Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak has claimed victory at round two of the 2020 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Germany.
Riders faced another tight and technical track for round two of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, held at the Sachsen Arena in Germany. Multiple log hazards and rock gardens created a gruelling course that required maximum focus in order to secure a strong result.
Billy Bolt
Runner-up at the opening round, Taddy Blazusiak knew he had to claw back important championship points in order to stay competitive in the short five-round series. Getting his night off to a strong start, Blazusiak posted the second-fastest time in SuperPole qualifying, beaten only by team-mate Jonny Walker.
Taddy Blazusiak
Race one started well for Blazusiak, completing the first lap in third place. With the top two riders both having problems, he took the lead and never looked back, ultimately taking the chequered flag with a huge 34-second advantage. The second race, despite the reversed grid, went very much the same way as the first – Blazusiak, riding consistently, made his way to the front leaving his rivals behind.
Taddy Blazusiak
The third and final race saw Blazusiak take the holeshot and instantly create a comfortable lead. Using his skill and experience to master the demanding track, the Polish ace never faltered and completed his hat-trick of first-place results to claim the overall win. Despite his main championship rival finishing second, Taddy earned enough points to move himself into the lead of the series standings with a useful 11-point advantage going into round three.
Taddy Blazusiak
Taddy Blazusiak
“I don’t know what to say, I’m over the moon, it’s been such an amazing night. All of the races went really well today and fell into place. You still need to earn your results though and I knew that this round would be tough. With a track like this you can’t just sprint the whole thing or you will make mistakes so I knew if I stayed consistent it would pay off. My plan was to stay safe and just ride to the limit of the bike with the minimum of errors. I’m really happy to go into round three with the championship lead. Spain is like a second home race for me, so I hope I can do the same thing there and come away with another win.”
Taddy Blazusiak
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt was runner-up. After arriving as series leader following a highly impressive winning performance at the opening event of the championship, Bolt endured a challenging night inside the Sachsen Arena with a heavy fall in the opening final preventing him from performing at his best.
Despite his troubles, the FE 350 mounted rider secured second overall and with it holds the runner-up position in the SuperEnduro championship standings, just 11 points behind new series leader Taddy Blazusiak.
2020 SuperEnduro World Championship Round Two – Riesa, Germany
Quickly getting to grips with the technical track, Bolt showed his pace by posting the fastest time during the final timed practice. In the first of the three finals it took just two laps before he moved ahead of teammate Gomez and into the race lead, where he stayed until lap five. Initially losing just one place to Blazusiak, Bolt then dropped to his final finishing position of fourth.
The reversed start order second final saw Bolt quickly hustle his way inside the top five before taking the race lead on lap two. Looking comfortable out front, a mistake while leading on lap four unfortunately saw him drop to his final finishing position of second.
The night’s third and closing final proved to be the toughest for Bolt. Feeling the effects of his spills in the first and second race, he spent two laps in third before dropping to fourth. Finally moving forwards one position to secure third at the finish was enough for the Brit to claim second overall in the event classification.
Billy Bolt
“It was certainly a difficult night for me. It looked like things were going to go well – the track really suited me, so I was really looking forward to seeing what I could do. I felt like the track could be ridden aggressively, but maybe that was where things went wrong for me. There was definitely a racing line, but I made too many mistakes. The crash I had in the first race was pretty big, I hit the ground pretty hard and that detuned me for the other races. After that I just wanted to get as many points as possible. For the championship things didn’t go like I wanted, but my speed was good. It’ll be back to work on Monday, with three rounds of the series still to go there everything to fight for.”
Billy Bolt
Fastest in SuperPole, Jonny Walker endured a tough night of racing in Riesa. Falls at the first corner in races one and two put him on the back foot for the remaining laps. A better start in the third race really let him demonstrate his pace, with the British rider fighting for the podium throughout. Despite a challenging night, Jonny was able to claim third in the overall event results. Happy with his fitness and speed, Walker now looks forward to round three.
