Euro champ Brad Anderson lost a small amount of points to arch rival and series leader Mike Kras in the opening EMX 2T race at Imola in Italy.

Ando started the day just two points behind the Dutchman as Kras took third place while Anderson had a troubled race to finish fifth.

Ando said: “Not ideal. I got tagged on the start straight and slipped off in lap two. Kras came home with third so I have to get six points now to catch Kras and get back into the lead.”

Italians Manuel Iacopi and Gianluca Deghi gave the home crowd something to cheer for as they filled the top two places. Todd Kellett, who also raced in the e-mountain bike race today, battled with the leaders but slipped to fourth with an ailing bike.

he said: “Absolutely gutted but points are points and we’re still in the championship! Had small bike problem from the start that finally gave up three laps to go, with only second gear. It was impossible to do anything other than bring it home. Hopefully we have an engine we can borrow for tomorrow and just get a point.”

Ben Putnam was the only other Briton in 29th.