THE SWEET TASTE OF CHAMPAGNE FOR ANTTI PYRHÖNEN

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Home is where the heart is and when motocross is in the heart then the Finnish Grand Prix was the main race of the 2009 World MX3 Championship for Antti Pyrhönen. And our man pulled it off by demonstrating his great skills keeping a cool head to win both races at Vantaa and made the Finnish GP a day to remember for the crowd. It was some 20 years ago since the last Finnish motocrosser won the home GP. If you think the normally cool calm and collected Finns only open up after a drink … wrong !

Jet planes were storming down the Helsinki airport runway while only 100 meters away Antti Pyrhönen raced to his impressive maiden Grand Prix victory at Vantaa’s mx track. Antti is only the second rider this year to win both motos in a MX3 GP.

One can imagine the immense happiness and satisfaction that was running through Antti’s vains after a great result on home ground.
“It was really a dream come true and I have worked so hard for this. My name is now in the history book of Grand Prix winners and that is so fantastic. The pressure I had put on myself was really high but I felt in full control the whole weekend.”

“I want to share this victory with a supporting crowd and specially the 400 sponsors and friends that we invited to come and see me race the Finnish Grand Prix. It was such a reward for me and for all of them to bring home the maximum of 50 points.”

VANTAA PRACTISE

Sand is the favorite soil for Antti Pyrhönen when it comes to motocross and it was a bit of a bummer that the Vantaa circuit was in reality an almost perfect hard and dusty track for French and Italian specialist of the motocross game.

“I was surprised as many of the competitors to find the track altered with hard patches and series of whoops that gave the riders a new look at Finnish motocross. I set second time in qualifications and did not even go out during the final stages of timed practice as it hardly made sence so it felt better to safe my energy for the two races on Sunday. The bike felt perfect and though the track was not really to my advantage I did not let it bother me at all. I concentrated on the job, in my long career I have ridden all kind of tracks but sure this one was not to my advantage.”

Already on Saturday kids and adults stopped at Antti’s place for a chat and an autograph. A VIP area had been set up to receive over 400 guests to entertain them during the Finnish GP event. “It is very important for the present sponsors to make them feel respected and we also invited newcomers to the sport to show them what it is all about and a Grand Prix is a great opportunity whatever the cost.” Said Antti who had family and friends help with looking after all the guests.

START TO FINISH LEADER IN FIRST RACE

The pressure could be noticed on his face as this was probably the most important race of Antti’s life since he was hot favorite to win the event. But we all know the pressure is high in front of a home crowd that really expects a win and mistakes can easily spoil all the excitement.

“I focused on my start and it all went well from when the gate dropped, I rode as fast as I could in a steady and comfortable rhythm. Julien Vanni, who is challenging me for third position in the World Championship, trailed me all the way but I kept him at a safe distance. Near the end I could take it a bit more relaxed but racing at this level never becomes an easy job. The track needed all my attention and concentration, it was easy to make a mistake and throw it all away.”
“In the second start I went a bit too fast into the first corner and Vanni had a better and faster line in the second corner so I had him in front of me. He is a smooth rider with a good speed so it was not easy to make an early pass. Nevertheless I could match his speed but during the race I recognized he could not keep his pace so I tried to make my move but it was difficult to find a way past him.”

“I used a good part of my energy having this fight with Vanni and stay on two wheels. The crowd was amazing in their support and I found new energy to start another attack when I got into trouble with my goggles. I took the lead and felt great with a second victory under my belt. The emotions were even bigger knowing I had realized my dream to win a Grand Prix. To do it in front of your fellow countrymen makes it even more special and also the fact that I did it with a maximum score from two moto wins was the icing on the cake.”

“Sure Vanni will fight back at the next GP in Denmark but I am hopeful to extend my lead on him by another handful of points to give me some extra breathing space when we go to the final GP in France where Vanni comes from. I will ride for my money and then may the best man win and take third in the Championship. Denmark should be good as the track suits me, I scored a podium place last year. I am glad the pressure of my home Grand Prix is now behind me although I must say that I used it to my advantage in power and focus.”

CHECK OUT HIS NEW WEBSITE: www.anttipyrhonen.com