KTM ATVs top podium in Poland

KTM ATV riders Paul Holmes and Stefan Schreiber took the top two steps on the podium at the opening round of the 2009 GOLDSPEED EMX European Quad Championship on May 17. Holmes rode his KTM UK 505 SX to the top step of the podium by winning all three motos.

“This has been a fantastic result for KTM, the team and myself, and we could not have asked for a better start to our Championship campaign,” says Holmes. “The 505 SX was really strong off the line for the opening race and I was able to get the holeshot, which was really important for that moto as the circuit was still very muddy. I was able to pull a five second lead and just maintained this to the flag. In the next two motos I had to work my way through from 5th after the second corner, but with the bike working really well in the rougher areas I was able to make new lines and moved to the front quite quickly.

Paul Holmes

Stefan Schreiber

Holmes, Schreiber and Yamaha rider Matthieu Ternynck on the podium.

“I had no idea what my speed would be like in comparison to the other guys as this is my first year on the KTM whereas they have had at least two years on their bikes, so to be able to pass them and win all three motos has been a real boost to the confidence and bodes well for the remainder of the series.”

Schreiber got off to a rocky start in the first moto with a fifth place finish, but earned second place overall by finishing second in the final two motos aboard his KTM Alskom Quad Racing 505 SX.

“It has been a good start to the Championship and I am happy with my overall result today,” says Schreiber. “I did not get the best of starts in the first race, I was just inside the top ten as we headed out on the opening lap, and although I felt faster than the guys in front the circuit had a lot of soft deep mud just off the racing line so passing was very difficult. I was able to move my way up to 5th so I am really happy with that.

“I took the holeshot in the second moto and pulled away in the opening laps, but I made a couple of mistakes and let Paul through. He is riding really well and unfortunately for me is also riding a very fast 505 SX, but I was able to catch up to him in the final phase so I know my speed is good. The last moto was also a good battle with Paul, the KTM works really well in the rough and I took the lead on the opening lap after gating 3rd, and although I would have liked to have kept the lead it is still good to have finished 2nd overall and take a KTM 1-2 on the podium.”

KTM machines made up almost one third of the 35-rider field at the Gdansk Motocross circuit. KTM riders earned five of the top 10 overall spots and three of the top five.