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/128322
FIM World MXI /MX2 Motocross Cha mpionship of the '04 se ries, he has wo n three of the rounds, gone 2- 1-I-DNF- I-2- 1-1 and is easily the most consiste nt of the MX2 rider s. "You know, it' s about being consistent, and I feel I am doing that," Townley said. "Had it not been for the engine prob lem in Spain, Iwould have been a long way ahead in the points. It's my aim to keep pushing and see if these guys can keep with me . I was a little surprised that Steph en Sword didn't do better, and de Reuver had some bad luck, but it's often about making your own luck." As for Everts , the veteran of Grand Prix • motocross just keeps winning. This, his 74th GP victory, also helped him to retain co ntrol of the MX I ser ies points standings. Everts dominated the Valkenswaard Grand Prix back in his 250cc winning days, taking victories in 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996; however he has gone 2-2-9 in the last thre e GPs held in Valkenswaard. "I expected Pichon to be strong here ' to day," Everts said. "I knew th ough that Ididn't ride to my po tential in t he last round in Port ugal and he ro de very well, yet he still just beat me. I am getting back to somethi like my best form. I found it tough here. Th track was fast, and I was completely finish at the end of the two race s. I have not won here for about five years, so to win again in. TOWNLEY AND EVERTS DOMINATE STORY AND PHOTOS BY GEOFF MEYER w o men dominated the Grand Prix of Netherlands, one a youngster and the other a veteran. Both look to be good be t s to continue their Dutch delight. In front of aro und 15,000 specta tors enjoying a warm sun-drenched Sunday in April, Belgian motocross star Stefan Everts wen t 2- 1 for the overall in the MX I class. An exciting performance, though, also came from 19-year-old New Zealander Ben Townley, who put toget her his best performance in his short Grand Prix career, going I-I. Townley is looking stronger as each GP rolls around. The once soft , deep sand of T 24 Valkenswaard is now much harder and does not drop riders into deep ruts. It's stillsuper fast and a track many riders find dangerous. Townley was lucky to make the event after a crash in pract ice saw him in the hospita l for a day. "I was thinking I couldn't ride this Grand Prix a few days ago," Townley said. "I twisted my ankle last week in practice and had been on crutches for a few days. I had a lot of help from my doctor, but I was still concerned that I would twist it again today. It's been a tough weekend for me." Townley is a good bet to win this year's Wor ld MX2 Motocross Championship. The 19-year-old Kiwi blitzed to two wins and often made his rivalslook ordinary. After three rounds MAY 5,2004 • CYC LE N EWS 40th Anniversary