Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme : FIM Women's Motocross World Championship

Home victory for Lancelot

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:06:00 +0200

Weather forecast did not look friendly for today, but when we arrived to track, sun was everywhere with only a few clouds. Until noon stayed weather at the same, but after noon everything changed. Fast wind complicated situation and showers came too. Womens started to writing history here in Castelnau de Lévis. Totally the best for whole weekend was home Livia Lancelot on Kawasaki.

Race 1

Rockstar Bud Racing Kawasaki rider Livia Lancelot wasn´t as good in qualifying as Chiara Fontanesi yesterday, but she hit back today in Race. Right in first corner was number 114 as first and anything changed until the end of Race one. Livia made a good leading, but in the middle of Race 1 she made a little mistake and lost a few secs. Finally she was very surely and fast on this track and she finished on first place.

Chiara Fontanesi, who is riding with red plate now, had not a good start. She was in big crush in the middle and it was taking her time to get to the front positions. In the sekond part of first race she was third. Between Chiara and Livia was suprisingly riding home Justine Charroux. Also Chiara need some time to pass her. Justine was in finish line on third place in first race finally.

Big and long fight of the Race one showed to spectators Natalie Kane, Britt Van Der Wekken and Anne Borchers. Every of this girl wanted to be the best, but only one could do it. At the head of this group was riding Natalie Kane and she stayed there to the finish. Britt vd Wekken closed top five of the WMX riders and Anne Borchers obtained in the end sixth place.

Marianne Veenstra and Virginie Germond was taking places each other for all the time. Virginie had not too much forces in the end as Marianne and Germond finished eight. First top ten of the best women closed Mégane Pernet, home rider on Yamaha and Italian Francesca Nocera.

Race 2

The start of race two we could Compaq to first. Absolutely in the front was home Livia Lancelot. Chiara Fontanesi was again in the middle. She had good luck and she pushed very hard too in the first lap and Chiara went to the second lap just behind Livia Lancelot. Livia was too fast for every rider today and she was making safety gap. In the end of Race two was Livia faster than Chiara at finish for half a minute.

Very steady fights were for the third place. Three candidates were riding together during the whole Race two. In this group of braves was again Britt Van Der Wekken from Netherlands and Natalie Kane. Natalie was leading in front of Wekken, but breakup came in the last corner. Britt attacked Natalie and she was successful. Finally Britt vd Wekken finished third and Natalie immediately behind Britt´s rear wheel.

Marianne Veenstra on KTM was following these two and she obtained in second race nice fifth place. Then after 20 seconds were coming to finish the other riders. They were scattered throughout track. In the sixth place came home Justine Charroux on Yamaha. Between Justine and her compatitor Mégane Perned, finished tenth, were three riders. Virginie Germond at seventh place. Fights for place weren´t only in the front, but also a bit in the back. Nina Klink and Joanna Miller, both were trying to obtain eighth. Unfortunately only one could be better and for this time it was Nina Klink from Netherlands.

WMX Race 1 results – 1. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 3. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), 4. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 5. Britt Van Der Wekken (NED, Honda), 6. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 7. Marianne Veenstra (NED, KTM), 8. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 9. Mégane Pernet (FRA, Yamaha), 10. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM)

WMX Race 2 results - 1. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), 25:38.174; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 26:12.450; 3. Britt Van Der Wekken (NED, Honda), 26:16.362; 4. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 26:16.538; 5. Marianne Veenstra (NED, KTM), 26:23.974; 6. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), 26:46.810; 7. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 26:54.243; 8. Nina Klink (NED, KTM), 27:20.614; 9. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), 27:28.074; 10. Mégane Pernet (FRA, Yamaha), 27:37.361

WMX Overall Classification - 1. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), 50 points2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 44 p.3. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 36 p.4. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 36 p.5. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), 35 p.6. Marianne Veenstra (NED, KTM), 30 p.7. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 27 p.8. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 25 p.9. Megane Pernet (FRA, Yamaha), 23 p.10. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), 22 p.

WMX Championship Classification - . 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 94 points2. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), 92 p.3. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 67 p.4. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 66 p.5. Marianne Veenstra (NED, KTM), 58 p.6. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), 46 p.7. Nina Klink (NED, KTM), 46 p.8. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 44 p.9. Stephanie Laier (GER, Kawasaki), 42 p.10. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), 35 p.

Fonatesi tops qualifying

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 01:28:00 +0200

Second round of FIM World Motocross Championship in WMX continues in little village in southern France – Castelnau de Lévis. Oceanic climate is here, so weather is changing every few minutes. At night it was raining, so track was really soaked, but after every race became track drier and drier. In Qualifying was the fastest Italian girl Chiara Fontanesi. In the morning on very wet track had women troubles with riding. Sticky and heavy mud was everywhere, so timetable for girls had to be changed. They had only Free Practices and then in the afternoon Qualifying Practice. The best time of afternoon marked young Yamaha rider Chiara Fontanesi. She managed to be faster than home riders with many spectators around the track. Second Free Practice was in Livia´s Lancelot hands. Rockstar Bud Racing Kawasaki rider Livia won the second Free Practice, but with minimum gap (0,15 secs). Fight for first place was between Livia and Chiara very close all the day. But in Qualifying Practice was more successful Chiara Fontanesi. Livia Lancelot has to be satisfied with second place for today. Now is everybody waiting for tommorow´s Race, who will be faster. Home rider Justine Charroux had a very nice qualifying, too. She got stable results, concretated riding and all of this brought her third place in overall. She was nine seconds behind the first two riders. Another home rider Jessie Joineau delighted the spectators, too. On her two stroke Yamaha was Jessie very fast on this type of ground and she obtained fourth place. First top five women riders closed German on Suzuki Anne Borchers. She is motivated after Qualifying and she aims to the top podium places. Virginie Germond was very close to Anne, but her best time was sufficient to sixth place only. Polish rider Joanna Miller wanted to be in top five too, her laps were very fast, but only hundredths moved her to seventh place. Britt van der Wekken, Dutch girl, feels on this type of ground very well. She obtained after Qualifying Practice in Castelnau de Lévis eight place. The first top ten riders closed home rider Mégane Pernet on Yamaha and HM Plant KTM UK rider Natalie Kane. WMX Qualifying Practice results - 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 2:22.5082. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:00.0353. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:05.6164. Jessie Joineau (FRA, Yamaha), +0:07.1325. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +0:08.0426. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), +0:08.2307. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), +0:08.4648. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +0:09.2409. Megane Pernet (FRA, Yamaha), +0:09.85310. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), +0:10.142

