KTM Press Newsletter

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KTM NORTH AMERICA
AMA National Enduro; Round 2, Greensboro, GA (20.03.2006)
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The Enduro series moved to Georgia for the second round of the AMA National series and KTM Off-Road rider Mike Lafferty placed third, continuing to hold the series points lead.

The conditions were great for Enduro racing with a cool overcast day and tight wooded sections with nine challenging segments. Lafferty got off to an usually slow start but soon bounced back and regained precious points at the first and second gas stops. Russell Bobbitt, Mike Lafferty and Stephan Edmonson went check for check until the end of the race, where Bobbitt edged out Edmonson by 19 seconds for the win.

AMA National Enduro Results, Greensboro GA

1. Russell Bobbitt KTM
2. Steven Edmonson KTM
3. Mike Lafferty KTM
4. Jason Chancey KTM
5. Rich Lafferty KTM
6. Nick Faringer
7. Mike Grizzle KTM
8. Fred Hoess
9. Andrew Kendrick
10. Tommy Veator KTM

Everts takes another win at Valance

19/3/2006

Rinaldi Yamaha rider Stefan Everts continued his victorious pre-season form by taking another overall triumph at the Valance International in France yesterday.

The Belgian and reigning MX1 World Champion has won every major ‘warm-up’ event since the motocross calendar cranked into life at Mantova, Italy in February. His fifth success in as many weeks arrived thanks to another 1-1 set of results. He holeshotted both motos and enjoyed a tussle with KTM’s Mickael Pichon in the first race before defeating his great rival. In the second sprint he controlled the heat from the first turn until the chequered flag.

“In the first race I holeshotted but I had a small crash after a few laps and that put me back to fourth,” he said. “Two laps later I had worked my way back to second and was attacking Pichon. It was a difficult track to pass and we had a tough battle; it must have been quite spectacular for the fans! Towards the end I was able to make a pass and won the heat.” “In the second moto my start was again very good,” he added. “Another holeshot meant that I was able to lead from start to finish. After fifteen minutes I already had a small gap over the others.”

Everts has now guided the YZ 450FM to the top of the podium in Belgium, Italy, France (twice) and the United Kingdom and is perfectly placed to stretch the run into the first round of the 2006 FIM World Championships that will take place on April 1st/2nd at Zolder in Belgium for the Grand Prix of Flanders.

“This was my last race until Zolder and the whole pre-season period has left me with a great feeling,” he concluded. “I will train hard for another few days and then take a small break before the first Grand Prix so that my body is fresh. To start so well in Valance was something incredible. Half of the race is won with a holeshot. In the past I have been struggling but we have worked on the bike and hopefully we will have a hard package to beat for the GPs.”

Cedric Melotte is still recovering from his injured wrist but was able to post results of 16th and 10th. Bike it Yamaha’s Julien Bill grabbed a decent 6th position in the second moto.

MX1 Moto1
1 Everts
2 Pichon
3 Tortelli
4 T.Leok
5 Leuret
6 Demaria
7 S.Pourcel
8 Friebergs
9 Martin
10 Theybers
16 Melotte

MX1 Moto2
1 Everts
2 Tortelli
3 Pichon
4 S.Pourcel
5 Leuret
6 Bill
7 Demaria
8 Breugelmans
9 Martin
10 Melotte

KTM Press Newsletter

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MOTOCROSS
MX1 — Valance International Tortelli and Pichon take podium spots in France (20.03.2006)
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Pichon fought with rampant defending World Champ Stefan Everts in the first race and was narrowly defeated after an exciting battle. In the second event it was Tortelli who clung onto the roost of Everts with Pichon in third.

After a busy pre-season developing the 450 SXF the two former Champions marked their best finishes of 2006 in the tricky French terrain and will now look towards Zolder and the Grand Prix of Flanders, the first round of fifteen in the 2006 contest, on April 1st/2nd.

“We still did not beat Everts but we managed to get very close and the distance is now minimal,” said KTM Motorsport Manager Kurt Nicoll who was present at Valance. “Sebastien was riding really well and made his best results of the pre-season. Mickael was fast and fought with Stefan for the first race win so it was an encouraging weekend. The first Grand Prix is almost here and we are happy with how the development of the team is coming along.”

Moto1

1 Stefan Everts. 2 Mickael Pichon. 3 Sebastien Tortelli. 4 Tanel Leok. 5 Pascal Leuret. 6 Yves Demaria. 7 Sebastien Pourcel. 8 Lauris Freibergs. 9 Christophe Martin. 10 Danny Theybers.

