The Austian peerless in exciting encounter in Assen
Race 2 was won by Tobias Kitzbichler (Racingteam Kitzbichler) in stunning fashion, having led from the first lap until the end unchallenged. The Austrian crossed the finish line first after fourteen laps at the TT Circuit Assen, ahead of Dutchman Van Crugten (BB64 Academy) and Frenchman Nativi (Nativi Racing Team).
With the same grid as Race 1, in similar conditions, and with each rider that much more experience on the new Honda and in the tricky weather, the stage was set for an exciting rematch. The two Kiefer Racing teammates Wenzel and Binder made great starts and seemed to yet again establish themselves at the front of the race. Would it be a repeat of Race 1? Not exactly. On lap 1 the Kiefer teammates were left in the dust of a charging Kitzbichler who roared past and disappeared into the distance, 1 second a lap faster than his nearest rival for the first 10 laps.
Behind the Austrian, and with 10 laps to go, a battle for second place was shaping up between Van Crugten, Antoine Nativi and Ferre Fleerackers (Junior Black Knights). The Dutchman, struggling with the clutch at the start, had dropped as low as 21st, but like a rocket ship, he weaved his way through the field so that within five laps he had already joined the group fighting for second place.
In the end it was Van Crugten who came out on top of the compelling battle for second place. He finished just over six seconds behind Kitzbichler, but just ahead of Nativi and Fleerackers. Behind this trio, though at some distance, and completing the top seven, were Binder (Kiefer Racing) in fifth, Phommara (Phommara-Racing) in sixth and polesitter Wenzel (Kiefer Racing) in seventh place.
At the end of a successful first weekend for the NTC Frenchman Antoine Nativi sits atop the standings with 41 points ahead of Kitzbichler & Van Crugten, tied for second with 36 points each.
The Northern Talent Cup now looks forward to Round 2 at the Sachsenring in just under two weeks.
