The Bulgarian round of the World MX2 Championship proved to be a tough weekend for all competitors. As riders dealt with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Suzuki Swift rider Sean Hamblin stormed to another top-ten race finish.

Following a string of solid results in recent rounds, the American pushed hard through the pack on Saturday to finish fifth in his qualifier, before lining up on Sunday for race one.

With passing difficult at the Bulgarian circuit, Sean was pleased to get a good start and pick off a few places in the early stages of the race. “I managed to move past a few riders early on, before gaining on Swaenpole. He upped his pace when I caught him, so I couldn’t quite get another position, but still crossed the line in a comfortable ninth place. My last seven laps were my quickest of the race, so I know I can be competitive over race distance”.

Race two started in similar fashion for Hamblin before a tangle with an optimistic Pourcel left the RM-Z250 rider restarting in 17th position. Struggling to find his rhythm, Hamblin managed to move up a few places by the flag to 14th place, leaving Bulgaria 16th in the championship standings.

Team mate Elliott Banks Browne proved his credentials yet again by qualifying for the main event. A good start in race-one saw the youngster run in 18th up until half distance, before a combination of pushing too hard and arm-pump dropped him out of the points by the flag. A strong ride in the second race, would leave him again out of the points but with boosted confidence after qualifying again.

Race 1 Results:

1st Cairoli, 2nd Searle, 3rd Rattray, 4th Pascal, 5th Guarneri, 6th Pourcel, 7th Boisiere, 8th Swaenpole, 9th HAMBLIN, 10th Nicolas,

Race 2 Results:

1st Cairoli, 2nd Pourcel, 3rd Rattray, 4th Pascal, 5th Searle, 6th Swaenpole, 7th Gundersen, 8th Nunn, 9th Aubim, 10th Goncalves