Moto2

1 Stefan Everts. 2 Sebastien Tortelli. 3 Mickael Pichon. 4 Sebastien Pourcel. 5 Pascal Leuret. 6 Julian Bill. 7 Yves Demaria. 8 Sven Breugelmans. 9 Christophe Martin. 10 Cedric Melotte

Enduro 1 : Sixth for Micheluz
Round: 1 - Sweden
Circuit: Östersund
Date: 19 March 2006
Crowd: 4500
Temp: 5ºC
Weather: Sunny

With UFO Corse Yamaha team rider Arnau Vilanova unable to compete in Sweden due to having injured his ribs while training for the event Italian Maurizio Micheluz competed as the team’s only E1 rider. Having never raced in winter conditions before Maurizio placed in sixth on both days showing that despite feeling far from at home in the cold, slippery conditions he was able to produce consistent results and finish both days comfortably inside the top 10.

Finn Petri Pohjamo and Spaniard Ivan Cervantes claimed a day win each in Sweden with Cervantes claiming the lead in the E1 championship standings ahead of Pohjamo and Sweden’s Peter Bergvall. Having finishing in sixth on both days Maurizio currently lies in sixth position in the E1 standings with seven rounds remaining.

Race classification Enduro 1

Round: 1 - Sweden
Circuit: Östersund
Lap Record: 62′ 47.770 (Ivan Cervantes, 2006)

Race: 1 Laps
Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Total Time
1 P. Pohjamo TM FIN 66′ 46.540
2 I. Cervantes KTM ESP +14.870
3 S. Albergoni Honda ITA +18.540
4 P. Bergvall Suzuki SWE +23.870
5 B. Oblucki Husqvarna POL +1′ 12.150
6 M. Micheluz Yamaha ITA +1′ 38.910
7 A. Belometti KTM ITA +1′ 51.230
8 R. Carlsson Yamaha SWE +2′ 0.710
9 H. Rodrigues Yamaha POR +2′ 12.900
10 F. Georgsson KTM SWE +2′ 15.440
11 M. Hartmann KTM GER +3′ 35.200
12 P. Olsson Yamaha SWE +5′ 19.130
13 L. Holm KTM FIN +5′ 2,704.000
14 F. Blanc KTM FRA +6′ 51.960

Race 2: 1 Laps
Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Total Time
1 I. Cervantes KTM ESP 62′ 47.770
2 P. Bergvall Suzuki SWE +26.490
3 B. Oblucki Husqvarna POL +27.690
4 P. Pohjamo TM FIN +44.910
5 S. Albergoni Honda ITA +48.440
6 M. Micheluz Yamaha ITA +1′ 17.840
7 A. Belometti KTM ITA +1′ 29.690
8 R. Carlsson Yamaha SWE +1′ 47.640
9 F. Georgsson KTM SWE +2′ 27.580
10 H. Rodrigues Yamaha POR +2′ 57.330
11 P. Olsson Yamaha SWE +3′ 43.390
12 M. Hartmann KTM GER +3′ 48.620
13 M. Andreasson Suzuki SWE +4′ 10.180
14 L. Holm KTM FIN +4′ 47.360
15 F. Blanc KTM FRA +6 ‘ 11.310
16 M. Wiberg Honda SWE +8′ 53.100

Fastest Race Lap:
Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Total Time
1 I. Cervantes KTM ESP 62′ 47.770

Championship standings Enduro 1

Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Points
1 Ivan Cervantes KTM ESP 47
2 Petri Pohjamo TM FIN 43
3 Peter Bergvall Suzuki SWE 40
4 Simone Albergoni Honda ITA 36
5 Bartosz Oblucki Husqvarna POL 36
6 Mauricio Micheluz Yamaha ITA 30
7 Alessandro Belometti KTM ITA 28
8 Robert Carlsson Yamaha SWE 26
9 Frederik Georgsson KTM SWE 23
10 Helder Rodrigues Yamaha POR 23
11 Mike Hartmann KTM GER 19
12 Pär Olsson Yamaha SWE 19
13 Leit Holm KTM FIN 15
14 Freddy Blanc KTM FRA 13
15 Matts Andreasson Suzuki SWE 8
16 Mikael Wiberg Honda SWE 5
17 Arnau Vilanova Yamaha ESP 0
18 Giuseppe Gallino Yamaha ITA 0
19 Philip Powderly TM IRL 0
20 Emilio Comotti Honda ITA 0

Manufacturers standings Enduro 1

Pos. Manufacturer Points
1 KTM 47
2 TM 43
3 Suzuki 40
4 Husqvarna 36
4 Honda 36
5 Yamaha 30

Enduro 2 : Aubert third on WEC debut
Round: 1 - Sweden
Circuit: Östersund
Date: 19 March 2006
Crowd: 4500
Temp: 5ºC
Weather: Sunny

UFO Corse Yamaha rider Johnny Aubert finished the opening round of the 2006 World Enduro Championship with two impressive third place positions in the competitive Enduro 2 class. Making his WEC debut at the Swedish event, the former motocross rider showed that not only is he a fast learner, but that he has the speed to challenge the series’ more established riders for podium positions. Placing less than one-minute behind class winner Samuli Aro on day one, Aubert managed to win one of the day’s special tests while remaining smooth, aggressive and consistent. On day two the Frenchman again rode well finishing just 37 seconds behind Aro, who again claimed the class win. In finishing in third position on both days Johnny is currently in third position in the E2 world championship standings, just 10 points behind Aro and four points behind runner-up Mika Ahola.

