SPB: Zuda inherits the win after Rosenthaler is penalized

Penalty leads to a turnaround after the race

Rosenthaler was among the leaders from the start and engaged in intense battles throughout the race with Tobias Kitzbichler (ViVa by Peuker & Streeb), as well as Stepan Zuda and Ruben Bijman (both Freudenberg RORA-PALIGO Racing). Things got particularly tight on lap ten: In the final corner before the start-finish line, a fierce battle broke out between Rosenthaler and Zuda, during which Zuda was forced well over the curbs and briefly lost control of his motorcycle. The Czech rider managed to catch his Triumph in time, however, and remained in contention for the win.

On the track, Rosenthaler ultimately prevailed and was initially the first to cross the finish line. However, a twist followed after the race: Race officials imposed a substitute penalty on the Austrian for a long-lap penalty that could no longer be served due to the late stage of the race. Instead, Rosenthaler received a three-second penalty, which subsequently dropped him to fourth place. As a result, Stepan Zuda claimed the first victory in the new EURO MOTO Sportbike class and earned the first 25 points of the season. “That was a totally crazy and fast race with a lot of contact and tire management,” said the pole-setter afterward at the podium ceremony. “It was really fun. Of course, the ending was surprising, but I would have been happy with second place, too.”

Tobias Kitzbichler finished in second place. The 17-year-old Austrian, who was still competing in the Northern Talent Cup last year, impressed in his first sportbike race with strong pace and clever battles. Time and again, the Aprilia rider led the front group. “It’s definitely a different riding style than in the Northern Talent Cup,” explained Kitzbichler. “But I’m managing to adapt surprisingly well. Toward the end of the race, however, I had problems with the tires and couldn’t really attack anymore.” The Aprilia rider and his team, ViVa by Peuker & Streeb, thus secured their first 20 points. 

Svendsen fights his way to the front

Ruben Bijman, who had started from pole position, ultimately rounded out the podium. The Dutch driver was unable to pull away decisively in the early stages and temporarily lost touch with the leading group. “The start was extremely tough,” said the Freudenberg driver. “That meant I couldn’t break away and had to make up a lot of ground later on. That took a toll on the tires, and in the end, there was simply no grip left.” Due to the penalty against Rosenthaler, Bijman was subsequently moved up to third place.

Oliver Svendsen (ERC) also staged a strong comeback. Starting from twelfth on the grid, the Dane and 2024 Supersport 300 champion fought his way step by step up to fifth place on his new Kawasaki. However, he was unable to close the gap to the leading group.

Mika Siebdrath (Freudenberg RORA-PALIGO Racing) followed in sixth place. Behind him, Tom Kuil (RT Motorsports), Micky Winkler (WSC Racing), Luis Rammerstorfer (Freudenberg RoRa-Paligo Racing), and Julian van Kalkeren (SRTD Pearl Gebben) crossed the finish line.

The second race of the EURO MOTO Sportbike series starts on Sunday at 3:20 p.m. We’ll see then whether Zuda can stay in contention at the front or if Rosenthaler, Bijman, or Svendsen can mount a comeback. The race will be streamed live for free on EURO MOTO.