by Adam Wheeler
Racer X Race Report: Grand Prix of Sweden
Monday, July 4, 2011 | 10:10 AM
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PrintThe Grand Prix of Sweden was the stage for a set of authoritative displays by Monster Energy Yamaha’s Steven Frossard and Red Bull Teka KTM’s Ken Roczen as both riders established their title credentials with 1-1 results across the bumpy and slippery Uddevalla hard-pack.
One of the major discussion points coming into the eighth round of fifteen was the level of fitness regarding MX1 series leader Clement Desalle. The Belgian had inexplicably dislocated his right shoulder on national duty the previous weekend and his condition briefly reignited the argument over (needless?) risks of competing in two championships. The Rockstar Suzuki factory rider – winner of three events so far this season – then crashed on the first corner of the qualification heat and then jarred his left shoulder hitting a bump on his way to nineteenth. Nursing a mangled forefinger, Desalle was barely able to articulate his disappointment and fury on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning he then slipped off in warm-up and tweaked his knee. Considering the adversity Desalle’s run to 8-7 was impressive stuff.
Frossard went 1-1 for the overall in Sweden.
Photo: Ray Archer
While the paddock expects the arrival of Christophe Pourcel for the German round this coming weekend and another high-profile rider to add to the MX1 mix, the class continues to provide the entertainment ‘juice’ of the Grand Prix scene.
Frossard was at the front of it and his two positive starts helped him shadow Honda World Motocross Evgeny Bobryshev for virtually all of the first moto until deciding to make his move with two laps remaining. The Frenchman’s injured thumb ligament was in better shape after the hiatus and he controlled a gap over world champion Tony Cairoli in the second race to again taste champagne in Sweden, the site of his maiden GP success in MX2 in 2010.
Even though he was only third overall for his fifth podium in a row, the Red Bull Teka KTM rider had reason to feel pleased with the day. His mistake in braking too hard and losing the front end on the second corner instigated a fantastic trawl from last (by some distance) to fifth. Cairoli seemed to take extra pleasure in overtaking Desalle in that first moto in what was an initial act of obtaining the MX1 red plate for the first time this season. “For me it was normal. It was like what he does to me all the time,” said the Sicilian regarding his aggressive move to pass his foe.
Bobryshev partially mimicked Cairoli in the second race with a bad start and nineteenth position on the first lap kick-starting a push through the field and some inventive lines on the CRF to reach a final slot of fourth behind David Philippaerts who languished down the order in Moto1 with a broken front brake and overheating rear disc. Sweden saw a personal best result for the likeable Russian (only in his second MX1 term) while Kawasaki Racing Team’s Xavier Boog also reached a moto top three for the first time.
Cairoli leaves Sweden with the points lead in hand.
Photo: Ray Archer
The MX1 world championship has tightened and Frossard has turned what looked to be a two-way fight into three by edging to just 22 points behind Cairoli with Desalle now wedged in between.
The premier-class action was a contrast to the static affairs in MX2 where Roczen was undisputed from start-to-finish both times. His riding has taken on a slightly calmer edge compared to the wild speed that proved risky and costly in Brazil, France and Portugal. “I am still pushing 100% but perhaps now I am more focussed and looking to see how the race will be,” said the German who again confirmed he will be an AMA rider in 2012 although KTM still have to announce their line-up for next year. Part of the puzzle was put into place when GP runner-up and team-mate on the works 250SX-F, Jeffrey Herlings, commented he will stay in the squad. Gautier Paulin gained his fifth trophy in a row on the Monster Energy Yamaha. There was not much movement throughout the leading positions on the lap chart but Tommy Searle lost points through a crash and damaged CLS Kawasaki in the first moto, forcing a DNF. Max Anstie gave one of his best GP performances so far in his rookie year and Bike it Cosworth Wild Wolf Yamaha’s Zach Osborne fell on the fifth corner of Moto1 and admitted he was suffering with his energy levels in what was a mild attack of Moto2 for ninth overall.
Another hard-pack and twisty layout awaits at Teutschenthal this weekend for Roczen’s home event and the second meeting of three on the bounce for the GP elite.
Roczen dominated in Sweden going 1-1 for the overall.
