Mikkel Haarup 'addicted' to podiums
By Team TMX on 5th Apr 22
Mikkel Haarup continued to show what a good match he and the Big Van World MTX Kawasaki team are with another Grand Prix podium, declaring in Portugal after his best-ever MX2 result that he is getting "addicted" to climbing the podium.
The weekend started strong with fifth place in qualifying, which alongside the powerful Cosworth KX250, launched Haarup into his first holeshot award of 2022 in Sunday's race one. Haarup kept up the pace at the front of the pack for a good portion of the race, but a few minor mistakes led to the defending MX2 champion hunting him down and passing the Dane.
Nevertheless, as the final few laps arrived, the #11 put on an impressive performance as he chased the KTM factory rider, finishing just over a second off him to take second place.
Another good start in race two saw Haarup in the top five during the first lap. With intelligent and good technical riding, he moved into fourth position, but third was just out of his reach.
That fourth was enough for Haarup to secure second overall, his best ever GP finish and a massive 40 points boost for his world championship campaign, moving him past Simon Laengenfelder for third in the points table.
"I started out a little stiff Saturday but we kept working and as everyone can see my race pace is really good and my DRT Kawasaki is really quick; we have those things dialled in," said Haarup.
"In the first races, I put in some good early laps, but it was a new situation for me to be leading; I made a few mistakes [with the unfamiliar pressure], but I think I handled it pretty well and second is my best moto result so far.
"The second start was not quite so good as my holeshot device clicked out just as I left the gate, but I made some good passes on the first lap and caught up to the top guys.
Mikkel Haarup
"It was difficult to pass further in the top-five as everyone was running the same speed, but we did a really good job as a team again this weekend, and I'm getting addicted to the podium.
"But even more important is to keep improving and getting closer to the championship that is the focus.
Speaking about the upcoming Grand Prix round at Trentino, Haarup said: "I've had some good races at Arco and made some good passes there last time so it should be another good weekend."
Unfortunately, Courtney Duncan took a tumble in WMX Free Practice, and a small fracture to her collarbone meant that the DRT star rider was unable to continue with the race. She will have undergone an operation by the time you're reading this.
"After a great GP in Argentina, our focus was on keeping everyone grounded, using our experience and going into this GP with the correct prep and attitude," said team boss Steve Dixon.
"Unfortunately, Courtney took a tumble in Free Practice, and she was unable to ride due to a fractured collarbone. Although it seems like an uphill task now, these things are never over until they're over.
"With Mikkel, I didn't want him to be another one-podium wonder. Our focus is consistency, and we achieved that a huge congratulations to Mikkel and Jordan for keeping the focus.
"A massive thank you to our sponsors who have stuck with us through a few lean years [in MX2] while we have celebrated three back-to-back WMX world championships.
"It's good to see the Kawasaki at the front, and with the holeshot, those that know us will appreciate our work ethic and effort that we have put in to get here.
"We have a solid bike that can get the job done. But quick turnaround to Italy this weekend, means we never rest on our laurels. Things can change in an instant, take Courtney forexample. That said, we'll enjoy the back-to-back podiums!"
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