Ulster's Gordon Crockard was runner-up in the 250cc Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Crockard pushed World Champion Mickael Pichon all the way to record his best finish of the season.

Crockard has been dogged by bad luck since his change over to the KTM team this season, but there was proof that that things are developing in the right direction.

Pichon won his fifth race of the year, and four in a row to take a commanding lead in the championship.

The reigning champion was outside the top 10 going into the first corner.

He had to first watch Pit Beirer and then Josh Coppins, before taking over the lead.

The Frenchman held off his chasers before beating Crockard by just under seven seconds.

Crockard's second place gave him 22 points in the championship race.