Victory for BMW at the first Cross Country race of the year!

By Andy Dukes

When the chequered flag dropped as BMW factory rider Simo Kirssi crossed the finish line at the German Cross Country (GCC) race in the `Sandpit' of Tollwitz, the whole BMW Motorrad Motorsport team was overcome with emotion. After the hard work of the last months they were delighted to celebrate this victory at the first race of the GCC Championship - the off-road series with the most participants in Europe.

Simo Kirssi on his BMW G 450 X at Tollwitz, Germany

It was hard work in Tollwitz for 28-year-old Kirssi on his BMW G 450 X. The international competition included talented riders like the multiple Le Touquet champion Arnaud Demester, and the French `cross star Cyrill Coulon. The track was sandy but tricky after the heavy rain showers that had poured down before the race. Nevertheless, Simo never lost grip and controlled his opponents throughout the whole race.

The `Le Mans' start did not work well for Simo, who started off in fourth position and then had a small crash on the first lap, which fortunately did not have any lasting consequences. After that he made his way to the front quite quickly and only had to give up his leading position for a short time when he stopped for refuelling. After three successful World Championship races the enduro newcomer proved that he is definitely capable of becoming this season's number one in the European Cross Country series.

Bert Meyer, the youngster in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport squad also put in a great performance at Tollwitz. The 21-year-old Saxon was leading the field in the first lap, but then he had to give in and let the first three bikes past. He fought an exciting battle right to the end for fourth position with Arnaud Demester, which he lost when the French sand specialist crossed the finish line just five metres in front of him.

Simo Kirssi: "I did not feel so well today, as I'm full of cold and was feeling weak. In the first lap I had a small crash with Steffen Albrecht but it was nothing serious and we both were able to continue straight away. I also got stuck in a stone field, so consequently my speed was not satisfactory today, but of course I'm delighted with the victory. I see it as a reward for the team's hard work during the past months."

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director): "This was the perfect start to the Cross Country season for us. We worked hard all winter because we knew that we needed the bike to be competitive so we could fight for top positions. Simo was also well prepared. He won this race in an impressive manner, which was anything but easy considering the strong competition out in the field. I am happy for the mechanics, the riders and also team manager Wolfgang Fischer. It's a great reward for all our hard teamwork and we are simply enjoying it now."

Simo Kirssi on the podium at Tollwitz, Germany Results 1. Simo Kirssi (FIN), BMW Motorrad Motorsport, 15 laps 2. Cyrille Coulon (FRA), Yamaha, 15 laps 3. Steffen Albrecht (GER), Yamaha, 15 laps 4. Arnaud Demeester (FRA), Yamaha, 15 laps 5. Bert Meyer (GER), BMW Motorrad Motorsport, 15 laps 6. Andy Boller (GER), KTM, 14 laps 7. Jonas Karlsson (SWE), KTM, 14 laps 8. Thomas Gnther (GER), Husaberg, 14 laps 9. Jrg Haustein (GER), KTM, 14 laps 10. Falko Karbautzki (GER), KTM, 14 laps.

This feature originally appeared in April 2008 - Updated: 04/25/08