After his good results one week ago at Sommières, Valentin Guillod was once more fighting for podium results at the opening round of the French Elite series. Fastest rider in both races, he came back on the podium with a third overall despite some bad starts.
Team Ship To Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR discover a new layout at Lacapelle Marival, as the track has been renovated for this first round of the French Elite. Fourth in the timed practice period Valentin Guillod didn’t got the best start in the first moto but came back third, fastest rider on track ahead of Jeffrey Herlings. His second moto was impressive, as he was last after an early crash and came back fourth, again fastest rider on track! Third overall, he’s ready for the first GP!
After a sixth position in the timed practice session and in the first moto, Stephen Rubini was fifth in the second race when he crashed and dislocated his shoulder; the shoulder was immediately back in place, and Stephen will undergo additional examinations today. Same fate for Emil Weckman who was fifth in the first MX2 heat when a shock on the knee forced him to retire and only in-depth examinations will reveal whether it is the meniscus or the ligaments that are affected.
Josse Sallefranque: “Mixed day, we experienced the best with Valentin who finish on the podium while posting the best lap time in the two races, he was the fastest man on the track. Bad starts and small falls prevent him from doing better than third. More difficult day for the other riders, Stephen was fifth in the second heat when he dislocated his shoulder falling at the start of a jump, the positive point is that the shoulder was immediately put back in place. Same for Emil who was fifth when his foot hit the ground in a rut as he felt severe pain in his knee; he will have examinations today. Injuries are part of this sport, but it’s hard to accept especially when it happens so early in the season.”
UPDATE: It seems like Weckman has got the all clear from the doctors as he posted the following update: “Excited for the weekend! let the new season begin”. He will take to the line at Argentina this weekend.
Valentin Guillod: 3/4, 3rd overall and in the championship
Stephen Rubini: 6/DNF, 13rd overall and in the championship
Emil Weckman: DNF/DNS
Words: Press Release
Image: Mediacross