Disappointingly the season opener wasn’t a good one for Australian Stefan Merriman. After injury wrecked his 2005 season the former world champion hoped to get his 2006 campaign off to a strong start but struggled to master the challenging conditions in Sweden. Placing fifth on day one Merriman faired even worse on day two and despite not making any serious mistakes on either of the event’s motocross, enduro or extreme tests he placed in sixth.

Johnny Aubert
“It’s been a great weekend for me. Finishing third on day one was incredible for me, a great surprise. I hoped to learn during the race and before the race I hoped to finish inside the top 10. I am not sure why I was so fast because I didn’t make so much training in these conditions. I enjoyed day one but it is so difficult adjusting to the conditions.

“Although I finished third again on day two I didn’t feel as good as I did on day one. I rode consistently all day, which I think really helped me. I didn’t make any big mistakes and managing to finish on the podium again is great - a perfect start to my first world championship enduro season.”

Stefan Merriman
“The best part of this weekend for me has been the finish of the race because I have had two very disappointing days. I really struggled on both days to be honest, I couldn’t ride like I wanted to on day one and just paddled my way around the tests as best I could. It feels to me like you have to ride almost out of control, with little control of the front wheel. I like to ride knowing exactly what the front wheel of my bike is doing. If I don’t have a good, positive feeling from the front wheel I don’t have the confidence to push hard. That’s exactly what has happened this weekend, I haven’t had the confidence to push hard.

“I didn’t have any crashes on the tests but I had several in the checks. I did try making some changes to my bike for the second day but they didn’t make any real difference. No, it’s not been the best of weekends for me.”

David Knight claimed top honours on both days in the Enduro 3 class finishing ahead of Finn Marko Tarkkala with Sweden’s Bjorne Carlsson claiming third on both days.

Race classification Enduro 2

Round: 1 - Sweden
Circuit: Östersund
Lap Record: 60′ 51.650 (Samuli Aro, 2006)

Race: 1 Laps
Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Total Time
1 S. Aro KTM FIN 64′ 53.340
2 M. Ahola Honda FIN +26.720
3 J. Aubert Yamaha FRA +59.600
4 V. Salonen HusaBerg FIN +2′ 9.090
5 S. Merriman Yamaha AUS +2′ 37.550
6 F. Planet KTM FRA +3′ 5.130
7 P. Silvan KTM FIN +3′ 8.870
8 P. Wicksell KTM SWE +3′ 54.350
9 R. Rihelainen HusaBerg FIN +3′ 59.640
10 C. Guerrero GasGas ESP +4′ 8.510
11 E. McConnell TM GBR +4′ 15.130
12 X. Galindo KTM ESP +4′ 25.500
13 T. Klutz Sherco BEL +4′ 28.500
14 A. Beconi Beta ITA +4′ 46.540
15 F. Dini Yamaha ITA +5′ 35.980
16 G. Canova Husqvarna ITA +5′ 58.040
17 CJ. Bjerkert KTM SWE +6′ 16.600
18 P. Nurminen HusaBerg FIN +6′ 31.740
19 T. Burman HusaBerg SWE +7′ 0.020
20 A. Botturi Aprilia ITA +7′ 4.090

Race 2: 1 Laps
Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Total Time
1 S. Aro KTM FIN 60′ 51.650
2 M. Ahola Honda FIN +44.700
3 J. Aubert Yamaha FRA +1′ 9.740
4 F. Planet KTM FRA +3′ 2.580
5 V. Salonen HusaBerg FIN +3′ 12.570
6 S. Merriman Yamaha AUS +3′ 14.860
7 P. Silvan KTM FIN +3′ 41.160
8 C. Guerrero GasGas ESP +3′ 44.220
9 T. Klutz Sherco BEL +4′ 16.860
10 X. Galindo KTM ESP +4′ 44.310
11 A. Botturi Aprilia ITA +4′ 53.120
12 F. Andersson KTM SWE +4′ 54.450
13 F. Dini Yamaha ITA +4′ 56.260
14 R. Rihelainen HusaBerg FIN +5′ 0.860
15 A. Beconi Beta ITA +5′ 5.890
16 E. McConnell TM GBR +5′ 30.070
17 P. Nurminen HusaBerg FIN +5′ 57.470
18 CJ. Bjerkert KTM SWE +6′ 7.660
19 P. Wicksell KTM SWE +6′ 11.240
20 G. Canova Husqvarna ITA +6′ 18.390

