The third and final round of the inaugural FIM Sand Racing World Cup takes place this weekend in Portugal, and as well as Welsh sand lovers Sion Talbot & Ashley Greedy taking part, Series leader Todd Kellett on the Drag’on Tek Monster Energy Yamaha will contest the event – the Monte Gordo Sand Experience – that runs from 17-19 November, although there is a serious question mark hanging over his fitness following a big crash last month.
Words & Featured Image: FIM (Featured Image by Fredrik Herregods)
Having won the legendary Enduropale du Touquet in France and the Enduro del Verano in Argentina that got the series under way in February, the twenty-six-year-old British star has scored a perfect fifty points and holds a clear eighteen-point lead over second-placed Yentel Martens – Honda.
However, with two ninety-minute races standing between him and the first-ever FIM Sand Races World Cup title, Kellett knows he will have to dig deep if he is to leave Portugal on top after he was injured at the opening round of the 2023/24 Championnat de France des Sables beach race series at Berck at the beginning of October.
“The crash wasn’t that bad,” said Kellett. “I have had a lot worse, but the bike came down on top of me and I was stuck under it and knocked unconscious for a while. In terms of injuries, I cut my right hand pretty bad, injured my right wrist and left collarbone and sustained some head and face injuries. I looked like I had done a boxing match with a rear paddle tyre!”
With the days counting down to the Monte Gordo Sand Experience he has still not been back on a motorcycle, but following sports physiotherapy sessions with renowned trainer Alan Milway he feels able to attempt to defend his lead.
“To be honest, I haven’t been able to do much. I had surgery on my hand the day after the accident, but we have had to take things very slow. In short, I haven’t been able to train or get ready for Portugal. Some might doubt if I should be riding really, but I have made the decision personally to go. I am now back cycling with very light gym sessions – we still have a few issues that we are dealing with but day by day it will get easier.”
To become the first FIM Sand Races World Cup winner is clearly a big deal to Kellett and all the inspiration he needs to get him to the start in Portugal.
“It would be so cool to win. It is the first year so that is always a cool one to win and of course to have an FIM World Cup title to my name is a dream. Having been through a lot over the last five weeks it would probably mean even more knowing how close we were to not even being at the last round to give it a go.
“My game plan is to go off the line and make it to the finish. I can’t physically take any risks this weekend. We will just be doing what we can to get that title. It is not going to be easy, but if it was then everyone would be doing it, right?”
The Monte Gordo Sand Experience runs from 17-19 November in Portugal with the two main points-paying races this coming Saturday and Sunday.
Flying to the event has been advised against by Todd’s medical team, so he is driving to the event on the southern tip of Portugal, just over the border from Spain, a road journey of over 24 hours! This short reel has been put up on his social media, so you can see what he has gone through to try and make it to the start line in Portugal. All at Dirt Hub wish him all the best this weekend!
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1049310539547561
After finishing a close second to Todd at the Weston Beach Race and competing in the first few CFS races as well, Ashley Greedy will be looking for a good result as he and Sion Talbot will also be tackling the sands with backing from S Briggs Commercials. Ash has made no secret that he wants another Weston win to add to his 2019 victory, and is going all out with these overseas beach races to hone his skills. Former British Championship racer Talbot was 7th at Weston so is no mug either, and Dirt Hub will bring you the story of their race after the event!
Dirt Hub wishes all the best of fortune to the British riders competing this weekend, and look forward to reporting on their results after the races!
FIM Sand Racing World Cup Standings:
