Garbett flies the flag
By Andy Foulkes on 26th Apr 17
Liam Garbett was the sole British entry in the opening round of the European Championship in Holland last weekend and was rewarded with an excellent seventh overall finish.
Yamaha-mounted Garbett put in two super-consistent rides to finish 10th and ninth in the deep sand at Oldebroek.
The event was won by Garbett's big mate, Marc de Vries (2-2), from fellow Dutchman, Ricardo Phoelich (4-1), with Finland's Jan Tanhuanpaa (1-4) third overall.
Garbett, who runs the decals firm, The Grafix Shack, was instrumental in persuading de Vries to ride in the final round of the British Championship at Canada Height's last year.
Two pre-race favourites hit trouble.
Reigning champion, Mike van Grinsven from Holland, topped both free practice sessions, but crashed in timed qualifying and broke his pelvis in two places.
He was due to have an operation this week and will be out for several months.
Meanwhile, Estonian teenager Kevin Saar, who topped qualifying, led the opening race for five five laps before technical problems ruled him out.
He also failed to score in race two for similar reasons.
Despite a healthy 27-strong field, the opening round was notable for many big-name absentees, including reigning champion Edgars Mengalis, from Latvia, who is focusing on the French Elite Championship this season.
There were no French, Italian or German entrants, and Garbett was the only rider from Britain or Ireland.
The next round is at Vellahn in Germany on the weekend of June 24/25.