Fastest Race Lap:
Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Total Time
1 S. Aro KTM FIN 60′ 51.650

Championship standings Enduro 2

Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Points
1 Samuli Aro KTM FIN 50
2 Mika Ahola Honda FIN 44
3 Johnny Aubert Yamaha FRA 40
4 Valtteri Salonen HusaBerg FIN 34
5 Fabien Planet KTM FRA 33
6 Stefan Merriman Yamaha AUS 31
7 Petteri Silvan KTM FIN 28
8 Cristobal Guerrero GasGas ESP 24
9 Xavier Galindo KTM ESP 20
10 Thierry Klutz Sherco BEL 20
11 Riku Rihelainen HusaBerg FIN 19
12 Euan McConnell TM GBR 15
13 Patrik Wicksell KTM SWE 15
14 Fabrizio Dini Yamaha ITA 14
15 Andrea Beconi Beta ITA 13
16 Alessandro Botturi Aprilia ITA 11
17 Fritz Andersson KTM SWE 9
18 Carl Johan Bjerkert KTM SWE 7
19 Pentti Nurminen HusaBerg FIN 7
20 Giuseppe Canova Husqvarna ITA 6

Manufacturers standings Enduro 2

Pos. Manufacturer Points
1 KTM 50
2 Honda 44
3 Yamaha 40
4 HusaBerg 34
5 GasGas 24
6 Sherco 20
7 TM 15
8 Beta 13
9 Aprilia 11
10 Husqvarna 6

KTM Press Newsletter

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ENDURO
2006 FIM World Enduro Championship Rnd 1 Grand Prix of Sweden - Day 2 (19.03.2006)
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The strong start KTM’s factory enduro team riders made on day one of the opening round of the ’06 WEC series got even better on day two where Ivan Cervantes topped the Enduro 1 class, Samuli Aro the Enduro 2 class and David Knight the Enduro 3 class. In doing so the three KTM riders now lead the E1, E2 and E3 world championship standings.

In the Enduro 1 class Ivan Cervantes went one better than he did on day one and topped the class by close to half a minute. Winning six of the day’s special tests the reigning E1 world champion showed just how good he is by mastering the difficult conditions – something most thought a former motocross rider from southern Europe would never do. Disappointingly day two was a frustrating one for his Italian team-mate Alessandro Belometti. Matching his day one finishing position of seventh, Belometti struggled to feel comfortably in the changing conditions and as a result saw several mistakes prevent him from finishing higher.

Riding at his absolute best, Finn Samuli Aro topped the Enduro 2 class as he did on day one, beating countryman Mika Ahola and French rider Johnny Aubert. Failing to win just two special tests in the E2 class the reigning Enduro 2 world champion placed 24 seconds ahead at the top of the class and finished as the day’s fastest overall rider. With two wins in Sweden Samuli now sits six points clear at the top of the E2 world championship standings. French rider Fabien Planet rode consistently on day two and placed in fifth position.

After topping the Enduro 3 class on day one, and beating Finnish team-mate Marko Tarkkala in the process, David Knight showed just how dominant a rider he has become in the WEC. On day two he repeated his class victory, beating Marko by 15 seconds, to claim a maximum 50 points and strengthen his lead at the top of the E3 world championship. With Marko finishing second after an uneventful day the two KTM riders finished comfortably ahead of Swede Björne Carlsson.

David Knight: “The conditions seemed to change all the time on day two, which makes each lap different. The first lap was quite tricky, my bike seemed to be moving around a lot more than on day one. There wasn’t much between myself and Marko in the morning when the tests were reasonably smooth but when they got rougher I was able to open up a lead. Once I had a good lead I eased off a bit so that I didn’t crash. I was really worried on the last lap that my chain would come off because of the frozen ruts.
“I spent one week trying to figure out how to ride with spiked tyres and it seems to have worked. I’ve really enjoyed learning how to ride on a different type of surface and terrain and I think having a winter enduro as the first round for the WEC has been a success. It’s the perfect start for me. I just hope that I can continue winning now.”

Samuli Aro: “I am really happy with the way I have ridden this weekend, especially on day two. I think the last time I was able to concentrate as well as I have this weekend in the special tests was over one year ago. It is a perfect start to the world championship for me, which is exactly what I wanted and worked for in the weeks and months leading up to the race.
“The race wasn’t exactly like we expected because there wasn’t as much snow as predicted. The organisers were ready for bad weather, but instead we got good weather. When it is so warm, like it has been in the afternoon on both days, it gets really hard to ride because spike tyres don’t work on stones. It’s been a great event though and a great start to my world championship.”

