The inaugural race of the year saw factory representation from all the manufacturers and a large quota of world championship riders line the gate
Across the three 20 minute and 2 lap motos on the rough and hard-pack sandy Italian terrain, Philippaerts rode strongly and did not drop out of the top three to post finishes of second, first and third.
Philippaerts was a convincing winner in moto two and should have also perhaps won the first race if he did not need to briefly slow while in second place to sort out a brake concern. In the final outing he was unable to chase Jonathan Barragan but the Spaniard had mechanical trouble early in race two and was physically fresher than his peers.
“This is a good start to the year and I am very happy for the team and everybody," said Philippaerts. "The bike was really good today. It is very fast, maybe too fast for me at the moment! In the first race I had a small problem with the brake and had to stop quickly but my riding was good after that and I had some nice lines. In the second I was determined to win and passed many riders in the first corners. It was quite easy in the end. Barragan was fast in the last race but because he had a problem earlier he might have been fresher than the rest of us. We still have some time before the first grand prix and we are going in the right direction; my condition is getting stronger and the bike feels better each week. I am especially pleased with my starts today.”
Aside from the motos, that took place under bright sunshine but in modest temperatures, spectators were also treated to the ‘One-on-One' contest in which selected riders from each class fought over one lap.
Coppins was particularly sharp with his starts and won three face-offs (including a defeat of 2007 title rival Steve Ramon) to reach the final against 2007 pole position specialist Tanel Leok. Only a brave move from the Estonian through the triple on the second part of the lap prevented Coppins from walking away triumphant from this particular novelty, unique to the Starcross meeting.