Fontanesi queen of Valkenswaard

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:18:00 +0200

On Monday Valkenswaard´s paddock woke up to rainy day and weather forecast didn´t look better. Women started first in morning Race two. Sandy track was a little bit wet and more difficult to racing as yesterday. Chiara Fontanesi, Race one winner, was ready to repeat her performance. Today start was less complicated, without troubles and first corner looked as we expected. Three fastest girls of weekend: Lancelot, Fontanesi and Laier were ready to fight and show what they really can do. Lancelot was in the front only for a couple of minutes, then Chiara Fontanesi took the lead. Until the end of race she made a nice lead and she was able to get the first win of 2012 WMX Championship. Chiara Fontanesi: "I am very satisfied, I won, so everything is now OK. If I am ready to win in France? Yes, I think, that will be harder to win there. I tis completely different type of track and for me it is better to ride in a sand. But I hope, that I´ ll win." Stephanie Laier and Livia Lancelot were catching up, but Livia was at quicker than Laier who is on her brand new Kawasaki. Stephanie, last year champion was third overall but she was satisfied with her performance today. Behind first three riders the gap was really big and nobody could catch the leaders. But here was very fast group behind, too. Swedish trio: Sandra Adriansson, Sara Pettersson, Frida Ӧstlund with home rider Britt Van Der Wekken who was fighting to improve one position. Sara Pettersson was the most successful from all, she obtained the fourth place. Home rider Britt Van Der Wekken with a big support from spectators was seventh position in the middle of race. In last three laps she got up to fifth, but her compatriot Marianne Veenstra was very fast from the back. Marianne started not very well. When the another were getting slower, she pushed harder and with one lap to go she took Britt over and finished 5th. Seventh position was for Swedish girl Frida Ӧstlund. She had the same tempo for all the time and German rider Natalie Kane was attacking her at every opportunity, but unsuccessfully. Another home rider Nina Klink and German Anne Borchers completed the top ten. Race 1 results : 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 26:38.719; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, Kawasaki), 26:44.055; 3. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), 26:47.918; 4. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 27:57.855; 5. Sara Peterson (SWE, KTM), 28:00.210; 6. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 28:00.496; 7. Frida Oslund (SWE, Honda), 28:31.481; 8. Nina Klink (NED, KTM), 28:36.749; 9. Marianne Veenstra (NED, KTM), 28:38.317; 10. Sandra Adriansson (SWE, Kawasaki), 28:42.911 Race 2 results : 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 25:12.264; 2. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), 25:21.934; 3. Stephanie Laier (GER, Kawasaki), 25:31.380; 4. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 26:19.600; 5. Marianne Veenstra (NED, KTM), 26:49.023; 6. Britt Van Der Wekken (NED, Honda), 26:49.972; 7. Frida Ӧstlund (SWE, Honda), 27:10.661; 8. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 27:21.923; 9. Nina Klink (NED, KTM), 27:24.956; 10. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 27:31.455 WMX Overall: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 50 pts; 2. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), 42 pts; 3. Stephanie Laier (GER, Kawasaki), 42 pts; 4. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 34 pts; 5. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 31 pts; 6. Britt Van Der Wekken (NED, Honda), 30 pts; 7. Marianne Veenstra (NED, KTM) 28 pts; 8. Frida Ӧstlund (SWE, Honda), 28 pts; 9. Nina Klink (NED, KTM), 25 pts; 10. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 19 pts

Fontanesi started with win

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:40:00 +0200

At the Valkenswaard track was very busy since Sunday morning. The weather also seemed friendly for riders and spectators, so this years season could started. Timetable for today included women´s qualifying race, in which dominated Livia Lancelot on her Kawasaki and the first WMX Race too. In first season race had a final word Chiara Fontanesi on Yamaha. QUALIFYING
Qualifying race for women was planned for afternoon. Immediately after start took the leading Livia Lancelot. The other riders was trying to get her, but she was unstoppable. For the place just behind Livia was too many candidates. Since start only a little group (Kane, Borchers, Van Der Wekken) was hunting Livia, but unsuccessfully. Last year champion Stephanie Laier and Chiara Fontanesi was riding at the back positions from the start of qualifying. They both didn´t give up and planned the way to fight for top places. In congested group of riders made Gabriela Seisedos a mistake, she falled down and lost so much time and good position. In the other hand, Livia didn´t hesitate and she was trying to be the fastest as it is possible. Laier pushed very hard and after ten minutes of racing she was already 7th. Meanwhile the second place was for Natalie Kane. But no for a long time. Motivated Chiara Fontanesi catched her up and wait for right moment. When they were passing slower rider, Chiara was more clever and she wents for the second in qualify race. In that time was Livia too far in the front, but Chiara reduced her leading step by step and in the end she was slower only in 16 secs. Laiers style was a little bit agressive, but effective. In the last two laps, she made the third with only 13 second lost to second. Finally the fourth place was for Natalie Kane in front of her pursurer. Despite good start Anne Borchers finished in 6th place. Girl from Sweden beaten two domestic riders. With Britt Van Der Wekken she was fighting until the finish, but Sara Petterson was better for this time. The second Dutch rider in first top ten was Nina Klink on her KTM. RACE 1
Race one started very complicated. A group of riders felt down in the first corner. Joana Miller, who finished in qualifying 10th, had a not good looking crash and she stayed lying on a track. But then everything went better and she realised to continue. From the start was it good for Laier, because she was in the first place. Right on her rear wheel waiting for a right moment Chiara. She took the first place at the begining of race and she stayed on her position until the end. The first laps was in Chiara´s direction. Two also very fast riders was approximately ten secs behind her back. The second place was for rest of the race for last year champion Stephanie Laier. She had to defend Lancelot´s attacks. Livia wanted all the time repeat the qualifying success. HM Plant KTM UK rider Natalie Kane had a better time in race, when she finished fourth only two seconds over the swedish rider Sara Pettersson. Domestic rider – Britt Van Der Wekken was for that time a little bit faster than the second swedish Frida Ostlund. The Dutch riders have here a very nice support from the spectators. They were very happy, when their riders Nina Klink and Marianne Veenstra was able to finished in first top ten women riders in the world. WMX - Race 1 results: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 26:38.7192. Stephanie Laier (GER, Kawasaki), 26:44.0553. Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), 26:47.9184. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 27:57.8555. Sara Peterson (SWE, KTM), 28:00.2106. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 28:00.4967. Frida Oslund (SWE, Honda), 28:31.4818. Nina Klink (NED, KTM), 28:36.7499. Marianne Veenstra (NED, KTM), 28:38.31710. Sandra Adriansson (SWE, Kawasaki), 28:42.911 TIMETABLE  Monday: MX3 Start Test Session Group 1 7:45; MX3 Start Test Session Group 2 7:55; MX3 Warm up 8:00; WMX Warm up 8:30; MX2 Warm up 9:00; MX1 Warm up 9:30; WMX Race 2 10:10; MX3 Race 1 11:10; MX2 Grand Prix Race 1 12:10; MX1 Grand Prix Race 1 13:10; MX2 Grand Prix Race 2 15:03; MX1 Grand Prix race 2 16:03; MX3 Race 2 17:10. 

Women Ride in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:38:00 +0200

FIM Latin America organised its first edition of the Copa Lationoamericana Feminina de Motocross in Guayaquil. As many as 17 women from Honduras, Panama, Puerto Rico and host country Equador showed up for this event that was run on the Circuito Abel Gilbert under very hot temperatures.

