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/128385
FIM World MXI/MX2 Motocross Championship am KTM's Ben Townley is beginning to eat away at the points lead of the series leader and defending champion, Yamaha's Stefan Everts. The KTM factory rider went 1- I at the Grand Prix of France, and while the overall victory was stunning, the important thing for the New Zealander is that he is learning at each and every race. Down 71 points to Everts in the series standings, Townley might not head to America at the end of this year as World Champion, but he is looking likely to leave Europe as one of the quickest Grand Prix riders. "1 am happy that I can improve and win in this class," Townley said. "It is nice racing with the top guys, and if I can win, it's great. I need to fight to get second from josh [Coppins] in the championship. I am just taking it race by race, and if I can keep riding the way I am, I can really make big improvements. I can't see why I can't fight for second in the championship." Townley was also happy for the KTM factory, as they won both classes in the new MX I/MX2 format for the first time ever. KTM also won in the 125cc GP in Assen, Holland, on Saturday. Italian rider David Philippaerts won the MX2 class in France. "They [KTM] also won the road racing, and it was good to have Kurt Nicoll there," Townley said. "He helped me out, and Iam happy that he was here. The whole team works so hard, and to have these results it's good for the team." ll 34 JULY 6,2005 • CYCLE NEWS In second place was another New Zealander, josh Coppins. The CAS Honda rider really looked strong as he took the holeshot in both MX I motos and kept his lines clean. His 3-2 results were enough to give him a few points on Everts in the championship. One .of the most consistent of the MX I riders, Coppins has yet to lose major points in a GP this year and remains focused on catching Everts in the points chase. "It was really tough this year," Coppins said. "It's a tough year, and it's important to keep focused and work hard. Every race is important. It is important to make as many podiums as possible and ride every race at the best I can. It is a good feeling, and I am happy for Ben [Townley] and happy for motocross in New Zealand. Ben and I get a long well, and we are just happy whoever wins [between the two]. I enjoy training with him and will miss him next year when he goes to America." Third went to Martin Honda rider Mickael Pichon. The former World Motocross Champion continued to show why he is such a great hero in Europe, as he pushed to two consistent results. Having thought about missing the Grand Prix due to talk of retirement, the French rider is now having an operation this week, and he will then decide on how his career will finish, or continue. One thing is for sure: He gave his all in the heat of St. jean d'Angely. "It was a tough race," Pichon said. "1 put a lot of energy in the first heat and just tried to save some energy for the second race. In the first moto, I was fourth or fifth on the start and got into third quickly. When Stefan [Everts] crashed, I just saw it when I was in the air, and I just missed his bike. I knew I had to stay on the bike, and I knew it would be tough for 40 minutes. I passed josh [Coppins] early and tried to stay ahead. There was nothing I could do with Ben and josh today; they were just too fast. I am happy with third in France.1n the second moto, I was lucky that Stefan crashed. I had a good race, just rode safe and saved some energy - that was so important. I will get some rest now for a month and come back for Nismes in july." In the MX2 class, KTM rider Philippaerts came back from illness on Saturday to win. The KTM rider is quickly becoming one of the bright lights of the Grand Prix scene, and he is coming close to securing a major deal for the 2006 season with his win. "Finally I won one of the Grands Prix," Philippaerts said. "1 was sick yesterday, and it was a dream to win this race after how I felt yesterday. The first heat was easy. I won easily. I slowed down a little at the end, I was so tired. In the second heat, I was not so good in some jumps and corners early, but then I recovered and began to ride better. I felt a little tired from being sick, but everything was really good." Yamaha-mounted Anthony Boissiere went 4-1 for second overall in the MX2 class. Boissiere has struggled all season with injuries. Needless to say, Boissiere was happy with his podium finish.