REVO Husqvarna UK’s Mel Pocock came with minutes of claiming a podium finish at round two of the EMX250cc championship at Valkenswaard in Holland at the weekend. After posting a strong seventh in the opening moto on his FC 250 Mel fought his way through the pack in race two. With the clock counting down he’d battled his way up to sixth – good enough for third overall – when he crashed into fencing as he continued his charge forward.

Refusing to give in, Mel remounted to finish 12th which earned him enough points for a solid sixth overall which elevates him into the championship top 10.

Pocock said: “I had to pass quite a few guys to get up to seventh in the first race and did some good lap times so I knew I wasn’t that far off the leaders.

“I got bumped around in the first corner in moto two and was 19th through the first timing beam but managed to work myself up to sixth which was good enough for the podium. Then on the second-to-last lap I crashed into the fence.

“It was a bit of a blow but it was still a good weekend to finish sixth overall. The bike was working well and I left healthy – although it would have been mint to get on the podium!

“I’d like to say a big thanks to Sam and Mark Yates and also Josh Pitts for putting the effort in week after week developing race bikes and keeping things up to scratch. Also a get well soon to Jamie Carpenter.”

Mark Yates (Team Principal) “It’s been a very good weekend for us and Mel’s confidence is clearly continuing to grow as he further gels with the bike.

“He had a good start in the first race and managed to finish seventh which was a great result. His start in moto two wasn’t as good but through grit and determination he pushed forwards and worked his way up to seventh. “That was good enough for the podium – unfortunately we didn’t realise or else we would have told him to settle for position.

“So he continued to push hard and in the 24th minute of a 25-minute plus two lap race he ditched it but still managed to recover and get sixth overall. “It’s very positive and from a team point of view it’s a massive step forward. I’m thrilled to bits with the determination Mel’s showing and the amount of effort he’s putting into his training programme.

“Every race is progress and personally I think he’s moved past any physical issues with his hand and now it’s just a case of him finding that last bit of confidence in himself.”