Two Fantic XX 125 on top: Gennaro Utech and Bertram Thorius shared race wins and the overall podium at the first round of the Italian Rookies Cup series.

The Fantic Factory Racing EMX pairing dominated the opener of the Rookies Cup, a two-round series for the 125 prospects held alongside the Italian Motocross Prestige Championship. Polesitter Bertram Thorius won race 1 with his teammate Gennaro Utech crossing the line in second after a tip-over. In race 2, the Italian came out on top after an epic battle with Thorius at the renowned MXGP venue of Arco di Trento.

Courtesy of his race 2 win, Utech claimed the overall and the red plate, tied on points with Thorius. The Rookies Cup title will be decided at a night race in Faenza on July 11, where the two Fantic youngsters aboard their Racing kit-equipped XX 125 will arrive as firm favorites following their dominant performance at round 1.

Gennaro Utech: 

“I am really happy with this win. The feeling was great, even though the conditions were tough because of the heat. I had good starts and enjoyed battling with my teammate. It was a shame about the crash in race 1, but it was difficult to find a place to make a pass; fortunately, the gap to the riders behind was quite big and I didn’t lose any positions. To win race 2 felt great, and it also allowed me to secure the red plate. But before thinking about that, the focus shifts back to the EMX125 series: see you in Portugal in two weeks’ time.”

Bertram Thorius: 

“It was a good day overall. In time practice, I set a really good lap time to secure pole position. After a strong start in race 1, I was able to control the race pretty well. In race 2, I was battling with my teammate, but unfortunately a small tip-over cost me a chance at the win. But we keep learning. The goal is to minimize the mistakes and continue our improvement. I am happy with the steps we are taking.”