Repsol rider wins Dutch TT, besting a group of 11 riders fighting for the victory on the final lap. Bastianini crashes whilst avoiding a fallen rider.
Arón Canet started from sixth position on the starting grid and completed the first lap in fifteenth position, behind his teammate, Enea Bastianini.
An incident at the end of the second lap led to Bastianini crashing and cut the first group to 6 riders, relegating Canet to a second group of 8, more than 3 seconds adrift.
The Repsol rider broke away from the second group, setting the fastest lap of the race on Lap 11 to join the frontrunners. He made further progress on the final laps, and on the last lap he overtook 3 rivals to win the race.
The win moves Canet up to second place in the overall standings, 30 points behind the leader, Joan Mir.
Enea Bastianini, DNF
“I started quite well and managed to overtake several riders. I saw that I was close to the group, that no one was escaping, and my intention was to take things calmly. On the last corner, Di Gianantonio crashed and other riders slowed down to avoid him, but when another rider stopped suddenly, I could not avoid crashing. I tried to continue, in case it started to rain and we had to restart, but with the accelerator so damaged, it was dangerous –it had sand in it and was jamming– so in the end I decided to stop.”
Arón Canet, 1st at 38:20.364
“I’ve always said that this circuit is one of my favourites, along with Le Mans and Austin, and I have shown that with victory today. At the beginning of the race I was a little far back, but I was able to reach the first group again and maintain a good strategy from start to finish. I was able to set myself up very well for the last lap. After overtaking Joan Mir, Fenati got past me, but I planned to take advantage of his slipstream to get the lead on the last corner and it was perfect. This race has increased my self-esteem; I dedicate the victory to my team, as I greatly appreciate the great work they’ve done throughout the weekend.”
