Superb weather, a sold-out stadium and great battles all evening – all the conditions were in place to make the opening of the French SX Tour Championship in Clermont Ferrand a real success. After his victory last weekend in the Elite MX1 French Motocross Championship at Rauville la Place, Anthony Bourdon arrived in Auvergne determined to make the Bud Racing team’s colors shine for this 1st SX of the season in the 450 cm3 class.
Starting the day with the 6th fastest time, Anthony found his rhythm and progressed throughout the evening. With a good start in the semi-final, it didn’t take him long to take 1st place and hold on to it until the chequered flag. In the final, the scenario was identical. Anthony started in the leading pack before settling into the leader’s seat.
A solid performance
Particularly at ease on this demanding track, he put in some solid laps before seeing Josh Hill catch up with him. Despite his best efforts, Anthony succumbed to the American rider’s onslaught to finish 2nd. Victory may have been close, but it’s a fine podium finish and a big points tally to kick-start the season and build confidence a week ahead of the opening round of the World Supercross Championship.
Anthony Bourdon: “It was a good evening overall, as I won my semi-final. In the final, I got off to a good start and took the lead for a while before seeing Hill overtake me with 2 minutes to go. I have mixed feelings. I’m happy to be on the podium but a little disappointed to have broken down physically, because I think victory was possible. It’s still cool to start the season ahead of all the French drivers. We’ll keep on working to get stronger for the next few races“.
Stéphane Dassé: “Anthony is in a good mood after his victory at the Elite last week and his podium here in Clermont-Ferrand. This 2nd place in the 450 cm3 class ahead of some solid SX riders is a nice surprise. The training seems to be paying off. All we have to do now is keep up the good work. »
This Saturday, July 1, the Bud Racing team will be in Birmingham for the opening round of the World Supercross Championship. Anthony Bourdon and Adrien Escoffier will represent the team in the SX2 class, while Justin Hill and Cédric Soubeyras will compete in the SX1 class.
Hossegor, June 26th
