Lotte van Drunen of the Beurspro KTM team clinched a podium finish during the third round of the Open Dutch Championship 85cc series at Halle. The young lady from Sliedrecht finished third in both heats, which yielded her third overall for the event.
Lotte was in action at an UMX race in Halle on Saturday, and won both heats of the womens class convincingly. The Open Dutch Championship races took place at the same track on Sunday. Lotte posted a scintillating time during free timing, but was a second too soon for the start of the first qualifying lap. Most of the top riders posted their fast time during that lap, but Lotte had to go around once more, and only secured the fifth gate.
Lotte surged into the lead at the start of race one. A wrong line choice cost her some time, and two riders passed her. Battling to find a rhythm, she fell back somewhat. As the race progressed, she managed to close in on the leaders again, but time ran out before she could launch an attack for a better position, stranding her in third.
Lotte got into race two in third position. She put pressure on the two leaders for a number of laps, but a mistake in the waves section forced her to tap off somewhat. She was slightly injured during the misadventure, but stayed on the bike and finished third.
Lotte was third overall for the day. She will be in full preparation for the Junior World Championship event which will take place at Megapolis, Greece on on 31 July and 1 August.