Nancy van der Ven scored a podium finish at the Women’s motocross Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. Van der Ven experienced mechanical trouble while in the lead of race one, but still finished third. She also lead the second race for a while, and eventually finished fourth. That was good for third overall.
The Grand Prix was presented on a track constructed at the iconic Imola motor racing circuit. The track developed treacherous ruts, and that, coupled to the heat, made for difficult conditions.
Van der Ven had a blistering start to her first race. She claimed the holeshot and immediately found her rhythm. After having lost the lead momentarily, she regained it, only to be confronted with mechanical problems as the bike kept stalling on jumps. She relaxed the tempo with a view on safety and finished third.
Another holeshot again gave Nancy the early lead in the second race. A small mistake dropped her to second and a fierce battle eventually dropped her to fourth. All chances of a second place finish were ruined at the start of the final lap when she took a wrong line and was hampered by a lapped rider.
Van der Ven wad third overall for the day and also third in the championship standings with a deficit of three points on second place. The final GP will be ridden in Turkey in two weeks time!
