Source: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli has narrowly extended his points lead at the MXGP of Czech Republic with a slender victory over Clement Desalle (Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing), while KTM teammate Pauls Jonass soared to the top spot in the MX2 category.

In what marked the 13th stop of the MXGP World Championship, multi-time title holder Cairoli strung together 3-1 results to outperform Desalle’s 2-2 scorecard, crediting Cairoli the win by just one point.

The factory KTM rider continues to control the premier class championship, holding a healthy 92-point advantage ahead of Desalle with six rounds remaining.

Closing out the podium in third was Honda HRC’s Tim Gajser, who claimed the opening moto victory, as the top five was rounded out by Jeffrey Herlings (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Gautier Paulin (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing).

In MX2, Latvia’s Jonass lodged an impressive 2-1 scorecard, awarding him the class victory with a comfortable margin. The win marked his sixth of the season, and also solidified his spot as the series leader with a 47-point lead.

Runner-up for the weekend was Jeremy Seewer (Team Suzuki World MX2), as third through to fifth was completed by Thomas Covington (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), Benoit Patural (Kemea Yamaha) and Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

Australia’s Hunter Lawrence (Team Suzuki World MX2) was seventh overall upon return from injury, as Jed Beaton (Team HRC) was a highly-impressive 12th on debut in the world championship, recording 14-9 results.

New Zealand’s Courtney Duncan (JCR Yamaha) claimed victory in the WMX division, snatching the points lead in the process, as Australian Maddy Brown (JK Racing Yamaha) raced to 12-11 finishes for 10th overall, followed by fellow Aussie Emma Milesevic who was 14th overall with 11-14 results.

Mads Fredsoe Sorensen (KTM) was crowned the 2017 EMX65 champion in the sole-round championship, while the EMX85 category was cancelled following the tragic death of young athlete Igor Cuharciuc, who sadly passed away during Saturday’s opening race.

The MXGP World Championship will now head to the notorious Lommel circuit in Belgium for the 14th stop of the series, scheduled for 6 August.