Strong trio for KTM Diga Junior Racing
The Belgian KTM Diga Junior Racing is proud to announce an ambitious and talented trio for 2018. EMX250 star rider Miro Sihvonen and Tomas Kohut will once again compete on the highly competitive KTM 250 SX-F. EMX125 rider Emil Weckman is looking forward to his first full season on the KTM 125 SX!
In a turbulent 2017, Miro Sihvonen created historic highlights thanks to his EMX250 victory in Valkenswaard, while Tomas Kohut put the team on the map in international competitions. In addition, KTM Diga Junior Racing also had to deal with various injuries. For next season, Dirk Saelen's experienced team will change their focus slightly. Diga continues to focus on developing and mentoring young motocross riders but will support fewer riders than before. This also raises the bar for promising young people, a logical evolution given the increasing professionalization in all EMX categories.
Sihvonen, who just turned 19, got off to a flying start this year. The fast Finn dominated the opening round of the ADAC Youngster Cup and cruised to a podium in Trentino. This was followed by an impressive 'hat trick' with a pole position and double series victory in Valkenswaard before he hurt his shoulder during Jauer's ADAC Youngster Cup race. However, Miro has learned a lot from the past season and is keen to come back strong. The KTM Diga Junior Racing rider can once again be called a title candidate for the waiting room of the MX2018 GP class in 2.
Two serious knee injuries before the start of the EMX season threw a major spanner in the works for 18-year-old Tomas Kohut. The cheerful Slovak made a successful comeback. Tomas showed his speed both in international competitions and in the remaining EMX250 rounds. Next year he wants to distinguish himself as a regular top-10 driver.
KTM Diga Racing came to a multi-year agreement with Emil Weckman, who just turned 16 today. The two-time EMX150 champion is one of the rising stars in the European motocross firmament. Emil himself will be the first to admit that his debut season in the European 125cc Championship did not go as expected. The young Finn had to switch from another team to KTM Diga Junior Racing during the season. Yet there were also bright spots. The energetic and enthusiastic teenager took hold and made good progress in the final phase of the season. Weckman might be joined by a second EMX125 rider. KTM Diga Junior Racing is considering appointing a strong rider next to Emil. Anyone who believes he is eligible to join a top EMX team in the European 125cc European Championship can do so via this link contact.
Dirk Saelen, KTM Diga Junior Racing team manager: “We are excited to be working with three young, talented riders. They each have great potential and all three have faced obstacles this season. But I'm convinced that every sportsman or woman has had their share of bad luck. Especially in motocross, it seems that those setbacks are the breeding ground for later success!
We also know how quickly things can change. This year Miro Sihvonen left Valkenswaard with the red leader plate and a 20 point lead over second. Ultimately, Miro only finished 11th due to his injury. Of course he wants to go for the top 3 in the final standings next year. Tomas Kohut actually had double bad luck. In the sense that not only did he come out hurt, but he also lost the momentum he had built up over the winter. We know what Tomas is capable of and we are eager to help him get the best out of himself.
Finally, we are very pleased with the long-term partnership we have entered into with Emil Weckman and his family. Emil has already shown what he has to offer a few times. Everyone knows that he has driving qualities and speed, but his fighting spirit and perseverance are just as impressive. I wouldn't be surprised if he's regularly in the top 5 next year.
It is evident that our riders are most in the spotlight and we are happy to continue with Miro (Sihvonen), Emil (Weckman) and Tomas (Kohut). On the other hand, we wouldn't be anywhere at all without the loyal support of our sponsors, volunteers and of course our team staff. Their commitment and dedication speaks volumes about the quality of their work. Perhaps that gives me the most satisfaction after a season in which it was difficult to achieve our sporting goals. No matter what happened on the track everyone continued to give their best. That is not self-evident, for which I am most grateful!”
Photos: Eric Laurijssen
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