Glass is half full for KTM Diga Junior Racing
No, Kegums was certainly not the perfect race weekend. Still, the balance for KTM Diga Junior Racing after the third round of the EMX250 - the second round of the EMX125 championship - was positive. Although Miro Sihvonen was unable to ride due to his dislocated shoulder, he left Latvia second in the EMX250 standings. Roni Kytonen and Matias Vesterinen both managed to qualify for the first time this season.
The two-time winner of Valkenswaard, Miro Sihvonen, started the weekend uncertainly. Not so much because of his chances in the match. Well, because it was far from clear whether he could ride at all after the shoulder injury he suffered in Jauer last weekend. A test on Saturday morning provided the answer. The verdict was that racing at this level came too early. Disappointing for driver, team and fans. As the weekend progressed, however, the situation sounded different because all in all the damage remained within limits. The 18-year-old Finn is now second in the EMX250, just 22 points behind Morgan Lesiardo.
KTM Diga Junior Racing's second EMX250 rider, Roni Kytonen, had a breakthrough in Latvia. Despite a heavy fall during timed training, the rookie still managed to record a 37th fastest time. Kytonen had thus qualified directly. Due to the major adjustments to the track, an enormous load of fresh sand was supplied and placed on top of the harder existing surface. This resulted in a 'Kegums' that was heavier and sandier than ever. However, Kytonen was not fooled. After a very weak start, he finished 24th in the first moto, just a few seconds away from the top 20. The second series followed a similar course. This time his start was bad, but Roni was still able to climb to 27.
No fewer than 63 participants were at the start of the fiercely contested EMX125 class. Amongst them Matias Vesterinen who was determined to take revenge after missing out on qualifying in Valkenswaard. Due to a 23rd place in the timed training, Matias initially had to work in the last chance race. The 14-year-old Finn got off to an excellent start and prepared to get the job done this time. Vesterinen drove a consistent race and finished fifth, good for qualifying. The first heat was Matias' best performance with a 36th place. On Sunday he finished 38th. Both Vesterinen and Kytonen will perform in their own country in the next two weeks. Then the focus will be on the European Championship again, because the next EMX round will take place in Ernée, France, on the last weekend of May.
Dirk Saelen, team manager: “The Kegums track was demanding and quite treacherous in places. That's why we are very happy that we were able to travel back without injuries. Of course it was disappointing that we had to make do without Sihvonen in Kegums. On the other hand, we are proud of the way he dealt with his injury. Miro looked forward to the weekend like a model professional. He has done everything possible to get to the start fit. Unfortunately, he still needs rehabilitation, so it is good that we still have some time to see Ernée. We are also pleased with the progress that Roni (Kytonen) and Matias (Vesterinen) have made so far. Qualifying in this highly competitive EMX categories is never a certainty, you have to earn it! That's why it's encouraging that both Roni and Matias were now included. Roni certainly showed good speed in the first heat. He was close to points but was badly disadvantaged by his poor starts. For Vesterinen and Kytonen it is also their first year in a new class, which always requires an adjustment. In any case, this provides a basis for further building.”
Photos: Eric Laurijssen
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