Photo: Ray Archer
MX1 Moto1
1. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), 40:31.725;
2. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:03.878;
3. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:19.528;
4. Ken de Dycker (BEL, Honda), +0:22.934;
5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:26.510;
6. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:28.680;
7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:31.095;
8. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), +0:44.450;
9. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), +0:46.533;
10. Gregory Aranda (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:52.804;
MX1 Moto2
1. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), 38:56.345;
2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:09.943;
3. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), +0:15.445;
4. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:21.117;
5. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:23.148;
6. Ken de Dycker (BEL, Honda), +0:25.636;
7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), +0:27.171;
8. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), +0:30.203;
9. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Kawasaki), +0:32.776;
10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:33.844;
MX1 Overall result
1. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), 50 points;
2. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), 40 p.;
3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 38 p.;
4. Ken de Dycker (BEL, Honda), 33 p.;
5. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), 31 p.;
6. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), 30 p.;
7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 27 p.;
8. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), 26 p.;
9. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), 25 p.;
10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), 25 p.;
MX1 World Championship standings after 8 of 15 rounds
1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 322 points;
2. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 312 p.;
3. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), 300 p.;
4. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), 250 p.;
5. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), 244 p.;
6. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), 225 p.;
7. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), 217 p.;
8. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), 191 p.;
9. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), 180 p.;
10. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Kawasaki), 176 p.;
MX2 Moto1
1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 39:05.334; ;
2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:18.185;
3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:33.350;
4. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:37.154;
5. Jeremy van Horebeek (BEL, KTM), +0:38.089;
6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:41.379;
7. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), +0:57.471;
8. Jake Nicholls (GBR, KTM), +1:01.627;
9. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, KTM), +1:06.012;
10. Valentin Teillet (FRA, Suzuki), +1:11.161;
MX2 Moto2
1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 39:16.537; ;
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:17.880;
3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:24.482;
4. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:36.334;
5. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:56.228;
6. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, KTM), +1:00.831;
7. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), +1:06.041;
8. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +1:08.304;
9. Jeremy van Horebeek (BEL, KTM), +1:17.605;
10. Zachary Osborne (USA, Yamaha), +1:22.093;
MX2 Overall result
1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 50 points;
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 42 p.;
3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), 42 p.;
4. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), 34 p.;
5. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), 28 p.;
6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), 28 p.;
7. Jeremy van Horebeek (BEL, KTM), 28 p.;
8. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, KTM), 27 p.;
9. Zachary Osborne (USA, Yamaha), 21 p.;
10. Valentin Teillet (FRA, Suzuki), 20 p.;
MX2 World Championship standings after 8 of 15 rounds
1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 351 points;
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 337 p.;
3. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), 286 p.;
4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), 276 p.;
5. Zachary Osborne (USA, Yamaha), 234 p.;
6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), 225 p.;
7. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), 201 p.;
8. Harri Kullas (FIN, Yamaha), 179 p.;
9. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, KTM), 178 p.;
10. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), 166 p.;
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Ohh the girls on the start grid were the best looking I have ever seen in motocross.
Congrats Roczen ...he dominated again, both motos,,,
Go Kenny, cant wait to see you back here in the US...your good attitude, desire and unbelievable bike skills are going to take you along way... your my favorite lites guy..
And I am a so called "chest pounding American"...go figure!
The MX GP'S have been very exciting with more guys going for it than here in the U.S alot of the Americans say that when you go to do the GP's you're washed up but that's not the case at least Chad Reed and Grant Langston have done well over here as well as JMB and have won on both sides of the pond since Ryno Hughes and Mike Brown nobody else has stepped up to the plate. I think Reedy would do well and James Stewart would probably crash his brains out Dungey and Villopoto could win some GP'S but not the championship the 1st year at least Zach Osborne is still trying.
Dan Lopez- you must be from Amsterdam becuase you have got to be smoking some serious green to think that RV or RD would not win the MXGP championship in their first try going away! For that matter- Trey Canard, Davi Milsaps and even Chritian Craig, Andrew Short or Mike Alessi would most likely even win moto's on the circuit without RV or RD. I presonnally would like to a combination series with half the rounds taking place around the globe and half here in the states with everyone lining up at every race! That would be awesome!
Kyle Regal got 2nd and beat Roczen, Desale and Nagle in one of the moto's at the last Des Nations. There are fast guys on both sides of the pond that can haul ass in certain conditions. The main difference is there are more fast guys over here and the pace is 110% for the entire moto.
Hey, wonder if Frossard could come over here and set up JS's yamaha so he can race this summer? Oh, never mind, Ferry is doing that!
mbmoto, pull your pants up and give your mouth a chance. You simply don´t have a clue of what you are talking about. European racing isn´t AMA, and visa versa. The tracks are a lot tougher and it´s simply a totally different ball game. Ask Jimmy Anderson.
You´ve obviously never seen a GP, so on what authority do you make your stupid assessment? RV and RC would have a hard time winning in GP´s, Hell, they are getting their asses handed to them on their home tracks by a 30 year old who didn´t manage to win a GP title. What makes you think they would fare any better?
Anyway, fear not, Kenny boy will be coming over next year and you will soon see what sort of level the GP riders are at. He´s gonna absolutely rule, like he does in GP´s. In fact, I´ll bet you his lap times on the 250 bike will be faster than the best AMA riders on 450´s. Wake up dude.
