EMX250: Miro Sihvonen in good shape to Valkenswaard!
The search for a successor to reigning EMX250 champion Thomas Kjer Olsen continues this weekend in Valkenswaard. Miro Sihvonen of the Belgian KTM Diga Junior Racing left an excellent impression after last weekend in Trentino. Thanks to a fourth and second place, Sihvonen was able to take his place on the podium next to the Italian duo Simone Furlotti and Morgan Lesiardo.
The first round of nine in the European 250cc Motocross Championship could easily be called an outsider. The treacherous, hard track offers little grip and the limited overtaking options also make Trentino a special case.
For the 18 year old Miro Sihvonen it didn't seem to matter much. From a position outside the top 10 in the opening round, the ADAC MX Youngster Cup winner rode his KTM 250 SX-F to a fourth place in the first moto. On Sunday it was sunnier and warmer for the second race. An inspired Sihvonen caused a sensation in the second half of the match. The fast Finn had the prospect of his first series victory and was closing in on the leader Morgan Lesiardo to within two seconds. Ultimately, Miro consolidated to secure his first podium of the season. Also the second EMX250 podium of his career after Lommel last year.
In 2016, Sihvonen finished sixth in the EMX250 final standings. Since all the riders who finished ahead of him are now riding elsewhere, the KTM Diga Junior Racing leader to one of the strong holders of the championship. Also Karlis Sabulis and ex-European champion Nick Kouwenberg got off to a good start in their EMX250 campaign.
Miro Sihvonen: “The intention last weekend was to get a lot of points. We had no more ambitions. My start in the first race was quite good but I was on the outside of the first corner where it was muddy. As a result, I lost a few places, but I was satisfied that I still finished fourth. Actually, a top-five in a series is always a good thing for the championship. The key is to score consistently in every match.
In the EMX125 I learned that it is not necessary to push for victory in every moto, because then things just go wrong! I had a very good start in the second heat. In the first corner I was third until I made a mistake a little further on which (Ruben) Fernandez was able to take advantage of. That also gave the leader the opportunity to get ahead, so it probably cost me the series victory. However, second place was also good and I am happy that I could start the championship with a podium finish. I'm definitely looking forward to this weekend in Valkenswaard. It is a track that suits me, and it is also a home race for the team!”
Photos: ADAC, MXGP
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