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Townley pays respect to Everts in Lierop.
KTM’s factory man, Ben Townley, has fought hard secure a spot on the podium at the GP of Lierop. The punishing Dutch sand circuit holds the reputation for being one of the roughest and most demanding tracks in the world and with temperatures hitting the 30°C mark riders were pushed even further to the limit.
BT was unfortunate to go down in the first turn of the first heat as he tangled with the Estonian, Tanel Leok. He got going again but had to pull straight into the KTM pits to remove a damaged front mud fender. BT had make do without the protection of the guard and started an amazing comeback ride. He powered his factory 450 KTM from last position into the top five and moved up another place before having to settle for fourth.
As Townley lined up for the second heat, the five second board was shown and he was a little too eager to jump as the gate fell. He had to pull back but recovered magically from the error and by the end of the first lap he stole the lead from sand master Everts and looked well on his way. Everts was not about to let the younger Townley get away and a few laps later he passed the Kiwi and went on to win the race and claim his ninth world title. Townley deservedly put in 100% but on the day the Belgian proved to be better.
During the after race press conference Townley directed his words towards his friend and 2005 MX world champ: “I want to congratulate you. I think you are hero and I respect you for the legend you are. In the second race I felt like I was riding really great and I felt good on the bike and you were able to re-pass me. The record is set at nine times and I don’t think anyone will ever get close to that. Congratulations you are a true legend.”
Results MX1
