Raga takes his second outdoor title
By G2F on 24th Sep 06
Round 10 - Belgium. Adam Raga Gas Gas today claimed his second successive World outdoor title to add to his four indoor titles with a victory in the closing round of the 2006 championship at the famous motor racing circuit of Spa Francorchamps in Belgium. Albert Cabestany Sherco finished second with Antonio Bou Beta in third.
Despite having a commanding lead in the championship it was not to be an easy final victory today for Raga with Cabestany determined to win the battle between himself and Dougie Lampkin – Repsol Montesa HRC for third place in the final standings. Both Raga and Cabestany finished the event tied on twenty eight marks apiece, however the normal method of deciding the winner in the event of a tie was not possible with both having nineteen cleans, four one's, three two's, one three and three fives.
In this most unlikely of situations the victor is decided by the rider who finished the two laps in the shortest time with Raga coming out on top, having completed the course in five minutes less than Cabestany.
Despite a recent resurgence following illness during the early part of the season, Takahisa Fujinami – Repsol Montesa HRC could not maintain his run, finishing in fourth place. This was, however sufficient to guarantee him second place in the final championship standings. Cabestany's win at the previous round in Andorra followed by his second place today ensured he will be wearing the number three bib next season.
In the Junior Championship – Daniel Gibert – Montesa, guaranteed himself the Junior World title with his fourth win of the season. This championship has been a three horse race all season with Gibert, Daniel Oliveras – Gas Gas and Michael Brown – Beta all occupying the podium at every event. In the end it was Gibert that prevailed with Oliveras finishing second and Brown in third.
The Youth championship saw Alexz Wigg – Gas Gas take a narrow "most cleans” victory over Loris Gubian – Sherco with Benjamin Liotaud – Sherco finishing third. This was sufficient to see Wigg take the 2006 Youth title with Gubian in runner-up position and Matteo Grattarola – Sherco finishing third. Wigg also won the Series sponsor "SPEA Youth Hopeful Trophy”.
Day 1 Results: (1 Day event)
World
1: Raga 28
2: Cabestany 28
3: Bou 40
Junior
1: Gibert 17
2: Oliveras 20
3: Brown 22
125cc
1:Wigg 14
2: Gubian 14
3: Liotaud 19
2006 Riders Championship Final Standings:
World
1: Raga 201
2: Fujinami 184
3: Cabestany 177
Junior
1: Gibert 182
2: Oliveras 178
3: Brown 172
125cc
1: Wigg 178
2: Gubian 169
3: Grattarola 161
2006 Manufacturers Championship Final Standings:
1: Montesa 354
2: Gas Gas 331
3: Beta 264
4: Sherco 197
5: Scorpa 129
6: Honda 28
7: Yamaha 6
This round (Final round) 24th September, Spa Francorchamps, Belgium
Next event: 1st October Trial des Nations, Breal Sous Monfort, France
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