Ivan Cervantes: “Obviously I am very happy to have won today. Finishing second on day one in these conditions was like a victory for me but to actually finish first today is incredible, I never thought that I would be able to do this. I made one crash on day two, on the ice, but I didn’t loose too much time. I have really enjoyed the race but it has been hard. Five laps each day in the snow ruts really makes your legs ache.
“I think that having a new race to start the WEC is a really good thing, and I think that David and I have shown that it is possible for riders from outside of Scandinavia to do well with spiked tyres. I am looking forward to the races in Portugal and Spain now though.”

Alessandro Belometti: “On day one I made one big mistake on the enduro test and lost 30 seconds. After that, in the last enduro test, my chain came off and I lost a lot of time fitting it again. I ended up seventh, which was disappointing but I guess that is racing some times.
“On day two I struggled to find a good feeling in the ice and snow and I crashed a few times. When I pushed to try and get a good time I just made mistake after mistake. I like the idea of having different races in different types of conditions but the result wasn’t what I was hoping for. In Portugal, at the second round of the championship, I will push hard again and hopefully make better results in conditions that will suit me.”

Marko Tarkkala: “It’s been a good weekend for me with not too many problems. Day one went well for me but David was too fast. I didn’t really have any problems and enjoyed the day. On day two things were again very close between myself and David in the morning. Again I didn’t make any mistakes and again David was a little faster. It’s been good battling with him but it would have been nice to have won.”

2006 World Enduro Championship Rnd 1
Grand Prix of Sweden – Day 2

Enduro 1 class

1. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1.02:47.77; 2. Peter Bergvall (Suzuki) 1.03:14.26; 3. Bartosz Oblucki (Husqvarna) 1.03:15.46; 4. Petri Pohjamo ™ 1.03:32.68; 5. Simone Albergoni (Honda) 1.03:36.21; 6. Maurizio Micheluz (Yamaha) 1.04:05.61; 7. Alessandro Belometti (KTM) 1.04:17.46; 8. Robert Carlsson (Yamaha) 1.04:35.41; 9. Fredrik Georgsson (KTM) 1.05:15.35; 10. Helder Rodrigues (Yamaha) 1.05:45.10; 11. Par Olsson (Yamaha) 1.06:31.16; 12. Mike Hartman (KTM) 1.06:36.39; 13. Mats Andreasson (Suzuki) 1.06:57.95; 14. Leit Holm (KTM) 1.07:35.13; 15. Freddy Blanc (KTM) 1.08:59.08; 16. Mikael Wiberg (Honda) 1.11:40.87

Enduro 2
1. Samuli Aro (KTM) 1.00:51.65; 2. Mika Ahola (Honda) 1.01:36.35; 3. Johnny Aubert (Yamaha) 1.02:01.39; 4. Fabien Planet (KTM) 1.03:54.23; 5. Valtteri Salonen (Husaberg) 1.04:04.22; 6. Stefan Merriman (Yamaha) 1.04:06.51; 7. Petteri Silvan (KTM) 1.04:32.81; 8. Cristobal Guerrero (Gas Gas) 1.04:35.87; 9. Thierry Klutz (Sherco) 1.05:08.51; 10. Xavier Galindo (KTM) 1.05:35.96; 11. Alessandro Botturi (Aprilia) 1.05:44.77; 12. Fritz Andersson (KTM) 1.05:46.10; 13. Fabrizio Dini (Yamaha) 1.05:47.91; 14. Riku Rihelainen (Husaberg) 1.05:52.51; 15. Andrea Beconi (Beta) 1.05:57.54; 16. Euan McConnell ™ 1.06:21.72; 17. Pentti Nurminen (Husaberg) 1.06:49.12; 18. Johan Bjerkert (KTM) 1.06:59.31; 19. Patrik Wicksell (KTM) 1.07:02.89; 20. Giuseppe Canova (Husqvarna) 1.07:10.04

Enduro 3
1. David Knight (KTM) 1.01:01.75; 2. Marko Tarkkala (KTM) 1.02:27.07; 3. Bjorne Carlsson (Husaberg) 1.02:30.86; 4. Heikki Timonen (KTM) 1.05:04.58; 5. Daniel Persson (Husaberg) 1.05:17.68; 6. Seb Guillaume (Gas Gas) 1.05:21.98; 7. Vita Kuklik (KTM) 1.05:31.97; 8. Markus Kehr (KTM) 1.05:32.42; 9. Alessandro Zanni (Aprilia) 1.06:37.83; 10. Paolo Bernardi (Honda) 1.06:49.49; 11. Alessio Paoli ™ 1.07:57.45; 12. Michael Vukcevic (Sherco) 1.08:34.86; 13. Michal Rudolf (KTM) 1.08:37.29; 14. Daniel Johansson (Gas Gas) 1.08:51.09; 15. Kimmo Hintikka (KTM) 1.09:13.79

