The European flattrack riders finally got together again after a long winter for the first round of the International Mefo Sport Flattrack Cup 2008.

Cup veterans and new riders as well as the top riders from the UK enjoyed an excellent day of hard racing. The large group of riders meant everyone had to qualify for an all or nothing, all deciding grand final, where championship points were to be earned.

The large crowd, brought in by a beautiful sunny Labor Day holiday, witnessed shorttrack UK’s reigning champion, CCM works rider Marco Belli, hold a clean sweep, winning all his heat races and dominating the final from start to finish. The podium was completed by Britain’s Pete Boast and Glyn Pocklington, who both put in fierce fights for this well deserved honor.

Dutch shorttrack specialist Bert Dijktstra was less fortunate, injuring his foot during practice. This did not stop him from coming in second in his first heat race. But a second spill saw him retire with what turned out to be a broken foot. Hopefully this will not stop him from returning to the cup after healing and once more display his distinct shorttrack style. On the upside this treated the crowds to the typical flattrack line-up restart, with all riders wheel-to-wheel in the race position they held when the race was red flagged. This was a first for most of the race fans in the stands.

Rookie rider Thomas Weigl deserves a big compliment for competing after very little practice on his Harley Davidson 500R. Getting better and better throughout the event he finished a well deserved 7th place. Veteran riders will definitely keep an eye on this new rider as the cup progresses.

1  #6  Marco Belli, Varese (I), CCM 510
2  #54  Pete Boast, Burgh-on-bain (GB), Suzuki UK
3  #7  Glyn Pocklington, Skegness (GB), Helmets4U Honda CRF450
4  #10  Tim Greig, Tealsey (GB), TAZ Aprilia RXV550
5  #16  Mick Jansen, Utrecht (NL), Dutch-Brothers KTM SX450