Round 1, Oldebroek, Holland (07 - 09/04/12)
The weather played a huge factor in the weekend’s action with the deep sand track of Oldebroek taking a lot of rain all weekend which made bike set-up key to good results. Heading into the Qualifying session the track was in a bad state after all the mixed groups of practice. Despite his efforts trying to put together a clean lap, Paul posted the 7th fastest time giving him 7th gate choice for Monday's racing.
Race 1: With the rain poring down heavily, Paul made a
crucial good start, rounding the 1st corner in 5th place,
quickly making that 4th place at the end of the next straight.
Half way around the opening lap Paul made the move on the
2nd fastest qualifier and local rider Mike Van Grinsven to take
over 3rd place. Paul kept in touch with early race leaders
Warnia and Couprie until the mid point of the race and with
arm pump getting the better of him eased off the pace and
started riding conservatively until he finished the race in a
solid 4th place.
Race 2: Unfortunately not getting as good start as race 1, Paul was in the middle of the packed 30 line up round the 1st
corner, squeezing round in around 14th place which didn’t last long as he got tangled with German rider Schreiber
coming through the pack. They were both down in 17th and 18th when they got free from each other. Making almost
1 pass per lap, Paul carved his way through the pack to 9th place at the half way marker of the race. Paul made 2 more
crucial passes before the race was over crossing the line after 37 minutes of hard work in 7th place.
Holmes commented after the days racing action; “I am happy with how this weekend has gone and it’s great that we have
once again made some massive improvements working with our new 2012 set-up. I’m looking forward to the opening
round of the British Championship this Sunday in Mepal and the rest of the racing season. I would like to say a huge
thank you and welcome to all the great sponsors and supporters who are working with me in this 2012 season, It wouldn’t
be possible with you and I really appreciate your help.
Round 1 overall results
1st - Jeremie Warnia 47 points
2nd - Romain Couprie 47
3rd - Mike van Grinsven 40
4th - Paul Holmes.............32
5th - Davy Decuyper 30
6th - Joe Maessen 30
7th - Jan Vlaeymans 26
8th - Stefan Schreiber 23
9th - Antoine Cheurlin 22
10th - Auke Theuninck 22