The KTM factory team was not represented in the MX1 class with Max Nagl taking care of a minor injury and Jonathan Barragan from Team Silver Action at home in Spain competing in the Nationals.

Just three points between top three riders Even though in the final shakeout there was only three points separating the three KTM riders, the success at Valence was particularly rewarding for the new recruit to the KTM Factory Junior Racing Team Valentin Teillet, the 2008 European Champion.

"This was a super surprise for me and a new experience. I just rode with Rui and Shaun and they were both very fast," Valentin said. "The bike was unbelievably fast and we were always in front at the start. The whole team has been working very hard together so I guess this success today is our reward. This event has been very good for the pre-season training and now I am looking forward to riding at Hawkstone Park next weekend. That will be a good challenge."

Teillet was tenth last year on the sandy track at Hawkstone Park and looking ahead to his first GP season, he says a top ten finish is his main goal.

It was also a very successful day for Scottish rider Shaun Simpson, who moves up to the Red Bull KTM Factory Team in 2009 after being a KTM-supported rider in 2008.

"At the beginning I did not have such a good feeling. It was quite slippery and there were a lot of stones. I was a bit too relaxed in the first race and I made a small mistake, had a stupid crash and only finished twelfth but I had a good start in the second behind Rui. The super final was very exciting so it was great to finish second overall and first for MX2 in the super final."

With the top riders in both MX1 and MX2 contesting the super final the MX2 riders were up against the more powerful bikes and had to take the brunt of the flying stones on the hard surface of this traditional MX track.

Shaun is also looking forward to riding at Hawkstone Park in England next weekend, where he will certainly get the support of the home crowd. Third placed Rui Goncalves also enjoyed what he described as a "pretty good weekend".

"I my starts were consistently good. I rode a bit tight in the first race but I felt really good in the second and I also had a very good start in the super final. I feel very strong in myself and strong on the bike, which was really awesome this weekend. I am looking forward to the races next weekend at Hawkstone Park. All this is great preparation for the GP season."

Simpson and Goncalves were also first and second at the pre-season event in Mantova, Italy, an indication that they are in excellent form ahead of the main GP season.

MX2 Results 1. Valentin Teillet, France, KTM, 51 points 2. Shaun Simpson, UK, KTM, 49 3. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 48