World Championship MX2: reactions after Glen Helen
Ken Roczen, Red Bull Teka KTM: GP winner (1-1)
“I had some nice duels with Jeffrey. I made some mistakes that I'm not exactly happy about, but I do like riding in the mud. It is rather sandy here and I knew Jeffrey would be fast. However, I managed to win both heats and so it was good.”
Jeffrey Herlings, Red Bull Teka KTM: 2nd overall (2-2)
“I'm really satisfied, it was a good weekend. In the second moto I wanted to go for the win, but I made a mistake and almost fell. Then I decided to slow down and go for second place.”
Tommy Searle, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki: 3e overall (5-3)
“The first heat did not go according to plan. I crashed on the first lap and got water in my goggles. After a few laps I had to take it off and that made driving difficult. I was behind Harri Kullas and normally I am faster than him. But every time I came in his wake I got mud and sand in my eyes. Towards the end I even had to stop to clean my eyes. So I was very disappointed to finish fifth. The second series went better because I finished third and ended up on the podium again. I expected more from this weekend but given the circumstances it wasn't that bad. I was sick all week. I'm still in a good position in the standings, my day will come.”
Max Anstie, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki: 4e overall (3-5)
“It was nice to be back in the States for a few weeks to prepare for this GP. This was also evident from the fact that I was very close to the podium this time. That had been my intention too. During the first heat the circuit was still quite muddy, but luckily I quickly made it to the front. After I was like 8e had started, I was in third place halfway through the heat. But the leaders were already too far away by then. In the second moto I quickly moved up to fourth place, just behind Tommy. Zach Osborne would get the better of me on the penultimate lap. I was frustrated because I lost my very first podium at the last minute. But nevertheless I ended the day with as many points as Tommy and my speed was also good. So we have taken another step forward and I am now fifth in the World Cup standings.”
Zach Osborne, Bike It Cosworth Yamaha: 5e overall (9-4)
"It was a tough day. Yesterday I crashed and that left me with a sore wrist. I had a scan which showed that I had not broken anything. This morning I still felt pain and we only decided late to ride today. In the first moto Musquin crashed right in front of me. I wanted to avoid him, but crashed myself. Then I rode from almost last place back to ninth. Along the way I took quite a few risks that I probably shouldn't have taken. In the second moto I had a good start and gradually worked my way to the front. I felt a lot better on the bike. Today I couldn't keep up with the top 3, but my fitness is good. I still have to work on my starts because you can't win a GP if you're 8E Start. I actually wanted to win my home GP but given the circumstances I am satisfied. In addition, I win the Moates Cup as the best American for the second consecutive season.
Harri Kullas, Monster Energy Yamaha: 6the overall (4-11)
“I was third at the start of the second moto. I tried to follow the lines of the leaders and match their speed. Everything went according to plan, although I couldn't keep Anstie off. But Searle stayed behind me. In the end I was quite happy with fourth place. In the second heat I was in a suit at the start, which meant I could not take the first jump optimally. I hit someone. When I went to pick up the motorcycle I was hit by another rider and we both fell to the ground. Afterwards I made the most of it, although I did have some pain in my leg. I wasn't really satisfied with the second moto, but the first one definitely gave me a good feeling.”
Christophe Charlier, Monster Energy Yamaha: 7e overall (8-8)
“I always didn't have the best start and couldn't get into my rhythm afterwards. It was quite frustrating.”
Arnaud Tonus, Bike It Cosworth Yamaha: 14e overall (7-DNF)
“On Saturday I already crashed on one of the biggest and fastest jumping mountains. In the first moto I was third until I crashed again. I would eventually finish seventh. In the second moto I collided with another rider during the first corner. I had to give up shortly afterwards when my broken brake disc damaged the front wheel.”
Gautier Paulin, Monster Energy Yamaha: 13e overall (6-DNF)
“It was tough for me. Things weren't going well for me in Valkenswaard. Then I injured a muscle between the ribs. As a result, I couldn't train for two weeks and was a little worried about how I would feel on Sunday morning. Fortunately, I was able to drive without medication. I had a good start in the first moto but someone pushed me to the outside in the first corner. I then came from eleventh place back to sixth and had a nice duel with Searle along the way. In the second moto everything went well: I was at the front and easily went over the potholes and ruts. But then I had a problem with the motorcycle. Things have not gone well for us yet this year, but we will continue to work and keep our heads straight.”
Photo Credits: KTM Images/R. Archer, Yamaha Racing
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