VIDEO: Sihvonen scores hat-trick in Valkenswaard!
Two years after his EMX125 victory in Valkenswaard, Miro Sihvonen achieved another overall victory, this time in the EMX250. The 18-year-old Finn achieved a hat trick: double series victory, winner of the final standings and he also became the new leader in the championship standings. After two rounds in the EMX250 series over 9 races, the KTM Diga Junior Racing rider leads the championship with 90 points. This gives Sihvonen a 20-point lead over the Italian Morgan Lesiardo. Simone Furlotti and Nick Kouwenberg follow on 27 points.
Sihvonen wasn't feeling well last week. However, the fact that he was not top fit was not at all evident from his performance. After a strong start in the championship in Trentino, Miro came to the Eurocircuit as one of the favorites. Nevertheless, he kept his calm and completed a strong weekend. During the time training, Sihvonen had to deal with pumped up arms, which meant he had to settle for a 7th fastest time in his group. You can see the highlights of the first race here:
However, during the first heat it immediately became clear that the KTM Diga Junior Racing driver would be the man to beat. Starting just outside the top 10, Sihvonen quickly advanced. After just four laps, Miro was already third. Once the Finnish racing driver was up to speed, it turned out that there was no match for him. A few laps before the end he also took the Spaniard Reuben Fernandez to ride so smoothly to his very first EMX250 victory.
On Sunday Sihvonen's start was slightly better, but he still had to come back. The former junior vice world champion came through the first corner in 10th place. The second part of Miro's followed clinic sand riding. In his typical style, he first waited a bit, but the end result was at least as impressive as the day before. With 10 minutes to go, Miro steered his KTM 250 SX-F past the leader Iago Geerts which he gave no chance to return. He claimed a deserved first EMX250 overall victory and his second podium of the season.
Miro Sihvonen: “I am very satisfied with this victory. The way and that I also grabbed the red plate makes it even more special! Moreover, Valkenswaard is also a home turf for the team. To be honest, I didn't start the weekend with the idea that I was going for the championship leadership position here. But the feeling that I am in the lead in both the ADAC Youngster Cup and the EMX250 is great. After the ADAC race next weekend, the EMX250 will continue in Kegums (Latvia), which is also a track where I like to ride.
I had a reasonable start twice, certainly not a good start, but I was able to drive my own race well. Beforehand I already had the feeling that this would be my weekend. In the second heat, a second place would have been enough for the overall victory. That's why I didn't take any additional risks to drive to the lead. But with the pace I had there were possibilities. Jago (Geerts) probably also used up a lot of energy in the first half of the match. In any case, I am also very satisfied that I performed well physically because I was still a bit ill and I experienced some discomfort with my throat.”
Photos: Eric Laurijssen
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