With a resounding 1-1-2 trio of moto results, Italian rider and reigning MX1 World Champion David Philippaerts dominated Sunday’s prestigious French International in Valence. Second overall was earned by the burly Belgian-born Teka Suzuki rider, Ken De Dycker. The final step of the rostrum was claimed by Rinaldi Yamaha rider Josh Coppins.

Threatening weather surrounded the French racing circuit and as the afternoon wore on, the wind picked up and rain fell, fortunately not wreaking much havoc on the track. In the opening moto, Philippaerts led the way with Rinaldi Yamaha teammate Josh Coppins tail gunning for him. In moto number two, Ken De Dycker muscled his way into the lead on lap number five, however Philippaerts remained close, displacing the Belgian to win his second consecutive moto. Philippaerts suffered a poor start in the third and final moto, thus allowing De Dycker to race away with the win. However, a strong runner-up finish was more than enough to secure the Valence overall. Second overall with 4-2-1 motos was De Dycker. Third was granted to Coppins, 2-3-5 moto scores good enough to get the job done. Kevin Strijbos was fourth, Marc De Reuver fifth and Steve Ramon was sixth. As interesting footnotes, former American-based racer Davis Vuillemin was 9th overall with 5-10-10 motos, while Grand Prix stars Sébastien Pourcel and Max Nagl both skipped the event due to injuries suffered prior to its running.

While the results of David Philippaerts, Ken De Dycker and Josh Coppins were expected in France, the overall victory of MX2 European Champion was not! Having never even lined-up behind a starting gate for a World Championship Grand Prix, Valentin led virtually the entire opening MX2 moto before being passed by Marvin Musquin at the bitter end. Valentin placed third behind winner Shaun Simpson and runner-up Rui Goncalves in the second moto. The third and final moto — dubbed the Super Final — combined the 250F and 450F bikes of the MX2 and MX1 divisions. 12th overall and the third MX2 rider to cross the finish line, Teillet had all he needed to snag the MX2 overall, perhaps a new star being born in Europe. Shaun Simpson snagged second overall with 12-1-16 moto scores. Rui Goncalves was the final member of the podium, consistent 4-2-13 scores allowing him to stand upon it.

Eric Johnson