KTM factory rider Bernd Hiemer rode to tenth overall in the S1 class Grand Prix in Bulgaria on Sunday in the Supermoto World Championship.
Bernd posted ninth and twelfth in the two motos on the brand new circuit in Pleven where extreme heat tested riders' concentration to the limit.
It was the first time that Bulgaria had hosted an FIM Supermoto World Championship event and introduced another new circuit to the Supermoto riders, the third for the season. Riders have also competed in Turin and Alcarràs on new circuits earlier in the season.
Riders were challenged not only by the grand new circuit with a never before feature - an asphalted offroad section - but also by the extreme heat, where temperatures in the shade reached 47º Celsius and played havoc with riders' concentration. That was evident when a number of riders, including Bernd, broke at the start of the first moto and picked up "stop and go" penalties. "It was the first time it has ever happened to me," Hiemer said.
Then in the second race, the KTM factory rider was involved in a pileup of riders at the start, an incident that could also be put down to the extremely hot temperatures. "It took me 10-15 seconds to readjust the chain on my bike so I was only able to finish in twelfth place," Hiemer said.
The German KTM factory rider said the new circuit with the asphalted offroad section was "a good idea, but a bit dangerous" adding that there were several long jumps and a very fast start.
At the conclusion of Round Six of the Supermoto World Championship, Bernd has now picked up 166 points and is in sixth position in the standings. His best result so far this season was a fourth place in St. Wendel, Germany in Round Five. Riders will now take a break to reconvene for the next race in Alpi di Mare, Italy on September 16.
Results
1. Thomas Chareyre, France, Husqvarna
2. Adrien Chareyre, France, Husqvarna
3. Massimo Beltrami, Italy, Honda
4. Boris Chambon, France, Kawasaki
5. Ivan Lazzarini, Italy, Yamaha
10. Bernd Hiemer, Germany, KTM
Image - PB (KTM)
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