Busch wins European Junior Cup opener

Article from http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/5-news/7243-busch-wins-european-junior-cup-opener.html

Featuring 14 to 17 year old racers riding identically prepared Kawasaki Ninja 250R's the inaugural round of the European Junior Cup was certain to provide exciting racing and it did not disappoint. Despite his young years 15 year old Tom Busch rode like a seasoned professional to take victory.

The early part of the race saw pole man, Australian Matt Davies, setting the pace with heated racing behind as German rider Busch, Spaniard Ruben Fenoll and New Zealand's Daniel Mettam fought hard to chase him down. South African Themba Khumalo looked like he might join the lead group lying fourth in the early stage of the race before having to retire.

Skirmishes behind the leaders gave them the opportunity to break away from the rest of the pack at the half way point of the race and they gave the crowds a thrilling spectacle as they battled for the lead. Fenoll looked strong but fell challenging Davies for the lead, shortly followed by the leader himself as he fought to break away from the rest. Mettam was held up through this allowing Busch to gain an unassailable lead, with Mettam eventually finishing second followed by young Californian, Brandon Kyee, in third. An excellent result for him as his team had worked tirelessly for two days to provide him with a good race set up.

The next race will be at the World Superbike round of Monza in May.

Results: 1. Tom Busch, Germany; 2. Daniel Mettam, New Zealand; 3. Brandon Kyee, USA; 4. Ross Patterson, Northern Ireland; 5. Jean Francois Demoulin, France; 6. Loris Hunt, GB; 7. Qays Hashmi, Pakistan; 8. Matt Davies, Australia. Not classified: Ruben Fenoll, Spain; Miguel Aranda, Spain; Amelie Demoulin, France; Themba Khumalo, South Africa.