The Leirop International in Holland at the weekend was the first big race of the year for the AVT Campers KTM team, with Lucy and James Barker in action on one of the toughest tracks in the world.
Images courtesy of Niek Kamper – Niek Fotografie
Riding in a stacked 250 class against some of the best riders in the world and on one of the most brutal race tracks on the planet James fought hard for 25th in the first moto in a 55 rider line up and 24th in moto two for 23rd overall.
James said about his day, “My day went good. I am very happy with the improvements from last year. It was a massive step in the right direction. My goal was to keep consistent and keep it on 2 wheels. I was running in 15th – 17th till I had 1 small crash but nothing to worry about and I looking forward to the next few races”
16-year-old Lucy would ride in a tough Women’s class, battling hard to fifth place in the first moto before a crash relegated her to fifth. Regrouping in the second moto, she would finish a solid fourth for fifth overall.
On her weekend Lucy said, “My day at Lierop was a tough one. My first race on the 250 at a pretty brutal track😅 Qualifying was not my best – just average. In race 1 I was in a comfortable 5th position at a good pace then on a jump my hands came off the handle bars which resulted in a big crash, this ruined my first race. Race 2 I just wanted to stay on the bike, I finished 4th but my pace was slow and I wasn’t happy with it. But a lot has been learnt and hopefully I’ve got my nerves out of the way and I can be much more relaxed at my first races of the championships”.
The team would like to thank everyone that has jumped on board with us for 2024 no matter how big or small it’s massively appreciated. The biggest thank you is Lucy and James’s Dad and Mum – the work and dedication they put in to them is mind blowing.. motocross family through & through, and to Brian Jorgensen for the Winter training.