Jonny Walker
Jonny Walker
“Tonight was really tough. I’d be lying if I said I was happy with how things turned out, especially after showing I had the pace by claiming the SuperPole win. I have to look on the bright side though – I’m feeling really good on the bike and I’m close to being back to 100 percent fit now, too. If things go well at the next round in Spain, I know I can challenge for the win.”
Jonny Walker
In missing the end-of-night overall podium by just four points, Alfredo Gomez was ultimately a little frustrated at the way his time in Riesa ended. But in showing impressive speed on his TE 300i the experienced Spaniard kept a cool head to start his night with a deserved runner-up result in the opening final.
The reverse-start second final didn’t go Gomez’ way as an incident on lap seven saw him drop from fifth to seventh. Bouncing back in the night’s closing final, Alfredo again made a strong start to complete lap one in second, where he remained until the chequered flag. Heading into round three of the series Gomez sits third in the championship standings.
Alfredo Gomez
“It’s been a fantastic night for me, apart from an unfortunate incident in the second final that stopped me from finishing on the podium. That’s disappointing, but the first and third finals were really good for me. In the first race I made a small mistake when I was leading, but overall I’ve felt really good. I was able to find a much better rhythm compared to the first race in Poland. The final result could have been better, but generally I’m very pleased.”
Alfredo Gomez
The FIM SuperEnduro World Championship continues with the third stop of the five-round series in Spain on January 18, 2020.
2020 SuperEnduro World Championship Round Two – Riesa, Germany
Toby Price is all set to defend his Dakar Rally title in 2020, alongside teammates Sam Sunderland, Matthias Walkner, Luciano Benavides and Mario Patrao for the KTM Factory Racing Team, no doubt hoping for a repeat of 2019, where KTM clinched the top three positions.
Toby Price – Image by Sebas Romero
The 42nd running of the event is not far off either, starting January 5 from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, the 12-stage 2020 Dakar Rally will cover a total of 7,856 kilometres, 5,097 of which are timed specials. The race will incorporate two marathon stages, with a rest day for all teams on January 11.
Mario Patrao joins the KTM Factory line-up
New to the Dakar, the road book will be pre-coloured, reducing the preparation work for all competitors prior to the next day’s stage. For at least four of the 12 stages, the road book will be presented to the riders just minutes before the start of the day’s racing.
Seemingly achieving the impossible, Toby Price won the 2019 Dakar while nursing a broken wrist. Ending the event having secured a deserved and hard-fought victory, Price’s success came at a cost with the Australian needing surgery to repair damage sustained during the race.
Returning to rally competition only in August at the Atacama Rally, Price soon settled back into a fast rhythm, placing fourth overall. Showing impressive speed at the Rally du Maroc in October, the reigning Dakar Champion now looks ahead to January and the defence of his title.
Toby Price
“Winning the 2019 Dakar started off as a bit of a dream, but with a lot of hard work put in behind the scenes by myself and the team we were able to make it happen, even with a broken wrist. It took a little time to recover from that event – I had aggravated the injury during the race and needed another surgery and bone graft to fix things. I spent the first part of the year recovering but then was back on the bike for the Atacama in September. My feeling on the bike was good there, which was encouraging and I’ve been getting steadily stronger ever since. Testing has been good, as usual the team have made some important tweaks to the bike, primarily with the suspension, so I’m really pleased about that. 2020 is going to be a whole different Dakar for us. It’s putting everyone back on a level playing field, which I think is good for the sport. It’s going to be a new race, a new look and I’m really excited for the challenge.”
Toby Price set to lead KTM Dakar defence
Enjoying a successful 2019 season, Sam Sunderland went straight from the Dakar into the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship and dominated the first two rounds. A runner-up result in Chile was enough for the likeable Brit to claim his first ever world title with one round to spare.
Sam Sunderland
“I’m confident going into this Dakar. You kind of judge your pace on how you have been riding the previous year and winning the world championship and coming third in the Dakar earlier in the year has been a real boost for me. Both the team and the bike have been fantastic all year and I’m going into the race fit and focused on doing my best. I’m looking forward to the new challenge that awaits us too – it’s going to be a new adventure for everybody and I think that really sums up the spirit of the Dakar. I like the fact that we are going somewhere new and that everyone is going to have to adapt and overcome all the new things that are thrown at us. The route is looking tough, but I’m certainly going to give the race my best shot.”
