Hidalgo wins the KNC race at Montmeló

The rider from Grip Moto, Francisco Javier Hidalgo, managed to take his Kawasaki to victory today. In a weekend that Habib had been dominating with an iron fist, in the race he could not keep up that pace, and in the end the Andorran had a problem and was unable to finish.

That was the moment for Ignacio Contreras, who seemed to have a crushing pace and everything pointed to him taking the race, after opening a gap in the first laps. His rivals, and more specifically Hidalgo, managed to close in on him and take the final victory.

Behind, a group of three was fighting for the podium: Julio David Palao, Hugo Martínez and Poyatos. In the end Palao managed to open a small gap at the end, when only two laps remained, and secure third place.

In the Master 30 classification, only two riders took part, Jose Carlos Lobo and Sergi Mejias, with victory for the former and tenth place overall in a race where thirteen riders finished. Apart from Habib, Manrique, Didac and Parchard also failed to finish the race.

Now we have to wait until Albacete, where we will see them back on track.

Riders’ statements at the press conference:
Hidalgo:

Regarding the race, I could hardly believe it. We all left as a pack, but once I found myself in front I pushed, and I’m happy above all to be able to take part in the Kawasaki Cup. Thanks to my family, my friends and not much more to say. I’m very grateful to be here again.

Contreras:

At the start of the race it was very crazy, I almost collided with Hugo. I was pushing on, but Hidalgo came through and from behind I was moving around a lot and couldn’t keep up that pace. Thanks to my family, the team and Santi Barragán who is helping me.

Palao:

Yes, the truth is the start was very crazy, they took too many risks in the first laps. You should start more calmly; we had contact, crashes and having to dodge, you have to start more calmly and when you find your rhythm, then set that pace, as Hidalgo did.

But with the crashes and overtaking on the limit, I couldn’t. I gave my all trying to catch him, but I lost ground in the first laps and the tyre was sliding too much, and at the Caixa corner I nearly went down, and the truth is it was there… I finished 3rd. I think for the championship we’re now leaders, and now Albacete.

Lobo:

Well yes, they are in another galaxy. We are very few and I was able to finish first, but I’m content with having finished the race and enjoyed it with everyone.

Photos | Gloria Lobato, Alejandro Batán (Plusmoto.com)