Turrini keeps on winning in Quadcross World Championship
By Leen van der Sluis on 13th May 26
Three weeks after the historic opening round of the FIM Quadcross World Championship in Castelnau-de-Lévis, France, the championship resumed in Kramolin, Czech Republic, where Patrick Turrini captured victory and took over the red plate. Just one week later, the series headed to Germany for round three at the famous MSC Kleinhau circuit, where another spectacular weekend of racing unfolded in front of a passionate crowd.
The event held additional significance for the organisers, as MSC Kleinhau celebrated its 60th anniversary. The historic German club is famous for its “Flutlicht MotoCross”, a race in the night with a floodlit track. The 35th event takes place on May 15. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the club was also done by organising a Sidecarcross and Quadcross Grand Prix.
To do so, the club needs to do a lot of work in preparation, broadening the track and have everything organised as custom for an FIM World Championship. They did well and were rewarded with a great weekend, good weather, great crowd and excellent atmosphere resulting in a Grand Prix with packed spectator banks, anniversary celebrations throughout the weekend and a professionally prepared circuit that once again confirmed Kleinhau’s reputation as one of the classic venues on the MX calendar.
Heading into Germany, Patrick Turrini held the championship lead after his Kramolin success, but Kevin Saar, Harry Walker and Mark McLernon all remained firmly within striking distance. Local hopes rested heavily on German star Manfred Zienecker, who immediately thrilled the home crowd by topping timed practice ahead of Turrini and Mike van Grinsven.
The British riders again looked competitive from the outset. McLernon secured fifth in timed practice, Walker seventh and Dafydd Davies eighth, highlighting the growing strength and consistency of the British and Irish challenge in this inaugural Quadcross World Championship season.
Saturday’s qualifying race delivered immediate drama. Frenchman Sylvain Petit grabbed the holeshot, but it was Britain’s Dafydd Davies who briefly stunned the field by charging into the lead during the opening laps. Behind him, the leading group quickly formed with Turrini, Van Grinsven, Walker and McLernon all locked together in a furious battle. Zienecker looked capable of escaping at the front before mechanical trouble abruptly ended the German’s charge, opening the door for the others. Davies fought impressively against the relentless pressure from the established front-runners, but eventually the pace of Turrini and van Grinsven proved too strong. Walker stayed firmly involved throughout the race, riding aggressively yet consistently to secure fourth position, while McLernon followed closely in fifth. Davies completed an excellent qualifying race in sixth, giving the British riders three positions inside the top six.
Sunday morning’s warm-up again confirmed the pace of the leading British riders, with Walker, McLernon and Davies all comfortably inside the leading group before the GP motos began.
Race one burst into life with Jordi Niclas Gieler taking a superb holeshot ahead of Van Grinsven, McLernon and Walker. Turrini quickly moved forward, while Saar and Zienecker were forced into recovery rides after difficult qualifying results. As the race developed, Turrini worked his way into the lead and immediately came under pressure from the chasing riders. Behind the Italian, several intense battles unfolded simultaneously. Walker found himself under constant attack from Saar, while McLernon rode a calm and intelligent race just behind the leading quartet. Davies, meanwhile, held strong inside the top 10 as the pace intensified.
For lap after lap, Saar battered Walker’s rear wheels in one of the defining duels of the race. The British rider resisted brilliantly for much of the moto before finally surrendering the position to the charging Estonian. At the front, Turrini eventually broke clear to secure victory ahead of Van Grinsven and Saar, while Walker delivered another highly mature ride in fourth. McLernon claimed fifth after maintaining excellent pace throughout, and Davies completed another strong British performance in eighth. Ayrton Knowles also scored points in 18th.
The second race delivered even more intensity. Once again, Gieler launched fastest from the gate, this time ahead of Walker and Van Grinsven, with Turrini rapidly moving forward. Within only a few laps, the Italian had already taken control of the race, but behind him, Walker was producing one of his strongest rides of the season.
The British champion initially defended superbly against repeated attacks from van Grinsven, refusing to give away second position without a fight. Eventually, the Dutchman forced his way through, but Walker never allowed the leading pair to disappear completely. Saar also joined the battle, creating a spectacular four-rider fight at the front.
As the closing laps approached, Van Grinsven launched several determined attacks on Turrini, but the Italian absorbed the pressure perfectly to complete a flawless weekend with another race victory. Walker crossed the finish line in third after a superb ride, remaining within striking distance of the leaders throughout the moto. Saar followed closely behind in fourth, while McLernon again demonstrated impressive consistency by taking sixth after another hard-fought race. Davies added further championship points in tenth place to complete an excellent weekend for the British contingent. The final point in this heat was for Ayrton Knowles.
Overall victory belonged emphatically to Turrini with a perfect 1-1 scorecard ahead of Van Grinsven and Walker, whose podium finish marked another important step in his championship campaign. McLernon secured fifth overall and Davies ninth, ensuring another highly productive weekend for the British and Irish riders.
Following three rounds, Turrini now leads the championship on 169 points, but the British challenge continues to grow stronger. Walker sits third overall on 133 points, while McLernon remains firmly inside the championship battle in fourth with 112. Davies has climbed to 12th in the standings after another consistent weekend in Germany.
With the championship gaining momentum and the intensity at the front increasing with every round, the Quadcross World Championship continues to establish itself as one of the most exciting additions to international motocross. Next round the show comes over the Channel for the British Grand Prix at Canada Heights on May 30/31.
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