Tortelli and De Reuver on the podium in Zolder.
4/18/2006
MX GP - Round 1 (Zolder - Belgium) 02 April 2006 — The first round of the Motocross World championship kicked off at a wet and windy Zolder circuit in Belgium this weekend. THOR riders Sebastien Tortelli (MX1) and Marc De Reuver (MX2) claimed second and third rung on the podium with Tortelli winning the first moto.
With his return to GP racing in Europe, Sebastien Tortelli got off to a great start in moto one and grabbed a perfect hole-shot. Stefan Everts was quick to latch onto the Frenchman but Tortelli's supreme speed and faultless riding soon had Everts losing ground. Tortelli cruised home to victory much to the delight of many supporters who welcomed the former world champion back on European soil.
The tables were turned in the second moto as Everts took advantage of a clear track ahead of him. Tortelli kept the Belgian under pressure but the nine-time world champion never faulted. Lapped riders ruined any chances of Tortelli reeling in Everts and after a small get off he had to settle for second but equal points on the day.
Tortelli: "Being on the podium and winning a moto is really good and that is what I came back for - and to get more confidence. It's great to have so many spectators and fans supporting me. The season is going to be really long so I'm looking at the overall picture and getting good results every race."
Dutchman, Marc De Reuver looked to be in awesome form in the MX2 class as he quickly moved through the pack to take the lead in the opening stages of Moto 1. De Reuver was setting the pace up front however a crash and few mistakes saw Italian, David Phillipaerts and South African Tyla Rattray slip by and pull away. De Reuver battled to find his rhythm and had to settle for fourth by the end of the race.
Tyla Rattray had the second moto controlled up front while De Reuver was blazing his way through the pack. De Reuver had his work cut out for him as he was placed 9th on lap one. He immediately got to work and picked off a number of riders to snatch third place behind reigning MX2 world champ, Antonio Cairoli. De Reuver kept his cool and was sure of second overall as he crossed the finish line.
De Reuver: "MX2 is a really tough class. It's going to be a long season with 14 rounds now left so it's important for me to stay uninjured and do well at every race. The track was only built on Monday so with the bad weather we have had it was really difficult with lots of ruts. I have to work a little on my race fitness but I'm happy with the result."
Round 2 of the MX World championship will take place on the 15-16 April in Bellpuig, Spain.