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Photo - BT at Mantova:
This report is from Ben Townley`s manager, Glen Dempsey.
Visit Ben @ his website: BentownleyMX.com: It features his latest news, pictures, profile etc. and while you're there, leave a message for the young Kiwi in his `Guestbook'.
The MX2 world champion’s first ride of the season has not quite gone according to plan at the Mantova star cross in Italy this past weekend. BT’s goal of finishing all three races was abruptly pushed aside when his chain came off in heat one. Heat two looked promising for the Kiwi as he was pushing his way through the field until a small tussle with Belgian Jöel Smets left the unfortunate KTM rider on the ground with BT sustaining a sprained thumb. Townley wisely called it a day so as not to aggravate the injury.
“It’s been a tough start” explained Townley as he reviewed the weekend’s results. “Racing the 450 is obviously a different ball game but the more I ride the stronger I get. I didn’t ride my own race which is something I need to concentrate on. If I can get into my own rhythm and not worry about the other guys, I know I’ll improve heaps.”
Townley was expected to return to Belgium for another check up of his thumb but instead he has decided to brave the pain and return to his temporary base in Florence, Italy. “My hand is feeling much better this morning and the bruising has already come out. I’ll give it a few days of rest and then try riding on Thursday. The weather in Belgium is terrible at the moment so at least I can run and cycle in good conditions here in Italy. If all goes well I’ll be on the start in Valence this weekend,” explained BT.