The track was a mixture of sand with wet greasy spots which made it very tricky. But the riders managed well and there were some entertaining races. Honduras' Alexandra Lopez won both heats and put her country in the winners' circle. By doing so, she created a surprise because it was the first time ever that a native of this country had participated in a Latin American Championship/Cup!

The smiling faces of the female riders showed their satisfaction about having their "own" Cup. The first step has been set and they are already looking out for the next edition.

Last but not least: Puerto Rico's Karina Carrasquillo who finished third in the Women's ranks also challenged the boys of the Campeonata Latinoamericana de Motocross 85cc. She was not as successful as in the Women's class but she had the merit of taking part.

Final standings:

1. Alendra Lopez (Honduras/Honda/50 points);
2. Jesenya Cuesta (Ecuador/Yamaha/40p);
3. Karina Carrasquillo (Puerto Rico/Honda/40p);
4. Daniela Aleman (Ecuador/KTM/36p);
5. Cristina Vargas (Ecuador/Honda/34p);
6. Tatiana Ceron (Ecuador/Yamaha/29p);
7. Cristina Solorzano (Ecuador/Yamaha/29p);
8. Josselyn Jiminez (Ecuador/Honda/28p);
9. Nicole Astudillo (Ecuador/Honda/24p);
10: Yamleth Abrego (Panama/Kawasaki/24p)

Photo credit - Ovidio Morales & Dirk de Neve.

Captions:

1 - The women riders & FIM Latin America CEO, Ramón Carreira pose for a historic picture

2 - Alexandra Lopez won both races and is the very first winner of the Cpa Latinoamericana Feminina de Motocross

3 - Riders line up in the waiting zone

4 - A strong Ecuadorian contingent

5 - The top 5 of the final results on the podium

6 - Karina Carrasquillo also raced the 85cc class with her male counterparts

FIM Women's Motocross: Fontanesi second

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:44:00 +0200

Yamaha's Chiara Fontanesi has finished runner-up in the 2011 FIM Women's World Championship after sweeping both motos on her YZ250F at Lacapelle Marival last weekend for the penultimate round of the series.

The Italian took a crucial victory over reigning number one Steffi Laier and was just nine points away from the German after the chequered flag fell on the final round of seven. Fontanesi had her best campaign to-date after finishing in the top three for all thirteen motos (the second race in Greece was cancelled due to poor weather). From the thirteen contests she claimed victory in six.

"Today, I had a lot of fun racing with Steffi," she said. "I was playing with my bike and I felt comfortable with the track. Next year I want to make the women´s world championship again and I hope to be world champion this time round."

Fontanesi took the title chase to the last round after a season-long chase with four-times champion Laier and defeated the German on two occasions (she is pictured here winning in Finland. Photo: Youthstream 2011).

Laier champion again

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:15:00 +0200

The red plate holder through out the whole season Steffi Laier took the first holeshot of the day here in the sunny Lacapelle Marival. The factory KTM rider had a crowd of around 12,000, cheering her on for her fourth world title. Fifteen points in advance over her arch rival the Italian Chiara Fontanesi, you would have to wait until the second moto to see who will be crowned the 2011 FIM women´s World Champion. Steffi stayed ahead for the beginning of the first lap, but it was the Yamaha rider who made a sneaky pass passed the German. Ten seconds behind the two feisty riders was the HM Plant KTM team rider Natalie Kane with the great first race come back, she stayed in contact with the smooth German Larissa Papenmeier the whole race. Papenmeier getting the better of Kane finishing 14 seconds behind for fourth place. The first French rider was Justine Charroux, the number 52 machine finished in 5th position. Britt van der Wekken dropped back to sixth position after having a top three start. Race two and once again it was the three times world champion Laier, who got the last holeshot of the season. Chiara Fontanesi passed the KTM early to take the lead. Normally in third position was Larissa Papenmeier, but crashing alone on the first lap set her way back for the top three and the final podium. One minute behind Stefanie Laier was Natalie Kane taking the third spot from the Sarholz rider. Justine Charroux finished fourth place having two top five finishes at her home GP. Anne Borchers took the fifth place a slight improvement from her 9th place in the first moto. Steffi Laier: " I am world champion again this year, it's my third time in a row that I do this. I would like it to continue, but I have a lot of work to do as Chiara is also very fast and hungry for the title of 2012. Thanks to all of my sponsors and especially a big thank you to my team manager. Without this, championship title would not been possible." Chiara Fontanesi: " Today, I had a lot of fun racing with Steffi. I was playing with my bike and I felt comfortable with the track. Next year I am sure, I make the women´s world championship again and I hope to be world champion this time round." Natalie Kane: " I am really happy about my podium, because I was injured all year. I have only been riding for 3 weeks before this race. So today I made very good results and I am very happy and I hope that will help me (my podium) and all of my sponsors for next year." WMX Race 1: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 25:58.916; ; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), +0:11.473; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +0:27.016; 4. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), +0:40.904; 5. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:49.967; 6. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +2:04.201; 7. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +2:05.243; 8. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), +2:06.378; 9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), -1 lap(s); 10. Floriana Parrini (ITA, KTM), -1 lap(s); WMX Race 2: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 24:23.903; ; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), +0:07.737; 3. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), +1:21.864; 4. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:43.931; 5. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +1:46.948; 6. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +2:03.466; 7. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), +2:15.406; 8. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), -1 lap(s); 9. Jeanine Jenzer (SUI, Honda), -1 lap(s); 10. Floriana Parrini (ITA, KTM), -1 lap(s); WMX Overall: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 50 points; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Natalie Kane (GBR, KTM), 38 p.; 4. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 36 p.; 5. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), 34 p.; 6. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 28 p.; 7. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 27 p.; 8. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), 27 p.; 9. Floriana Parrini (ITA, KTM), 22 p.; 10. Jeanine Jenzer (SUI, Honda), 20 p. WMX Championship final classification: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 307 points; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 298 p.; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 248 p.; 4. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 199 p.; 5. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 175 p.; 6. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), 158 p.; 7. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 158 p.; 8. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), 129 p.; 9. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), 124 p.; 10. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 115 p.

