Great Britain’s William Cairns finished in a superb fifth place in Friday’s SGP3 Final at Malilla – and was just one race away from a shot at the title itself.
Cairns won three of his first four rides and ahead of the crunch Heat 20 he knew that another win in that race would be enough for at least a run-off for the gold medal.
In the event, it was won by Sweden’s Rasmus Karlsson, who passed defending champion Mikkel Andersen to finish on 13 points. Maximilian Pawelczak was second overall whilst Andersen won a run-off for third.
Cairns finished on ten points from his five rides whilst the other Great Britain competitor, Cooper Rushen gained great experience and scored four points.
GB Youth boss Neil Vatcher said: “It was a fantastic achievement by both British riders in the SGP3 semis and the Final.
“William did an amazing job. It was his first time in the SGP3 series and for him to win seven of his ten races across the event shows everyone what a talent he is.
“He will definitely be in with a shout of the 250cc European title later this season in Riga.
“At just 13 years of age, Cooper was one of the youngest riders in the competition and had ridden just eight 250cc meetings prior to the Final.
“It was a great experience for him, and he’s definitely going to be a big star in the future.”