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Lommel sweep extends MXGP advantage of dominant Gajser

News 26 Oct 2020

Lommel sweep extends MXGP advantage of dominant Gajser

Yamaha’s Watson claims maiden MX2 grand prix overall victory.

Image: Supplied.

Defending world champion Tim Gajser put forward a dominant performance at the MXGP of Lommel with a 1-1 result, while in MX2 it was Ben Watson who broke through for his first grand prix overall.

Team HRC’s Gajser took another step closer toward a third premier class crown, unchallenged in wet conditions at the notorious Belgium sand circuit.

Gajser won moto one ahead of Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM), before the second outing was won by Gajser over Febvre and Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha).

The overall podium on Sunday featured Gajser, Febvre and Seewer. At the top of the standings, Gajser now holds a commanding 74-point advantage over Cairoli, who is 10 points clear of Seewer in third.

Image: Supplied.

After recently capturing his first moto win, Monster Energy Yamaha’s Watson went one better this time around by going 1-4 for a maiden overall.

Watson topped Maxime Renaux (SM Action M.C. Migliori Yamaha) and Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM) in moto one, before Roan Van De Moosdijk (F&H Kawasaki Racing) won moto two from Isak Gifting (Diga Procross GasGas Factory Juniors) and Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna).

Overall, Watson stood on top of the podium, joined by Van De Moosdijk and Renaux. Sixth still enabled Vialle to grow his championship lead to 74 points in front of Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha) and Renaux.

Australian Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) was eighth overall on the weekend, still fourth in the standings, with Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) scoring 13th position.

Next in the 2020 MXGP World Championship is Pietramurata, Italy, which will see the Trentino circuit host the final triple-header of the year beginning next Sunday, 1 November.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Townley introduces innovative ‘SX4’ concept in New Zealand

News 23 Oct 2020

Townley introduces innovative ‘SX4’ concept in New Zealand

Reimagine the sport of motocross with world-first event to take place.

Image: Supplied.

Former world champion Ben Townley has introduced an innovative new concept in New Zealand that is set to reimagine the sport of motocross, the inaugural ‘SX4’ event set for Digger McEwan Motocross Park in Taupo on 9 January.

In an all-new format that will combine motocross with elements from supercross and speedway, 15 races will feature four riders each, consisting a four-lap motos on a track layout that features four turns and four obstacles.

“I want fans to love our sport, I want our industry to grow, but most importantly I want our sport to be mainstream,” Townley explained. “SX4 will give us the platform to achieve this! I am super-stoked with how things are starting to come together for our first ever SX4 event. The industry have been super-supportive of my ideas and I’m looking forward to seeing spectators share the love as we build towards 9 January.”

Over the last few years a site at the Taupo Motorcycle Club has been a labour of love for Townley, who has played an integral part in the development. The new track will be tested at a demonstration event this coming Labour Weekend as part of MXFest prior to the first standalone SX4 event at the beginning of 2021.

For more information on the inaugural SX4 set for Taupo on 9 January and to buy tickets, which are on sale now through Eventbrite, head to www.sx4.co.nz.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Prado leads KTM double class victories in MXGP of Limburg

News 22 Oct 2020

Prado leads KTM double class victories in MXGP of Limburg

MX2 championship leader Vialle does it again with another round win.

Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM duo Jorge Prado and Tom Vialle have delivered double class victories in the MXGP of Limburg, the second of three-straight rounds at Lommel.

Prado went 2-1 for the overall in MXGP, his third of the 2020 season, ahead of world champion Tim Gajser (Team HRC) and Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM).

Gajser charged to the opening moto win, however a mistake while leading the second encounter enabled Prado to take victory after keeping teammate Cairoli at bay. Gajser recovered to third and salvaged a podium overall.

In the world championship standings, Gajser now has a 55-point advantage over Cairoli and is on target for a third premier class crown, while Prado has now climbed to third overall, just two points from Cairoli.

Image: Supplied.

The MX2 class was once again topped by championship leader Vialle, who went 2-1 for his seventh overall of the 2020 season.

