Date: 4 September '05

The penultimate round of the MX GP series held at the tormenting Lierop sandtrap turned out to be an unlucky day for Gareth Swanepoel and the Molson Kawasaki team. Twenty-year-old Swanie has been putting together a string of consistent finishes lately, and the Dutch GP finally seemed to be a great breakthrough for the South African.

After qualifying 9th and showing good speed in his group race on Saturday, Swanie was ready to tackle the demanding circuit for the first heat of the MX2. He was forced wide in trying to avoid a first turn pile-up, and reappeared from the Lierop woods in 19th spot having won a few places. 'Swanie' put his head down and steadily moved up the standings until he passed Rui Goncalves to take 12th place around the halfway mark. The two had a great battle, and Goncalves finally got round the Molson Kawasaki. With five minutes to go, Swanie had to ride conservatively and he crossed the finish line in 13th spot.

Riders were dreading the last moto of the day as temperatures and track conditions were waiting to punish the 30-man field. Swanie took advantage of a good start, but it was his first lap blitz that saw him pass four riders in two turns to rocket his KX250F into third spot as the swarm of riders completed lap one.

Swanie moved up to take second place and was now trailing fellow South African Tyla Rattray. De Reuver and Philippaerts found their way through a lap later with Swanepoel tucking in behind the Italian and matching his pace lap for lap. He was holding his own until disaster struck on lap 7. A mechanical problem forced the disappointed youngster to retire from the race.

"It was really awesome to be up front in a GP. I was feeling great in the second moto and I was confident I could challenge Philippaerts. Everyone was suffering from the demanding track conditions but the team and I have been practicing really hard in the sand lately so I was sure I could put together a good result. These things happen and I'll just have to get it done at the next one", explained Swanepoel.

Gareth will fly the Molson Kawasaki flag at the penultimate round of the British championsips to be held in Whitby, England next weekend.

RACE RESULTS