SR75 lucks out at UK Arenacross
By Team TMX on 12th Jan 17
SR75 Suzuki riders Thomas Ramette and Cyrille Coulon came out fighting at the opening round of the 2017 Arenacross Tour on Saturday but what promised to be a great night for the French pair ended in disappointment.
Running 1-2 in qualification, they then swept all the heat races to head into the Main Event with first and second gate picks.
Ramette, who is attempting to make it three AX Pro titles on the trot, gated well but after being forced to turn tight ended up crashing into the FMX ramp. With his bike tangled in the ramp and his handlebars jammed in his boot - which had to be removed to release him - it was game over for Ramette.
"Tonight was obviously tough to take as I felt okay on track and I was able to ride well within myself without pushing too hard as I loosened up,” said Ramette. "The heats went well and I was looking forward to finding a good rhythm in the Main and making a race with Cyrille who was on fire tonight.
"We work hard in this team and everything is so perfect with our bikes and all aspects which allows me to race with a smile. I have a mountain to climb in the championship and nothing to lose so it's a zero pressure situation.”
Coulon got caught up in the carnage but stayed upright and began to charge through the pack, eventually making a pass for the lead. In the next corner he had a coming together with Adam Chatfield which bent his gear shifter into the engine cases leaving him stuck in first gear.
"I feel good all day,” said Coulon. "My bike is awesome and I have big fun on this track. It was cool to win my heats. In the final I made a good race for the win for myself and my team. I made a good pass for the lead when I got hit and my bike was damaged.
"It is difficult but I race harder now every race and make a great show for fans, sponsors and team.”
Team boss Geoff Walker took the disappointment on his chin.
"The guys and team were incredible tonight,” he said. "I think their speed and power is there for all to see and we will continue to work hard to make our results and continue our journey having a great time racing.
"I want to give a personal shout out to our supported Rookie/Lites rider Luke Oldfield. Suzuki GB came up with a little support for us to give a little help to a local rider who would have fun and appreciate an opportunity to race AX on some cool tracks. Luke stepped up and literally learned with every second on track in his very first indoor experience.”