Laier leads on Saturday

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 10:49:00 +0200

The FIM Women's World Championship headed to the last round of series in Lacapelle Marival. With the outstanding crowd already joining us here on this humid Saturday. It was most certainly Steffanie Liaer who lead from start to finish in their last qualifying race of the championship. It's the first time that the WMX class has competed on this fast track of Lacapelle Marival. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Laier was the first woman to get a holeshot here in her last qualifying race. Not so far behind her was the Italian Chiara Fontanesi who stayed hot on her heals the whole course. Larissa Papenmeier once again was in a smooth and consistant third position. Originally be followed by the Irish lady Natalie Kane, having her first race back after injuries, she came from 12th upto fourth but loosing her silencer had a consequence of 1min. Going onto the gate in 13th position. The official fourth place went to the only 125 rider in the top ten, Nicky Van Wordragen. Having a few girls wanting to try a new experience in the FIM Women's World Championship, we had the Japenese Kaori Nishiyama racing this weekend and the New Zealand Emma Davis along with Joel Doeksen who competed already the whole season in the MX3 World Championship. Who will be crowned the 2011 FIM Women´s World Champion tomorrow on this famous circuit of history in Lacapelle Marival. Chiara Fontanesi will be doing all that she can to fight for her first title of her promising career. Dixit Steffi Laier: "I was not happy because I was pushing expecting she would follow me but Chiara didn't want to battle with me. She stayed more slower so then I slowed down. We will see tomorrow! " Larissa Papenmeier: "I had a pretty good start, I was third behind Chaira and Steffi. But then I broke again my back brake so we will see how it is tomorrow." Chiara Fontanesi: "My race was ok, I thought I was good to take the same speed as Steffi. I was behind her for three laps. But I prefer to be quiet today and to do my best tomorrow." RESULTS WMX - Qualifying Race - 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 20:34.620; ; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:17.123; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +0:37.610; 4. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:07.888; 5. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:20.792; 6. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), +1:23.390; 7. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:23.765; 8. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:26.962; 9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:33.601; 10. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), +1:40.001;

The last step for Gold plate

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:08:00 +0200

Lacapelle Marival will host the second time FIM MX3 World Championship and first time WMX World Championship. Is the last round to go this weekend . It's the eighth event of the FIM MX3 World Championship and seventh event of the FIM WMX World Championship on Moto Club de Lacapelle Marival "Circuite International Georges Filhol Terrain de Bel Air " 1600 meters long track.

MX3

Regarding to the two World Championships in both MX3 and WMX classes there will be a realy good weekend. Julien Bill from the Pellicari's team Honda is the holder of the MX3 red plate in last five events. But nothing is decided yet. French Milko Potisek from the Ufo Racing team is his biggest competitor at the moment. He is 34 points behind. Milko Potisek will be of course very strong as this will be also his home event, but Swiss Julien Bill will do all the best to battle the MX3 Title .The solid Czech rider Martin Michek with main force will be looking to finish for the best position in the MX3 World Championship.

WMX

In the FIM WMX World Championship KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier is again very confident for this weekend after great winning race in Slovenia –Orehova Vas . Can that 25-year-old German rider clinch the victory and must wait until the last round of this series to conquer the Title? Italian Chiara Fontanesi will do the best and have great battle with Steffi, but sure in mean time to enjoy the racing weekend. KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier in third position of the FIM WMX World Championship and will most certainly want to change things around .Same goes to Britt van der Wekken who has been improving her speed since the series started over last months.

About Lacapelle Marival (Lot) :One of the most beautiful villages in France

Half way between the rivers of the Lot and the Dordogne, Lacapelle Marival is nestled in a landscape of hills at the western edge of the Massif Central. The grand chateau Cardaillac occupies a dominant place in the village and was the foundation of the community here. Built by the feudal family of Cardaillac in the 13th Century, effectively the local rulers at this time, it was the central point around which the village developed.

Thanks to its geographical situation, Lacapelle Marival, forms a lively centre for trade, artisans and village fairs. Today, the castle frequently opens its rooms for exhibitions and arranges organized tours during the summer season. The architecture of the building and of the old houses in the village, give a strong feeling of history to the commune.

Laier takes close win

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:34:00 +0200

Stephanie Laier made it two out of two as she collected the surprising victory at the sixth round of the FIM Women's World Championship in Slovenia. The German topped the podium from Chiara Fontanesi and the Sarholz KTM rider Larissa Papenmeier as the duo complete also the Championship's top three behind the leader Laier. KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier holeshot the first race of the day, on the windy although sunny Orehova Vas circuit. Just behind though the Italian Fontanesi wasn't going to let her win that easy. Both of them battling it out for the 20 minute plus two lap race. The Yamaha rider despite having the fastest lap time in race one of 1:55:720 tried to make a pass on the fourth lap but the smooth German passed her back directly not letting Chiara have the lead for more than 2 laps. Larissa Papenmeier settled for 15 seconds behind in third position, staying consistent and not to make a mistake which could cost precious points for the championship. Shirley Verkade started of the first race in fourth position actually ending up 10th after making a little fault. The Suzuki machine of Anne Borchers took Verkades 4th position followed by the Dutch rider Marielle de Mol in 5th. In race two the battled carried on just like in the first. This time it was the feisty Italian playing hard to get as she holeshot and led for 12 laps. Stephanie not far behind throughout the race passed Chiara on the last corner of the thirteen lap moto. The factory KTM taking the overall victory by 00.088 seconds and keeping a strong 15 point lead from the 17 year old. Again the KTM rider Papenmeier took the third position in front of the young Venezuelan rider Maria Lorca who did not finish the first moto. Following Lorca over the Finish line was the Honda rider Britt van de Wekken after her ninth place finish in race one her and Maria showed they are back in business and ready for the next round of the FIM Women's World Championship in France. Steffi Laier "Yeah both of my starts were very good, I got two times the holeshot. In the two races I suffered at the beginning because I couldn't find my rhythm. The track was pretty good and it was also getting rougher and rougher. But then after ten minutes I found my rhythm and then I saw I could close the gap in both races. In the last ten minutes I took the lead. So in France I don't have to make myself stress so much." Chiara Fontanesi "I tried to do my best in the race, I had good rhythm but by the end I felt a little bit tired. The track was very bumpy; maybe I was going too fast for my possibility, so I couldn't turn inside. I went outside and Steffi passed me. I am happy to get second place because it's not bad to get podium." Larissa Papenmeier "I had a great weekend, I was happy with the way I was riding. I was consistent and had two great starts which led to my 3rd place on the podium." WMX Race 1: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 25:09.070; ; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:13.475; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +0:15.709; 4. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:14.242; 5. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), +1:31.055; 6. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), +1:32.417; 7. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:33.067; 8. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:41.397; 9. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +2:01.693; 10. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), +2:06.109; WMX Race 2: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 25:11.254; ; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:00.088; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +1:36.453; 4. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:52.581; 5. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +2:01.170; 6. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), +2:03.411; 7. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), -1 lap(s); 8. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), -1 lap(s); 9. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 10. Maria Lorca (VEN, KTM), -1 lap(s); WMX Overall Top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 50 points; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 44 p.; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 31 p.; 5. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 30 p.; 6. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 30 p.; 7. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), 29 p.; 8. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), 25 p.; 9. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), 24 p.; 10. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 23 p.; WMX Championship Top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 263 points; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 248 p.; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 212 p.; 4. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 171 p.; 5. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 156 p.; 6. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), 149 p.; 7. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 131 p.; 8. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), 124 p.; 9. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 115 p.; 10. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), 102 p.;