Sam Sunderland
Runner-up to Price at the 2019 Dakar, despite carrying an injury through the majority of the race, Matthias Walkner also needed surgery and recovery time during the year. Building up his speed over the final two rounds of the world championship, the 2018 Dakar Champion has been putting in many valuable hours of testing ahead of the 2020 event.
Matthias Walkner
“The last Dakar was really tough for me. Finishing second was fantastic but breaking my ankle on only the fourth day made the rest of the race a massive challenge. Thankfully I was able to finish but the recovery process since then has been quite long. The training I’ve been doing has had a massive benefit to my fitness and although I haven’t spent as many hours on the bike as I would have liked, I feel great within myself and certainly ready for this new challenge. Testing has gone well, not just with the feeling on the bike but with navigation too, as I think it’s going to prove extra-important at this Dakar.”
Matthias Walkner
Luciano Benavides successfully completed the 2019 Dakar well inside the top 10, while gaining valuable experience at the gruelling event. After showing increased pace and maturity over the course of the 2019 season the young Argentinian secured the Junior Cross-Country Rallies World Championship title and now hopes to carry his momentum into the forthcoming Dakar in Saudi Arabia.
Luciano Benavides
“2019 has been the best year of my rally career so far. To finish the last Dakar in eighth and then win the junior world title with fifth in the overall is amazing. After such a strong season I’m really looking forward to the 2020 Dakar. I feel I have come on a lot since last year and I’m excited to put my experience to the test. The Dakar for me is like no other rally – you have to take the event day by day and treat each stage as a single race. I try not to worry too much about the overall time, the most important thing is to get to the finish safely and do the very best performance that I can.”
Luciano Benavides
2020 Dakar Rally Stages
Stage 1 – Jeddah > Al Wajh, 752 km – SS : 319 km
Stage 2 – Al Wajh > Neom, 401 km – SS : 367 km
Stage 3 – Neom > Neom, 489 km – SS : 404 km
Stage 4 – Neom > Al Ula, 676 km – SS : 453 km
Stage 5 – Al Ula > Ha’il, 563 km – SS : 353 km
Stage 6 – Ha’il > Riyadh, 830 km – SS : 478 km
Rest Day – Riyadh
Stage 7 – Riyadh > Wadi Al-Dawasir, 741 km – SS : 546 km
Stage 8 – Wadi Al-Dawasir > Wadi Al-Dawasir, 713 km – SS : 474 km
Stage 9 – Wadi Al-Dawasir > Haradh, 891 km – SS : 415 km
Stage 10 – Haradh > Shubaytah, 608 km – SS : 534 km
Stage 11 – Shubaytah > Haradh, 744 km – SS : 379 km
Randy de Puniet to Team ERC Endurance for 8 Hours of Sepang
Team ERC Endurance have announced a brand-new line-up for the 8 Hours of Sepang, Randy de Puniet joining Ondřej Ježek and Louis Rossi in the saddle of the Panigale V4R, after the team recently received official backing from Ducati Corse in the FIM EWC.
Randy de Puniet
This adds another MotoGP rider to the star-studded list of international riders competing in the 8 Hours of Sepang. Frenchman Randy de Puniet will be on the starting grid in the saddle of Team ERC Endurance’s new Ducati Panigale V4R.
The German team now has official backing from the Italian manufacturer in the FIM Endurance World Championship, with de Puniet, having solid experience in Endurance racing, including two podiums at the Suzuka 8 Hours, in 2014 and 2017, and several seasons with Team SRC Kawasaki and Honda Endurance Racing.
Randy De Puniet in the MotoE championship earlier in the year
Czech rider Ondřej Ježek, a former Supersport World Championship racer, has previously competed in the FIM EWC with Bolliger Team Switzerland and Mercury Racing.