Vialle was joined on the podium by Ben Watson (Monster Energy Yamaha) and his teammate Jago Geerts, winner of the opening race on Wednesday.

Australian Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) was ninth overall in round 14 of the season after finishing 10th in both motos, while countryman Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) went 14-19 for 15th overall.

It’s Vialle who is the runaway leader of the championship, a comfortable 61 points clear of Geerts entering Lommel 3 this Sunday, 25 October.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

MXGP champion Gajser extends advantage at Lommel

News 19 Oct 2020

MXGP champion Gajser extends advantage at Lommel

Consistent Vialle stands atop MX2 podium at Flanders round of world championship.

Image: Supplied.

Defending world champion Tim Gajser has extended his lead with victory in the MXGP of Flanders at Lommel, as Tom Vialle used consistency to win the MX2 overall.

Gajser’s lead in the standings now sits at 48 points after he went 2-1 for the overall on Sunday, leading Gautier Paulin (Monster Energy Yamaha) and Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM).

Moto one of the premier class was won by a resurgent Paulin over Gajser and Prado. It was Gajser who led much of the distance until a late fall enabled Paulin to win his first race since 2017.

The second encounter saw Team HRC’s Gajser this time control the moto for a pivotal win – his ninth of the season – ahead of Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha).

Fifth in the second moto was enough for Paulin to secure his first podium of the year, while early leader Prado’s fourth-place result in moto two put him onto the podium overall. In the points, it’s Gajser clear of Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM), with Prado and Seewer tied for third.

Standing Construct GasGas rider Glenn Coldenhoff’s season came to a premature end after topping free practice, going down in qualifying and being diagnosed with compression fractures to three vertebrae.

The anticipated debut of Kyle Webster (JM Racing Honda) in MXGP was an eventful one, qualifying 22nd, but going down in the first turn of moto one and being ruled out. He only made five laps in moto two before retiring from the round.

Image: Supplied.

Moto one of the MX2 category saw Ben Watson (Monster Energy Yamaha) claim his first-ever race win at the world championship level ahead of Vialle and Maxime Renaux (SM Action M.C. Migliori Yamaha).

After finishing fourth in the opening outing, this time Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha) won moto two from Vialle and Roan Van De Moosdijk (F&H Kawasaki Racing). Overall, Vialle won his sixth overall of the year ahead of Geerts and Watson, who was P5 in moto two.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Jed Beaton went 7-7 for seventh overall, with countryman Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) scoring points in moto two for 18th overall to complete his debut at Lommel.

The MXGP World Championship will continue with round 14 of the season this Wednesday, 21 October, again at the notorious sand track of Lommel in Belgium.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Prado completes Spanish MXGP double at home round

News 12 Oct 2020

Prado completes Spanish MXGP double at home round

MX2 championship leader Vialle and Geerts trade moto wins again.

Image: Supplied.

Spanish MXGP rookie Jorge Prado has completed a double win in his home round of the 2020 world championship on a weekend where Red Bull KTM teammate Tom Vialle also won MX2.

Prado took moto one ahead of Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and world champion Tim Gasjer (Team HRC), then led home Gajser and Febvre in moto two.

It was a convincing result from the 19-year-old to claim his first premier class sweep, joined on the podium by Gajser and Febvre.

Gajser has a 24-point advantage in the standings ahead of Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM), who was sixth overall on Sunday. Prado is current fourth in points.

Image: Supplied.

The MX2 standings continue to be controlled by red plate-holder Vialle, extending his lead to 52 points following 12 rounds.

In moto one, Vialle led Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammates Thomas Kjer Olsen and Jed Beaton, before in the second outing it was Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha) who topped Vialle and Roan Van De Moosdijk (F&H Kawasaki Racing).

Overall, Vialle stood atop the podium ahead of Geerts – who was fifth in moto one – and Olsen, despite him scoring seventh in the second outing. Beaton was sixth overall for the round due to a 10th in moto two after a first turn fall.