Enduro Junior
1. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 1.02:56.56; 2. Michal Szuster (Yamaha) 1.04:51.62; 3. Robert Kapajcik (Yamaha) 1.05:25.34; 4. Jake Stapleton ™ 1.05:30.09; 5. Oriol Mena (Gas Gas) 1.06:01.55; 6. Fredrik Kvarnstrom (KTM) 1.06:48.34; 7. Ricard Wressel (Husaberg) 1.07:06.66; 8. Olli Turma (KTM) 1.07:28.44; 9. Roni Nikander (KTM) 1.07:37.32; 10. Oskari Kantonen (Husqvarna) 1.07:43.44; 11. Jonas Karlsson KTM) 1.07:46.94; 12. Lorenzo Santolini (KTM) 1.08:41.32; 13. Sebastien Adielsson (Honda) 1.09:00.10; 14. Jesus Garcia (Yamaha) 1.09:04.75; 15. Jakub Horak (KTM) 1.09:08.91; 16. Jari Pulkkinen (Yamaha) 1.09:11.72; 17. Anton Nordh (KTM) 1.09:12.50; 18. Patrick Wikman (KTM) 1.09:18.66; 19. Fredrik Berg (KTM) 1.09:41.49; 20. Armand Monleon (KTM) 1.10:07.13

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KTM NORTH AMERICA
AMA Supercross Series: Round 11, Orlando, FL (19.03.2006)
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Jay Marmont is now Red Bull KTM’s sole East Coast Supercross rider as Josh Hansen must sit out for the remainder of the season due to a plaguing back injury and young Jeff Alessi is still recuperating from two broken ankles. KTM wishes to see both riders out on the track only when they are 100% healed and healthy.

Jay Marmont began his night with a 7th place finish in the first Lites Heat race, advancing him to the main.

In the main, Marmont had a midpack start and finished the 15-lap race in 12th position.

AMA Amp’d Mobile Supercross Lites results, Orlando, FL

1. Josh Grant
2. Davi Millsaps
3. Chris Gosselaar
4. Branden Jesseman
5. Martin Davalos
6. Thomas Hahn
7. Kelly Smith
8. Dusty Klatt
9. Michael Blose
10. Josh Woods

KTM Press Newsletter

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ENDURO
2006 FIM World Enduro Championship Rnd 1 Grand Prix of Sweden - day 1 (18.03.2006)
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The KTM Enduro Factory Team started the eight-round 2006 World Enduro Championship in fine style with team riders David Knight and Samuli Aro claiming top honours in the Enduro 3 and Enduro 2 classes respectively on day one of the season opener. In the Enduro 1 class reigning world champion Ivan Cervantes ended day one in the runner-up spot after two falls on the enduro test dropped him behind Finn Petri Pohjamo.

With conditions in Ostersund, Sweden much warmer than expected the WEC’s first ever winter enduro turned out to be a lot less difficult than the majority of the teams and riders were expecting. With rain falling as the first riders left the start, clear skies and plus five degree temperatures during the day resulted in much of the snow on the enduro and motocross tests melting, leaving unseasonally wet conditions in many places.

In the Enduro 1 class Ivan Cervantes saw his hopes of starting the new season with a win ended when he crashed twice on the enduro test. Very much on the pace before his two spills, the Spaniard nevertheless still posted four class winning special test performances to claim a well deserved runner-up spot. Ivan’s Italian team-mate Alessandro Belometti was also performing well but also suffered bad luck on the enduro test when his chain came off, losing the former motocross rider a considerable amount of time and dropping him down the results. At the end of the day Belometti placed in seventh position.

Samuli Aro was another KTM factory rider who found himself parting company with KTM motorcycle during the day when the ’05 E2 world champion made a mistake on the extreme test. Battling with countryman Mika Ahola Samuli stepped off line on one of several man-made bridges on the extreme test, hit neutral, and slid back to the base of the climb before attacking the slope for a second time – thankfully making it over without another mistake. With the exception of his extreme test slip Samuli posted a solid performance and claimed a well deserved win. Newcomer to the KTM factory team, Frenchman Fabien Planet, rode consistently and finished in sixth position.

Claiming victory in the Enduro 3 class, as well as just managing to squeeze ahead of Samuli Aro in the overall results, Manxman David Knight pulled off what for many was a surprise result in his first ever winter enduro. Having never used spiked tyres in competition before Knighter showed just how quickly he is able to adjust to foreign conditions and placed 22 seconds ahead of KTM Enduro Factory Team team-mate Marko Tarkkala.

