Malou Jakobsen has already secured several podium finishes this season, including a victory in the Danish Championship. At the Tibro track, the Danish rider claimed victory in the fourth round of the Swedish Women’s Championship. She shared the day’s podium with Sara Andersen and Matilda Huss.
Race One : Andersen back on Top, Hughes Down
Martine Hughes got off to a very good start, immediately under pressure from Sara Andersen (Wozniak MX Yamaha Racing Team) and Malou Jakobsen. The leading Norwegian made a mistake and left the duo behind to fight for the win. She set off again behind Natalie Kane, Matilda Huss, and Tyra Bäckström. While the two friends at the front traded blows, the battle for third place between Kane and Huss was equally intense. Ultimately, Sara Andersen managed to keep Malou Jakobsen (KTM Scandinavia) at bay to take the win. Matilda Huss ultimately took third place ahead of Natalie Kane. Tyra Bäckström (GasGas) was fifth. Despite a better pace at the end of the race, she needed at least one lap to catch the Irishwoman. Hughes was unable to regain her pace and had to settle for sixth place ahead of Elsa Andersson Löf, who made a strong comeback from fifteenth at the start of the race. Jenny Engeland was eighth, Barbara Aagaard Andersen ninth, and Louise Eriksen tenth.
Race Two : Jakobsen despite the pressure
This time, Malou Jakobsen took the lead ahead of Sara Andersen and Martine Hughes. Natalie Kane quickly moved into fifth place. Unfortunately, the Marin&Fritid Racing Team rider suffered a problem with her bike late in the first race, and despite her best efforts, the problem persisted, forcing her to stop after two laps. Ahead, Jakobsen set a very strong pace, with Andersen close behind. Despite pressure from the Yamaha rider, Jakobsen won by less than a second at the finish line. After battling for several laps with Matilda Huss (Husqvarna), Martine Hughes saw her pace slow down late in the race, allowing the reigning champion to take third place. Tyra Bäckström completed the top five after a poor start. Jenny Engeland got the better of Elsa Andersson Löf after a close battle for sixth place. Barbara Aagaard Andersen was eighth, Rosalita Hovind ninth, and Wilma Hansson tenth.
Malou Jakobsen returns to the top step
Malou Jakobsen (2-1) earned her first win of the season in Sweden. Sara Andersen (1-2) gradually found her rhythm and finished second, tied on points. Matilda Huss (3-3) completed the podium. Championship leader Martine Hughes (6-4) had a tough day and finished ahead of Tyra Bäckstrom (5-5). In the top 10, we find Jenny Engeland (8-6), Elsa Andersson Löf (7-7), Barbara Aaagaard Andersen (9-8), Natalie Kane (4-DNF), and Rosalita Hovind (12-9).
Malou Jakobsen : « All day I had great speed and felt strong – both physically and mentally. In the first moto, it was tight racing all the way. The second moto was my redemption. I grabbed the holeshot, created a gap. On the last laps I definitely felt the nerves, but I brought the win home! fastest lap time in both motos! It was a great reminder that it always pays off to keep going – even when things get tough. »
Martine Hughes remains the championship leader but concedes points to her three pursuers: Matilda Huss, Malou Jakobsen, and Sara Andersen. Tyra Bäckström is fifth. Next round on August 9 and 10 in Ulricehamns.
