This report is from Ben Townley`s PR man, Glen Dempsey.
Visit Ben @ his BenTownleyMX.Com: website.
It features his latest news, pictures, profile etc. and while you are there, leave a message for the young Kiwi in his `Guestbook`.
A win and a loss for Townley in Spain
Still on a high from his glorious GP victory in Belgium, nineteen year old Ben Townley started off today\'s MX2 GP with a bang. The factory KTM rider darted into lead after the first turn and never looked back. The 13200 spectators were in awe of Townley\'s natural riding talent as the Kiwi attacked the difficult riding conditions with ease and led home the pack of mud caked riders by over a minute.
\"We decided not to ride the morning practice as the conditions were too terrible. I just managed to grab the hole-shot by hugging a tight line in the first corner and it all went well from there. There was not much room for error but having a big lead helped me to ride smoothly.\" explained BT.
Yet again the factory KTM 250F powered it\'s way out of the gate and by the second turn BT was challenging former world champ Michael Machio for the lead. Townley\'s hastiness was penalized as he made a mistake and went down while trying to pass the Frenchman. A quick recovery and BT was back up to the leading pack. All hopes for a second GP victory were destroyed when engine failure forced the Kiwi to retire.
\"I thought I had learnt my lesson by now. I had thirty-five minutes to grab the lead and I tried to do it all in thirty-five seconds - a silly mistake. It\'s unfortunate for me that I\'ve lost the leader plate but it will make me more eager to earn it back next weekend in Portugal.\" vowed BT.
2004 MX2 Point standings:
1. Sword Stephen, GBR, Kawasaki, 74
2. Mc Farlane Andrew, AUS, Yamaha, 73
3. Townley Ben, NZ, KTM, 72
4. De Reuver Marc, NED, KTM, 61
5. Leok Aigar, EST, KTM, 61
6. Maschio Michael, FRA, Kawasaki, 57
7. Rattray Tyla, RSA, KTM, 57
8. Dobb Jamie, GBR, Honda, 49
9. Barragan Jonathan, SPA, KTM, 34
10. Cairoli Antonio, ITA, Yamaha, 28
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