David Knight: “I’m well happy with the way things went today – I never thought it would go as well as it did. I started off pretty steadily because I wanted to get used to the conditions before really pushing hard but I felt good right from the start of the day. I put in good times on all three tests during the day but I really enjoyed the enduro test. I made a few mistakes not knowing how hard to push on the ice sections of the tests. I’m over the moon to have beaten the riders from Scandinavia. I did a lot of training during the week before the race but I still didn’t think that I’d be able to win. I’m going to see what the weather is like for tomorrow and not push any harder than I feel comfortable with.”

Samuli Aro: “I am really happy with the way things have gone, apart from a mistake that I made on the extreme test. I don’t remember which lap it was on because we rode so many laps, but I think it was lap three. I got stuck on one of the man-made ramps, missed a gear shift, and had to have a second attempt to get over it. Apart from that it has been a good day. The weather has been really strange. I am a little disappointed that it has been so warm. The last lap was quite difficult because the snow was almost all gone in the enduro test and the dark ground made it hard to see the ruts.”

Ivan Cervantes: “It has been a really good day for me, I am really happy with my result. Petri (Pohjamo) is from Finland so he has a lot of experience in these conditions. To finish second is like a victory for me. But having said that I am a little bit angry with myself because I feel that I could have won. I lost a lot of time with two crashes on the enduro tests. I think that I must have lost about 20 seconds, which would have been enough to win.”

2006 World Enduro Championship Rnd 1
Grand Prix of Sweden – Day 1

Enduro 1 class
1. Petri Pohjamo ™ 1.06:46.54; 2. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1.7:01.41; 3. Simone Albergoni (Honda) 1.7:05.08; 4. Peter Bergvall (Suzuki) 1.07:10.41; 5. Bartosz Oblucki (Husqvarna) 1.07:58.69; 6. Maurizio Micheluz (Yamaha) 1.08:25.45; 7. Alessandro Belometti (KTM) 1.08:37.77; 8. Robert Carlsson (Yamaha) 1.08:47.25; 9. Helder Rodrigues (Yamaha) 1.08:59.44; 10. Frederik Georgsson (KTM) 1.09:01.98; 11. Mike Hartman (KTM) 1.10:21.74; 12. Par Olsson (Yamaha) 1.12:05.67; 13. Leit Holm (KTM) 1.12:13.58; 14. Freddy Blanc (KTM) 1.13:38.500

Enduro 2
1. Samuli Aro (KTM) 1.04:53.34; 2. Mika Ahola (Honda) 1.05:20.06; 3. Johnny Aubert (Yamaha) 1.05:52.94; 4. Valtteri Salonen (Husaberg) 1.07:02.43; 5. Stefan Merriman (Yamaha) 1.07:30.89; 6. Fabien Planet (KTM) 1.07:58.47; 7. Petteri Silvan (KTM) 1.08:02.21; 8. Patrik Wicksell (KTM) 1.08:47.69; 9. Riku Rihelainen (Husaberg) 1.08:52.98; 10. Euan McConnell ™ 1.09:09.47; 11. Xavier Galindo (KTM) 1.09:18.84; 12. Thierry Klutz (Sherco) 1.09:21.84; 13. Andrea Beconi (Beta) 1.09:39.88; 14. Cristobal Guerrero (Gas Gas) 1.09:01.85; 15. Fabrizio Dini (Yamaha) 1.10:29.32; 16. Giuseppe Canova (Husqvarna) 1.10:51.38; 17. Johan Bjerkert (KTM) 1.11:09.94; 18. Pentti Nurminen (Husaberg) 1.11:25.08; 19. Tobias Burman (Husaberg) 1.11:53.36; 20. Alessandro Botturi (Aprilia) 1.11:57.43

Enduro 3
1. David Knight (KTM) 1.04:52.22; 2. Marko Tarkkala (KTM) 1.05:14.27; 3. Bjorne Carlsson (Husaberg) 1.05:43.25; 4. Seb Guillaume (Gas Gas) 1.07:42.74; 5. Heikki Timonen (KTM) 1.07:46.35; 6. Daniel Persson (Husaberg) 1.09:14.24; 7. Alessandro Zanni (Aprilia) 1.09:27.89; 8. Marcus Kehr (KTM) 1.10:23.08; 9. Alessio Paoli ™ 1.10:26.96; 10. Vita Kuklik (KTM) 1.10:28.31; 11. Paolo Bernardi (Honda) 1.10:53.14; 12. Daniel Johansson (Gas Gas) 1.12:36.91; 13. Kimmo Hintikka (KTM) 1.12:59.49; 14. Michael Vukcevic (Sherco) 1.13:08.77; 15. Michal Rudolf (KTM) 1.13:27.64; 16. Tobias Auerswald (Husqvarna) 1.19:02.52

