Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tony Cairoli secured his first trophy of 2018 with a win at the third round of the Internazionali d’Italia in Mantova.
It’s another significant milestone for the world champion, making this his 10th senior Italian motocross championship.
In what is essentially the last weekend of pre-season before the start of FIM Motocross World Championship in Argentina on March 4, Cairoli wrapped up his sixth MX1/Elite/Supercampione national title by taking a double victory in the sand of Mantova in Italy.
Cairoli won motos in Sardinia, Sicily and then again at the former Grand Prix venue in central Italy to earn his first accolade of 2018 on the works KTM 450 SX-F.
“I had a great start in the first moto and a good rhythm to make a gap on Van Horebeek and controlled that until the end on what was a difficult and sketchy track,” said Cairoli. “[I had] another good start in the second moto but Febvre was close all the time and the track was getting deep with the ruts and I didn’t want to take any risks.
“We tried to stay as safe as possible and made the win happen. I’m really happy for this title and now looking ahead to Argentina.”
His win mirrors the start of the 2017 campaign where Cairoli would go on to claim his ninth FIM world championship medal.
2018 Internazionali d’Italia Supercampione standings
- Tony Cairoli, Red Bull KTM
- Romain Febvre, Yamaha
- Jeremy Van Horebeek, Yamaha
- Tanel Leok, Husqvarna
- Alessando Lupino, Kawasaki
