Having turned 23 back in September the Ulsterman could no longer race MX2 at world level, but admitted: "I'm looking forward to racing MX1." For 21 year old Nathan from Preston the Dutch GP will be his debut on the world stage.

Although neither enjoyed the Valence mud, both were enthusiastic about their preparation down in Murcia prior to the French race and are now ready to go racing at Little Silver next week, as is Liam Garland, the 15 year old from Portsmouth who showed enough gritty determination on the 250F at Valence that Steve need have no qualms about taking him along for some rides in the Euro series this summer.

UPDATE

To see the boys riding down in Spain, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmmW2nRV3OA