A DAY IN A LIFE with KLEMEN GERČAR + 2nd round of ITA Championship
INT. D’ITALIA – MANTOVA (ITALIA)
Third and final round of Italian championship was held in the historical city of Mantova. Track was well prepared with a lot of riders in each class, which means it was bumpy and technical at the end of a day. Unfortunately Filip Olsson was not able to race, because he wasn’t feeling best and we decided to skip this round meanwhile Jaka got injured in second race.
Jaka Peklaj – started his day in the first group and on a flat track he qualified 18th. First moto, his start was on point and while fighting for 19th position he touched a rear wheel of another rider and crashed. Starting from 40th place he managed to come to 32nd place with some good laps. Second race ended for Jaka after the first jump, as he got hit by another rider. He was transported to a hospital, where a diagnosis was a broken arm. Today he will go under surgery and start his rehabilitation.
»I was really looking to make a good race in Mantova, as the ground is not extremely sandy which suits me better. I had OK qualifications and a small crash in the first lap made my race difficult again. Second race I started mid-pack and It was a bit of chaos and we had a group crash, where somebody hit me and broke my arm. I’m very sad as It wasn’t my fault and we have been training really hard, but I’m looking forward to be on the bike as soon as possible«
Klemen Gercar – »Mantova wasn’t really our race as Fillip was not able to ride and then a broken hand for Jaka. But this is motocross and we need to be patient and focus on our goal. I’m sure the results will come. Jaka needs to make a good recovery and we expect to be on the bike in several weeks, while Filip can start with his trainings in a few days. It’s good for us that the season start a bit later than usual as this gives us the time we need to be back in shape!«
INT. D’ITALIA – ALGHERO (ITALIA)
Second round of INT. D’ITALIA pre-season races were held in a very beautiful place near Alghero, with a seaside view. Filip had a great first moto riding in 4th place, while for Jaka it was a difficult race with too many crashes.
Jaka Peklaj – had a rough time practice, as every time he tried to make a fast lap he crashed, so he finished in 35th place. In first moto he was again involved in first turn crash, and started his way up to 27th place, when he crashed again and finish on 32nd place. Second moto he had a solid start around 10th place, but a mistake in the first lap crossed his plans and he finished in 33rd place. »I couldn’t find a good feeling and nothing was going in the right way. One good point was a good start in 2nd moto. I will regroup and give my all next weekend in Mantova«
Filip Olsson – had a sketchy moment in time practice, where he had a big crash over the bars, but still managed to finish in 20th place. First moto he had a good start around 12th and in just a few laps with a good rhythm he came to 4th place. While putting very good laps with the front riders, sand entered between the gas cable and handlebar which started to block a throttle. Filip fought till the end and finished in 9th place which gave him a spot in the superfinal race. Riding with top 20 riders from MXGP class against 450, he came out on the first lap in 28th position. With a good rhythm he came till 19th place, which means another TOP10 results in his class. »I felt pretty good all day long. First moto I had a good start and my speed was good, so I’m happy with the performance. We had a bit of bad luck with the throttle, when I was riding in 4th place, because I had a great opportunity to finish inside TOP5. Superfinal had a solid start and riding was OK as I finished in 19th place. I’m confident and I’m looking forward to the race in Mantova«
Klemen Gercar – »We had a sweet and sour weekend. Filip made another step in the right direction, improved his starts and put some very good laps together in the mix with MX2 factory riders! He is still missing hours on the bike and we are looking forward to being prepared before the start of European championship. Jaka did not have the best day, but he gained important experience on sandy rough race track. We will continue our programme and I’m sure the good results will show sooner than later«
This weekend you can watch a video about how my race day looks like.
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