Jessica Chavanne, Quinten Bossche, Mattias Siimann, and Rashid Al-Mulla claimed stunning victories in their respective categories at the Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy in Olbia, showcasing their talents in the Ski Ladies GP1, Ski Division GP1, Runabout GP1, and Freestyle competitions amidst challenging conditions on Sunday afternoon.
In the Ski Ladies GP1, Jasmiin Ypraus led from start to finish in Moto 3, securing a decisive victory. Despite Ypraus's win, Chavanne's third-place finish behind Benedicte Drange was sufficient to clinch the Grand Prix title, edging out her French rival Estelle Poret. This result sets up a thrilling showdown for the World Championship in Indonesia, with Ypraus holding a narrow one-point lead over Poret and Chavanne trailing by 12 points in third.
Chavanne expressed her delight after the race, saying, "I am so happy. I didn’t expect this from this race because my ski is new. It was hard because the girls have improved a lot. Six or seven of the girls are really at a high level. I had some good battles."
In the Ski Division GP1, Quinten Bossche delivered an impeccable performance, winning his third successive Moto and securing the Grand Prix victory from Austrian rival Kevin Reiterer and Morgan Poret. Bossche's dominant weekend performance, marked by leading from start to finish and securing the hole shot, earned him a 24-point lead over Reiterer heading into the World Championship showdown on Lake Toba in November. Reflecting on his success, Bossche said, "I think that was another perfect score this weekend with the qualifier, all three heats and the hole shot and we led from the start to the end. I am really happy for my team."
In the Runabout GP1, Sweden’s Samuel Johansson led the second Moto from start to finish, but it was not enough to prevent Estonian racer Mattias Siimann from securing the Grand Prix win. Siimann's consistent performance throughout the weekend ensured his victory, with French defending World Champion François Medori rounding off the podium. Johansson's second-place finish in the overall standings granted him a three-point lead over Medori in the World Championship race. Siimann remarked on the challenging conditions, "There were not so many waves but I was more tired today. For me, it was harder today but I had a great result so I can be happy."
Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashid Al-Mulla dazzled in the Freestyle category, sealing Moto 2 success and the Grand Prix victory with a jaw-dropping performance that included several double back flips. Italian rivals Roberto Mariani and Massimo Accumulo completed the podium. Al-Mulla’s routine, filled with back flips, barrel-rolls, and other complex maneuvers, earned him 90 points from the judges, securing his outright lead in the World Championship.
Chavanne's race in Ski Ladies GP1 saw her battle fiercely against Poret and others, with Ypraus taking an early lead. Despite a minor mistake, Ypraus managed to secure her win by 5.923 seconds ahead of Drange, with Chavanne finishing third to claim the Grand Prix victory. The competition remained fierce as the top racers vied for their positions, demonstrating their high skill levels and determination.
In the Ski Division GP1, Bossche's strategic choice of the outside split allowed him to take the hole shot and maintain his lead throughout the race. His victory by 7.268 seconds over Morgan Poret emphasized his dominance. The race saw intense battles for positions, with significant efforts from racers like Deven Farthing and Oliver Koch Hansen.
Siimann's performance in the Runabout GP1 was marked by a red-flagged start and a fierce battle with Johansson. Despite Johansson's strong start and eventual Moto 2 win, Siimann's consistency ensured his overall Grand Prix victory. Medori’s strategic moves during the race secured him a third-place finish, contributing to the weekend’s excitement.
Al-Mulla’s freestyle performance left the audience in awe, with his near-perfect execution of double back flips and other complex stunts. His victory in Moto 2 solidified his position as a top contender in the World Championship, highlighting his exceptional skills and showmanship.
Overall, the Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy in Olbia was a thrilling display of talent, determination, and strategic racing. The victories of Chavanne, Bossche, Siimann, and Al-Mulla set the stage for an exciting World Championship showdown later in the year, as these athletes continue to push the boundaries of their sport.
Belgian Yoni Hamelin, Estonian racers Mattias Reinass and Karl Keskula, French racer Cyrielle Bramm, and Estonia's Mattias Siimann secured World Championship and Grand Prix wins in their respective categories—Ski GP3, Ski GP4, Runabout GP4, Runabout GP4 Ladies, and Runabout GP2—at the blustery Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, Reinass clinched the Ski GP2 title.
