Priem Wins in Mons

Kawasaki Racing Team’s Manuel Priem made a strong showing at the 30th Motocross of Doudou
Trophy race at Mons in Belgium this weekend taking the overall win with a 1-3 scorecard.
Preferring to race as often as possible during the early season period Manuel used the two 21 minute plus
one lap sprints against some stiff international competition to ensure he’s in top shape for the upcoming
GP of Spain on April 20.

After setting the fastest time in the morning’s qualifying session Priem didn’t get the best start in moto one
but charged from ninth to second on the opening lap to chase down early leader Jonathan Barragan.
Setting the fastest lap of the race on lap four Priem was able to push past Barragan to take the win from a
charging Aigar Leok who was also enjoying the deep sandy conditions in Mons.

Getting a much better start in moto two Manuel once more motored through the pack to second place
behind Barragan but suffered with a little bit of arm pump – not uncommon in these shorter sprint style
motos – and was unable to make a move for the lead. In the closing stages Leok was able to squeeze by
starting a battle between the two riders that would last right until the finish with Leok edging out Priem by
less than half a second.

Priem’s 1-3 scorecard gave the ever improving Belgian star – and his factory KX450F-SR – the overallwin and a greatly received early season confidence booster.