By Carly Rathmell
May 22 2003

Warren Steele had a steady start to his European Championship campaign at the weekend. With a twelfth and thirteenth place in the Open 650 class, it was a good opening to his European season, and a good taster as to what it’s all about, and what’s in store for him in future races. With mixed conditions in the Czech Republic it was like a home from home. With wet weather for most of the morning, it suited the British riders to a tee. Warren mastered his way around the professionally built Supermoto track taking his Husky SMR to two top-fifteen finishes.

Gaining twelfth position overall at the end of the weekend, Warren was content with the way things worked out. Leaving Czecho as top Brit he commented, “I’m satisfied with the way things worked out this weekend. It’s the first time I’ve been on my bike since I dislocated my shoulder the other week. I was in quite a bit of pain on the Saturday but concentrated on putting that to the back of my mind for the race on Sunday. It’s still a little sore but I’m hoping I will be fully fit again soon. The weather was mixed and tyre choice was a problem, but I’m happy with the choice I made and hopefully things will progress throughout the season.”

It was French rider Alexandre Thiebault on the Honda who left the weekend at the top of the points table.

Back to Britain and Warren is riding in the third British NORA Championship this weekend at Blyton, Gainsborough. The 450 races take place on Sunday 25th of May, with the Open classes taking place on the Bank Holiday Monday.

Warren is keen to remain dominant in this series. After his four wins at Three Sisters he will be looking to do the same thing again at the Lincolnshire based track.

With strong competition coming from Honda’s Leighton Haigh, Husaberg pairing of Christian Iddon and Andy Mitchell, plus snapping at his heels will be ex-2001 Champion, KTM’s Ady Smith. Warren will be pulling out the stops to ensure it’s him who remains at the top of the leader board.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend. I’m hoping I can maintain my winning form in the series,” said Warren. “Anything could happen and each weekend the other guys get stronger and stronger, but I will be keeping my head down and aiming for the front of the pack.”