Enduro Junior
1. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 1.05:56.88; 2. Michal Szuster (Yamaha) 1.08:17.15; 3. Jake Stapleton ™ 1.08:46.16; 4. Robert Kapajcik (Yamaha) 1.09:31.14; 5. Oriol Mena (Gas Gas) 1.10:23.67; 6. Ricard Wressel (Husaberg) 1.11:04.18; 7. Patrick Wikman (KTM) 1.11:44.01; 8. Roni Nikander (KTM) 1.12:04.97; 9. Jonas Karlsson (KTM) 1.12:09.82; 10. Olli Turma (KTM) 1.12:32.17; 11. Oskari Kantonen (Husqvarna) 1.12:42.54; 12. Frederik Kvarnstrom (KTM) 1,12:46.02; 13. Martin Sundin (KTM) 1.13:05.29; 14. Lorenzo Santolino (KTM) 1.13:25.78; 15. Jari Pulkkinen (Yamaha) 1.13:58.15; 16. Markus Luthstrom (Yamaha) 1.14:15.54; 17. Kristoffer Jonsson (Gas Gas) 1.14:27.23; 18. Anton Nordh (KTM) 1.15:03.59; 19. Lucas Puerto (KTM) 1.15:08.26; 20/ Jakub Horak (KTM) 1.15:39.12

KTM Press Newsletter

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MOTOCROSS
Jobe to lead potent MX1 push in 2006 (16.03.2006)
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KTM Racing is pleased to announce that five-times Motocross World Champion Georges Jobe will be team manager for its MX1 effort in the FIM 2006 World Championships.

With riders Mickael Pichon, Sebastién Tortelli, both former World Champions, and promising young Spaniard Jonathan Barragan, the factory will have the strongest line-up ever.

Due to the bulk of his experience, Jobe is considered a capable team leader and will pass on his knowledge to the riders and the rest of the technical crew.

“I’m very proud and happy to have signed such a strong personality as Team Manager for our MX1 Team”, said KTM Motorsport manager Kurt Nicoll “and I’m sure his skill and experience will help us in reaching our goals.”

“This is a very exciting position for me and it is also an honour,” commented Jobe. “It shows that I have been doing a good job so far and that KTM trust me. It will be a challenge but I have always relished situations like these throughout my career.”

A Sunny Diversion
Moto XXX Spends a Week in Florida

With half of the riders based on the east coast and two consecutive rounds in
the Sunshine State, Team Unbound Energy/Moto XXX decided to spend the week
between the Daytona and Orlando rounds of the Supercross series in Florida. In
addition to a change of scenery for most of the personnel, the extended layover
has given the squad a chance to test and train in a different environment than
they’re used to. All in all, it’s been a refreshing break that has everyone
charged up about the next race.

Florida resident Timmy Ferry has played host/tour guide this week and luckily
for everyone involved, he’s been in a good mood. That’s largely due to the fact
that he turned in another top-ten ride last weekend. After gating in the back
half of the pack, “Red Dog” passed several riders, including a couple of
factory guys, and finished the race in 8th. Although his progress has been very
evident, Timmy still wants more and expects his results to keep improving.

Two weeks ago, Josh Summey had a nasty get-off that ended in a trip to the local
emergency room. He was cleared to race, but couldn’t get back to the stadium in
time for his LCQ. Fortunately, he harnessed that disappointment and found even
more determination. He finished 7th in the “Lites” division at Daytona and
showed enough speed to threaten for a top-five spot this weekend. Said Team
Manager Allan Brown, “There’s no question that Josh is fast enough. We just
have to get the starts and stay away from the bad luck he’s had at half the
races this year.” Even with a couple of mishaps, Summey resides inside the top
20 in East Region points.

Less than two weeks after eating a giant dirt sandwich, Kyle Lewis appears ready
to defy the odds once again. The amount of facial trauma he suffered had doctors
thinking that he wouldn’t be able to ride again for weeks, but “Lucky’s” been
discrediting conventional wisdom for years. He’s made a quick recovery and
hopes to ride Orlando this weekend. Status: Probable.

Team Unbound Energy/Moto XXX is faithfully supported by Unbound Energy Drink,
American Honda, Akrapovic, O’neal, Honda Genuine Parts, Pro Comp Wheels &
Tires, Sidi, Tag Metals, EPersonals.com, M2R Helmets, Polisport Plastic, Pro
Honda Oils & Chemicals, Pro-X, Scott, N-Style, MB1 Suspension, Lucky 13, Ready
Filter, VP Fuels, Braking, Motion Pro, Hinson Clutch Components, Metaltek,
Ogio, Dunlop, Vans Shoes, Fat Wreck Chords, RK Chain, Excel Wheels, Vortex
Ignitions, ARC, Ti Lube, Carbon Fiber Works, SDG Seats, PPG, Asterisk, Lockhart
Phillips, Red Rider Rewards, Crower Power, Darkside, N-Fab, CST, MT Racing, Vans
Shoes.