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This report is from Ben Townley`s PR man, Glen Dempsey.
Visit BT30 @ his website BenTownleyMX.Com: It features his latest news, pictures, profile etc. and while you are there, leave a message for the young Kiwi in his `Guestbook`.
The hillsides of the St Jean d’ Angely circuit teemed with French motocross enthusiasts as the world championship has reached the halfway mark.
New Zealand’s Ben Townley, jumped well as the gate dropped for the first race of the day, however it was hole-shot king, Antonio Cairoli who powered his way into the first turn. Townley kept a tight line which placed him right behind the Italian. Townley kept close to Cairoli, challenging him a few times but he was not able to make the pass. Townley finally made his move around the half way mark and edged out his fellow teenage rival on a fast downhill section. Cairoli would not be brushed aside and chased the KTM factory rider until the last lap. BT managed to pull a gap in the closing minutes and crossed the finish line for victory. Townley congratulated Cairoli for his excellent ride which gained the Kiwi even more respect among the French spectators.
“Hats off to Cairoli! He never let up even after I passed him. The track was watered before our race so it was difficult to get the right grip. We might try some different tyres for the second race but that will depend on whether they water or not. Should be quite exciting for the next one” said Townley.
Riders were almost unrecognisable after the first turn as organisers had once again drenched the circuit before the start of the second and decisive race. Townley settled into fourth and moved past Englishman, Carl Nunn to third position by the second lap. The kiwi was biding his time and started closing down former world champions, Machio and Chiodi. An unforced error in the treacherous “sand trap” saw Townley crash and lose any chance of yet another victory. BT was unable to start his machine and was forced to retire.
“I was taking it easy and I knew I had plenty of time to move into the lead. I made a silly error in the sand section at the top of the hill but I couldn’t get my bike started to rejoin the race. Lucky for me, Swordy had a bad second race as well so I’ve managed to increase my lead in the world championship. I just can’t afford to make any more errors,” said Townley.
BT has increased his championship lead to thirty-one points and the New Zealander will head to Italy next week for round nine of the MX world championship.
2004 MX2 Point standings:
1. Townley Ben, NZL, KTM, 319
2. Sword Stephen, GBR, Kawasaki, 288
3. Rattray Tyla, RSA, KTM, 277
4. Mc Farlane, AUS, Yamaha, 210
5. Maschio Michaël, FRA, Kawasaki, 19
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6. Cairoli Antonio, ITA, Yamaha, 187
7. Nunn Carl, GBR, Honda, 161
8. Chiodi Alessio, ITA, Yamaha, 157
9. Leok Aigar, EST, KTM, 148
10. Dobb Jamie, GBR, Honda, 142
