Date: 8 February 2009

The epic Mantova Starcross has launched the first race of the international Motocross season in Italy this weekend. Factory Kawasaki racer, Gareth Swanepoel was up against a star-studded field that turned out for the opener in somewhat dismal weather conditions.

‘ 'Swanie’ has spent the last 2 months in South Africa training for the 2009 season and building a “base” physical strength before jumping onto the new fuel injected Kawasaki KX450F-SR machine.
Having only sat on the factory bike a few times before the weekend, Gareth was very nervous heading into the qualifying race on Saturday against some of the most respected and established MX1 riders in the world.

It was soon apparent that it was not going to take Swanepoel long to settle on the more powerful 450cc as he found a good rhythm and within a few laps started to look at home on the sleek green machine. Gareth cruised to a steady qualifying position of 12th amongst the world’s elite.

Sunday’s three, back to back 25 minute races in the deep wet sand would be a great chance for Gareth to get acquainted with both a new bike and new team. Reassuringly, in all 3 heats the factory machine was very fast off the line and showed great potential for the season. Keeping out of any trouble Gareth had 3 consistent motos amongst the carnage of athletes desperately scrabbling for positions. Gareth came through with a respectable 8th overall for the day.

“ It’s always hard to adjust to the rough track conditions and cold temperatures after being off the bike over the Winter period. I have had an excellent base training in South Africa, and now I can focus on working with the new team in setting up the bike before the first GP. We haven’t had much luck with weather conditions but that should change and we’ll be able to get some good testing done over the next few weeks” commented Swanepoel.

Gareth will participate in the first round of the Italian Motocross championship in Montevarchi next weekend as preparation for the GP kick off in Faenza Italy on the 29 March.

Overall Results
1. Strijbos 75pts
2. Barragan 60pts
3. Nagl 58pts
4. De Dycker 47pts
5. Coppins 46pts
6. Ramon 45pts
7. Leok 34pts,
8. Swanepoel 34pts
9. Bill 33pts,
10.De Reuver 30pts