Laier stronger in qualifying

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:14:00 +0200

Just like all of the previous rounds of the FIM Women's World Championship it was also their first time here on the hot Orehova Vas circuit. KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier lead the way on day one. Showing she wants to keep the red plate until the end of the championship. Steffi Laier took the first holeshot of the weekend here in Orehova Vas; the German made a mistake which cost the lead and the Italian Chiara Fontanesi passed her. While the Sarholz KTM Larissa Papenmeier rider stayed behind the girls the whole race. Steffi waited to take revenge, 3 laps to go and the Factory KTM rider passed back the Yamaha without making a gap. Britt van de Wekken took the 4th qualifying place position followed by the Venezuelan rider Maria Lorca. The Francy Racing team rider Francesca Nocera finished 25th in the qualifying race here are a couple of words from the Italian to explain why. "I over jumped one of the jumps here in Orehova Vas, I hit my leg on the floor without crashing. But i have so much pain, i just came back from the hospital and i will try my best to ride." Steffi Laier "My start was very good I was first, but in the first lap I made a mistake so Chiara could pass me. I tried to hold on and make a good race. I still have problems with the heat and I am not fully recovered yet. Overall I won, I did not expect this but I can do it tomorrow again." Chiara Fontanesi "The qualifying race was fun for me, I had a good start because I was second, after I took the first position and I stayed ahead for about half of the race. I had a block pass with Steffi, so when I saw this was dangerous I stayed in second position I don't think she was happy that everyone saw I was faster. I just hope to have a good race tomorrow. The track is fun and nice, at the end of the race the track started to get bumpy. It wasn't so easy, so we will see tomorrow what happens." Larissa Papenmeier "I am just back from the qualifying now, I had a pretty good start but the KTM on the left was faster than me also the Yamaha on the right. I was then 3rd, I kept with them for a couple of laps but then they just pulled away from me. It's not important today but its important tomorrow, I finished third so I am happy with that." WMX - Qualifying Race top ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 20:40.345; ; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:00.342; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +0:01.191; 4. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +0:52.293; 5. Maria Lorca (VEN, KTM), +0:52.375; 6. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), +0:56.951; 7. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), +0:58.870; 8. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:01.896; 9. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), +1:12.744; 10. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:21.859;

Laier relentless in Senkvice

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:37:00 +0200

KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier won the fifth round of the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship in Senkvice, Slovakia, after beating her main opposition on the last race of the day.

Steffi Laier must have had a certain taste of 'payback' from the Vantaa round in Finland, two weeks ago, when overtaking Chiara Fontanesi after being second behind the Italian during all afternoon. The KTM rider was able to make the crucial pass only on the last minutes of the second moto, taking the overall and keeping the red plate with the same gap in the point's standings.

After winning the first moto and leading the second one until the penultimate lap, Chiara Fontanesi couldn't believe what just happened and although she didn't lost any points on the Championship she knows she has to upper her game for the next round in Slovenia in three weeks time.

The 'surprise' third overall was Dutch Britt van der Wekken with a hard fought third place on the first moto and a fifth on the second outing. Britt is in fact the first WMX rider to break into the top-three other than the 'Laier-Fontanesi-Papenmeier' group that has been so dominant since the start of the season.

Regenta Racing rider Sara Pettersson got fourth overall, her best this season climbing to fifth in the WMX championship only one point ahead of Mariëlle de Mol who saw her bike stop on moto two after being involved on what was the finest battle during the first moto with Pettersson and Van der Wekken.

KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier didn't have the best weekend as she crashed in moto one having to ride from 'dead last' right up until eleventh position but getting third on the second heat, giving her fifth overall.

Francesca Nocera was sixth and also crashed during moto one but was faster to recover until tenth. On the second moto the Italian offered proper resistance to Papenmeier while defending her third position behind leaders Laier and Fontanesi.

Anne Borchers finished seventh overall after a great first race up until sixth followed by Justine Charroux with a 9-7 result.

Closing the top-ten is Virginie Germond and Floriana Parrini in ninth and tenth respectively after an exciting fight for seventh position on the first moto.

Polish rider Joanna Miller managed to finish eleventh after battling her way up until eight on the second moto, this time without any mud.

Stephanie Laier: "I was struggling with technical problems on m bike since yesterday; first was the engine and then a bad choice for the front tyre so I couldn't go any faster on the first moto. I also struggled with the starts, I took a while until I got a good rhythm on the second moto but after that I just pushed hard on the last three laps for the win."

Chiara Fontanesi: "I liked my race, I could see that my speed was good and I believe in my capacity to win. I've been practicing more on the starts because they haven't been so good lately but I could see today that I was getting better. I just made a mistake by myself on the race allowing Steffi to come closer. I need to work on this for the next weeks, there's still time."

Britt van der Wekken: "It's unbelievable, never felt so good, it's like a dream come true… I hope to get back on the podium again, I work really hard to make that happen so I'll try my best for the next rounds."

WMX Race 1 top-ten: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 24:43.786; ; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), +0:01.042; 3. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:24.896; 4. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), +1:29.304; 5. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:33.148; 6. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +2:00.420; 7. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), +2:00.976; 8. Floriana Parrini (ITA, KTM), +2:08.576; 9. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +2:12.298; 10. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), -1 lap(s);

WMX Race 2 top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 24:28.009; ; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:02.545; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +1:01.782; 4. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), +1:09.094; 5. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:39.253; 6. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:41.454; 7. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:43.657; 8. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), +1:50.150; 9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:52.256; 10. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), +1:52.688;

WMX Overall top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 47 points; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 47 p.; 3. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 36 p.; 4. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 31 p.; 5. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 30 p.; 6. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), 29 p.; 7. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 27 p.; 8. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), 26 p.; 9. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 25 p.; 10. Floriana Parrini (ITA, KTM), 22 p.;

WMX Championship top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 213 points; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 204 p.; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 172 p.; 4. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 141 p.; 5. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 126 p.; 6. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), 125 p.; 7. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), 124 p.; 8. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 100 p.; 9. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 92 p.; 10. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), 77 p.;

Laier on the fast lane

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 11:36:00 +0200

KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier got pole-position for tomorrow's fifth round of the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship after winning today's qualifying race in Senkvice, Slovakia. KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier was in charge of the holeshot with Francesca Nocera right behind but soon Laier stole the lead away from fellow German after passing Nocera who went down another position. Chiara Fontanesi, who had been the fastest on free and pre-qualifying sessions, went after the two KTM's at the front and eventually got pass Papenmeier who kept with the Italian on a very similar pace for some laps. In fourth came Francesca Nocera followed by Britt van der Wekken. While these two were finishing with twelve seconds between them, it was the fight for sixth place that was getting the crowd's attention with Justine Charroux and Sara Pettersson. The French ended up in front with the Regenta Racing rider not too far behind. Swiss rider Virginie Germond finished eighth very close to the Swede, and the battle for best Eastern rider may have just begun as Jana Antosova from the Czech Republic and our WMX regular and sixth on pre-qualifying, Polish rider Joanna Miller, closed the top-ten. Stephanie Laier: "I felt ok with the track although the start is very strange, I belove more than a half of us wheeled while getting out of the gate and also me, I was like seventh or eighth. After two laps I was first and I tried this time to ride 'smooth'. It's not difficult to ride here but it's not much technical, it's like wide open, I would prefer if it would rain..." Larissa Papenmeier: "At the beginning I had to look for my lines but I had fun riding. The track is awesome, Laier and Chiara passed me but in some parts I was faster and on others it was her… It's ok for the qualifying race." Chiara Fontanesi: "I believe I can be good tomorrow as I like the track; it's just a little bit too fast and that's why it will be difficult to make the difference here. I had a bad start but when I got to second I was only checking on my speed and Steffi's lines. Larissa is fast on other tracks but here she's very fast so there will be some nice battles tomorrow for sure." WMX Qualifying Race top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 19:57.829; ; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:08.674; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +0:09.334; 4. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), +0:47.047; 5. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +0:59.775; 6. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:03.541; 7. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:07.520; 8. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), +1:09.135; 9. Jana Antosova (CZE, KTM), +1:11.364; 10. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), +1:15.291;

MX3 and WMX head East

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:39:00 +0200

The FIM MX3 and WMX Motocross World Championships are back East and this time in Senkvice, Slovakia as the warm weather keeps following both championship's tour, now on their fifth rounds on the 25th June weekend.

