Paulin Podiums at First MX Back in Europe 

Paulin Podiums at First MX Back in Europe 

Young French sensation, Gautier Paulin, has placed his Bud Racing Kawasaki on the podium at the first round of the Italian Motocross championship in Montevarchi this weekend after spending much of the Winter season in the USA preparing for the 2009 MX season.

Cold but sunny weather conditions made the former Italian GP circuit somewhat unpredictable however Paulin still managed to qualify second in his MX2 group.

The infamous uphill start caused a first turn crash when Paulin and Aubin came together with the latter countryman coming off second best.   Paulin was able to keep upright but had to carve his way through the pack which he did effortlessly.  By the halfway mark he rocketed into second behind Italian favorite, Davide Guarneri, and hounded the Italian right to the finish line.

Just missing out on the hole-shot, Paulin was placed high up the rankings on lap one of the second moto.  He quickly moved into the lead and posted the best lap time of the race as it looked like he had the race in the bag.   Paulin then seemed to lose his rhythm and lost valuable places before finishing 6th.

“I am really happy with my speed and today I proved that I am one of the fastest guys out there.  The second moto was disappointing for me because I took the lead but then lost all confidence around the halfway mark.  The weather changed and my goggles started to steam up.  I did not want to take any unnecessary risks so took it easy for the last part of the race.  I am really happy with the bike and team have been working hard to give me the best advantage possible.” explained  the nineteen-year-old.

Next up for the talented Frenchman will be an appearance on home-soil as the Valence MX International takes place next week.