Frenchman Louis Rossi, formerly a Moto2 rider, has competed in the FIM Endurance World Championship since 2016.
Team ERC Endurance’s Ducati will have its first outing on the track in Malaysia on Wednesday 11 December.
In the wake of Rodney Faggotter’s announcement that he will compete in the 2020 Dakar Rally on a WR450F as a privateer (full article here – link), Yamaha Motor Europe have revealed that its partnership with Monster Energy in MXGP will now extend to the official Yamaha Rally squad.
2020 Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
The renamed Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team will contest all five rounds of the 2020 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, which will span three continents and feature events in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and South America.
The 2020 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship gets underway with the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in March, followed in May by Rally Kazakhstan. In July the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team will contest the 8000 km Silk Way Rally, which starts in Moscow’s Red Square and finishes in China, before heading across the Atlantic the following month for the Rally dos Sertões in Brazil. The season will conclude with the Rally Du Maroc in North Africa in October.
Xavier De Soultrait – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
Ahead of what promises to be a demanding season, the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team will contest the 2020 Dakar Rally which, after a 10-year sojourn in South America, heads into Asia for the first time, with the entire route contained within the borders of Saudi Arabia.
For the 2020 edition of the Dakar Rally, which will be contested over 12 stages and will cover a total of 7500 km, the Monster Energy Yamaha line up will feature Adrien van Beveren, Xavier De Soultrait, Franco Caimi and Jamie McCanney.
Van Beveren was the highest placed Yamaha rider in the 2019 championship standings, with his best result coming in the Silk Way Rally, which the 28-year-old Yamaha rider finished on the podium in third place. The Frenchman is a former stage winner at the Dakar and led the rally for four stages in 2018 before being forced to retire following a crash.
Xavier De Soultrait – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
De Soultrait is also a former stage winner at the Dakar Rally. The Frenchman took victory on stage three and then backed that up with a podium finish on stage five to finish the 2019 edition of the rally in a creditable sixth place, a result he is keen to improve upon in 2020.
Following a highly successful career in Enduro racing, where he won multiple national titles in South America, Caimi made the switch to rally competition at the age of 28 and impressed the global rally scene by finishing in eighth place on his Dakar debut in 2017. The Argentinian rider returns to the Dakar in 2020 determined to repeat his debut success, having retired from the previous two editions.
McCanney, from Douglas on the Isle of Man, faces a baptism of fire in Saudi Arabia. The Enduro Junior World Champion in 2015 and E2 vice-Champion aboard a Yamaha in 2017 and 2018, the Manxman switched to Rally at the end of the 2018 season and after one year of intense preparation he is ready to join his three teammates in Jeddah on 5th January 2020, to start the Dakar for the first time.
Xavier De Soultrait – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
2020 will be only the second time in its 40-year history that the Dakar route has been confined to a single country. In 2019 the rally was run wholly in Peru following the withdrawal of Bolivia and Chile from the event.
At the moment, where the organiser is building up the ‘third chapter’ in the history of the Dakar, Yamaha is not comfortable with this format and has encouraged the organiser to return to the original spirit of a true multi-country adventure.
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
Australian Yamaha dealer Rodney Faggotter will compete in the 2020 Dakar Rally on a WR450F as a privateer. The event kicks off in Saudi Arabia on 5 Jan 2020.
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
The Longreach, QLD dealer from Centretune Motorcycles has a long history with the Rally following his 2012 debut and 2013 event when he placed an impressive 14th outright.
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
After securing a ride on the Yamaha Factory Rally team, Faggotter placed 16th in 2018 when he was the only member of the team to complete the gruelling two-week event.
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
As a Factory Rally rider with high levels of mechanical skills, his job was to assist his team-mates should they encounter a technical difficulty – of which there are many. But this year Rodney will not be tasked with helping others. Instead he is riding essentially as a privateer – with help from the Drag’On Rally team who will assist with servicing and spare parts.
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
“This is the first time that I’ll be able to have a red hot go on a bike that is very close to factory spec,” says the 43-year-old Queenslander.
