Pichon claims World 250cc title

Michael Pichon has claimed the 250cc World Motocross championship with his ninth win in ten races.

His latest win at Gaildorf, Germany on August 18, was his seventh in a row, and maintains his chances of claiming the most consecutive victories in any class of World Motocross. He already holds the record for the 250cc class, but needs two more to beat the tally of Joel Smets, who managed eight in a row in the 500cc championship in 2000.

In the race, it was Italian Alessio Chiodi who took the holeshot, before a mistake let Pichon pass. Pichon maintained the lead under pressure from Johnny Aubert until Aubert, on a privateer Yamaha, suffered from a broken rear shock, causing the bike to bottom out and send him over the bars three corners from the flag.

Pit Beirer took second at his home Grand Prix, with soon-to-be roadracer Frederic Bolley taking third.

Joel Smets took victory in the 500cc race, passing seven riders including championship leader Stefan Everts. Everts settled for second, with third decided by a coming together between Yves Demaria and Javier Garcia Vico. Demaria reached the final podium place, with Vico dropping to seventh.

The 125cc race went to Mickael Maschio, charging from fourth place to take the win. Maschio needed to battle championship rivals Steve Ramon and Patrick Caps to finish first, with Caps second and Ramon third.