European season kicks off in fine style for Simpson and Strijbos in Mantova

Posted by Ray | 10 February 2009 | Comment

All roads led to Italy on Sunday as the first European motocross international took place in the beautiful city of Mantova, Italy.

The cream of European riders were on show including Britain’s own world championship contender Shaun Simpson who dominated the MX2 class with three straight wins. Shaun looked in control as soon as the gate dropped and won the first moto by over a minute from second place Japanese rider Yhoel Kojima, this then set the scene for Simpson to go on and win the following two moto’s.

In MX1 it was rejuvenated Kevin Strijbos who not only took three moto victories against world champion David Phillipaerts, home town hero Tony Cairoli and team mate Marc De Ruever but ripped to a one on one race win which had the crowd enthralled for nearly an hour in the spectacular arena atmosphere of Mantova.

Here’s more of Mantova in pictures.

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Is 2009 going to be Simpsons year? Certainly speaking to the young British prospect afterwards, he said he’s looking forward to racing at the British championships this year and has his focus on adding a world title to his name – we say lets get it on Shaun.
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It was Tanel Leoks first ride on his new team De Carli Yamaha and the Estonian Express looked more than happy.

Here Tanel in bar to bar action with Jonathan Barragan in the popular 1on1 race.

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The officials in Mantova had a secret weapon up their sleeves to push the riders that much harder – a 60ft giant Anaconda snake

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Is this Josh Coppins final attempt at landing a world title in 2009?
Some say it could be but listen to his video interview later where he explains whats going down in Coppins world this year.
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The #100 is a number we feel is going to become popular in 2009, Kevin Strijbos was outstanding in Italy – yes yes we know its only the very first international but the confidence is there this year on and of the bike.
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World champion David Phillipaerts reminds us of a caged Tiger, he seems to prowl around the paddock almost invisible but then bang he’s on you – the guy has a aura around him thats for sure.
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The coolest cat on the block, Antonio Cairoli didnt quite have it all his own way in Italy. TC made some uncharacteristic errors which led to a few small crashes and at this end of racing small crashes cost dearly – expect more solid performances from the Italian maestro later in the year.
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[u][b]Full Results

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MX1

1. Strijbos 75pts, 2. Barragan 60pts, 3. Max Nagl 58pts, 4. Ken De Dycker 47pts, 5. Josh Coppins 46pts, 6. Steve Ramon 45pts, 7. Tanel Leok 34pts, 8. Gareth Swanepoel 34pts, 9. Julien Bill 33pts, 10. Marc De Reuver 30pts

MX2

1. Shaun Simpson 75pts, 2. Rui Goncalves 59pts, 3. Marcus Schiffer 58pts, 4. Manuel Monni 53pts, 5. Yhoel Kojima 41pts, 6. Ken Rockzen 38pts

More on Mantova tomorrow with a MOTO MOTION Mantova special.

[b]All images by Ray Chuss[/b]