The AXO riders kicked off their 2010 schedules at the Starcross International at Mantova last Sunday, after the long winter and we must admit this start of the season was almost perfect!

Two times World Champion Steve Ramon has given AXO the first podium of the year, clinching second overall in the MX1 class behind an unbeatable Antonio Cairoli.

The bomb, who this year is riding not only with the gear, but also with the AXO boots, enjoyed three bright launches from the start gate and although he had to slow due to arm-pump to take 5th in Moto 1, he was tussling with the leaders in the following outings and gained two 4th places for his overall mark.

A good result for AXO came from the MX2, too, thanks to Marcus Schiffer, new-comer of the AXO KTM Silver Action Team, who missed out on the podium even if conquering the same points as third placed Arnaud Tonus. The latter only stepped on the podium because of his better result in the final heat. Marcus rode three consistent motos, had two crashes, but could recover and work his way up through the field.

In MX1 a good result came also from Marc de Reuver who, aboard the Suzuki of the Beursfoon Team, managed to clinch 5^th overall, while Ken De Dycker made his maiden appearance with Yamaha: Keeno used the motos to flex his muscles after the off-season and learn more about his new mount in race conditions. He finished 9th twice before struggling slightly in the last race that necessitated a visit to the pits. He ended the day 12th overall. Davide Guarneri, at his debut on the Honda of the LS Team had quite a bad day and, after taking 15^th spot in the first moto, crashed in the final heats and was forced to retire.

Steve Ramon: “I am happy because Mantova is always a difficult race for me. This is an improvement over last year for sure. I had bad arm-pump in the first moto but the other two races were fine and I am pleased with three good starts. My riding was good and the third moto was the best mainly because I found the rhythm I wanted right away. This is the first race and I am on the podium, so I cannot complain too much.”