Pichon-Clermont at the top
Pole position for Clermont, best lap time for Pichon, they won the three rounds and the highest step of the podium. Logically, the Franco-Swiss Jacquiot and Billerey get the silver and Paget - Moussé the bronze.
Michael "Rocket" Pichon, 37, and his teammate Jason Clermont, 20, did not give any chance to their opponents. It all began with a fantastic time of 5 min 20 s 029 at the time test of Jason Clermont on Honda CRF 450. Then the double world champion and his protégé won the first round and the second round with the best lap time with 5 min 23 s !
For a wonderful celebration, officials Honda France won the final round of the 4th edition. During this last round, tired with a mercury over 40 degrees, they resisted to the attacks of Roman and Jacquiot Billerey, the only ones who worried them this weekend. Michael Pichon recorded for the third time his name in the history of the "8 H Endurance" at Pont-de-Vaux. Jason Clermont for his first time at PDV, mounted on the highest step of the podium.
Franco-Swiss duel
Both Romain engaged in the Swiss championship MX elite have nothing for which to reproach to themselves. During this Sunday, they occupied more than once the head of the race, but not for a long time. At the end of the third round, Jacquiot slow down, knowing that the first place is impossible to reach and that the second is guaranteed.
However, with the exception of Saturday, when the Yamaha 450 YZF did not give up forcing Jacquiot to rush for the third place, the official Yamaha Hosttetler Switzerland always had advantages over the official Yamaha Motor France. Pierrick Paget and Jean-Claude Mousse admit "they drove faster than us !" The winner of 2011 added "With only two pilots, 8 hours is too much" Pierrick comments : "Both then go to 10 hours, but with teams of three. '
Solo
The triple winner of Pont-de-Vaux and Roman Jacquiot agreed on this proposal. Pichon states "This is my third victory here at PDV, but by far the most difficult. The high temperature was a real disadvantage! "Accustomed to Pont-de-Vaux, Jacquiot by going to the infirmary confirms:" I'm exhausted ! '
Behind these three untouchable teams, David Sousa (2nd in 2011) with his teammates Jérémi and Jehan Bertrand, consistent during these two days took the fourth position in the three rounds and overall. The English of 18 years-old each, Liam Garbett and Adam Extance open this race to Europe for the first time where they rank fifth overall. In addition, Liam will compete next week the "Mondial du Quad" here at PDV.
It is also important to notifythat two pilots solo competed this year, Stéphane Mazella (52th) and Christophe Gareste (57th). The female crew Carole Piroud and Caroline Duchene finished 51st. Finally the first 125 cm3, a KTM led by Kevin Prallet and Jocelyn Delaigue.reached the 24th position.
Jean-Philippe Auray
Photos: Mick Magnin
Official results : AFC MICRO web site
