Size matters
By TMX Archives on 13th May 15
Gain in Spain as red-hot Cairoli scorches to first win on 450
Tony Cairoli burst back into contention for a ninth world title at Talavera de la Reina when he scorched to his first GP win of the year on his debut aboard the SX450-F KTM rather than the trusty 350 and in a day of shocks Valentin Guillod scored a sentimental victory in MX2.
In a mixed day for the Brits Max Anstie narrowly missed the podium in MX2 to move into the world top 10 and Shaun Simpson consolidated his top eight ranking in MXGP but Tommy Searle ended a difficult day with a banged up shoulder and Ben Watson had to be content with a two-point score.
After his worst racing weekend of the year Adam Sterry relinquished the EMX2 red plate but remains just nine points off the pace with all to fight for in the six remaining rounds.
Cairoli had dominated practice and qualification but he missed the gate in the opening moto on race day and was confronted with the naked truth of racing a 450 beast. "I pushed too hard to catch Max and Clement,” he admitted, "it felt like my arms were getting longer every lap.”
Nevertheless, he recorded a solid third as Valkenswaard winner Gautier Paulin had to be content with fifth and points leader Max Nagl and Clement Desalle reinforced their positions.
Nagl and IceOne had once again taken risks in qualification but the gamble paid off. "We learnt a lot about set-up for here and I got a clear holeshot,” said the German. "The heat started to get me after 20 minutes and felt a little dizzy for a few laps but it cleared again and I could gap Clement again in the closing laps.”
After his superb show at Valkenswaard Shaun Simpson was struggling. "Both my starts were terrible today and then I lost the rear brake on the third lap after a shunt. All I could do after that was ride round.”
Searle came home 11th but admitted he was feeling the heat.
Cairoli sprinted clear in race two and might have felt confident of an easy ride when Desalle fell on lap two and Nagl struggled for vision after a rock demolished his tear-offs at turn three. Nothing could be further from the truth though as MXGP rookie Romain Febvre rattled off lap times two seconds faster than the champ to surge past on lap three and move away.
"I was fast all weekend but I got a bad start in race one and rode to save energy once I got to fourth but after taking the lead in race two I tried to pull away and paid the price,” admitted the Frenchman. "I stalled in a turn when I lost the feeling for the track.”
Searle went out early after landing on his shoulder but Simpson was on a mission this time. "What a difference a brake makes,” said the Scot. "I was nearly last off the start again but I was passing them right and left through the first few turns and found myself sixth. I even took over fifth for a bit before Desalle came past again but he couldn't get away from me so I'm satisfied with that.”
Jeffrey Herlings had needed 20 minutes to pass Thomas Covington on Saturday to maintain his 100 per cent qualification record so he knew the importance of a good start and led the opening GP moto all the way, even though he could never relax as Max Anstie rushed past Pauls Jonass and Jordi Tixier to pressure the two-time champion to the chequered flag.
"The track was so slick that I only did what I needed to,” emphasised the series leader. "You couldn't push too hard though, some patches were treacherous.”
FOR FULL REPORT & PICTURES SEE TMX NEWS, THURSDAY MAY 14, (ISSUE 1971)
