HP motor racing, Roppen-Tirol, A

Roppen in Tyrol was where the action was for the BMW Motorrad Endura Team Feil and the HP2 Enduro with its rider Chris Pfeiffer. The second race of the ACC was anything but ideal HP2 terrain. An approx. 5 km long, extremely tight course, covered with almost head-size rocks which are just lying in wait to give every bike a technical knock-out. 270 riders took up the challenge.

Chris Pfeiffer, a "qualified" trial specialist and reigning stunt riding vice world champion had all the prerequisites for riding the HP2 Enduro into the top 10 in this race. Pfeiffer before the start: "During the last races with the HP2, the team has gained a lot of experience and we can now really exploit the HP2 to the full to ride right up front even in this very difficult terrain."

No sooner said than done. Right from the start the man from the Allgäu showed everyone that the HP2 would be in the front pack. Long, almost trial-like passages alternated with short and fast full throttle sections. But it was above all on the extremely steep up- and downhill rides where Pfeiffer showed his class.

The spectators and the competition were stunned. One participant said: "Unbelievable. I would never have thought it possible to move the HP2 on this tough tight course. You have to see it to believe it."

And the ore mountain (Erzberg) specialist really was able to hold onto his position at the front for almost the entire race. The HP2 reeled off the laps like clockwork and was even up to fourth place almost to the end of the race. Only in the last third Chris had to give in to a pursuer but easily rode home in 5. place.

BMW Motorrad Sports Director Berti Hauser: "We are very pleased with this position and have proved that we can ride right up front with a two-cylinder bike among a very good field of racers. We are looking forward very much to the next races at the Erzberg and at the GCC in Mernes."

Further information and result lists at www.austrian-cross-country-championship.com.