Nordstrom-Graaf takes control at Lommel

Conditions at the fourteenth round of the FIM Motocross World Championship are far from favourable, as the power-sapping sand of Lommel has been hit by a substantial amount of rain. The Honda 150 European Championship riders were well-equipped for the challenge, however, thanks to the fact that they partook in a training camp earlier this week.

Andrea Adamo clearly took advantage of the knowledge that he gained on that training day, as he romped to the fastest time in qualifying. Adamo did not translate that brilliant position on the gate into a holeshot in the first of two motos, which was run at midday, as Ruben Ferreira led the field out of the first turn.

Ferreira was soon demoted, however, as Adamo pushed past him with authority. Much like he has in motos at the previous two rounds, Adamo then attempted to establish an advantage. The Italian was successful in achieving that, thanks in part to mistakes that were made by both Ferreira and Lynn Valk, and soon led by thirteen seconds.

Whilst Adamo worked hard to maintain that lead, all eyes were on Anton Nordstrom-Graaf. The Swede, who won the overall at the previous round, crashed on lap one and charged all the way through the field in what was a phenomenal ride. With just a couple of laps remaining, he had moved into the top three and was then in a position to pounce when Adamo had to withdraw from the race.

Luis Outeiro was also involved in that chaotic fight for the win, as he occupied second for much of the race and held the lead briefly, but he ultimately came up just short. Ten seconds separated him from the eventual winner, Nordstrom-Graaf, at the conclusion of the race. Kjeld Stuurman was also eager to celebrate, as he claimed his first podium finish of the season!

Lynn Valk recovered to claim a brilliant fourth, whilst Nikolay Malinov salvaged a fifth in the treacherous conditions. Rasmus Moen, Ryan Mawhinney, Boaz Bijtjes, Ruben Ferreira and Senne Hermans eventually completed the top ten. Where did Andrea Adamo eventually end up? Fifteenth, because of the ground that he gained on the field throughout the race, so six valuable points were claimed.

The CRF150R riders will now reset and recover ahead of the second race, which will be run at 09:45 on Sunday morning.

Anton Nordstrom Graaf, 66: ‘My start was very bad, after a crash, but I love it when it is muddy. That was perfect for me, so I was able to come through the field and take the win! Thanks to everyone who supports me.’

Gordon Crockard, Honda Europe Off-Road Manager: ‘It was clear just how hard the conditions would be after the sighting lap. It went well in the beginning and, after a couple of laps, Andrea Adamo was ahead of Luis Outeiro. Anton Nordstrom-Graaf crashed at the beginning, but came up through the field. That was really exciting and, at that point, Outeiro was closing in on Adamo too. Adamo then had some difficulties in the extreme conditions. It is important to preserve both your goggles and machine on a track like we had today and, unfortunately, the outcome was that Adamo did not make it across the finish line, despite the fact that he rode brilliantly. It was excellent to see Nordstrom-Graaf come through to eventually win the race, as he looked great on the bike. I was also impressed with Lynn Valk, who came through to finish fourth. Lynn made a costly error, when she went off the side of a jump, whilst running inside of the top three early on. I think that, with drier conditions, the race tomorrow should be a lot more exciting. It should be a less of a challenge for the riders to actually reach the finish, so I’m looking forward to it.’