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
“Last year was pretty heartbreaking to find myself stranded in the middle of the big dunes. I was doing well, within the top 15. This time it will be different as a privateer, but I’ll be on the same bike that I know well,” he says.
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
Currently Rod is practicing in Aussie desert conditions on the WR450F rally bike he imported from French rally specialists Drag’On.
“The goal is first of all to finish… but the aim is top ten,” he says
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
YMA in conjunction with YMF and YMI is pleased to be one of Rod’s main sponsors – it costs up to $100,000 to compete in the event – with the time and logistics involved taking a big toll.
Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020Rod Faggotter to run own privateer effort for #Dakar2020
Toby Price all set to defend Dakar Rally title in 2020
Toby Price has been spotted training for the 2020 Dakar Rally, with images out of KTM showing the Australian rider all geared up with the KTM Factory Racing crew for the event which will take place in Saudi Arabia, marking the 42nd edition of the rally.
Tony Price – Image by Sebas Romero
Price returns to defend his 2019 title in January of 2020, with many observing the 2020 running may be the most challenging yet, covering 7900km, with competitors battling through over 5000km of special stages.
Soldiering through the pain of a broken wrist suffered just weeks before the 2019 event, Price went on to take victory, KTM’s 18th consecutive win of the event, leading home fellow KTM rider’s Matthias Walkner and Sam Sunderland.
Tony Price – Image by Sebas Romero
Price just took second overall in the Baja 1000 race in his truck, and also competed in the Finke event earlier in the year in the truck category due to the earlier wrist injury and aiming for the 2020 Dakar.
Toby Price also recently won the final stage of the Rally du Maroc, but it wasn’t enough to elevate him to the overall win, finishing just off the podium in fourth overall, sharing at the time, “I only just missed out on the podium, which is frustrating, but it’s been really good training. I missed out on the podium by just seven seconds but all-in-all I’m pleased with how I rode. Navigation was really tricky here and we had to learn to ride with the minimum of information. I’m hoping that will put us in a good position for January and the Dakar Rally.”
Tony Price – Image by Sebas Romero
Dakar 2020
The 2020 event will kick off in Jeddah in January 5, with the first third of the rally a test of navigation skills along the Red Sea and heading north to Neom and Al Ula, before heading into the dunes between Ha’il and Riyadh.
The Shubaytah and Haradh stages will be contested in the vast “Empty Quarter”of the Saudi territory, before heading into the final Qiddiyah stage, where navigation will again be vital.
Tony Price – Image by Sebas Romero
The 48th event will also see a rebalance of the parameters, with new colour-coded roadbooks only given to competitors minutes before timed sector’s start. A Super Marathon stage for the top pilots will only allow 10-minutes of work on their machines, alongside a traditional marathon the day before the finish. A joker will also be granted to competitors forced to retire in all categories, allowing them to rejoin the Rally in the Dakar Experience classification.
Tony Price – Image by Sebas Romero
2020 Dakar Rally Stages
Stage 1 – Jeddah > Al Wajh, 752 km – SS : 319 km
Stage 2 – Al Wajh > Neom, 401 km – SS : 367 km
Stage 3 – Neom > Neom, 489 km – SS : 404 km
Stage 4 – Neom > Al Ula, 676 km – SS : 453 km
Stage 5 – Al Ula > Ha’il, 563 km – SS : 353 km
Stage 6 – Ha’il > Riyadh, 830 km – SS : 478 km
Rest Day – Riyadh
Stage 7 – Riyadh > Wadi Al-Dawasir, 741 km – SS : 546 km
Stage 8 – Wadi Al-Dawasir > Wadi Al-Dawasir, 713 km – SS : 474 km
Stage 9 – Wadi Al-Dawasir > Haradh, 891 km – SS : 415 km
Stage 10 – Haradh > Shubaytah, 608 km – SS : 534 km
Stage 11 – Shubaytah > Haradh, 744 km – SS : 379 km
Stage 12 – Haradh > Qiddiya, 447 km – SS : 374 km
Tony Price – Image by Sebas RomeroTony Price – Image by Sebas RomeroTony Price – Image by Sebas RomeroTony Price – Image by Sebas RomeroTony Price – Image by Sebas RomeroTony Price – Image by Sebas RomeroTony Price – Image by Sebas RomeroTony Price – Image by Sebas RomeroTony Price – Image by Sebas Romero
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Jett Lawrence set for his professional SX debut
Toni Bou claims French X-Trial Round 2 victory
Jack Holder crowned 2019 Oceania Speedway Champion at Gillman
Wade Young wins 2019 Uncle Hard Enduro in South Borneo
Harley announce massive 2020 AFT contingency program
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP
2020 Australian Dirt Track
2020 Australian Track
Jett Lawrence set for his professional SX debut
Australian sensation Jett Lawrence will make his professional supercross debut with Honda Racing Australia at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open event this coming weekend at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Jett Lawrence – Monster Energy Cup 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
The Queensland native currently lives in the USA, but is heading back to Melbourne to race his first-ever professional career and international Supercross race onboard a Honda CRF250R.
