UEM Goldspeed EMX Quad European Championship Round #5 Saint Mamet Saint Mamet du Salvetat, France July 17-18, 2010 By: David Barnes

In Moto 2, the Holeshot was again for Nicola Montalbini. The Italian took the inside line and was quicker than all the other riders. His Honda TRX hauled him throughout the first corner, and gave him the lead. Second place came to Paul Holmes and his KTM 505SX. Joe Maessen had this moto a much better start. The Dutchmen was riding in the top 10 and trying to get higher up.

Nicola Montalbini took the moto two holeshot & again was quickly under attack from Holmes & Couprie as they put in a charge to the front of the pack	Romain Couprie was again in top form for moto two as he went on to take the win once again, this time with Holmes in 2nd & Montalbini in 3rd

Davy Brems had a flat tire in the first few rounds. Giving Maessen and Gil the opportunity to move forward in the pack. Also Jan Vlaeymans suffered mechanical difficulties with a broken chain. Defending his third place in the Championship wasn’t easy this weekend. But, all eyes were focused on the top 3 of Moto 2 with Couprie, Montalbini, and Holmes all battling for the lead.

Holmes, who has become more confident since Poland, made his move on Montalbini to take over the second spot, and now the battle for first between the points leader, Couprie, and the defending Champion, Holmes. For several rounds, the two engaged in a fierce battle. Holmes trying to secure his lines and Couprie looking for new ones. Only inches separated, the two riders were fighting it out. After, several laps Romain Couprie was able to get best of Holmes.

Paul Holmes suffered a flat tire near the latter stages of the second moto but had a large enough gap on the Italian Montalbini to hold on for a 2nd place finish aboard his Holmes Racing's KTM ATV

A punctured tire in the last 4 laps of the Moto caused some insecurity about Holmes his second place. But the gap with Montalbini was big enough. Behind the top 3, it was Jason Macbeth that was able to overtake Davy De Cuyper for fourth position. In the end, Joe Maessen caught up with the KTM’s and overtook both in the final laps of the Moto.

In Moto 3, it was Belgian rider Davy De Cuyper that took the Holeshot. The young rider was able to get a small gap on Montalbini and Anthony Sousa Bourges (Honda). To everyone’s surprise, Paul Holmes quad wouldn’t start. The Brit tried to get it going with help, but no luck. It is the first DNF of Holmes in this Championship. Luckily for him. His direct contender had also a DNF this weekend. Joe Maessen’s link broke of his rear suspension and Jan Vlaeymans had in the second moto a broken chain. The latter had more luck this moto. Fighting his way back from out of the top 10, Vlaeymans redeemed himself and obtained vital points.

Davy De Cuyper was able to take the Moto Three holeshot but would later drop back to 4th place before the checkered flag flew	Jason Macbeth scored a 3rd place finish in the third moto of the day which allowe him to move up the points scale and take 3rd overall

Round 5 was very good to Romain Couprie as he dominated all three motos in his home Country of France

Pro ATV Racing Podium - Overall Nicola Montalbini (2nd), Romain Couprie (1st), Jason Macbeth (3rd)

Behind Couprie, five riders are battling it out. Each and every single one of them has had his share of bad luck this Championship. Just over 30 points separates them. And 150 are still to be earned. Thus, all bets are off these last 2 rounds. Also, Romain Couprie is able to earn his second European title in the next round. So, all ingredients are present for an amazing race in Kegums, Latvia on the 7th and 8th of August.