Ernecker stays cool and extends his lead in the EMX125
Moritz Ernecker retains the red plate as EMX125 championship leader even after the MXGP of Sardegna. / Photo: Ralph Marzahn
The MXGP of Sardegna delivered exactly what the EMX125 class is currently all about: speed, mistakes, twists and turns – and in the end, it's not necessarily the fastest who wins, but the one who pulls it off. That's precisely what the Austrian rider did. Moritz Ernecker He was better than everyone else this weekend. While Sleny Goyer stood out with sheer speed, Ernecker simply remained consistent – and that was enough for the overall victory.
First race: Everything under control – until it all goes wrong.
The first race starts according to plan. Riccardo Pini grabs the holeshot, leads the field, and immediately draws the spectators into the action. Behind him, things settle down, but the calm doesn't last long.
Goyer quickly appears at the front – not because of his start, but because of his pace. He works his way forward, overtakes Ernecker, and eventually even takes the lead. At that moment, it seems as if he can control the race.
But Riola remains Riola.
Right in the middle of this phase, disaster strikes. Technical problem, race over. Things can change that quickly here. And suddenly the way is clear for Ernecker, who until then had simply driven his own race. No big risks, no unnecessary pressure – just kept a clean track.
In the end, he pulls it off. Behind him, Pini holds onto second place, while Emil Ziemer calmly and cleanly crosses the finish line in third.
Second race: Goyer goes all out
The second race feels completely different. Goyer gets off to a poor start, is initially stuck at the back – and then simply decides to take control of the race. Overtaking, changing lines, building up pressure – this isn't a cautious comeback, this is full throttle, lap after lap. The Frenchman works his way forward, while up front Ernecker continues to do his own thing.
This time, however, things don't go well for him. Goyer catches up, makes the move, and takes the lead. And this time he holds on. No mistakes, no problems – he simply went all the way to victory. Ernecker remains firmly in second place behind him, while teammate Ricardo Bauer takes third. Ziemer confirms his first run and stays close behind.
In the end, the "boring" one wins.
And that's precisely where the difference lies. Goyer is probably the faster driver this weekend – but he also suffered a breakdown, just like in Switzerland.
Not Ernecker.
Two runs, both completed cleanly, no major mistakes. It seems unspectacular, but that's exactly what works for Riola. While others struggle, he simply reacts correctly. "It was a really good weekend. I collected a lot of points and I'm still on the red plate," he says. That's all he really needs.
Two approaches, one result
What makes this weekend interesting is the contrast. On the one hand, Goyer – fast, aggressive, always on the limit. On the other hand, Ernecker – calmer, more controlled, less risky.
Both work. But only one is enough for the overall victory. And that's precisely why it goes to Moritz Ernecker.
