SSP 300 Women’s European Championship:
Rivera and Sowa victorious at Brno
The third round of the SSP 300 Women’s European Championship concluded at the Brno Circuit after a weekend of high-octane action.
The race weekend got underway with two free practice sessions on Friday, in which Natalia Resel Rivera set the fastest time (2’21”245). She was followed by Polish rider Patrycja Sowa and Italian Josephine Bruno. Rounding out the top five but almost a second behind were Denise Dal Zotto and Silvia Comincioli.
Saturday morning brought the two qualifying sessions and Race 1.
During the morning’s first session, Rivera proved to be the fastest on track (2’21”471) and in qualifying 2 none of the front group was able to improve further, with the starting positions confirmed and Rivera therefore in pole position.
After a scorching few minutes on the grid in very high temperatures, at the start was Sowa who got away very well from P3, immediately moving into the lead. But Rivera wasted no time in fighting back. There was very little her rivals could do as the Spaniard once again broke away and built a solid lead. The battle for second and third continued behind her. Sowa found herself fifth, at the back of the chasing group due to a technical problem, but she was ultimately able to make up ground and cross the line third, while Bruno finished with a solid second. The top five was rounded out by Arianna Barale and Dal Zotto.
Race2 was raced in heavy rain conditions. Making a fast start, Sowa moved straight into first through the initial corners and ruled the race, showing real determination and building an 18-second lead over the chasing group. With a strong pace, Comincioli and Bruno battled hard for P2. Barbera and Dal Zotto completed the top five. Tough race for championship leader Rivera, who finished seventh.
