[2010-05-25] Race Report UEM EMX European Championship Cingol Italy
Last weekend, the MX track of Cingoli hosted the third round of the Goldspeed European Championship. With the rain pouring down on Saturday, the race was delayed to Sunday.
On Sunday, the qualification and the race took place. We took some time to sit down with Joe Maessen after to race, to review his third round.
“ We had the qualifying today, because of the bad weather yesterday. The condition of the track was actually better than I expected. I went with the 9 inch tires because of the water and ruts on the track. I had some problems with putting down a fast lap, due to some slower riders. But, I ended up seventh. I can choice my start position on the inside, which is still more than good enough.”
“The first start was good for me. I was fourth or fifth in the first corner. I made a small mistake and lost a few places. Due to the back markers, I could close the gap again and advance a few places. Although, it wasn’t easy to pass the back markers, since there was only one good riding line. I ended as sixth, which isn’t bad. Since I ended short after the other riders.”
“Second race, I had again a good start in fourth position. I could hold that place for about fifteen minutes. Then, I had a puncture in my rear tire. So, I lost a little bit of air. This made it difficult to stay in fourth position and so I lost a few places. I think I was able to stay fourth without the puncture. But, the punctured tire made it hard to turn left. So, I couldn’t go as fast anymore. I ended as ninth, considering the punctured tire is still decent.”
“ In the third moto, I could leave as eighth or ninth. I had the speed of the first riders in the beginning, but then I felt a bit back. Due to the back markers, I could close the gap again. I finished as sixth, which is good. Considering that it isn’t easy to overtake here.”
I went out the first and second heat on the 9 inch in the rear and the GOLDSPEED SX 21inch in front. This made it possible to choice other riding lines. The last race I changed the rear tire to the GOLDSPEED MXR2’s. This gave me some problems in the start. Not knowing exactly which gear I had to use in the turns. But once the first laps were over, I went very smooth.
The speed in this Championship is very high at the moment. All riders are extremely fast. In combination with the great tracks, this makes it a really good championship. I’m looking forward to the next race.
