Raga & Gas Gas dominate Portugal
Gouveie, Portugal. April 17/18 2004.
Adam Raga was eager to take control of the 2004 Outdoor Championship after his third and fourth place finishes at the soggy opening rounds in Ireland. On the more familiar terrain of Portugal, Raga demonstrated superlative skills on the opening day, with a crushing 5 point second loop, giving him a 4 point victory over Marc Freixa, with Dougie Lampkin taking 3rd a further 2 points back. On Sunday, in more difficult conditions, Raga again took the win, this time just a point ahead of Fujinami, and 2 in front of Lampkin.
Despite Dougie Lampkins dominance in the Championship for the last 7 years, many are pointing to Raga as the heir apparent. It certainly appears that when Raga is on top form, nobody can run with him. This years Championship will be very interesting, with 5 riders capable of winning any given event. Raga is now demonstrating such maturity and confidence under pressure that his results should be strong, even on days where the luck is not with him.
One of the biggest revelations this year has been the incredible performance of young Jeroni Fajardo. Under the tutelage of ex-World Champion Marc Colomer, 19 year old Fajardo has been showing flashes of brilliance, and generally very steady performances. In very unfamiliar conditions in Ireland, Fajardo took 6th and 5th places. He followed this with 7th and 6th in Portugal. In fact, Fajardo was second at the end of the first loop on Sunday in Portugal, ahead of EVERYONE except Raga.
Both Raga and Fajardo credit their machinery with giving them advantages over their rivals. With Raga on the 300 Pro, and Fajardo favouring the 280 Pro, Gas Gas are proving that the high tech Pro is the best machine in the field. In addition, the Junior Championship is led by Gas Gas 280 Pro riders Isaac Pons and Mika Vesterinen, and the Youth 125cc Championship is led by Gas Gas Pro 125 rider Daniel Oliveras. With these results, Gas Gas are dominating the 2004 outdoor series!