With the 2011 season coming to its half, all results are now starting to be seen in a more tactical way by the MX3 and WMX riders as they face the fast hard-pack Senkvice track this weekend.

MX3

Pellicari's team rider Julien Bill comes to Senkvice with a 19 point lead on the Championship over French UFO-Racing team rider Milko Potisek the only rider to get an overall win this year apart from the all dominant Bill who has five moto wins to his name.

Potisek needs to improve his results quick as he's now losing ground to the Swiss series leader and the Senkvice round could might just do that for him as he was second on the podium last year.

Martin Michek is also threatening to claim victory in a short future as the R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider just upper his game and got closer to Potisek during the last weekend in Umbria being only 12 points behind the French.

Antii Pyrhonen is currently sitting in fourth in the Championship and he is surely motivated to get inside the top-three as his fitness after-injury improves. The 'cool' Finn is only 14 points behind Michek.

In Fifth is Motoman's team rider Martin Zerava who has been slowly getting on the pace while guarantying good results and is ahead of Italian Marco Maddii by only one point.

2010 MX3 PODIUM:

1. Carlos Campano
2. Milko Potisek
3. Alex Salvini

WMX

Chiara Fontanesi's assault on the WMX Championship lead has yet to wait as she wasn't able to capitalise at her home event last weekend in Castiglione de Lago even being the fastest on Saturday and winning one of Sundays' motos.

Current number one is still KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier who has won everything this year but the round in Finland where Fontanesi rehearsed her offensive in Italy a week later.

KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier lost a bit of ground on the Championship points with Chiara's wins and is currently third with minus fifteen for the Italian.

The fight for the following positions has also been exciting and is now coming to its peak with a 'Dutch-Battle' between ADS-MXN Putoline team rider Mariëlle de Mol and Britt van der Wekken for the fourth position on the championship standings with only two points separating them.

Not too far from these two, with only ten points difference are Francesca Nocera and Regenta Racing rider Sara Pettersson with the exact same 95 points each.

Closing the top-ten are Anne Borchers, Virginie Germond and Shirley Verkade who thanks to their good latest performances are on the pace to climb on the standings.

Laier stands firm in Umbria

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:33:00 +0200

Stephanie Laier wins the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship round of Umbria after a much anticipated fight with Italian's favourite Chiara Fontanesi at the Castiglione del Lago track in Italy.

The German KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider came to Umbria with the difficult task of holding her position as points leader as Chiara was coming strong from her Finnish round double moto win and was showing an improved speed during all weekend.

Winning the first moto of the day after passing Laier wasn't enough to thank the numerous Italian fans present as the German rider kept fighting back. After getting the holeshot on both motos, Laier led the second outing from start to finish, lapping everyone until seventh and at the same time ruining the party on Fontanesi's playground, keeping the gap to her advantage on the WMX Championship.

In third came KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier who didn't have the best weekend, having crashed on Saturday's qualifying, not being able to get in the middle of the 'Fonta-Laier' battle although the German did try, following Laier very close on the first moto but never getting the chance to pass.

Fourth was ADS-MXN Putoline team rider Mariëlle de Mol with a 4-5 result after being involved on a great fight during the first moto with Francesca Nocera who wasn't lucky on the second outing handing the prize for second best Italian rider to Floriana Parrini who was feeling right at her home ground and finished tenth overall.

Britt van der Wekken ended up being fifth overall defending well her fourth spot on the second moto followed by Shirley Verkade and Regenta Racing's Sara Pettersson both having two solid results on the Umbrian track.

Best result of the year so far for Swiss rider Virginie Germond in eighth following a start in fourth on the first race and ninth was French Justine Charroux.

Stephanie Laier: "This was much better than Finland for me because I was very tired and without energy; I still don't feel 100% and had to push until my limits because Chiara and Larissa were very fast today so on the first heat I made a lot of mistakes. I wanted to give more but my body just wouldn't allow me; I just hope to get better and go over this problem in the next weeks. I'm happy to get the overall win obviously; I actually liked the track more on the second moto as it was much rougher which I prefer."

Chiara Fontanesi: "I wanted also to win the second moto but I started in third and lost a lot of time while trying to pass Larissa as the track was all muddy and slippery with only one good line. The track was so difficult and I didn't want to take any risk, still, I was surprised with my riding as I'm not that good on hard pack tracks. When I saw that it was not possible to go any further I just thought of staying in second without losing any points."

Larissa Papenmeier: "The first heat was ok; we were all together although I knew that Chiara was a bit faster. I had a nice gap to Steffi which I closed but then I was really unlucky with while passing the riders at the back. I like the track more on the first heat, the second one had too much water I think but I'm happy with the races today."

WMX Race 1 top-ten: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 25:18.221; ; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), +0:01.661; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +0:06.667; 4. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), +1:17.192; 5. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), +1:19.481; 6. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:45.161; 7. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), +1:48.144; 8. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:58.081; 9. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), +2:03.811; 10. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), -1 lap(s);

WMX Race 2 top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 25:03.246; ; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:27.445; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +1:12.278; 4. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:38.691; 5. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), +1:42.440; 6. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), +1:57.599; 7. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), -1 lap(s); 8. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), -1 lap(s); 9. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), -1 lap(s); 10. Floriana Parrini (ITA, KTM), -1 lap(s);

WMX Overall top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 47 points; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 47 p.; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), 34 p.; 5. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 33 p.; 6. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), 27 p.; 7. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 26 p.; 8. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 26 p.; 9. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), 21 p.; 10. Floriana Parrini (ITA, KTM), 20 p.;

WMX Championship top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 166 points; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 157 p.; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 142 p.; 4. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), 107 p.; 5. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 105 p.; 6. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), 95 p.; 7. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 95 p.; 8. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 73 p.; 9. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 67 p.; 10. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), 63 p.;

Fontanesi sets the pace in Castiglione del Lago

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 11:21:00 +0200

It seems like the warm weather followed the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship from Finland as today's qualifying race was a double challenge for Italian Chiara Fontanesi, who got pole position for tomorrow's WMX Umbria round in Castiglione del Lago, Italy.

