Race19 juillet 2021
MXGP of Czech Republic: This weekend took the fifth Grand Prix of the 2021 Motocross World Championship in Loket.
MXGP
Jorge Prado scales the podium for the first time this season and for first MXGP success of 2021 while Jeffrey Herlings sits out the Grand Prix due to left shoulder blade fracture.
Jorge Prado: “It’s great to be back on the box. It was also great to take the holeshot in the first moto but I really had to focus on my lines to get that first moto win of the year. The track was really rough by the second moto and so physical but I gave as much as I could. I tried to ride as smooth as I can. I’m so happy to get my first ‘overall’ of the season, let’s try to keep it going. I’m getting better and better each weekend.”
Tony Cairoli: “I’m happy with the weekend. It was a very difficult track. If you had a good start then it’s easy to finish on the podium but if not then it’s hard to come through the pack. I was disappointed with the first moto, we messed up the start but the second moto pace was good and so was my condition because there were so many bumps. It’s positive for the championship. I’m feeling really good this year and I’m enjoying my racing. I’m consistent and looking forward to the next races.”
MX2
MX2 rookie Mattia Guadagnini is the first rider in the class to post two Grands Prix victories in 2021 after succeeding in Italy and now the Czech Republic.
Mattia Guadagnini: “The first win is always special but I’m really happy to be back on the top of the box. Today was really good. I had the holeshot in the first race and it wasn’t easy but when you started first you can ride alone and it’s less complicated. I had a good start in the second race but I had a small crash: it didn’t cost me much time but I was down to 4th. My final position was enough for the overall and I’m pleased enough. We go to Lommel now and it’s not my favorite track but I have some good memories. I’ll hope to be on the podium again.”
Rene Hofer: “It feels good to end the day on a high…but it was the same story of one moto being pretty good and the other one not so much. I’ve had a bit of a problem when I’m deep in the pack with the other riders. I cannot really find my flow. However, we made some changes for the second moto today and it worked. We got some good points and I think I can be satisfied. We’ll go into the ‘sandbox’ in Lommel next week hopeful for more!It was good to have Tom back. We have a good relationship and hopefully Jeffrey is also back with us soon.”
Tom Vialle: “The day started really well: I had a great start and slotted into 2nd. I didn’t have much pain in my hand but physically it was hard because I haven’t raced for a while and I had to had my hand immobilized for 17 days before coming here! In the second moto I made a little mistake at the start. I already have the green light from the doctor to be able to train this week so we’ll aim for two strong motos and better in Lommel.”
Motocross World Championship 2021, Round 5 – Loket (Czech Republic)
MXGP
1. Jorge Prado (KTM)
2. Antonio Cairoli (KTM)
MX2
1. Mattia Guadagnini (KTM)
7. Rene Hofer (KTM)
11. Tom Vialle (KTM)
12. Isak Gifting (GasGas)
13. Simon Längenfelder (GasGas)
22. Gianluca Facchetti (Honda)
25. Stephen Rubini (Honda)
credits: press.ktm.com and gasgas press center
follow: Airoh Helmet Racing
