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Contributor: Ian Miles
Rising motocross star Ben Townley was taken out of contention in today’s 125 Grand Prix of France.
The fast improving 17-year-old was taken down by other riders at the first turn.
“I had nowhere to go, there was just this pileup and bang I rode straight into it,” said the expat Kiwi who has been the sensation of the season so far.
“I went down hard on my shoulder and bent the bike … I had to fly into the pits and get some quick repairs.
“By this time I was dead last and way behind, I had no chance to catch up,” Townley said.
The promising talent from the Big Five Vangani team remains sixth in the championship after this fourth of 12 rounds. The French GP was won by Belgian Steve Ramon on a KTM from home favourite Mickael Maschio who leads the title chase.
[Ben finished 21st]
The next event is in Italy in a fortnight.
Points after four of 12 rounds:
World 125 championship: 1 Mickael Maschio (France) Kawasaki, 85 points; 2 Patrick Caps (Belgium) KTM, 74; 3 Philippe Dupasquier (Switzerland) KTM, 65; 4 Steve Ramon (Belgium) KTM 63; 5 Alex Puzar (Italy) Husqvarna, 62; 6 Ben Townley (NZ) Big Five Vangani KTM 54; 7 Erik Eggens (Netherlands) KTM 51; 8 Tyla Rattray (South Africa) Big Five Vangani KTM, 48.
Constructors: KTM 97, Kawasaki 85, Husqvarna 62, Yamaha 50, Honda 35, Suzuki 15
