Boog fifth in Spanish GP

BOOG NARROWLY FIFTH IN SPANISH GP 17 MAY 2009 The 2009 motocross world championship season has built up a nice head of steam, and for round 6 of the series, the GP circus swung round to Bellpuig in Spain. With the world number 5 ranking in his grasp, Xavier Boog was full of beans as he walked the hilly Catalan track with the spectacular view, excited at the opportunity of defending - and maybe even improving on - his world ranking. The Alsace's fastest motocross export confirmed his status as one of the world's top exponents of MX2 class motocross racing, as he set the second fastest time in the pre-qualifying practice. Despite his good gate pick, the start went slightly awry for the Teka Suzuki rider. He was buried deep down in 17th position, and had to exert all his efforts for the duration of the 20 minute qualifying race to work his way up to a ninth final qualifying position. As the Spanish commentators whipped the crowd into a frenzy at the rate of 1000 words per minute, the MX2 class blasted off the line for Sunday's first race. Xavier's lightning start shot him into the spearhead of the fray, and he slotted into fourth position. The battle was fierce and unrelenting, but he stuck to his guns, and in lap 8 he managed to displace compatriot Anthony Bossiere to move into third spot. He provided his supporters with ample opportunity to cheer as he latched onto second-placed Jeremy van Horebeek, but in the end the Belgian managed to forge a small gap, and Xavier finished the race in third spot, five seconds adrift of race winner Rui Goncalves. The start of race 2 unfortunately did not offer the same strawberries and cream for Xavier. This time he was just outside the top 10 as the timing system first clicked off his number. Racing behind a group of riders is often more difficult than being near the front with an unimpeded view, and he had his fox-gloved hands full as he tried to make passes. In a very competitive field, he did his best, but better than 8th was not on the cards. Significantly, one of the riders that he passed in racing to this position, was world championship leader Marvin Musquin. Courtesy of his excellent first race result, Xavier finished fifth overall for the day. He also maintains his fifth position in the world standings, edging a couple of points clear of sixth-placed Steven Frossard. Xavier will roll out for GP action again at the GP of Great Britain at Mallory Park in two weeks' time. XAVIER FLANKED BY HIS TEAMMATES AND TEAM TECHNICAL STAFF (Pic - Suzuki Racing)   RESULTS All GP results are available on the official website of the motocross world championships. Powered by mxhosting.be

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