Todd Kellett leads FIM Sand Races World Cup
By Team TMX on 28th Feb 23
Having already clinched the French Sand Race Championship – the Championnat de France des Sables – this year Drag’on Tek Yamaha’s Todd Kellett is now also leading the all-new FIM Sand Races World Cup which is made up of three rounds.
Le Touquet’s iconic Enduropale du Touquet beach race hosted round one of the championship with Kellett taking a career-first victory in the French classic after many years of trying. Round two in Argentina was a very different proposition as instead of three arduous hours in the saddle, over 450 competitors faced an incredibly intense race duration of up to six laps of a 12.5 kilometre course. This represented less than an hour of punishing action in sweltering heat but while the format was different the result was the same with Kellett emerging on top to extend his series lead.
“This race was really, really different,” said Kellett. “I had to take a lot of care here and the first time in training I was very nervous. I have really taken my time this week and worked on my mental state.
“I’m so proud to take the victory. I made a good start and a big thanks to the team – everyone has put a lot into this and without these guys, this just would not be possible.
“It was hot but the race was shorter. I think I preferred Le Touquet just because I had a little more preparation but they are both special. I will remember this race for a very long time. The fans are crazy – all the barbecues, I could smell them while I was racing – and it is really cool for them to see the whole course.”
Kellett’s victory was not as clear cut as his Enduropale du Touquet win with Frenchman Camille Chapeliere finishing just 11.5 seconds behind. Home hero Agustin Poli was a further three seconds behind, finishing ahead of Belgium’s Yentel Martens who was the third rider registered for the FIM Sand Races World Cup to cross the line.
Martens’ finish moves him into a strong second position in the series with one round remaining, scheduled for Monte Gordo Beach in Portugal’s Algarve region.
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