Of the other Australians, Team HRC MXGP rider Mitch Evans qualified third quickest, before sustaining a broken left wrist in race one. The MX2 category saw Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) go 23-15 for 19th overall.

Next on the MXGP World Championship schedule will be a triple-header at Lommel in Belgium, the first of those three rounds set to take place this Sunday, 18 October.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Osborne clinches 450MX championship at Fox Raceway finals

News 11 Oct 2020

Osborne clinches 450MX championship at Fox Raceway finals

Final round victory of the season belongs to rookie standout Sexton.

Image: Octopi Media.

A new 450MX champion has been crowned in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross after Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Zach Osborne brought home the 2020 title at Fox Raceway this afternoon.

Osborne, 31, won Husqvarna’s first premier class crown in the US and the first of his career in a spectacular result for the pairing.

Today’s final round of the season in Pala was won by rookie Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) in a breakout result, going 3-1 for his maiden moto win and overall wins in the top ranks.

The late-season surge of defending champion Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) continued in moto one as he put on a charge to pass teammate Adam Cianciarulo in the closing minutes.

It was Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM) who led his share of laps at the beginning before Cianciarulo took over at the front, on track to win the race until Tomac stormed by. It was a Kawasaki 1-2 in the end, split by 3.416s, and Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) completed the podium after fending off an attack from teammate Christian Craig.

After scoring the hole-shot, points-leader Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) was fifth to maintain his title lead, with the top 10 filled by Musquin, Justin Bogle (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS), Broc Tickle (Monster Energy Yamaha), Max Anstie (Twisted Tea HEP Motorsports Suzuki) and Jake Masterpool (Invictus Speed Crew Husqvarna).

Moto two was all about the championship and a conservative Osborne did what he had to do to make it his and Husqvarna’s first 450MX title. While Sexton charged to breakthrough moto and overall wins at the front, Osborne crossed the line in seventh to seal the crown.

It was a Honda 1-2 at the front as Sexton topped Craig, while longtime leader Cianciarulo made a mistake and went down with seven minutes remaining as he was put under pressure by Sexton and costing him any chance of the overall.

Fourth this time out was earlier winner Tomac, trailed by Musquin, Anstie, Osborne, Bogle, Tickle and Coty Schock (FXR Chaparral Honda), debuting the 2021 CRF450R.

For the round, Sexton was the winner ahead of Tomac and Cianciarulo, but it was all Osborne for the championship, carrying a 12-point advantage over Cianciarulo, with Tomac third at season’s end.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

First win of the year increases MXGP advantage of Gajser

News 5 Oct 2020

First win of the year increases MXGP advantage of Gajser

Mantova 3 sees Geerts rebound with overall MX2 round victory.

Image: Supplied.

Defending MXGP world champion Tim Gajser claimed his first grand prix overall of the 2020 season to increase his points-lead, as Jago Geerts rebounded for the MX2 win at Mantova 3.

Team HRC’s Gajser won the opening moto ahead of a fast-closing Glenn Coldenhoff (Standing Construct GasGas), with Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM) third.

The second moto saw Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM) – who was fifth in moto one – win ahead of Gajser, which was enough for the Honda rider to clinch the overall, and with Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha) third.

Overall it was Gajer who won the MXGP of Europe from Cairoli and Coldenhoff, while in the standings, Gajser now holds a 11-point advantage over Cairoli following 11 rounds.

Image: Supplied.

In MX2, Monster Energy Yamaha’s Geerts bounced back from a couple of difficult rounds to go 2-1 for the overall, trading positions with series leader Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM) after he went 1-2.

Completing the overall podium with a pair of fourths was Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), edging moto podium finishers Ben Watson (Monster Energy Yamaha) and Conrad Mewse (Hitachi KTM) for position.

Vialle has a 46-point lead over Geerts in the MX2 World Championship standings entering next Sunday’s MXGP of Spain, which will take place at intu Xanadu – Arroyomolinos.

