request which was begrudgingly accepted by the organizers. With requests haVing been made by many riders that the event's second cross-country test be altered or scrapped for safety reasons. the request went down iike a lead balloon. extreme test like glue. The enduro tests were a bit dangerous this weekend, but I've enjoyed the race." Finishing third on both days was KTM Racing team manager Kari Tiainen confirmed that he might race his home round of the WEC Series in Jamsa. Finland. June 7-B, if he feels his injured wrist is up to it. ing fast special test times on day two, the tall KTM rider finished fourth, more than a minute behind winner Botturi. liter KTM at the end of the opening UFO Corse Yamaha rider David Knight. Almost two minutes behind Cervantes on day one, the former trials rider closed the gap to 46 seconds on The Extreme Test in Italy was arguably the WEC's most demanding stage so far in '03. with nearly all of the test running up an exceptionally rocky track. Featuring a near-vertical two-meter climb near its start, which caused problems for many of the wiid-card Itahan riders, the test didn't favor trials riders as much as the extreme test in France one week earlier. Despite the relallvely high speeds and demanding terrain. thankfully there were very few accidents One nder to come to grief. though. was French Gas Gas rider Andre Raphael who badly injured his shoulder on day one and failed to start day two. With Aussie Sha"e Watts haVing worked from the Finnish team's truck during the Italian race. WallS returned to his home in the States with a plaster cast of Kari's wrist. "From the cast. AIIsport Dynamics is going to make a wrist brace for Kari." Walls said. 'I've been racing with one since I injured my wrist last year and know hopefully Kari will be able to start riding again with one soon." cue I e n e vv s • JUNE 1 1 ,2003 59

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