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Pic - BT in action on the 450 at Horensbergdam 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'.
Thousands of Belgian spectators flocked to the former GP circuit of ‘Horensbergdam’ today to watch a world class line up of MX 1 riders in Genk. MX2 world champ, Ben Townley was not deterred by the long list of world titles parked alongside of him in the forms of Belgian legends Stefan Everts and Joël Smets as well as French multiple world champ Michael Pichon. With the first Grand Prix only three weeks away, Townley’s goal was to size up the competition and gain as much experience as possible.
The scene was set as Smets, Townley, Pichon and Everts occupied the first four positions halfway into the first heat. As the four champs started to hit lapped riders, Pichon capitalized on the situation and passed Townley for second. As BT counter attacked he tried to go around the outside of another back marker but came off second best. Townley battled to start his machine and managed to rejoin the race almost a lap down which spoiled an exciting finish.
The roles were exchanged in heat two with Smets crashing out. Townley showed he most certainly had the speed as he closed in on Pichon and Everts at one point. The two more experienced riders eventually got the better of the young KTM challenger and Townley settled for third with Everts just taking honours over Pichon.
The grand finale would prove to be carbon copy of the second heat, although this time Smets experienced bike troubles. BT had the hardest job to do as he had to come through the pack after wheel spinning off the start. Once again, the KTM factory pilot moved into third and had Pichon and Everts within his sights. He matched their speed until it looked like Townley relaxed the pressure and finished safe in third position once again.
“I was pretty comfortable with my riding today. I was really happy about the last race as I had a bad start and came through the pack really well. I rode really consistently and overall my lap times were faster at the end than at the beginning of the race – it was a good day” said Townley.
The first round of the Belgian championships kicks off next weekend in Moerbeke-Waas where BT will once again be battling the Belgians, Everts, Smets and KTM team-mate Steve Ramon, not to mention a whole contingent of international riders.
Read the MXLarge Race Report:
GENK RESULTS:
