Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

fastest rider in the series, but once again a lack of stami- na cost ham any chance of running with Evefts, and near- ly cost him the podium. His 2-8 finishes managed to get him a flnal podium spot, but didn't reflect just how quick the young Belgian really is. "l didn't have a good start in the first moto, but I also didn't panic. I just took my time coming through and tried not to burn too much energy,'' de Dycker said. "lt is very difficult, because the track was so rough, and making passes was ngt easy. I was able to pass a few riders in one lap, I know [Brian] Jorgensen was in there and also [*4arvin] Van Daele. I kept pushing hard and passed [Cedric] l4elotte soon after. Once I got into second place it was difficult. Everts was already long gone, and I had used some enerSy to get into second. I knew flanel] Leok was cominS, but I didn't have enough energy to keep away from him. ln the last two laps, when he got even closer I had some energy in reserve and was able to push harder again and move away. lt is the best finish in my career, so I am really happy with that result. "My hands started hufting near the end, but I pushed on. ln the second moto I was a long way back again and needed to get by some riders early. lwas able to move inside the top flve, but then my arms started gefting tired, and I had to slow down. I am really happy, though, with my first-ever podium." ln the MX2 class it was Scottish rider Billy f4ackenzie ofthe Bike lt Yamaha team showing great character, going l-3 on the day to take the overall win. The rider known as "Billy Mac" proved his 2005 Japanese victory was no fluke. Like Everts, he had pressure from the Yamaha camp, and just prior to the race he even talked about his lack of feel for the Sugo circuit in 2006. Entering the GP of.lapan, Mackenzie had not shown the speed to be a GP winner, but his opening moto victory and his consistent third-place run in the second race showed he did have what it takes. ''l didn't feel that good coming into the race," said l'tackenzie, "On Saturday I was not enioying myself like in 2005. I always like coming to Japanl To leave here with a win is incredible and eveD/thing that I could have asked for. We have been working hard on the bike, and we had some new parts supplied by Rinaldi this weekend and they really helped. The bike had a little bit more bottom end, which is what I needed. The track was really nice. I have to get my starts sorted, but when that happens, I'm sure I will be upfront more often. Last year I had some good races. but also some bad ones, so I have been work- ing on being more consistent this season." Marc de Reuver took a strong second in the MX2 class in lapan as a result of going 3-2 on the day. For the Dutchman, this was truly somethlng to celebrate- lt's been three years since he actually made it to the fifth round of the series. having been knocked out by injuries in 2005, 2004 and 2003. "l had some good starts today again, and was second behind Antonio lcairoli] each time. I made a stupid crash in the first moto when I hit a slippery patch, and I was waitihg for Tony to hit me b€cause he was right behind, but then he went down also," de Reuver said. "The bike was still runnin8 so I was lucky. I got going again but I lost a lot of places because it was the flrst lap. ln the second moto, I followed Christophe Pourcel, who had some real- ly good lines, but a lapanese backmarker took me out, and I was lucky again, because the handlebars were bent but I could still finish second." Defendjng World MX2 Champion Antonio Cairoli had another consistent weekend, going 4- | for third overall. "We changed the bike last week and I practiced my starts and it really helped today," he said. "l got the holeshot twice. and the satuation is better now offthe line. ln the first moto. Marc [de Reuver] passed me after the whoops for the lead, but I stayed close to him. and when he went down after hifting some wet mud, I fell also. I was fast, but I lost a lot of time because I crashed again, and it meant that I was always fEhting back. Now I must work a little bit more on my condition and hope for some more luck.'' Clt SuGo CrRcurr suco, ,APAN REsuLrs: MAY 2I,2006 (RouND 5 or 15) HXr HOTO r: r. Stehn Evcrts (Yam):2. K€n de Oyckd (Ho.)i l. Tane Leok (Kaw)i .{ Steve Ramon (suz) 5. sriai lorsensei (Hon): 6. cedr. Plelone fram): 7. lames Noble (Hon)i 8. ldathan BarEsan (KTM)i 9. Maue Pnem (YMJ; 10. MaMn V& Daele (H4): li. Julien Eill (Ym): 2. Keyin Srijbos (SE)i I Dony Theybe6 (Suz)i 14 Aki6Naritaft.m): l5 A.Ei P/rhoren OF1)i l6 lohny Lmdhe (KTH). HXI IIOTO 2: I Stelan EEB (Yam)i 2. steve Rnmon (suz): l. lon h Barnse {KrM)j 4 Kevin Srrilbos (Suz); 5. l.laryin van D&le (Hon): 6. l.loue Priem iYam):7. James Noble (Hon)i8. (en de Dy

• Cover