Larissa Papenemier is really hitting her stride this season nailing best results of 2019 WMX Championship so far finishing 2-2 at WMX Round at MXGP of Turkey at the weekend.
Feeling great on the bike with set-up and suspension near perfect, #423 has certainly proved game-changer racing up-front in WMX Rounds 1-4. Currently standing 2nd Overall in Championship, 3 points ahead of Dutch racer Nancy van de Ven, Larissa has ability, confidence and determination to make most of any opportunity that comes by to cement podium step.
What is fantastic, is the level of competition amongst WMX 32 gate-full riders. Not backing down from all-out speed queen Courtney Duncan– Larissa, Nancy and younger up-coming riders have what it takes to challenge who’s out front.
And, Larissa proved that- nailing fastest lap time in Race 1: 1.50.122 to Duncan’s 1.50.351.
As Lare says: ‘I had a really good weekend. It started well already in practice where I felt good. My bike was just perfect and my set-up with suspension was on point’.
‘Race 1 I had a decent start and then stalled my bike. But I caught up the gap to the front again and went pass Van de Ven. It wasn’t enough to pass Courtney but I was happy with my riding and I could even do the fastest lap of the race’.
‘Second heat my start was better and I could also lead a few laps. Courtney was a bit faster and passed me again. So two times second was good and so far best result for me this season’.
Racing Imola hard-pack track was challenging and caught some riders out, however Larissa enjoyed the change of track conditions from last year, riding rutty sections with smoothness becoming of all training and preparation logged in during WMX gap weeks.
#423: ‘Yeah I heard that some riders didn’t really like the track. But I must say I didn’t find it so bad. I love ruts and I like it when it’s more bumpy so it suits me really well’.
‘I can remember it was also slippery in some parts last year but maybe not so many ruts. But last year we also rode earlier in the day’.
Feeling comfortable on the bike, with fitness levels peaking, Larissa and Team gel in making improvements count with only 2 WMX races left in Final Round.
#423: ‘I felt really good as we have tested a lot and we finally have the bike near to perfect. After all the circumstances beginning of the season we ran out of time with testing. Pity it is so late but better then never. My fitness is really good and I think that also helps a lot’.
And with 3 week gap to WMX Final Round at MXGP of Turkey, bets are on the German Yamaha rider will make every start, every lap, every race count- till the final flag.
#423: ‘I will try ride as much as possible until Turkey. I will also have another Germany Championship race the week before so I think that’s good practice for Turkey. I’m really looking forward to the last WMX Round’.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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