De Reuver podiums on Spanish soil
4/19/2006
MX GP - Round 2 - (Bellpuig, Spain) 16 April 2006 — A 26.000 strong crowd turned out over the weekend to witness the second round of the FIM world championship series, held at the Catalan circuit of Bellpuig. Under sunny Spanish skies the weekend produced mixed results for THOR riders Marc De Reuver(MX2) and Sebastien Tortelli (MX1).
An over watered Bellpuig circuit in moto 1 of the MX2 class caused some mayhem on the uphill inclines, however Marc De Reuver managed to stay out of trouble as he moved his way through the pack. 'Calimero' did not take any risks and settled for third spot behind former world champ, Alessio Chiodi and race winner Kenneth Gundersen.
De Reuver shot to the front in moto 2 with guns blazing but his lead was short lived after he made a mistake and fell on lap 3. The Dutchman tried all he could to regain his race rhythm and conjured up the strength to finish 5th which would hand him second overall and his second podium of the season. South African, Gareth Swanepoel rode a strong race to finish 11th after his recent wrist surgery.
De Reuver: "I said I would finish on the podium and that's what I did. Two podiums after two GP's are not so bad and I am also second in the championship. It was a good race overall."
Two times world champ, Sebastien Tortelli had a tough outing in both motos. The MX1 star, was the fastest man on the track and after Everts and Leok crashed up front in moto 1, Tortelli looked set to take the lead with his blistering pace but a few moments later he too hit the deck. The Frenchman salvaged some points on his fight back into the race but could only manage 7th spot.
Looking for revenge in the moto 2, Tortelli again had to go after Everts and Leok who both took advantage of good starts. As he was weaving his way through the pack, Tortelli crashed in the opening minutes and had to rejoin the race way down the field. His never-say-die attitude rocketed the Redbull KTM through the field however time would run out before Tortelli could make it to a podium spot. He had to make do with fifth place.
Tortelli: "I did not ride this week because I was not 100% and a few mistakes arrived today. It was a hard race. I was missing a little time on the bike and it is always useful to ride during the week before coming to the GP. So I struggled to find my groove and wasn't riding the way I wanted to. I had a good charge in the second moto because I did not like how the first race turned out."
THOR riders, Sebastien Tortelli, Marc De Reuver and Gareth Swanepoel, also took time out to sign autographs at a THOR signing session in conjunction with THOR's Spanish distributor's, Racing Support SL. Mr. Jorge Rodriguez was astounded at the success and hype that the riders created among the concession stands.
"Our dealers are very happy to see such a great THOR presence, especially at an event such as the MX GP. It gives us the opportunity to showcase the latest designs and products. We even sold many Pastrana, McGrath and Reed replica jerseys which shows the importance of the American riders here in Europe. Every year I see that THOR is gaining more and more share in the European market which is very important for us. Sebastien, Marc and Gareth did a great job signing, talking and taking pictures with the fans - this is good to see and is great for us as THOR Spain," said an excited Mr. Rodriguez.
The GP tour moves to Agueda Portugal (22-23 April) for the third round of the FIM World championship series.
Images by 'Plons'
GP Results:
MX2 Race 1- Gundersen, Kenneth NOR Yamaha
- Chiodi, Alessio ITA Yamaha
- de Reuver, Marc NED KTM (THOR)
- Pourcel, Christophe FRA Kawasaki
- Rattray, Tyla RSA KTM
- Pourcel, Sebastien FRA Kawasaki
- Nunn, Carl GBR KTM
- Mackenzie, Billy GBR Yamaha
- Seguy, Luigi FRA Yamaha
- Philippaerts, David ITA KTM
- Searle, Tommy GBR Kawasaki
- Seistola, Matti FIN Honda
- Caps, Patrick BEL Honda
- Schiffer, Marcus GER KTM
- Dougan, Jason GBR Honda
- Cairoli, Antonio ITA Yamaha
- Rattray, Tyla RSA KTM
- Mackenzie, Billy GBR Yamaha
- Goncalves, Rui POR KTM
- de Reuver, Marc NED KTM (THOR)
- Philippaerts, David ITA KTM
- Pourcel, Christophe FRA Kawasaki
- Guarneri, Davide ITA Yamaha
- Seguy, Luigi FRA Yamaha
- Chiodi, Alessio ITA Yamaha
- Swanepoel, Gareth RSA Kawasaki (THOR)
- Nunn, Carl GBR KTM
- Caps, Patrick BEL Honda
- Renet, Pierre A. FRA Honda
- Aubin, Nicolas FRA Kawasaki
- trijbos, Kevin BEL Suzuki
- Leok, Tanel EST Kawasaki
- Everts, Stefan BEL Yamaha
- Barragan, Jonathan SPA KTM
- de Dycker, Ken BEL Honda
- Ramon, Steve BEL Suzuki
- Tortelli, Sebastien FRA KTM (THOR)
- Bill, Julien SUI Yamaha
- Noble, James GBR Honda
- Melotte, Cedric BEL Yamaha
- Leuret, Pascal FRA Honda
- Pyrhonen, Antti FIN TM
- Priem, Manuel BEL Yamaha
- Theybers, Danny BEL Suzuki
- Lindhe, Jonny SWE KTM
- Everts, Stefan BEL Yamaha
- Leok, Tanel EST Kawasaki
- Ramon, Steve BEL Suzuki
- Melotte, Cedric BEL Yamaha
- Tortelli, Sebastien FRA KTM (THOR)
- de Dycker, Ken BEL Honda
- Barragan, Jonathan SPA KTM
- Priem, Manuel BEL Yamaha
- Leuret, Pascal FRA Honda
- Jorgense, Brian DEN Honda
- Garcia Vico, Francisco SPA Honda
- Bill, Julien SUI Yamaha
- van Dael, Marvin BEL Honda
- Bobkovs, Aigars LAT Honda
- Theybers, Danny BEL Suzuki