LUGO (Galicia,Spain) 12 May 2024 – The 4th Round of the EMX125 presented by FMF Racing in Lugo, Galicia showed all the intensity of European rounds. The races throughout the Saturday and Sunday were really competitive and displayed many twists in a thrilling racing weekend.

It was Fantic Factory Racing EMX125’s Simone Mancini who proved to be the best in Lugo with a 2-2 to win his second overall of the season as he showed a lot of composure and consistency!

The first race began with a chaotic start, as multiple riders collided in the first turn, setting the stage for an action-packed event. Dex Kooiker from De Baets Yamaha MX-Team seized the early lead, closely pursued by Salvador Perez of RFME GASGAS MXJunior Team. However, Perez wasted no time in making his move, swiftly overtaking Kooiker to claim the lead after a few turns. Fantic Factory Racing EMX125’s Simone Mancini followed closely behind, securing 2nd place in the opening lap.

As the race progressed, Kooiker slipped to 3rd, with Gyan Doensen of Racestore KTM Factory Rookies in 4th and Jezyk Racing Team’s Tom Brunet in 5th. Meanwhile, the red plate holder, Noel Zanocz of Fantic Factory Racing EMX125, encountered early trouble, crashing in the opening lap and facing an uphill battle to regain lost ground.

Despite Zanocz’s setback, he showcased his skill and determination, steadily climbing back up the ranks to 18th by lap 11. Dreams Racing’s Francesco Bellei  capitalized on the chaos, moving up to 4th place, with the French pair of Brunet and Yamaha Europe EMX125 MJC’s Mano Faure close behind.

Mancini, determined to challenge Perez for the lead, pushed hard but couldn’t close the gap, as Perez maintained a strong pace to secure his first race win of his career, much to the delight of his home fans.

Behind the leaders, Doensen showcased his championship ambitions, battling his way to a hard-fought 3rd place, enough to claim the lead of the Championship at that moment. Meanwhile, Kooiker and Motovation Motosport’s Kasimir Hindersson engaged in a fierce battle for 7th place, exchanging positions multiple times. However, it was Áron Katona who stole the spotlight with an impressive comeback from 17th to finish 7th, followed by Hindersson in 8th and Kooiker in 9th.

Zanocz, despite his early troubles, fought valiantly to salvage crucial points, finishing in 12th place and minimizing the impact on his Championship standing.

Race 2 started fast with Faure this time taking the command of the race with a strong start,  Mancini and Heitink trailing behind him. Some riders went down at the first turn including first race winner Perez, Kooiker and Katona.

Mancini started to attack Faure from the opening lap and apply pressure on the French man. Heitink managing to follow them in 3d. 

After falling down Doensen began his climb through the rank as he was 17th on the opening lap. Meanwhile Faure clocked the Fastest Lap to maintain his lead and keep Mancini in trail. However, on lap 6 while comfortably leading the race, Faure lost the front wheel and crashed out of the lead gifting number 1 position to Mancini well placed behind. Faure picked up in 5th.

It was an excellent race for the Latvian Markuss Ozolins after a strong start he managed to get himself up to 3rd following Faure’s crash with Faure’s teammate Heitink going 2nd. Bellei kept his good form over the weekend and got himself to 4th. 

Meanwhile Zanocz again having to show his determination after his poor start went up to 9th in the end as you could feel a sense of emergency for the Hungarian in getting as much points as possible. 

Bellei did everything right to pass Ozolins for 3rd on lap 12 while Heitink managed to reduce the gap with Mancini. Following a mistake and ggls issues frokm Mancini, Heitink pounced and took the lead to win his first race this season! 

With his issues, Mancini safely finished 2nd to win the overall for his second overall win of the season.

Bellei finished 3rd for an excellent 4-3 and the 2nd overall while it was a first podium for Ozolins who had to keep Faure at bay until the last turns to finish 4th and get on the 3rd step of the podium. Faure just misses out on the podium for one point.

Despite two complicated starts that saw him going from the back end of the pack twice, Zanocz manged to show a lot of determination to keep his red plate in the end.

Simone Mancini: “Two second finishes but maybe it could have been a win in the second race but I got problems with my goggles. Anyway, it’s great to win it in the end and now, see you in France to make it two in a row!”

Main Photo: Simone Mancini

Bottom Photos: 1. EMX125 Podium Galicia ; 2. EMX125 Start Galicia

MXGP OF GALICIA QUICK FACTS:

Circuit length: 1550m

Type of ground: Dark Sand Soil

Temperature: 22˚/14˚

Weather conditions: Sunny/Cloudy