Damon Graulus on a roll in France
No overseas GP for Damon Graulus last weekend, but the 24MX Honda rider continued his preparation in Sommières, France. In the strong international motocross competition, the former French MX2 champion was barely 2 points short of a podium place. Graulus ultimately finished fourth. Fellow Honda rider Valentin Teillet won the race.
For its anniversary edition, the 50th organization in the meantime, had MC Sommierois the circuit perfectly prepared. However, rain on Saturday and during the race day threw a spanner in the works, making the track very difficult. After his season debut in Lacapelle-Marival, Damon mainly wanted to gain competition time in the south of France. That worked well and the 22-year-old Honda rider also made a positive impression in terms of speed.
After a 5th fastest time in qualifying, Graulus started strongly in the first heat. Good progress from the start, Damon came in second place when something went wrong in one of the heavy tracks. As a result, he ultimately finished fifth. The riders had the best conditions of the day in series 2, but it remained greasy and muddy. Once again Graulus started in the top 5. In terms of driving it certainly went smoother, but due to a small hiccup he fell back from second to fourth this time.
In the final heat the public got to see an unleashed Graulus. The Honda with number 71 had a bad start around the 10th position. In no time, however, Damon fought his way to the front. Graulus was able to overtake easily while other riders struggled with the circulation. He fell behind the leader in the second lap Harri Kullas. The sympathetic Vossem native came within two seconds, but Kullas did not crack. With a wide lead over number three, Teillet, Graulus then finished the race in a controlled manner.
Damon Graulus: "Too bad I just missed the podium! Although it was certainly a positive day. Because I had some bad luck in Lacapelle, it was important to be able to drive a lot. That's why I've been training a lot in France in recent weeks. Conditions were excellent all this time. Too bad it was less on Sunday. Already after the 'sighting lap' there were 20, 30 kilograms of mud on the engine! On the other hand, the tough course with the many ruts and pits was also a very good preparation. Because of all the different secondary categories, the GP circuits are often difficult to find.
I made progress every match in Sommières. In the first two heats I still had some sore arms, but the third heat was by far the best. I probably still could have caught Kullas. Yet that was not the case now. I know that regularity is one of my most important work points, that's why I kept my mind on it. By properly assessing the situation, I took second place without taking any risks. My speed is good, I have shown that before. Now it's time to prove that I can achieve results and that I can perform consistently.
Also in terms of engine I feel better and better on the 2017 Honda CRF450R. We want to continue working on this path. Also a word of thanks to my mechanic Luc, the team, my parents, girlfriend and the supporters.”
MX Sommières Series 1
1. Maxime Desprey, 2. Valentin Teillet, 3. Milko Potisek, 4. Anthony Bourdon, 5. Damon Graulus (Bel-24MX Honda), 6. Harry Kullas, 7. Anthony Boissiere, 8. Cedric Soubeyras, 9. Adrien Escoffier, 10. Arnaud Aubin
MX Sommières Series 2
1. Valentin Teillet, 2. Harri Kullas, 3. Greg Aranda, 4. Damon Graulus (Bel-24MX Honda), 5. Maxime Desprey, 6. Lucas Imbert, 7. Varomir Romancik, 8. Cédric Soubeyras, 9. Adrien Malaval, 10. Antony Bourdon
MX Sommières Series 3
1. Harri Kullas, 2. Damon Graulus (Bel-24MX Honda), 3. Valentin Teillet, 4 Milko Potisek, 5. Maxime Desprey, 6. Cedric Soubeyras, 7. Xavier Boog, 8. Anthony Bourdon, 9. Lucas Imbert, 10. Filip Neugebauer
Final score MX1 Sommières
1. Valentin Teillet 67, 2. Harri Kullas 62, 3. Maxime Desprey 57, 4. Damon Graulus (Bel-24MX Honda) 56, 5. Milko Potisek 47, 6. Cédric Soubeyras 42, 7. Anthony Bourdon 42, 8. Lucas Imbert 27, 9. Henri Giraud 26, 10. Fabien Izoird 25
Photos: Kevin Francois
Also to read
Competing for the MX AIR TIME 2024 prize pool? Subscribe …
A new edition of MX AIR TIME will be held on Sunday, May 19. Place to be is the Dutch municipality of Beckum. Register now via Motoinside and who knows...Gallery: MXGP Portugal 2024 XXL from NiekFotografie
The riders and mechanics had a hard time in Agueda. This also applies to the photographers because the weather conditions were harsh! Yet our #NiekFotografie made this XXL gallery...Jorge Prado in Simon Laengenfelder over Agueda
The Grand Prix of Portugal will be remembered for a long time and may be one for the history books. The heavy rain that descended on Agueda made this 2024 edition a rush…Danee Gelissen on stage in Italy
During the second match of the Italian Women's Championship, Danee Gelissen was allowed to climb onto the podium. The Limburg rider finished second behind Kiara Fontanesi in both heats in Lovolo. The Ceres71 driver starts…
Your reactions