RV wins while RC comes from the rear to take third
Despite tangling with a lapper and going down, Team USA’s Ryan
Villopoto (pictured) claimed an easy win in moto one, the MX1/MX2
moto, at today’s MXoN at Budds Creek, Maryland.
The big story of the race, however, was Ricky Carmichael’s charge
from last place after the start to third place at the finish, almost
catching Australia’s Chad Reed for second.
At the start, Villopoto quickly worked his way into the lead, ahead of
Germany’s Max Nagl, Great Britain’s Tommy Searle, Italy’s David
Philippaerts and Reed. Meanwhile, Carmichael exited the first turn in
dead last after getting squeezed out at the start.
Villopoto immediately pulled to a big lead over the pack but on about
the fifth lap he got tangled up with a lapper and went down. The
Monster Energy Kawasaki rider was far enough out front, however,
that he was able to remount and continue without surrendering the
lead.
Carmichael set about working his way through the pack and the
crowd cheered wildly when RC passed current MX1 World Champion
Steve Ramon to move into fifth at the halfway mark.
Carmichael’s charge would come up a little short as the Makita
Suzuki rider finished less than a second behind Reed after 30
minutes plus two laps.
After one race, the United States leads the race for the Chamberlain
Trophy ahead of France, Spain and Great Britain. cyclenews.com
photo from transworldmotocross.com