Greg Smets (KTM) sewed up his first EMX300cc two-stroke championship overall win with a dramatic victory in today’s first moto at Valkenswaard.

The Belgian, a runaway winner by 17 seconds yesterday, had to work much harder second time out after a thrilling 25-minute plus two lap race that saw the lead change numerous times.

Holland’s Mike Kras (GL12 Racing KTM) took his second holeshot of the weekend in front of his home fans with Smets and James Dunn (GL12 Racing KTM) on his rear wheel.

Dunn’s fellow Brit Brad Anderson (Verde Substance KTM) started fifth but three laps in had moved through to third as Smets and Kras traded passes at the front.

In the closing laps back-markers again came into play with defending champion Anderson in particular losing a chunk of time.

With two laps to go Kras put in another big push to reel-in Smets but he washed his front wheel out and went down, handing second to Anderson.

At the flag it was Smets from Anderson with Kras recovering to third ahead of Dunn and Holland’s Youri Van Ende (KTM). In the championship Smets leads Anderson and Kras by eight points with Dunn another six points off the pace.

“I’m really, really, really happy,” said Smets. “Today was a little bit tougher than yesterday because I had to fight really hard. Kras kept pushing and pushing and only the last two laps I had some space.”

In the EMX125cc class, Austria’s Rene Hofer (KTM) repeated his performance yesterday to take a double win and claim maximum points from the opening round.

A strong second from Filip Olsson (Husqvarna) combined with his fourth from yesterday to earn the young Swede the second step on the podium with Spain’s Mario Lucas Sanz (KTM) sneaking third overall on a tie-break from Finn Emil Weckman (KTM).

Best Brit was Dominic Lancett (KTM) who put a disappointing result in Saturday’s first race behind him to take 14th for 18th overall.