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MJ Church Kawasaki Press Release:
RAIN ENDS PLAY FOR VOHLAND
M J Church Kawasaki riders Tallon Vohland and Espen Blikstad fell victim to the wet and muddy conditions, at the Belgian Motocross Grand Prix last Sunday.
American Vohland was racing for the first time in two months, after sustaining a back injury, but his comeback ride was cut short when he failed to qualify for Sundays main race at round 9 of the World Championship.
The 29 year old looked strong in his qualifying heat and was in a comfortable fourth position, but at half distance the Kawasaki rider landed heavily over a jump and immediately lost power in the 125cc machine. Vohland managed to get moving again but it was to late and he was forced to face the last chance.
The problem was later diagnosed by technician, Kiwi Paul Trevathan "The problem that Tallon suffered was because of a clutch push rod snapping, we believe this happened because a rock got caught in the chain and went round into the front sprocket, making a hole in the aluminium and snapping the push rod, it was just a case of sheer bad luck".
In the two hours before the last chance the heavens opened, and the track was flooded, the organisers worked hard to prepare the circuit at Genk and did what they could, but the conditions were tough. The American suffered, as many riders, and had to ride with no brakes, he eventually retired from the moto.
"It was not quite the comeback I had in mind, but today was tough, the conditions were really tough and I just didn’t make it, I am very disappointed but am going to focus on preparing for the next round"
Newest member of the team Espen Blikstad also had a few problems with the muddy conditions. The Swedish rider made it through the tough 125 qualifying system in a fantastic ride and was looking hopeful of a few points on Sunday.
During Sunday morning practice the 26 year old, crashed heavily and was left nursing a very swollen and bruised wrist, after some doubts it was decided Blikstad could compete and he finished up in 21st position just one place from a point, despite entering the pits.
"I made such a silly mistake in practice and I can’t believe it. I am sure I could have scored some points here, but I could not push because my hand and wrist was so painful".
In the 250 class Darryl Atkins also qualified for the main race, finishing up in 22 position, The Kiwi continues to improve with every race and is getting closer to picking up points.
The M J Church Kawasaki team supported by H M Plant will now prepare for round ten of the series held at Gaildorf, Germany on the 17 &18 August.
