SR57 World Team Suzuki riders Thomas Ramette and Cyrille Coulon went into round three of the 2017 Areacross Tour at the Genting Area, Birmingham on Saturday night on a high after running 1-2 in Glasgow the previous weekend.

The industrial heartland of the UK once again brought the team success but the French favourites suffered mixed fortunes on a hardpacked, slippery track that forced them to fight for grip all day. After his win at the previous round Cyrille, the Pro AX series leader, was determined to keep the momentum rolling forward and he did exactly that with another Main Event victory but Thomas – the defending champion – took a digger on the opening lap which left him at the back of a charging pack.
Capt Coulon oozed class as he dealt with the toughest track of the series so far to take a second behind Thomas in their first heat and a victory in heat two before gaining two more championship points in the hot lap contest. Thomas took a smooth victory in his first heat with CC in close attendance with a true show of force from both guys in front of thousands of fans. In his second heat Tom rode a smart race, taking a close look at Cedric Soubeyras and working on lines. A small slip cost  Cyrille claimed a second-placed start on lap one as Thomas had a fairly innocuous crash on the second straight while in traffic. He remounted and began his charge from a long way back, putting in fast times only matched by his team-mate who was up front and in total command of the race.
So Cyrille took the victory with style and TR never gave up to claim what could be a precious seventh on the night. With four rounds to go Cyrille now holds a nine-point lead and Thomas is only a handful of points off second in the championship going into this weekend’s double-header in Belfast.
In the team standings SR75 World Team Suzuki has an eight-point advantage at the top of the table.

Cyrille Coulon – 1st
“I feel great all day today and my bike is working so good. I am enjoying the good feeling and I enjoy my race. I wanted to push more hard but I had to make sure I did not make a mistake as this track was loose in places and hard in places.
“I am stoked, it was a great race for me and I think me and TR should be in front but we can look for next week with our team and push again for a good race. Thanks to everyone who came to watch and thanks to the team, my family and all sponsors.”

Thomas Ramette – 7th
“I am disappointed tonight but this is racing. I had a solid plan for the final with a new combination in the rhythm section to match Cyrille but I messed it up on lap one by taking a small crash trying to stay out of trouble.
“The points are still tight so we will all keep working. I never give up and I know what this means to me and everyone who supports me and this team. My congratulations to Cyrille, he is riding awesome and con-gratulations also to Flo and Jack on their podium performance.”

Geoff Walker – Team Principal
“It is bitter sweet once again with both guys showing their class and style every lap of every session. It really is a pleasure to watch. We are a happy camp and, of course, we want both guys on top but none of us are new to this and the sport can bite you.
“Cyrille is riding on a cool level as is Thomas and it will work as long as we remain focussed as we do every single day. Thomas has had his back against the wall before and has come back stronger than ever and Cyrille continues to amaze me with his awesome skills.
“Thanks to everyone in the stands, the organisers, our staff and friends as well as our fantastic sponsors who support us and allow us to perform to the highest level week-in, week-out wherever we race.”