Riding at her home-country's track, Fontanesi was clearly faster in the practice sessions, an average of three seconds per lap, from her main opponent KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier. However, the differences wouldn't be so expressive in the afternoon qualifying race as Steffi got the holeshot and led the race for the first lap.

Already starting to become regular in the WMX Championship, another 'Fonta-Laier' battle took place, with Fontanesi taking the lead followed very close by Laier for the entire duration of the ten lap's race and crossing the line with less than a second difference which sounds like a good prospect for tomorrow's race.

Francesca Nocera had a great start in third finishing in the same undisputed position but arriving 52 seconds behind the first two riders who built such a large gap while busy on their private duel.

Britt van der Wekken finished fourth following a good start and Anne Borchers ended up behind the Dutch after recovering from twelfth at the start. Coming from even further back was KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier who crashed at the first lap forcing her to recover up until sixth from a 23rd position.

Regenta Racing rider Sara Pettersson ended up in seventh managing to pass at the very end Swiss rider Virginie Vermond who rode in fifth half-way through the race but still getting the eighth spot on tomorrow's starting grid.

Justine Charroux finished ninth after coming from a bad start in 15th position although fifth during the practice sessions. This is the French rider's first appearance on this year's FIM WMX World Championship, currently second in her home series.

Morane de Barquin closes the top-ten for tomorrow's races; the Belgian rider was on a great fourth position after the gate dropped though finishing with a two minute gap for the leader.

Chiara Fontanesi: "It would be nice to win here as it is my home country, many friends came to support me and I want to show them what I can do as last year in Fermo I was second. I don't like this kind of dirt here, I definitely prefer the sand. I could see that my speed was ok so tomorrow I just need a good start and taking it easy and fun like in Finland. I believe Laier was already on her limit as she surely doesn't want to be second again so we'll see tomorrow."

Stephanie Laier: "This time I switched the game around, I was first but I also wanted to see where Chiara was faster, what she can do by the way she rides. The last laps were better than the first part of the race where I did a lot of mistakes but I always came back. If I don't do those mistakes again where I did them it will be easier tomorrow."

Francesca Nocera: "I would love to finish on the podium tomorrow obviously. I'm happy with this race as I had a very good start and I could go fast, but not too fast as the race is only tomorrow. I rode here three years ago and I like this track very much so I'll try to do my best here."

WMX Qualifying Race top-ten : 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 19:58.516; ; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), +0:00.754; 3. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), +0:52.276; 4. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:10.906; 5. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:17.724; 6. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +1:18.343; 7. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:38.089; 8. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), +1:38.398; 9. Justine Charroux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:39.186; 10. Morane de Barquin (BEL, Honda), +2:05.944.

MX3/ WMX at Castiglione del Lago –The return of a classic

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:52:00 +0200

The FIM MX3 and Women's Motocross World Championship continues this weekend 18th June in Castiglione del Lago, in the Umbria region of Italy, putting the Crossodromo Internazionale "Vinicio Rosadi" back on the International Motocross calendar.

The Moto Club Trasimeno "G. Capecchi" held several international events in the 1575 meters long 'Crossodromo' over the years, seeing renowned winners such as Eric Geboers in 1982, Jean-Michel Bayle in 1988 or, more recently, Ben Townley in 2005.

MX3

As a result of his 1-1 score in last weekend's round of Finland, Pellicari team's Swiss rider Julien Bill will be totally committed to do it again and keep hold of his recently conquered red plate as series leader. It is actually a return to this track for Bill as he finished second overall on the MX3 class behind Yves Demaria in 2005, the last international event held in the Umbrian track.

UFO-Racing team's Milko Potisek is still recovering from his Finnish 'shake' where he lost the lead on the championship after a tense weekend with too many mistakes. The French rider will certainly fight back together with R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek who has not yet materialised his good performances with a win as they've been shared only by Bill and Potisek.

The same goes with fourth in the championship, Antii Pyrhonen, who tried to go for a victory at his home round. The Finn is getting faster and improving his results on every round after being away with injury and will definitely have a word to say on the tough Italian track.

Marco Maddi , the Italian privateer from Montevarchi is currently sitting in fifth overall and will want to do well in front of his fans together with a fine group of Italian entries in addition to previous MX3 title contenders like Cristian Beggi or French rider Christophe Martin.

WMX

Chiara Fontanesi last weekend's overall win in Finland is surely boosting ticket sales for the Umbrian WMX round as the Italian will try to repeat the experience and take the Italian 'tifosi' to total exhilaration . Same goes to Francesca Nocera who has been improving her speed since the series started over two months ago in Sevlievo and currently sits fourth in the series.

Current red plate holder, KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier, will fight for the lead as the Finnish round only meant trouble for the German rider, feeling sick throughout the weekend.

KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier saw her second place in the standings fade out with Chiara's win and will definitely take part on the equation for the final podium.

Actual fifth in the championship, ADS-MXN Putoline team rider Mariëlle de Mol showed up strong in Finland climbing in the championship standings until fifth and is eager to get on the top-three as well as Britt van der Wekken and Regenta Racing's Sara Pettersson.

Italian FIM Women's Motocross World Championship regulars Floriana Parrini and Erica Lago should also be up for a good result in front of their home crowd.

