The 2024 YZ bLU cRU Europe Cup SuperFinale got underway on Saturday October 5th at the legendary Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) with the YZ65 and YZ85 races on the world famous Matterley Basin circuit. Australia’s Blake Bohannon and the USA’s Tayce Morgan took the spoils in the respective races.
Next to take to the track was the YZ85 class, a total of 36 riders. Here the holeshot was taken by the USA’s Tayce Morgan. The SuperFinale first-timer seemed to have everything under control as he maintained the lead over the first lap, but as Davie Dürr gave chase Morgan took a rough landing over one of Matterley’s huge jumps and went down. The American remounted quickly and was ready to retaliate as Dürr attempted to break away. With five minutes left in the 15 minutes plus three lap race, Morgan was on the back tyre of his rival, and with just a few minutes left on the clock he regained the lead of the race, leaving a disappointed Dürr to settle for second. Meanwhile, Kay Zijlstra (NED), Talon Medaglia (CAN) and Willads Gordon (DEN) all had their sights set on completing the podium, but it was the Dutch rider who proved strongest of the three.
Nixon Coppins was the best British rider, finishing in an excellent 7th, Ralphy Jay Holloway was 15th, Jamie Currie was 20th, and Connor Thompson was 24th.
Tayce Morgan, YZ85 Winner: “It feels really good to win, I got the holeshot but it was a really tough race because I had a crash and I had to push hard to come back to the front, but I did it and the feeling is awesome. Thanks to Yamaha and everyone who supports me.”
YZ85 Race – Classification:
YLURU_YZ85_R1_RaceClassification-3930_21_65_351_1_36BE78F2DF4FFBD2B1178EF418AEE7A5
A total of 40 aspiring young riders lined up on the start gate for the YZ65 race, a 12 minute plus two-lap duel across the tricky new layout at the track near Winchester in the U.K. Jann Huisman was quickest at the gate drop and he grabbed the holeshot, but Australia’s Bohannon was quick to get into the lead, feeling confident after topping timed practice. When Huisman dropped back after a save and Kade Nightingale suffered a fall there were no challengers for the Australian debutant. With seven minutes remaining in the race, he had already built up an impressive seven-second lead, and by the chequered flag he had an incredible 38 second gap. Austria’s Maurice Heidegger rode to a strong second place, while a tight battle broke out between Nightingale (USA) and Tommy Wood (GBR) for the final spot on the podium, this was eventually taken by the American. The top 14 places were filled by 14 different nationalities.
Behind Wood, Cameron Berry was the next best Brit in 15th, Cole Mcauley was 20th, Liam Hannah was 27th and Nathan Strachan was 36th.
Blake Bohannon, YZ65 Winner: “This is all so exciting, I never thought I could even be here in front of all these people and representing Australia. The feeling is so cool and I’m so happy to take a win here at the SuperFinale. Thanks to everyone who has given me this opportunity.”
YZ65 Race – Classification:
YLURU_YZ65_R1_RaceClassification-3930_21_64_351_1_9FBAD034CAE14441F30DDD0FDF1EDA86
Words by Infront Moto Racing – Feature Image courtesy of Dave Rich – Other images by Infront Moto Racing
