Mike Allport, Richard Main and Simon Lane travelled to Ohlenberg in Germany last weekend to contest round one of a new IMBA European Vets series, and what an experience it was to be! Heavy, persistent rain throughout the weekend turned the circuit into a quagmire and there was serious doubt as to whether the event could even go ahead. However following a riders meeting in which they expressed a wish to still continue, the organisers got it on and the Brits certainly made their long journey well worthwhile!
Words and Feature Image by Mike Wood
In a combined class for riders Over 45 and Over 57, it was to be podium joy for the British lads as Simon Lane took 2nd overall in the O45’s whilst Mike Allport scored a super win in the O57’s. Back in 1985, Richard Main was crowned the 125cc IMBA European Champion and he was on the box yet again at Ohlenberg taking 3rd in the O57’s.
In moto one, Lane started with a strong 2nd spot behind eventual triple winner Didier Ghaye as Main took 7th and Allport 11th. The remaining two moto’s produced identical results for the Brits with Lane runner-up on both occasions as Allport got home in 8th and Main 14th.
Afterwards Lane said “In the first moto I gated in 2nd and chased the winner all the way. In moto two I got the holeshot but then made a silly mistake which let Ghaye through. I then caught him but was unable to make a move. In the last one, it was another holeshot but another mistake and he again got through. I was then right on his tail all the way and tried on numerous occasions to make a pass but it just didn’t come off!”
The IMBA Vets series now moves onto Groesbeck in Holland before wrapping up in back in Germany at the popular Kleinhau circuit. Also having an outing last weekend at Ohlenberg was Simon Lane’s son Tyler who competed in a tough Under 23 class. Due to the wet conditions Tyler had just one moto on Saturday in which he finished a respectable 17th place.
