Blistering heat adds to the challenge in Ottobiano

MXGP

As the sun bore down over Ottobiano, in an unexpected turn around of weather, the HRC duo Tim Gajser and Evgeny Bobryshev had a day of mixed fortunes on their CRF450RW’s.

Gajser looked set for a strong comeback in the first race as he quickly went into second behind Cairoli. After riding consistently for most of the race, he made a hard push to take third place from Gautier. His efforts cost him as the intensity of the heat got the better of him and in the last few laps, it finally took its toll dropping him back to 10thplace. As the second race began, the Slovenian got caught in a tangle in the first corner which left him at the back of the pack. He gave a gutsy ride, even crashing again in his attempt to make up as many positions as possible and in the end, managed to salvage an 11th place finish.

Bobryshev had a day like that of his team mate. The Russian had a big crash in the first race which immediately set him to the back. Making it no secret that he has been struggling with the intensity of the heat, he dug his bike out of the sand and managed to pull his way back to 18th place. The second race looked more promising for him as he started in fifth. By the mid- point of the race, the heat took its toll again on the Russian and he battled on to finish in 12th place.

MX2

Anthony Rodriguez had his first official FIM world championship race today alongside team mate Michele Cervellin in Ottobiano for round 11 of MXGP.

The DNF in qualifying yesterday was costly for Rodriguez. Having last gate pick left him in the unfortunate position of not being able to get a good start today. Despite this, the Venezuelan took it in his stride, relaxing more into the MXGP race format and battled on until the end finishing 16^th in both races. It has been an educational weekend for Rodriguez and he now looks ahead to Portugal.

For Cervellin this was a big race today for him in front of his home crowd. Although he didn’t have such a good run in the first race as a result of a poor start, the second race he gated well and was running in fourth position with huge support from the crowd. Usually the Italian’s strength is to push harder at the end of the race but instead, within the last 10 minutes he found himself lagging in energy losing the position but still secured 11^th overall.

Tim Gajser (MXGP):

Coming here I knew would be tough this weekend because I haven’t had any training on a sand track and I also haven’t been able to physically train either. Today was the fourth time on the bike since my injury. I am a little bit disappointed with finishing 10th and 11th today. In the first race, I know I had good speed and I was riding in-front but then I pushed a little bit too much and lost all my energy. I didn’t finish the race the same way I had been riding. In the second race, I then crashed twice and I did come back but still it is not where I need to finish. Now I need to get fit and get back to where I know I should be.

Evgeny Bobryshev (MXGP):

For me today was tough from the beginning this weekend. It has just been SO hot here. The temperature was so high, the track was so bumpy and then my shoulder still is not 100%. I have been missing time on the bike and not able to train properly so I am not finishing where I should be. I held on today. In the first race, I had a huge crash and finished 18th. The second race was better but in the second half of the race I was struggling to hold on so I had to change my style. With all the heat, it was quite overwhelming but I finished 12th. I am not that happy with the result but I am grateful that my team are all behind me. When I am 100% again I know will be back at the front again.

Anthony Rodriguez (MX2):

Racing was a bit rough today. Qualifying was pretty bad yesterday with a crash and then another crash, so unfortunately, I had the last gate pick and in both of the Moto’s today I started last. I am really happy with the way I gave my heart out, I really did give it my all today but obviously, I am not happy with the result. Each race I had 16th place finish, coming from dead last so I was happy about that but I expected to be top 10 and I wasn’t. I also didn’t expect the track to get that rough. One thing I did like was the metal start grid, that is new for me too and I can see how it is fairer for all riders. It is definitely different to what I am use too and it is something I have got to adjust to but I am confident Portugal will be a different story.