Cairoli wins incredible GP
The legend, Antonio Cairoli just rode possibly the greatest GP victory ever. On a circuit that was impossible to pass, after a rough first corner, and a crash in turn two, that put him back in 25th place, the Red Bull KTM Factory rider put together a masterclass as one by one he passed his competition, passing Evgeny Bobryshev on the last lap to steal the GP victory from Tim Gajser.
Going 1-2 the Italian was running on adrenaline and as he sang his national anthem on the podium, a young man next to him, Tim Gajser looked on in disappointment. It’s going to be a classic MXGP season as the veteran, the eight-time world motocross champion continues to try and fight off the challenge of the young lion from Slovenia.
Antonio Cairoli: You know, I got pushed off the track from Tim in the first corner and I didn’t appreciate that, but its racing, then I crashed on the second corner and I made some good passes. I had to win this GP, and I am so happy for the fans. I think this was my best GP victory, or right up there. The start was important and I got stuck and crashed and I got hit by some riders. I worked hard and I was angry and I kept going and I saw it was possible to win, passing on this track so difficult.
Tim Gajser: I am really happy, you know, even if I finish second. Tony was fast today. I had arm pump in the first raced and the second moto I had the holeshot and controlled the race and really enjoyed that race. I could hear the crowd in every corner, the crowd was just amazing. I am really looking forward to Valkenswaard.
Arnaud Tonus: It was great, a little surprised to finish on the podium. They told me I had to pass Gautier to get on the podium, so I was surprised I got it. I am really happy for the team and thanks to everyone for supporting me.
Gajser impressive as he took the lead in the second MXGP moto, pushing Cairoli aside, in the first corner, Herlings finally gets a start and is in third place. Cairoli caught in a crash and is back in 15th place.
Top 15 after one lap was Gajser, Bobryshev, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Desalle, Paulin, Nagl, Tonus, Van Horebeek, Lupino, Butron, Valentin, Cairoli, and Graulus.
After three laps Gajser held a two second lead over Bobryshev, with Herlings a further two seconds back, then came Desalle, Coldenhoff, Paulin, Tonus, Nagl, Van Horebeek and Lupino in 10th.
Cairoli making passes all over the place as he moves into 10th place. Paulin all over Coldenhoff, but passing isn’t easy and Paulin seemed to have settled in behind the Dutchman, then suddenly makes a pass on a quick corner.
Cairoli passed Van Horebeek, and sets out after Nagl. Amazingly Cairoli is in sight of Herlings, with a handful of riders between them. Watching Cairoli ride is just brilliant.
After nine laps Gajser leads by three second to Bobryshev, then Herlings who is now 10 seconds back in third, followed by Desalle, Paulin, Tonus, Cairoli, and Coldenhoff.
The way Cairoli is riding he should get up to at least fourth. He is six seconds behind Herlings and 15 seconds behind Gajser. Cairoli onto Tonus, and just ahead of them is Paulin.
Cairoli is amazing, his block pass on Tonus was aggressive, but he is on fire and now about to set up Paulin. Desalle is also close enough to get the Kawasaki rider.
After 14 laps Cairoli block passes Paulin in the same way he did to Tonus, aggressive, but it’s beautiful to watch the legend riding like this. Desalle will be the next victim.
Herlings is also just ahead of Desalle, he won’t be able to stop the Italians run.
After 15 laps its Gajser by four seconds to Bobryshev, Herlings is five seconds off Gajser, then came Desalle, Cairoli, Paulin, Tonus, Van Horebeek, Nagl, and Strijbos in 10th.
Time running out for Cairoli to get to Herlings and equal points to Gajser. Bobryshev has lost some time and Cairoli is now right behind Herlings and the Russian as he block passes Desalle in the same place he got Tonus and Paulin.
Cairoli onto Herlings with two laps to go. This is just brilliant from Cairoli. This is ridiculous, he passes Herlings in the same spot as the others, again a block pass on Herlings.
One lap to go and Cairoli tries to set up Bobryshev, you know where he will pass him don’t you?
Cairoli takes Bobryshev in the same spot. He takes the GP overall. Maybe his best GP victory ever.
MXGP – Overall Classification
1 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 25 22 47
2 243 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS HON 20 25 45
3 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI FMS YAM 22 14 36
4 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MFR HON 14 20 34
5 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM HUS 18 15 33
6 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB KAW 16 16 32
7 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB YAM 15 13 28
8 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 7 18 25
9 12 Nagl, Maximilian GER DMSB HUS 10 12 22
10 27 Jasikonis, Arminas LTU LMSF SUZ 9 10 19
MXGP – Championship Classification
1 243 Gajser, Tim SLO HON 201
2 222 Cairoli, A. ITA KTM 183
3 25 Desalle, C. BEL KAW 151
4 777 Bobryshev, E. RUS HON 145
5 21 Paulin, G. FRA HUS 145
6 89 Van Horebeek, J. BEL YAM 144
7 461 Febvre, Romain FRA YAM 106
8 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI YAM 101
9 12 Nagl, M. GER HUS 95
10 22 Strijbos, K. BEL SUZ 90
11 24 Simpson, Shaun GBR YAM 88
12 84 Herlings, J. NED KTM 84