EJC training camp concludes at Cartagena
The three-day training camp for the KTM European Junior Cup concluded yesterday at the Cartagena circuit in Spain. The riders entered for the 2012 edition of the Cup, a support category to World Superbike and reserved for 14 to 19 year-olds, had an opportunity to try out the track-ready KTM 690 Duke machines, with which they will tackle the eight rounds on this year's calendar, in the presence of numerous international journalists.
Thanks to the support of the Mattighofen-based manufacturer, which sent along engineers and technical staff, and the presence of former experienced racers such as Simon Crafar, the EJC coach, and Jeremy McWilliams, KTM's racing ‘ambassador', the youngsters were able to familiarize themselves with their new venture.
Series coach Simon Crafar said "I really enjoyed the championship last year and working with the young riders. After the training camp this year, the speed of the bikes and the standard of riding has really moved to the next level. The rider field this year contains a wide variety of fast guys from various classes including Red Bull Rookies, Spanish Moto 2, Top 125 GP and other top National level front runners. We even have a European Stunt Competitor and Motocross champion. I'll have some work to do if I hope to retain the end of season party stunt show trophy!"
For his part McWilliams was surprised at the level of the participants: 'It has been really positive feedback from the riders and I am surprised at how fast a lot of them are. There are some very fast riders here and as hard as I am pushing, many are just as fast. I've helped develop the Cup bike on track and it's great to see that the level is so high on identical bikes. This will make for some very exciting racing."
The KTM European Junior Cup will make its season debut at Assen, at the third round of the Superbike World Championship, from 20 to 22 April.
