Fast-starting Dylan Walsh races to career best at Matterley Basin
By Team TMX on 25th Mar 19
MXGP Matterley Basin Dylan Walsh Alvin Ostlund
Fast-starting Dylan Walsh raced to a career-best eighth overall in MX2 at round two of the FIM Motocross World Championship the MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin on Sunday.
His team-mate Alvin Ostlund had a tougher time but, despite suffering from a sickness bug, still scored solid points in both races for 17th overall just seven points shy of a top-10 finish to put the seal on a successful weekend for the REVO Husqvarna UK team.
The keys to Dylans success were his starts. After qualifying in 11th on Saturday the 21-year-old Kiwi gated second in both of Sundays 30-minute plus two lap points-paying motos. Running at the front greatly increased the pressure in just his third world championship event but, battling with much more experienced riders, he soaked it up and his 10-10 scorecard was a great result following his 15th overall at the opening round in Argentina at the start of the month.
Following the qualification race Alvin went to the line in 14th in both races and the Swede couldnt match his team-mates speed out of the gate.
Although freely admitting that he isnt a fan of the hard-pack Hampshire track, he fought hard in both races and his efforts were rewarded with 15-14 finishes.
The team now heads to the deep sand of Valkenswaard in Holland next weekend with Dylan lying 13th in the championship table, two places above Alvin.
Team principal Mark Yates: "Dylans starts have been amazing today, I just think the intensity of the battle at such an early stage in his GP career really took a toll on him.
"He was under immense pressure for the full race duration of both motos and as a result he suffered from a bit of arm-pump which he hasnt had for a long time but he definitely held his own. Hes got his starts dialled and hes not scared to have a go, no matter who hes fighting with.
Alvin Ostlund MXGP of Great Britain, Matterley Basin 2019
"Alvin was throwing up on Friday and hes been under the weather all weekend so he tried to keep a bit in reserve on Saturday so considering this and given the fact hes not a huge fan of the circuit he hasnt had a bad weekend.
"Its been a real good weekend and Im really pleased for the team both bikes have been amazing and everyone has worked hard."
Dylan Walsh: "Im happy. Its been a pretty positive weekend. I had two good starts and in the first moto ran up front so it was a case of learning to be up there with the top guys and taking it all in. In the second race I got another good start and just did the same thing but was up there for longer and Im happy with eighth overall.
"There was a lot of pressure its a much faster pace and the intensity is a lot higher. Now Im excited for Valkenswaard I enjoy the sand so it should be a good weekend."
Alvin Ostlund: "It was quite tough with many ruts so it was a difficult track and my results have been so-so. I always struggle on this track so I wasnt really looking forward to this round and I also got a little bit sick on Friday so overall its not too bad.
"I was hoping for better but this sort of circuit is a little bit of a weakness for me but the feeling was good on the bike which is the important thing and now Im really looking forward to some sand next weekend at Valkenswaard."
More like this…
Kiara Fontanesi withdraws from WMX title defence due to illness
Yamaha Motor Europe regrets to announce that due to health complications the defending WMX World Champion, FontaMX Yamaha WMX's Kiara Fontanesi, will not be lining up at the opening round of the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, this weekend.
Dean Ferris's knee injury fear on MXGP return
Dean Ferris's return to MXGP racing did not go to plan at Matterley Basin after a crash left the Australian with knee injury concerns.
Tim Gajser takes Great British qualification victory
A perfect day for Team HRC’s Tim Gajser saw the Slovenian rider post fastest laps in free and timed practice, and then he followed that up with victory in the qualification race at the 2019 MXGP of Great Britain.