Since landing in the United States in early 2018, Lawrence has been unstoppable, racking up a multitude of prestigious amateur championships, which have subsequently made him the hottest property on the market. The 16-year-old recently signed a long-term contract to ride under the powerhouse Geico Honda squad in the 2020 World 250cc SX2 Supercross (West Coast AMA) Championship.
Jett Lawrence
“I’m really excited to be making my pro debut in Melbourne. I’ve had my eye on these events for a while now and they’ve progressively grown into something that’s world-class. Being a proud Australian makes it pretty cool that I’ll debut there, in front of friends, family and a lot of riders I grew up with too. Winning Monster Cup was a real confidence booster for me, especially on a Supercross track. I definitely think more gate drops and just being in that race environment will help me heaps as I get ready for 2020.”
Jett Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld
Lawrence will ride under the awning of the ‘Ride Red’ Honda Racing program, backed by Honda Genuine. General Manager of Honda Motorcycles, Tony Hinton is looking forward to seeing Lawrence in action sharing, “We are really pleased to have Jett under our wing for this final round. He has certainly made a name for himself overseas, so it will be fantastic for local fans to see him race on home soil. We hope for strong results and know he will do the CRF250R proud!”
The addition of Lawrence will add to an already stacked international SX2 division, with existing riders involved in a ferocious title fight that’ll come down to the wire at the Australian Supercross Championship finale.
Jett Lawerence – Image by Hoppenworld
During New Zealand’s press conference, two-time World Champion Chad Reed indicated that this could very likely be his final race as a professional athlete in Australia, which makes Melbourne a landmark event for Australian Supercross fans, with one legend potentially retiring and a future star being born.
Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will also feature the Monster Energy Best-Trick Freestyle Motocross contest set to feature some of the world’s most insane stunts, with the legendary Josh Sheehan as the headliner. Best Whip will be back again, along with the Yamaha Celebrity challenge as some of Australia’s highest profiled stars do battle on track, including Jack Riewoldt, Jordan De Goey, Scott McLaughlin and many more celebrities.
Aus-X Open
Tickets can be secured from www.ticketmaster.com.au (link) with new tickets released from just $39.95! The Monster Energy AUS-X Open doubles as the fifth and final round of the Australian Supercross Championship, and Grand Final of the FIM Oceania Supercross Championship.
