Claiming his third consecutive victory in the prestigious Swedish event Pela Renet has won the 2013 Gotland Grand National in Sweden, giving Husqvarna the first win of its new era
With the Gotland Grand National – Sweden’s largest off road race – celebrating it’s 30th anniversary in 2013, Renet finished first of the 2700 riders competing in the event to secure his third consecutive event win.
Intent on launching Husqvarna 2014 model FE 450 with a winning debut Renet set about claiming an historic third consecutive win in determined style. Starting the three-hour race inside the top five, the Frenchman quickly worked his way into the lead during lap one.
Feeling incredibly comfortable in the slippery, muddy conditions, the Husqvarna rider steadily extended his advantage over the chasing pack. Holding a two-minute lead at the end of his first fuel stop on lap three, Renet continued his unrelenting pace throughout the race to cross the finish line almost five minutes clear of his nearest rivals.
In claiming the win Renet delivered Husqvarna a memorable and important victory.
Joining Renet inside the top ten, Finland’s Juha Salminen placed eighth. Competing in the event – despite recently retiring from professional competition – Salminen acquitted himself well. Recovering from a bad start, the Husqvarna rider ended his race in the top ten.
Pela Renet (Husqvarna): “It feels incredible to take my third consecutive Gotland Grand National victory in what’s my first race with Husqvarna. We worked hard during the week to prepare for this race and I felt very confident about what I could do on the new bike. I started inside the top five and took the lead shortly afterwards. I was happy to lead the race and felt very comfortable out front. I rode at a rhythm and pace I was happy with and at the first fuel check I had a two-minute lead. After that I controlled my speed and won the race. Winning here in Sweden is the perfect way to start the new Husqvarna era.”
Juha Salminen (Husqvarna): “My start was bad and with so many riders competing I needed to work hard to advance. I spent too long passing riders and by the time I got inside the top ten the leaders were too far in front of me. At the halfway stage I settled into a pace I was comfortable with and ended the race in eighth. Overall I’m pleased with that and very pleased with how the new Husqvarna performed.”
Results – Gotland Grand National
1. Pela Renet (Husqvarna) 7 laps, 3:21:18;
2. Jonas Karlsson (KTM) 7 laps, 3:27.03;
3. Jeremey Tarroux (Sherco) 7 laps, 3:31.22;
4. Andreas Hultman (Honda) 7 laps 3:31.39;
5. Mats Nilsson (Yamaha) 7 laps, 3:33.14;
6. Mats Akerbiom (KTM) 7 laps, 3:33.17…
8. Juha Salminen (Husqvarna) 6 laps, 3:00.15.
