Suzuki continues ADAC MX domination at Ried

Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe’s Glenn Coldenhoff and Brian Hsu continue to dominate the German ADAC Motocross and Youngster Cup Championships following strong runner-up positions at Sunday’s sixth round at Ried, just over the border in Austria.

With soaring temperatures making racing unbearable at times for the riders and 8000 spectators, Coldenhoff fired-off an initial warning on Saturday during his qualifying session, clocking the quickest lap-time in his group aboard the factory RM-Z450. The Dutchman, determined to keep his string of podium finishes alive, suffered from poor starts in both motos on Sunday but collected two second places in the 30 minute plus two lap races. Said Coldenhoff: "I had wheel spin twice and didn´t gate as I wanted. I battled my way past many guys but the leader was too far away by the time I held the runner-up position. That´s a pity, but the championship picture is looking bright. The next round is in front of my home fans, so that´s when it's time to take my first overall."

Coldenhoff´s team-mate Jeremy Seewer climbed onto the podium after both motos. The Swiss Grand Prix ace aboard his Suzuki RM-Z250 dealt with a power deficit due to his lack of engine capacity. "Obviously there´s some work cut out for me on a track like this with all the uphills. My 250cc machine is missing some horsepower against the 450s, but I made the decision to use my MX2 World Championship bike in the Masters events, which is absolutely fine. I rode well. Scoring a pair of third places is certainly satisfying."

Dennis Ullrich (Team Castrol Power1 Suzuki Moto-Base) ended the opening race in fourth place right behind Seewer. In the second outing local favourite Pascal Rauchenecker put his bike beteween Seewer and Ullrich, handing the 21-year-old defending champion fifth place on the day. Ullrich maintained second place in the series ahead of his Swiss brand colleague. "My starts were good but not ideal," the two-time champ recaptured. "I rode well. The front-runners were a bit too fast, though."

Tim Koch (stielergruppe.mx Johannes Bikes Suzuki) scored solidly in both motos, landing him a top-20 result overall.

Hsu narrowly missed out on his fourth win of the season in the Youngster Cup. The German-Taiwanese teenager dominated race one, crossing the finish line almost 12 seconds in front. But the heat took its toll on the 17-year-old in moto two. "Living and training in Italy, I am normally used to these temperatures," he offered. "For some reason I developed a headache in my second outing. I was unable to ride my normal speed. That´s why I finished runner-up." Hsu defended his massive championship lead. With four motos left the Suzuki phenom sits on a healthy 80-points advantage going into the penultimate round and could clinch the title next weekend in Lichtenvoorde.

Hsu´s team-mate Bas Vaessen showed brilliant form in Austria. The Dutch racer took his first podium of the series, finishing third and fifth. "Finally two good motos," he said. "I am looking forward to my home race at Lichtenvoorde. That track should suit me."

Tom Koch (Team ADAC Hessen-Thüringen Johannes-Bikes Suzuki) positioned another Suzuki inside the top-10.

The next round of the ADAC Masters series will be held on August 15 and 16 th in Lichtenvoorde, The Netherlands.


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