Of the Australians, Mitch Evans (Team HRC) starred in MXGP with fifth overall via a 4-8 scorecard, while in MX2 Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) went 5-5 for sixth overall and Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) was 11th.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Tomac leads Monster Energy Kawasaki 1-2 at Thunder Valley

News 4 Oct 2020

Tomac leads Monster Energy Kawasaki 1-2 at Thunder Valley

First overall of 250MX season in Colorado round won by Cooper.

Image: Octopi Media.

Reigning Lucas Oil Pro Motocross title-holder Eli Tomac is back, leading a Monster Energy Kawasaki 1-2 at Thunder Valley in the penultimate round of the 2020 series.

After qualifying on top of the charts, Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki) won moto one of 450MX this afternoon, jumping out front from the outset with his seventh holeshot in a row and going on to win by 2.620s.

Training partner Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) was able to maintain pressure on his fellow rookie, but didn’t get close enough to attempt a pass, while defending champion Tomac crossed the line third after a charge down the stretch.

It was a relatively quiet race for red plate-holder Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) in a distant fourth, ahead of Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha).

Next was Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM), from Christian Craig (Team Honda HRC), Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS), Max Anstie (Twisted Tea HEP Motorsports Suzuki) and Broc Tickle (Monster Energy Yamaha). Non-finishers included Joey Savatgy (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki).

The second moto was a convincing one for Tomac, charging to his first moto and overall win since Ironman in what is his home round of the season.

It was Musquin who took the holeshot, before Cianciarulo quickly attacked and took his turn at the front with title rival Osborne in tow.

However, Tomac made his way to the front of the pack by lap six and went on to win by 8.983s, handed the overall when a mistake from Cianciarulo allowed Osborne to go through for P2, which is how they would finish – Tomac ahead of Osborne and Cianciarulo.

Clutch dramas slowed him in the middle stages, but they fixed themselves and he could ride away to the end. In fourth was Craig from teammate Sexton, followed by Anstie, Benny Bloss (KT Tape Husqvarna), a fading Musquin, Bogle and Jake Masterpool (Invictus Speed Crew Husqvarna) inside the top 10.

Both Baggett and Savatgy sat out the second moto today. For the round, Tomac won ahead of Cianciarulo in a Kawasaki 1-2, with Osborne maintaining his points-lead by finishing third overall.

Entering the Fox Raceway finals next Saturday, 10 October, Osborne holds a 24-point lead over Cianciarulo, with Musquin and Tomac still mathematically within reach with one round remaining.

Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha’s Justin Cooper has broken through for his first 250MX overall in round eight of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Thunder Valley.

It was a dominant performance from points-leader Dylan Ferrandis in 250MX moto one, leading a Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha sweep of the top three ahead of teammates Justin Cooper and Shane McElrath.

The opening laps were led by a fast-starting McElrath until Ferrandis took control, going on to win by 5.390s, with top qualifier Cooper also moving by McElrath for the runner-up.

Fourth was Jeremy Martin, who led a freight-train of Geico Hondas, followed by Hunter Lawrence, Jett Lawrence and fellow rookie Jo Shimoda.

Completing the top 10 were Mitchell Harrison (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki), Jarrett Frye (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) and Dilan Schwartz (Bar X Chaparral Suzuki), who is back on track this weekend.

Finishing 12th was a lowly result for Alex Martin (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki) after he went down during the moto, while RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) crashed heavily mid-moto and was forced out with bike damage.

Victory in moto two sealed Cooper his first overall of the 2020 season, powering to the holeshot and then managing the lead from there. A mid-moto surge from Jeremy Martin wasn’t enough to overcome Cooper, who eventually won by 3.166s.

It was a case of damage control for Ferrandis as encountered troubles in the beginning, going down and then clawing his way back to P3 and extending his advantage in the standings. Fourth was a season-best for Hunter Lawrence, from McElrath, Jett Lawrence, Hartranft, Shimoda, Harrison and Frye.

