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Photo - Ben Townley at Pernes les Fontaines on the weekend:
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'.
After winning his first international in Valence last weekend, Ben Townley had high expectations going into the event at Pernes les Fontaines. The Kiwi’s hopes for a possible overall win were dashed after the first heat when he experienced technical gremlins on the last lap of race one.
A terrible start in race two put the MX2 World champ back in eighteenth spot where he had to fight his way into the top ten, finally finishing seventh. The KTM factory rider made sure that he was up front in the start for the final heat but battled to find a rhythm and could only manage a sixth by the time the chequered flag was waved.
“The track was surprisingly difficult for me today. It’s really hard and slippery and I just couldn’t force myself to go fast. I’m heading back to Belgium tonight and will start training in the sand – that should help with my riding and with my prepartions for the first GP in Zolder,” explained Townley.
BT will have three events in Belgium prior to the first GP. An international event in Genk (13 March) and two Belgian championships, Moerbeke-Waas(20 March) and Neeroeteren (27 March).
Overall Results:
Race one
1. Mickael Pichon Honda
2. Joel Smets Suzuki
3. Josh Coppins Honda
4. Antoine Meo Husqvarna
5. Mike Alessi KTM
6. Yves Demaria KTM
7. Julian Bill KTM
DNF. Ben Townley
Race two
1. Josh Coppins Honda
2. Joel Smets Suzuki
3. Mike Alessi KTM
4. Julian Bill KTM
5. Pascal Leuret Honda
6. Tanel Leok Kawasaki
7. Ben Townley KTM
Race three
1. Josh Coppins Honda
2. Antoine Meo Husqvarna
3. Julian Bill KTM
4. Joel Smets Suzuki
5. Mike Alessi KTM
6. Ben Townley KTM
