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GP victory for Steffi Laier in Bellpuig

In Offroad

18 maggio 2009

Steffi Laier clinched victory in the Women's World Championship Round Three in Bellpuig, Spain on Sunday with a 1-2 result to keep her championship hopes very much alive.
Steffi rode an inspired first race on Saturday evening then followed it up with a strong second for overall victory on Sunday morning. While she trails championship leader Livia Lancelot of France by 19 points, the KTM factory rider is clearly strong in mind and body and is determined to chase down her opponent to the bitter end. With her win on the Bellpuig track in northern Spain, Laier has successfully put the disappointment of the first moto disqualification in Portugal where, after a crash, a marshal inadvertently assisted her in getting the bike upright and started.

Laier remains steadfast with championship aspirations
The young German rode an aggressive second race and looked like she could challenge Lancelot in the final stages to complete the double but she again got held up by slow back markers and was unable to make the break she needed to challenge the French rider. "I had no problems with the hot conditions," Steffi said after a sweltering day at Bellpuig. "I actually like it like that. I felt very confident in the first heat and I found very good lines. I had some problems in the second heat, especially with lapped riders and Livia (Lancelot) was very fast. But this is a good track and I like it." When asked about her championship aspirations, Laier remained steadfast. "For me it's never over until the final round," she said.

Laier to train with Stefan Everts
Steffi's efforts drew praise from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's team boss Stefan Everts. "You were really good, especially in the first moto," he told her. "Now we are going to train together this week to improve on some details and you will be very strong," he added.

In 2009, the women's championship has been extended to seven rounds, so Laier of Germany, with still eight races to go, has plenty of opportunities to reduce the deficit and she is looking powerful and strong on the track. It was the first time the women's world championship had been contested at this track in the north eastern corner of Spain.

American KTM rider Sarah Whitmore finished eleventh overall in her second appearance in the women's world championship competition. She also rode last weekend in Round Two in Spain and has picked up a total of 45 championship points for her rides in Portugal and Spain.

Results Round Three
1. Steffi Laier, Germany, KTM
2. Larissa Papenmeier, Germany, Suzuki
3. Livia Lancelot, France, Kawasaki
4. Maria Franke, Germany, Kawasaki
5. Elin Mann, Sweden, KTM
Other KTM
11. Sarah Whitmore, USA, KTM

Championship Standings after three rounds
1. Livia Lancelot, France, Kawasaki, 135 points
2. Steffi Laier, Germany, KTM, 119
3. Larissa Papenmeier, Germany, Suzuki, 106
4. Maria Franke, Germany, Kawasaki, 103
5. Elin Mann, Sweden, KTM, 99
Other KTM
12. Sarah Whitmore, USA, KTM, 45

Photo: KTM - R. Archer