Overall, Cooper won the round ahead of Ferrandis and Jeremy Martin, which means that Ferrandis will carry an 18-point lead into Fox Raceway’s title-deciding final round next Saturday, 10 October.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

First Kawasaki win for Febvre at MXGP of Mantova

News 1 Oct 2020

First Kawasaki win for Febvre at MXGP of Mantova

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Olsen back atop MX2 podium on Wednesday.

Image: Supplied.

Former world champion Romain Febvre has taken his first win with Monster Energy Kawasaki at the Citta di Mantova round of the 2020 MXGP World Championship on Wednesday, as Thomas Kjer Olsen made his way back atop the MX2 podium.

The opening moto saw rookie Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM) keep last Sunday’s winner Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha) at bay for the win, with Febvre crossing the line in third.

Later, it was Febvre who won the second moto ahead of a resurgent Gautier Paulin (Monster Energy Yamaha) and championship leader Gajser, who now holds a five-point lead in the standings over Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM). He was fourth overall at round 10.

Image: Supplied.

Winning the opening moto of the day in MX2 set Olsen up for his first overall of the year, claiming second in moto two in another strong performance prior to his premier class switch next year.

Olsen won moto one ahead of early leader Maxime Renaux (Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori J1 Racing) and red plate-holder Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM), before the second moto saw Vialle win over Olsen and Roan Van De Moosdijk (F&H Kawasaki Racing). The round podium featured Olsen, Vialle and Van De Moosdijk.

Of the Australians, Mitch Evans (Team HRC) went 6-7 for eighth overall in MXGP, while Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) was sixth overall, Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) 13th following P7 in moto two and Nathan Crawford (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) unfortunately had to exit following a fall in moto one. He’s aiming to return this Sunday, again at Mantova.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

KTM introduces limited edition 350 EXC-F WESS model

News 30 Sep 2020

KTM introduces limited edition 350 EXC-F WESS model

Hardcore upgrades applied to new off-road bike released for 2021.

Image: Supplied.

KTM has introduced a limited edition 350 EXC-F WESS model for 2021 as a tribute to the international enduro series and boasting an assortment of upgrades.

Featuring WP XACT air forks for the first time on a KTM EXC, along with an impressive list of extra components, it’s a limited edition bike that will set you apart on the trail.

Based on the incredibly versatile KTM 350 EXC-F, which has become a favourite among enduro riders worldwide, the WESS edition features a celebratory livery that pays homage to the diverse challenges of WESS competition.

Using the key elements from KTM’s best-selling four-stroke competition enduro machine, the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS enhances the production model’s package by including factory wheels with hubs anodised in orange, a radiator fan and protectors, CNC machined triple clamps in orange, a plastic skid plate, and a grippy factory seat.

The biggest enhancement on the WESS model is seen with the inclusion of WP XACT 48mm air fork technology. Specifically designed for high-performance off-road use, the lightweight innovation from WP allows for easy and quick adjustments via the air pressure valve for pre-load (on the left) or the easy-access clickers for damping (on the right), optimising suspension settings.

Built for those looking for the ultimate racer, the 2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS comes with further additions in the forms of a floating front disc with guard, a solid rear disc, a Supersprox stealth rear sprocket, an orange oil plug, grey ODI grips and a standard map select switch. The all-new WESS graphics and orange frame make this unique machine stand out with a close-to-factory look.

“There is exclusivity with each one of our special edition machines and with the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS we set out to provide hardcore enduro fans with a technical upgrade that will help them thrive on in competition or further enhance their general feeling while riding,” said Joachim Sauer, KTM senior product manager off-road.

“With the addition of the WP XACT fork technology for the first time on a KTM EXC, the bike is a fantastic tribute to the skills we see in the WESS championship. For WESS fans and enduro riders that want unique looks and class-leading four-stroke performance then this is another unmissable off-road bike that we at KTM are really proud of.”

The new KTM 350 EXC-F WESS will be available in limited numbers at authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from January 2021 onwards. For more information on pricing and availability, contact your local KTM dealer or visit www.ktm.com.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au