A totally dominant display on home soil for the opening round gave Killian and Evan Prunier the red plate, and a mountain of confidence as they eye up the next encounter. Unbeaten in France, they very much hope to repeat that form in the Czech Republic at the famously technical track of Kramolin. Depending on weather conditions, the Nepomuk Club venue can be a track of two parts, with its fast down-hill sequence of jumps where fortune favours the brave, and the intricate climbs and turns back up to the final hill onto the start/finish straight.
The championship came away from France with a totally different look. Defending champion Koen Hermans did not have a good weekend, emerging ninth in the points some thirty behind the new red plate holders. He and his new passenger Dion Rietman now have a point to prove, and both have a good record in Kramolin.
Former multiple champion Marvin Vanluchene was cleverly nursing new passenger Robbe de Veene as he finished two immensely brave races carrying a heavily bruised right leg. They managed fifth place in the standings, some twenty-five behind Prunier. However, on returning home to have the injury assessed, the damage was found to be far worse than anyone thought at the time, with the result immediate and extensive surgery is required. This means Robbe is out for this year, and probably for good. A release from the camp has confirmed the seriousness of the situation. Either way, the hunt is on for a suitable replacement with days to spare.
Another top team failing to score well in France were nineteen-year-old Latvian twins Daniel and Bruno Lielbardis. Serious right wrist injuries and subsequent surgery is far from healed, so they were also struggling through the pain barrier. But the points table looks fascinating, with Brett Wilkinson and Joe Millard lying second just seven points off Prunier, and Tim and Sem Leferink third, just one point ahead of new pairing Tim Prummer and Patrick Schneider. These four teams are already in a strong position with all of them having good previous form in Kramolin.
With just one round gone, and twenty-two races remaining, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend as the new season gets into its stride. Kramolin is always something of a party atmosphere with overnight camping facilities and a busy refreshment tent. The new FIM Quadcross World Championship is also on the programme, so it will be non-stop action and entertainment.
We’re all geared up for another thrilling weekend and will be bringing you Saturday Qualifying and Sunday races as they happen with full commentary both days. FIM-MOTO.TV Live Stream details are here on the website, and the countdown is running, so keep an eagle eye for new information and all other news as it becomes available on www.fimsidecarcross.com along with all our social media outlets.
From Barry Nutley
