REVO Husqvarna UK team-mates Martin Barr and Mel Pocock sit first and second in the EMX250 championship chase after a dramatic fourth round of the series at the MXGP of Latvia at the weekend.
On the sandy Baltic track series leader Martin qualified third but Mel, who’s still suffering from a knee injury sustained in Russia, struggled to put in a quick lap and ended the session in 18th.
However, when the gate dropped on the opening moto both riders started well and settled quickly with Martin ending the 25-minute plus two lap race in fourth, one place ahead of his team-mate.
In race two Mel slotted into second on the opening lap on his FC 250 and held his position to the flag for third overall. Martin completed the first lap in seventh but by lap three was up to fifth.
At this stage Mel was set to take the red plate from his team-mate on a tie-break but in the closing stages the Irishman grabbed fourth which was good enough to give him a two-point championship lead.
The plot took another twist when Martin was passed with four laps to go – handing the advantage back to Mel – but having fought so hard to take the series lead Martin wasn’t about to roll over and on the final lap he struck back to re-take fourth and reclaim his position at the top of the points table.
Dylan Woodcock, the team’s third MX2 rider, was in action over the weekend in the Bridgestone MX Masters series at Wroxton where he narrowly missed the podium with a confidence-boosting fourth overall in the Pro MX2 class.
Completing a successful weekend for the team, youth rider Ollie Colmer put his TC 85 on the box in third in the SW85 class at round two of the Judd KTM BYN series at Culham Moto Park with three thirds and a second-placed finish.
Mark Yates (Team Principal)
“I’m very pleased to see the back of the recent run of bad luck and to be back where we know we can run. Considering they’re both nursing injuries I’m delighted with how well Martin and Mel performed and you can’t ask for much more than a podium, the red series leader’s plate and 1-2 in the championship.
“This gives both the riders and the team a great feeling going into our home GP at Matterley Basin at the start of next month. I’m so pleased for everyone and a massive thanks goes to the hard-working team and to all our sponsors for helping achieve our goals!”
Mel Pocock – 3rd EMX250 (5-2)
“Lativa was good to me compared to Russia with 5-2 results for third overall. I felt I rode well in the second race with consistent laps and improved line choice from the first moto.
“The championship standings are very close now between me and Martin – there’s still a long way to go but we’re proud to be 1-2 in the standings for REVO Husqvarna UK. Thanks to the team for another big trip to take the truck and crew all the way to Latvia!”
Martin Barr – 4th EMX250 (4-4)
“Latvia went okay for me but as I’m still struggling with injuries it was always going to be a tough one so to go 4-4 and keep hold of the red plate going into my home GP at Matterley Basin was a solid result.
“A big thank you to my REVO Husqvarna UK team which has been doing an awesome job – now I’m looking forward to getting back to 100 per cent and riding the way I know I should.”
Dylan Woodcock – 4th BBM (5-4)
“The Bridgestone British Masters was a great opportunity for me to get my head down, get some races under my belt and bring my confidence levels up in the UK before I return to EMX action.
“I had good speed but just struggled a bit on the uphill start straight against the 450s and narrowly missed the podium with fourth overall. Preston Docks is next this weekend for the Michelin MX Nationals and I can’t wait.”
Ollie Colmer – 3rd BYN (3-3-3-2)
“I’m growing in confidence every time I ride and in three of the four races I had the opportunity to take the lead but never quite managed it. Still, I pushed hard to take third overall and the REVO JGR machine is fantastic.”