KTM Diga Junior Racing riders continue to build
While EMX250 riders Miro Sihvonen and newcomer Damian Kojs took part in the opening round of the championship in Spain, Emil Weckman and Avrie Berry continued their training in their own country. Both Weckman and Berry took part in the VLM competition in Arendonk. Here's how the riders' weekend went.
Due to a minor setback in his preparation, 'flying Finn' Miro Sihvonen faced a tough job in Red Sand. Miro was not only faced with a shortage of engine hours. The big jumps and surprisingly technical circuit also tested his recovering knee. All in all, given the difficult circumstances, Sihvonen did quite well.
After a disappointing 30th time in his group, the double EMX250 winner of Valkenswaard 2017 made good progress in the repechage race. The 19-year-old KTM Diga Junior Racing rider kept pace with the top 4 in terms of speed, i.e. the riders who still qualified. However, due to a mediocre start, Miro had to settle for an 11de place.
The Pole Damian Kojs made his EMX250 debut for KTM Diga Junior Racing this weekend. Damian did what he came for; in particular, learning as much as possible in the highly regarded waiting room of the GPs. Kojs, who is a late bloomer as a motocross rider, was unable to qualify directly but did complete an encouraging repechage race. The former Czech vice-champion would eventually reach 21th in his first match at this level.
The VLM round in Arendonk had to make do with a less spectacular view than the MXGP or La Comunitat Valenciana. Yet this amateur race offered Emil Weckman and Avrie Berry a great opportunity to gain more competition rhythm. EXM125 rider Weckman is not easily intimidated and the little Finn took his place in the International class without batting an eyelid. Weckman finished 12de overall in the 250 class and surprisingly even came 450th among the 29 classth overall in the second heat!
Avrie rode her second race of the season at MC De Deltacrossers after a victory in the women's class last weekend during the VLM race in Vorselaar. By two 14de places she became 15de overall in the 250 Juniors. Both Berry and Weckman will start in two weeks in Arco di Trento, Italy.
Miro Sihvonen: “To be honest, things didn't go as expected in Red Sand. On the other hand, you also have to face the facts: I am currently lacking quite a few hours on the bike. Now we have three weeks of preparation until the next EMX250 round in Agueda. I am confident that that time can already make a big difference. Nothing can replace the experience you gain on the track, no matter how fit you are! I personally had at least one qualification in mind. The fact that I didn't make it was certainly a disappointment. But now I know what I have to do: get to work!”
Damian Kojs: “Literally everything was new to me this weekend. I really have no experience at this level and I know I still have to work hard to catch up. Still, I think the rematch went positively. I was also happy with my riding and the bike. Because only 74 of the 40 starters can drive, you have to be at your best! I am motivated to train hard and improve. That's why I'm really looking forward to the next European Championship race in Portugal.”
Emil Weckman: “Arendonk was a good training for me. But as a wildcard driver I had an extra difficult time because I had to start from the second row! Fortunately I was able to pass some men, so that was positive.”
Avrie Berry: “I had quite a good day in Arendonk yesterday. The track was really tough with a lot of ruts, but it was cool to compete against the boys again! I can't wait for the WMX Championship to start in two weeks in Italy.”
EMX250 retake
1. Josh Spinks (GBR, KTM), 25:04.216; 2. Liam Knight (GBR, KTM), +0:01.535; 3. Yuri Quarti (ITA, KTM), +0:03.877; 4. Mahy Villanueva (ESP, KTM), +0:07.994; 5. Paolo Lugana (ITA, Yamaha), +0:11.061; 6. Tim Edberg (SWE, Yamaha), +0:11.616; 7. Freek van der Vlist (NED, Honda), +0:13.197; 8. Luca Bruggmann (LIE, Yamaha), +0:13.970; 9. Sander Agard-Michelse (NOR, ), +0:14.766; 10. Alessandro Manucci (ITA, Yamaha), +0:16.144; 11. Miro Sihvonen (FIN, KTM Diga Junior Racing), +0:16.729; 12. Dylan Woodcock (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:37.092; 13. Ashton Dickinson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:44.265; 14. Jose Antonio Aparicio (ESP, Yamaha), +0:50.031; 15. Todd Kellett (GBR, KTM), +0:50.488; 16. James Carpenter (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:51.511; 17. Krisztian Tompa (ROU, Yamaha), +0:52.609; 18. Christopher Mills (GBR, Honda), +0:54.155; 19. Kevin Cristino (ITA, Yamaha), +0:54.757; 20. Marcel Conijn (NED, Kawasaki), +0:55.914; 21. Damian Kojs (POL, KTM Diga Junior Racing), +1:07.081; 22. Jesper Hultman (SWE, KTM), +1:08.314; 23. Jesper Gangfors (SWE, Husqvarna), +1:11.596; 24. Luis Outeiro (POR, Honda), +1:16.763; 25. Jett Lawrence (AUS, Suzuki), +1:36.788; 26. Cyril Zurbrugg (SUI, Yamaha), +1:51.060; 27. Joaquin Camacho Vazquez (ESP, TM), -6 lap(s); 28. Maurice Chanton (SUI, KTM), -6 lap(s); 29. Xurxo Prol Ormen (ESP, KTM), -6 lap(s); 30. Yago Martinez (ESP, Kawasaki), -11 lap(s); 31. Michael Mantovani (ITA, Yamaha), -11 lap(s); 32. Josh Gilbert (GBR, Honda), -12 lap(s); 33. Matteo Del Coco (ITA, Husqvarna), -12 lap(s); 34. Matteo Puccinelli (ITA, KTM), -12 lap(s); 35. Taylor Hammal (GBR, KTM), -12 lap(s); 36. Carlisle Sabulis (LAT, Yamaha), -13 lap(s).
Photos: Eric Laurijssen
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