Fontanesi too strong in Finland

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:25:00 +0200

Chiara Fontanesi broke the tradition on the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship by winning both motos on the Vantaa-Speedway motocross track in Finland and being the first Italian WMX rider to get an overall win since the series began in 2008, positioning herself as a serious contender for this year's title. Fontanesi just won some brand new enthusiastic Finnish fans who were holding their breath while watching the defiant Italian getting pass second place Larissa Papenmeier and race leader Steffi Laier on the very last lap and winning the first race of the day. Steffi Laier struggled physically during all weekend lacking energy and although not at her best, the KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider still managed to get second overall not allowing Fontanesi and Papenmeier much advantage on the Championship. German KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier played safe and got third place overall right in front of Marielle De Mol who took her TM for two consistent fifth place rides. Francesca Nocera finished right behind with the same points but on a 4-7 result after having a good first race start in front of Papenmeier. Shirley Verkade could finally show good speed and got sixth overall thanks to a good fourth place in race two followed by fellow Dutch Britt van der Wekken. Regenta Racing rider Sara Pettersson, Anne Borchers and Swiss rider Virginie Germond closed the top-ten overall. The FIM WMX World Championship continues next weekend 18th June in Castiglione del Lago, Italy, for its fourth round. Chiara Fontanesi: "Today the first moto was difficult because I had a bad start and after that I crashed so it took me a while to get on the pace. I was mostly thinking about having fun on the bike because I like this track and riding on sand so in the end I saw that I could go for the win and I passed them. Although I am used to the warm weather it was not easy to ride in the end. I did well in Italy last year so I want to give my best at my home round next weekend." Larissa Papenmeier: "The first heat was pretty good; we were all fighting together and it was a lot of fun riding on the track. Then on the second heat I had a good start and I think I pushed too much at the beginning and I just couldn't find my rhythm back again and they pulled away so I just thought of keeping the third place." Steffi Laier: "When I woke up this morning I felt sick and tired partly due to the two days without getting any sleep while travelling up here as all the ferries were overbooked so I felt very tired the whole weekend. I've been on a bad shape since last week and need to do some tests before going to Italy. Second place was really the best that I could do under these conditions." WMX Race 1 top-ten: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 25:42.310; ; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), +0:01.518; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +0:01.830; 4. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), +0:59.413; 5. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), +1:07.712; 6. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:08.797; 7. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:11.187; 8. Marianne Veenstra (NED, Suzuki), +1:24.497; 9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:36.124; 10. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), WMX Race 2 top-ten: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 24:18.979; ; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), +0:07.367; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), +0:40.562; 4. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), +1:07.918; 5. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), +1:13.456; 6. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), +1:16.484; 7. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), +1:28.241; 8. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), +1:38.423; 9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:48.105; 10. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), -1 lap(s); WMX Overall top-ten: 1. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 50 points; 2. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), 32 p.; 5. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), 32 p.; 6. Shirley Verkade (NED, KTM), 29 p.; 7. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 29 p.; 8. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 28 p.; 9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 24 p.; 10. Virginie Germond (SUI, Suzuki), 17 p. WMX Championship top-ten: 1. Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 119 points; 2. Chiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), 110 p.; 3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, KTM), 102 p.; 4. Francesca Nocera (ITA, KTM), 76 p.; 5. Marielle De Mol (NED, TM), 73 p.; 6. Britt van der Wekken (NED, Honda), 72 p.; 7. Sara Pettersson (SWE, KTM), 69 p.; 8. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), 59 p.; 9. Marianne Veenstra (NED, Suzuki), 55 p.; 10. Joanna Miller (POL, KTM), 44 p.

Laier on the lead in Vantaa

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:54:00 +0200

It's the first time a FIM Women's World Championship round is held in Vantaa and the crowd couldn't be more pleased as well as the riders who are happy to show their skills on the fast Finnish track after the windy race in Sevlievo and the rainy one in Greece. On the Vantaa-Speedway venue the temperatures reached 28 degrees on a perfectly prepared track. KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier started the day by being the fastest in free-practice although on a boiling hot pre-qualifying session had to give it up to Chiara Fontanesi and KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier. In the afternoon's qualifying race they made the top-three once more with Steffi leading the race almost from start to finish as Papenmeier got the holeshot but crashed while attacking one slippery corner having to recover positions from seventh to third. Chiara had an average start and sat on second place after passing Elin Mann's Regenta Racing team rider Sara Pettersson who got a great start managing to hold in second and then third, only giving it up to a faster Papenmeier. While the first three riders continue to break up from the rest of the pack with at least one second per lap, the competition is clearly catching up and the group fighting for fourth place will soon see its 'dissident' on the podium. Sara Pettersson, Francesca Nocera, Anne Borchers and Marianne Veenstra were the main candidates on today's qualifying race after Marielle de Mol having a small crash right after the start. Britt van der Wekken, Marie Petersen and Joanna Miller closed the top-ten but still on the same lap as the winner. One of the main Finnish riders, Ria Virtanen crashed during practice and also Sanna Kärkkäinen while practicing to the make her debut on this FIM WMX round in her home country. Steffi Laier
"I was expecting the track to have more sand and harder to ride. I think that it will be again Chiara and Larissa tomorrow. I don't know if Larissa was riding 100% but she should be the strongest one." Chiara Fontanesi
"I think I started in sixth or seventh position. Between me and Steffi the riders were not as fast so she could get her rhythm but I couldn't. When I got to second I saw that I could get closer to Steffi but I hold the position and I'll try to do it tomorrow instead. I like the sand and I think this track can make a difference." Larissa Papenmeier
"Good start -crash! (laughs) I had the holeshot but I couldn't turn in the corner because it was too slippery. Steffi and Sara went pass and then I tried to pass Sara and crashed. I like this track; it's fun but not so easy to pass! I'm looking forward for tomorrow!" WMX Qualifying Race : 1 Laier, Stephanie GER, 2 Fontanesi, Chiara ITA, 3 Papenmeier, Larissa GER, 4 Pettersson, Sara SWE, 5 Nocera, Francesca ITA, 6 Borchers, Anne GER, 7 Veenstra, Marianne NED, 8 van der Wekken, Britt NED, 9 Pettersen, Marie S. NOR, 10 Miller, Joanna POL

MX3 and WMX are back to action in Vantaa

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:25:00 +0200

Following a required break from the first two opening rounds in April, both FIM MX3 and WMX Motocross Championships set off to Finland and land right beside the Helsinki airport on the Vantaa Motocross track where some of the 'purest' Finnish gravel can be found.

The riders are actually keeping warm but not due to usual cold; the land of the thousand lakes is offering this weekend's MX3 and WMX participants a really warm welcome in the form of clear skies with temperatures forecasted to almost reach the 30 degrees mark.

MX3

With a total of only three motos disputed after the cancellation due to a heavy rain fall on the second one in Megalopolis, Greece, the current leader of the 2011 FIM MX3 World Championship, UFO-Racing team rider Milko Potisek, has only a three points' advantage over his main rival Pellicari team's Julien Bill, so the strain between them will most certainly continue on the Finnish track this weekend.

After these two together with Dmitri Parshin been the main contenders to the lead on the first Greek round, a week later in Troyan, Bulgaria, the R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek got in the mix as well as Motoman's Martin Zerava and Antii Pyrhönen.

The famous #213 Finn is eager to give his crowd the win they've been waiting for after being totally dominant in both motos two years ago just before his leg injury which kept him away of the competition for the whole 2010 season.

Last year's third overall, Estonian Betoni-KTM rider Juss Laansoo and the current fifth in the championship, Marco Maddii will surely want a piece of the action too and will be fighting to get on the podium.

2010 MX3 PODIUM:
1. Carlos Campano
2. Toni Eriksson
3. Juss Laansoo

WMX

The FIM Women's Motocross World Championship is also on the go having its premiere in Vantaa. German KTM Red Bull Teka Factory team rider Steffi Laier leads the way on the series after winning the three motos ridden so far. Second overall is another German, KTM Sarholz team's Larissa Papenmeier who has constantly been on the pace together with Italian rider Chiara Fontanesi, who already established herself this year as the main 'intruder' on the German force.

Francesca Nocera is currently sitting in fourth on the championship and is after her maiden podium although with several others to keep her company; Britt van der Wekken, Marianne Veenstra, Sara Petterson and Marielle de Mol all follow the Italian after regularly scoring precious points so it's all wide open as only a single point separates them until the seventh spot on overall table.

German Suzuki rider Anne Borchers and Joanna Miller from Poland on a two-stroke KTM close the current top-ten although we haven't seen their best yet. Finnish Women's Motocross champion Sanna Kärkkäinen is finally having her debut on a WMX round and what a better way to make it than in front of her home crowd.