KTM Enduro Factory Team's Samuli Aro fought strong and hard against arch rival and Finnish countryman Mika Ahola in E2 action in Slovakia on Saturday but was denied victory after losing time in a crash in the last test.
"Samuli was very fast today and he really fought hard against Ahola," said team boss Fabio Farioli of the first day's action at the Grand Prix of Slovakia being battled out in the Tatra Mountains. "There was only one second difference going into the final test and then Samuli crashed and lost some seconds."
Aro, the reigning champion, also wrenched his knee in the crash and Farioli said that although he expected him to race again on Sunday, he may not be at 100% fitness. Aro's teammate Fabien Planet put in a solid performance for fifth place.
Saturday's race still leaves the four leading riders in the same order in the season's standings with Ahola holding a 21-point advantage over Aro and another 75 points still up for grabs in the three remaining races of the season.
Results - Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda
- Jonny Aubert, France, Yamaha
- Samuli Aro, Finland, KTM
- Stefan Merriman, Aprilia, Australia
- Fabien Planet, France, KTM
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