Despite a late race crash during round seven, which dropped him to 43rd, Lettenbichler maintains his position of second overall in the championship standings. A rider who has turned heads time and time again this season, the German is most certainly capable of a strong result in The Netherlands.
Third overall and gaining ground on the leading duo during the second half of the season, Garcia is within hustling distance of Bolt and Lettenbichler. Beating both championship rivals at rounds six and seven, Garcia reduced his points deficit in this year‰Ûªs title chase.
Ready once again to play spoiler in the mix, the Spaniard will be eager to use the sizeable entry to his advantage and pick up many more valuable points. Despite lying just 25 points behind teammate Garcia in fourth, Taddy Blazusiak exacerbated an already injured finger at round seven and looks set to become an unfortunate spectator at this weekend‰Ûªs finale.
While Bolt, Lettenbichler and Garcia are favourites to decide the outcome of this year‰Ûªs championship, it‰Ûªs Britain‰Ûªs Nathan Watson who starts with his sights set on a debut WESS victory. Sixth overall in the standings, Watson has been patiently waiting all season for the Red Bull Knock Out. Already twice a runner-up in the Dutch Beach Race, the Brit is a contender for the top step of the podium. A win at round eight could also see him leap dramatically upwards in the final classification.
Arguably one of the most versatile riders in the series, privateer Paul Bolton currently lies seventh overall heading to The Netherlands, while Gas Gas Factory Racing‰Ûªs Lars Enockl completes the top 10. Despite missing the opening two rounds due to injury, Spain‰Ûªs Alfredo Gomez is now 13th, with Estonia‰Ûªs Rannar Uusna 14th.
