A big weekend for Todd! Having never raced Berck Sur Mer and round 1 of the French Sand Championship, everything was very new and strange to Todd so the team were hoping for a settled ride just scraping top 10 to get the championship off to a steady start. In the qualifying session, Todd was in group 1. A steady ride learning the track and the sand, Todd came in P2 behind Van Horbeek. This was a positive start putting him in Group A for the heats.
In heat 1, Todd was up against some different top runners but was confident just to learn the track again and find his rhythm for the final on Sunday. At Berck, they always have a split start, Todd was unsure of what size was best, so attempted the right hand side of the gate in heat 1, Todd holeshot on his side of the gate but when the 2 sides joined in, it was quite clear that the right hand side was the quicker line. Todd rode very strong getting to P2, passing a number of big names. He looked a little tense and you could tell he was out of his comfort zone but still a good ride. Unfortunately with 2 laps to go, Todd came over a jump to find a rider falling underneath him. Todd had no option but to jump and eject the bike. Cartwheels for both Todd and the bike meant 3rd place at the finish for him.
Todd was a little sore form the crash, so the team offered for him to miss heat 2 on Sunday morning and see a physiological therapist. Todd was determined to go out and get a good gate for the final. Todd had a very good start from the left hand side of the gate this time, P3 round turn 3 before crashing. Todd completed lap 1 in approx 18th, worked his way back upto 2nd! Before an unusual jump ripped his feet off the back of the bike, leaving him cartwheeling down the track once again. Todd finished the race in P4.
For the A final, Todd was gate pick 10. Very nervous after having 2 big crashes and working hard to get back in the results, we were hoping for a steady ride inside the top 10 and no crashes! Todd started on the left side of the split gate way and gated amazing! P3 behind the 2 factory KTM boys it was looking hopeful. Unfortunately, the track had been changed for the final and we weren't aware of the changes. Todd hit the first jump, unknown that it was just a pile of loose sand now. Over the handlebars and winded he was down for a long time. But regrouped and got back up completed lap 1 in 32nd! Top 10 was looking difficult but top 15 was hopeful. Todd rode his heart out from the get go and pulled back to over take team mate Milko Potisek on the final lap finishing p4 in the final!!!! Todd was pleased but a little gutted that yet again another crash left him with a lot of work to do, but if we had said we would go there and have 4th in the final we would be over the moon, However Todd could see a podium is possible.
Todd lies 3rd in the championship going in to the longer races which is where he specialises and has more confidence! The team are really happy and looking forward to moving forward with him so fingers crossed we can continue to work hard and get that podium!! Round 2 is this weekend at Loon Plage, Dunkirk! 2 1/2 hour race this time, another steady result and we will be happy.
