Ben Townley notched his second victory in the world MX1 motocross championship yesterday, winning both heats of the Italian grand prix in Castiglione del Lago.
Townley, 20, won his first MX1 grand prix with two second placings in Spain two months ago, and had struggled since on an unreliable works
KTM bike.
Fresh from a third placing at last week's British grand prix, the Taupo rider, who won the 2004 MX2 world title, was not to be denied in Italy, the eighth round of the championship.
Townley's manager, Glen Dempsey, said that given the frustrating time with the KTM bike, Townley was looking now at picking up grand prix wins as the title looked to be out of reach although nine races remained.
Townley's first win yesterday came after a race-long battle with Danish rider Brian Jorgensen and he secured the win when the Yamaha rider suffered a mechanical problem.
The second race saw Townley beat off a strong challenge from championship leader Stefan Everts, of Belgium, despite clutch problems.
"It was an amazing day," said Townley, adding he had enjoyed the track conditions and the traction he found on the circuit.
"I had some luck in both races but it was my turn for some good fortune.
"I had problems with the clutch in the second moto and it kept coming and going ... I was struggling when Stefan passed me but I stuck to his wheel as much as I could.
"I was lucky at the end of the race because my clutch came back and Stefan ran into some trouble with back markers.
"This race was the first time a grand prix has been live [on television] in New Zealand and it was cool to win for my family and friends watching back home.
"This is an awesome win for me. To sit here with Stefan and Joel either side of me, I don't know how many titles there are here.
"They are both people who have helped me with my career since I have been in Europe. Beating both of them was like a dream come true."
New Zealand's other contender, Josh Coppins, struggled with sixth and fifth placings from the two heats and was disappointed not to have gone one better after finishing second in last week's British grand prix.
"My times were good all weekend so I had high expectations going into the race," Coppins said.
"Although I really liked the track, I could not find my race rhythm and left myself vulnerable because I was so frustrated that I couldn't pass and get through to the front.
"I had wheel spin in both starts which sort of messed up my chances. On a positive note I'm still third in the championship and very close to Smets."
While Coppins stayed third, Townley closed the gap to fourth place and is now seven points from France's Mickael Pichon.
France hosts the next round in a fortnight at St Jean D'Angely.
Standings
* Stefan Everts (Belg, Yamaha) 339 pts
* Joel Smets (Belg, Suzuki) 276
* Josh Coppins (NZ, Honda) 274
* Mickael Pichon (Fr, Honda) 261
* Ben Townley (NZ, KTM) 254
- NZPA
New Zealander Ben Townley rode to two superb victories in Castiglione del Lago, Italy, yesterday.
Ben Townley notched his second victory in the world MX1 motocross championship yesterday, winning both heats of the Italian grand prix in Castiglione del Lago.
Townley, 20, won his first MX1 grand prix with two second placings in Spain two months ago, and had struggled since on an unreliable works
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