Didnt Dungey wax all your asses two MXdN in a row? And why does Roczen want to come over here? To race the best
EZ Mike, I think your Euro pride is getting a little ahead of itself: please note the last 5 years of MXDN,, USA wins....3 of the 5 we in Europe on GP style tracks.
2010 United States USA Lakewood, USA
2009 United States USA Franciacorta, Italy
2008 United States USA Donington Park, UK
2007 United States USA Budds Creek, USA
2006 United States USA Matterley Basin, UK
2005 United States USA Ernée, France
Yes Roczen is fast as hell and he will win in the USA,, I love that kid and cant wait until he comes back, and yes other GP riders are great...but the rest of your statement is pretty much dreamland buddy...
Why No pourcel?,, I guess this proves he was just not in shape yet and all the BS about the bike was well,, BS,, becuase he already knows how to ride a kawi..
I think alot of you guys don't understand GP guys race 6 times a meeting AMA guys race Twice. AMA tracks are nearly prepared identically so base bike set up is alot easier. GP tracks are all different, so bike setup is very different, then you have languages and extra travel.
They are both tough championships but as most riders know the AMA circuit is actually easier to race than the GP's
more stupid comments by non racers,,,first off reed ,dungey, villipoto, would all win the title if they raced. stewert would win if be slowed down 2-3 seconds a lap.or change bikes. pourcel will win races, you will see stupid.,and the top euros are way fast just not as fast as our fast boys, roczen probably could win a title in the us on a 250,also,wait for marvin, he will win too.when he is healed....also a good kid ..END!!!!....NEXT...........some posts.....writers .. i do just have to say everyday i see some of these jhonny come latelys..they are so funny and so so so stupid... they probably have raced once in the over 40 biginner class on their $12000 450 couch potatoe that requires very little skill to ride a their slow ass pace make these foolish comments....NOTE! ..learn how to RIDE, then RACE, and GET some KNOWLEDGE ,on our sport before you take up space and piss people off....YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.. KEEP YOUR FNNNN MOUTH SHUT!!!!! DUMD ASS.go play bingo a the rec center..get a life
Any of the Top 5 rider can win races and/or championships on either side if the atlantik. They are all on a strict training programs and talented.
MXDN does not count for me that much - how about racing all of europe against the u.s. - might be more like it should be!?
But anyway mxdn is always great fun to watch and the dudes of usa are taking it really serious!
I'd love to see a REAL World Championship that competes on both american and european soil, with ALL the fast boys racing it - wake me from that dream if it comes true.
I really looking forward to the mxdn at lommel in the deep sand of belgium - there the us boys can show their attitude.
and thats why pourcel went back over there, cause he thinks he will have a shot at winning. Hope he never comes back, and if he does, brings a differenet attitude along with him.
Mike,
RV and RC would have a hard time winning gp's? Give me a break. I respect both series but that statement is just plain rediculous. RC's records speak for themselves. I would bet that if he (RC) trained over the winter he could come back and win the gp title next year easily. Reed would likely have won a world title over there if he would have stayed no question.
Also, Roczen having faster lap times than the 450's? Maybe on some tracks but no way consistantly. I don't see him beating bagget easily next year either. I'd bet on Bagget beating him to be honest.
t dyer, what place place to you get at redbud? you must be a pro because you know everything,, or are you just a pro big mouth?
KEEP YOUR FNNNN MOUTH SHUT!!!!! DUMD ASS.go play bingo a the rec center..get a life
The mxdn means nothing to show how americans would fair going for a GP championship. Racers come to race in the usa for the money! THat is obvious...
RC 03 des nations.. RV on a 250f etc the GPs are more like Canadian motocross with fancy tracks and more techno. Colton Faccioti and Dusty Klatt would be contenders but RV RD and CR would lap the feild at least once.
@DB762
You cannot compare riders that aren't going to race some day, same race, same track... ;-)
What happens with Ken Roczen and "your" boys is to be seen next year - i have some ideas but NO ONE can predict anything. See how fast he adapted to SX Racing - there are REALLY no such SX tracks or events here in europe...
And believe me - it's every young riders dream here either to race GPs or AMA SX/MX :-D
About Roczen, i was at the Gp in Sweden this weekend and saw him dominating.
And know doubt that he is "the fastest 250 man on the planet" baybe 450 also.
And last year at mxon in thunder valley he started form way behind in the mx1/mx2 race and went up to 6th before the race was over, and went by Dean wilson like nothing(Dean how smoked eveyone in the Ama at Pala just 2 or 3 weeks before).
@bck mx of nations 2006, team u.s.a didnt score one win, everts won each of his races beating JS and Cairoli beat the 450's in the second race including villopoto. Yet you say they would lap the europeans?