Red Bull Knockout attracts 650 riders for mad beach scramble

[totalmotorcycle]

Red Bull Knockout attracts 650 riders for mad beach scramble
Tuesday, November 19th, 2008 - KTM Motorcycle Press Release - Total Motorcycle - http://www.totalmotorcycle.com



Scheveningen, a beach on southern Netherlands and normally deserted in winter was the scene of an all-or-nothing, two-wheel scramble for glory at the weekend when 650 riders tackled a gruelling offroad course on the soft sand.

Belgian and Dutch riders proved they were up to the task on the unforgiving course cut out of the beach that claimed victims as notable as KTM's Manxman David Knight. Steve Ramon of Belgium was the ultimate winner with Arnaud Demeester of France second. Belgian's Johan Boonen came home in third place onboard his KTM SX 450.

The Dutch seaside resort attracted a massive crowd of some 150,000 who came to see the mighty race and many fall on the jumps and tricky curves of the course. Half of the field was eliminated at the halfway mark of the three hour race and at that point, Boonen was in fourth position and trailed the leader Timotei Potisek of France by 5:18.738. David Knight, who had led the race for some time was in thirteenth place and two laps behind the leaders. He eventually had to withdraw with a technical problem.

The third edition of the race again proved it was more of a battle against the conditions and the elements than against the rest of the field. Just 102 riders finished the race and only the first four in the same lap. But many of those who did make it to the chequered flag said the Knockout was the ultimate kick on two wheels and pledged to be back next year.

Results
1. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki
2. Arnaud Demeester, France, Yamaha
3. Johan Boonen, Belgium, KTM
4. Glenn Coldenhoff, Netherland, Suzuki
5. Mike Kras, Netherlands, KTM