Paulin fifth in Sweden

Paulin fifth in Sweden

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Following his success at Antonio Cairoli's home race, Gautier Paulin was unable to capitalise in the Swedish Grand Prix.

Following his success at Antonio Cairoli's home race, Gautier Paulin was unable to capitalise in the Swedish Grand Prix. The layout of the track that lies about a hundred kilometres from Gothenburg, made even more difficult by rain during the qualification, and a couple of falls in the first race left Paulin unable to challenge for the podium and with no choice but to attack the MX1 class leader Antonio Cairoli in the next rounds.

The French rider is always easily recognised by his AGV AX-8 Evo helmet with its original design and refined graphics that match his eccentric personality. In Race 1, the Team Kawasaki rider started from eighth and was making up ground when a clash with another rider dropped him back and in the end he had to settle for seventh place. He had even less luck in Race 2 where he started from third and almost immediately took second place only then to fall and lose about four places. He fought back hard and came across the line in fourth place which leaves him in fifth in the overall standings.

The Swedish Grand Prix also saw the debut of the Scottish Shaun Simpson with the Yamaha JK team. His place on the TM team was taken by Tanel Leok who rode the factory machine last year. The Estonian rider, who made his debut wearing Dainese clothing and an AGV AX-8 Evo helmet, managed 12th and 14th places which are a good starting point with the new blue/white Made in Italy machine.

Following an accident and injury to his foot in the previous round, David Philippaerts gritted his teeth and coped heroically with painful ribs to come home eleventh overall to keep the same position in the classification.

The next round will take place on 7 July in Kegums (Lithuania).