Page 28 - PULSE-3-RIDERS-BIKER-SUPPLY

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THE PULSE • ISSUE THREE
for the podium, all four of them showing race winning potential at some point throughout the twenty-three laps. It’s surprising to look back at the statistics and see that Elias in fact led every single lap from the start to the checkered flag, because the chasing Yamahas seemed to have an advantage at certain sectors of the track. Although Elias wasn’t the outright fastest rider on the course, his developed race craft and defen- sive line choices allowed him to maintain the lead and eventually forced Beaubier into a mistake with only two laps remaining. The 2016 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion laid down the lap of his life on the final time of asking as he set the fastest time of the entire race on worn tires, but he wasn’t able to chase Elias down before the checkered flag. Although the race played out quite differently, the results looked the same on paper when the checkered flag was flown.
“Well, we did a couple of changes on the bike,” Elias said. “Yesterday, the grip was pretty good but it was a little bit uncomfortable. Today, I was more comfortable, but with less grip. You’re never 100 percent happy with what you ride. But I was there trying to make my pace. At several moments of the race, I wanted to let Cam (Beaubier) past. I was thinking we were only two riders. When I turned back, and I saw four riders, I said, ‘Oh my God. It’s not possible. Let’s continue here leading the race, pushing, and let’s see what hap- pens at the end.’ This is what I did. I tried to rest the last three or four laps, and to try to make the last lap with a good level. Try to not make any mistakes. It’s what I did. I didn’t know Cameron ran a little bit wide, and I had a real advantage. It’s perfect. This win is amazing here in VIR. I never expected that. The team works really good, but always, we suffer a little bit here. Now Road America is good for us and I really like. But I know Cameron likes, too. I have to say he rides an incredible level. He was faster than us with his re- ally strong pace. It was difficult to beat him, but also Mat (Scholtz) is very consistent. Every race, he’s there with the great level of riders. So congratulations to both, and thanks to my team.”
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MOTO AMERICA
2018