Salminen makes E2 podium in season's opener
By TMX Archives on 15th Mar 08
KTM factory rider Juha Salminen finished third in the season's opening E2 Enduro race on Saturday in Sweden's Oestersund, the first of two races held in winter conditions.
Salminen of Finland, who moved from E1 where he was the dominant rider and titlewinner to take up new challenges in the E2 class in 2008. He was lying betweensixth and eighth position in the early stages of the race but in characteristicform, worked his way up through the order as the race progressed.
Closeto victory
"Salminen was very close to victory in the final stages of therace but then he stalled the bike and had to settle for third place," said teammanager Fabio Farioli. Salminen's teammate Alessandro Belometti of Italy rodeconsistently and finally finished in seventh place.
Winter conditionssuit Scandinavian riders
Although temperatures were only around two degreesCelsius and there was a lot of snow on parts of the course, conditions that werewell suited to the Scandinavian riders in the field, there as no wind. Similarconditions are expected for Sunday's race at the same venue. Parts of the coursewere covered in very heavy snow and the motocross test will be run in reverse onSunday.
Results
1. Joakim Ljunggren, Sweden, Husaberg
2. JohnnyAubert, France, Yamaha
3. Juha Salminen, Finland, KTM
4. ValtteriSalonen, Finland, Husaberg
5. Antonio Meo, France, Husqvarna
7.Alessandro Belometti, Italy, KTM