SX1 Standings
Pos
Name
R1
R3
R3
R4
PTS
1
Luke CLOUT
20
22
25
22
89
2
Justin BRAYTON
25
25
20
18
88
3
Daniel REARDON
22
20
22
16
80
4
Brett METCALFE
18
18
16
20
72
5
Dylan LONG
16
11
15
13
55
6
Richie EVANS
13
16
10
8
47
7
Todd WATERS
15
13
12
7
47
8
Joel WIGHTMAN
10
15
9
9
43
9
Lawson BOPPING
14
13
11
38
10
Jayden RYKERS
12
10
8
5
35
11
Josh HILL
18
15
33
12
Cody DYCE
5
5
14
4
28
13
Jesse DOBSON
7
14
7
28
14
Jackson RICHARDSON
12
1
14
27
15
Jason ANDERSON
25
25
16
Henry MILLER
11
12
23
17
Dylan WOOD
8
6
6
3
23
18
Gradie FEATHERSTONE
11
7
2
20
19
Caleb WARD
9
8
17
20
Justin CARAFA
9
4
13
21
Joey SAVATGY
10
10
22
Lochie LATIMER
6
4
10
23
Cody COOPER
6
6
24
Jesse MADDEN
5
5
25
Blake COBBIN
4
4
26
Jamie HARVEY
3
3
27
Joel CIGLIANO
3
3
28
Chad REED
2
2
SX2 Standings
Pos
Name
R1
R2
R3
R4
PTS
1
Joshua OSBY
18
22
22
25
87
2
Chris BLOSE
20
16
25
22
83
3
Aaron TANTI
22
20
18
20
80
4
Mitchell OLDENBURG
13
25
20
16
74
5
Jay WILSON
16
18
15
18
67
6
Dylan WILLS
12
10
16
12
50
7
Bradley TAFT
15
12
13
5
45
8
Connor TIERNEY
14
14
15
43
9
Regan DUFFY
15
12
14
41
10
Ricky LATIMER
8
8
9
10
35
11
Geran STAPLETON
9
7
11
27
12
Rhys BUDD
11
8
8
27
13
Jayce COSFORD
10
6
4
6
26
14
Kyle WEBSTER
11
11
3
25
15
Jacob HAYES
25
25
16
Tomas RAVENHORST
13
10
23
17
Morgan FOGARTY
9
3
9
21
18
Kaleb BARHAM
7
7
5
19
19
Wilson TODD
14
14
20
Darian SANAYEI
13
13
21
Hugh McKAY
6
7
13
22
Jack KUKAS
5
4
9
23
Jaxson HADLOW
6
6
24
Chandler BURNS
5
5
25
Madison LATTA
4
4
26
McKenzie O’BREE
2
2
27
Caleb GOULLET
1
1
Toni Bou claims French X-Trial Round 2 victory
The second round of the X-Trial World Championship got underway at the brand new Glaz Arena in Rennes, France, with Repsol Honda Team ace Toni Bou dominating throughout to claim a second 2020 indoor season victory.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
Toni Bou did not disappoint the French crowd, turning out a fine display of riding prowess in front of the Rennes spectators in Brittany. The Repsol Honda Team rider made it through the first five sections of the heats as the superior rider, picking up just four marks.
In the second round, with the top rider from each group qualifying directly for the final, Bou has once again gave a masterful showing, collecting 7 marks in the process.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
The grand finale saw Toni Bou overcome the six sections with a total of 15 points ahead of the 27 accrued by arch-rival Adam Raga, to seal a second season victory.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
Repsol Honda Team will now enjoy a almost two-month break ahead of the third X-Trial World Championship season date which will not be held until January 19, 2020 in Budapest. Bou will arrive as clear leader in the contest on 40 points, 10 more than the nearest second-place rival.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
Toni Bou
“Today I did not start the first round very well; the points were fine, but I didn’t feel right with the riding sensations. I didn’t feel comfortable and it took me a while to get into the sections. We will have to work so that in the coming trials we won’t experience these feelings, since it is very easy to get knocked out in the eliminations. In the end, I was able to enjoy myself more in the second round and the final to take the victory. I want to congratulate the organizer of the event, who set up a very tough trial, where I think the spectators really enjoyed it. Now there will be a break before the third trial in Budapest so it is very important to take the leadership here.”
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
X-Trial Rennes Round 2 Results
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Team
Con.
P.
1
BOU Toni
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Montesa
20
2
RAGA Adam
SPA
TRRS Factory Team
TRRS
15
3
FAJARDO Jeroni
SPA
Sherco Factory Team
Sherco
12
4
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
Vertigo
9
5
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
Vertigo
6
6
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
Beta Factory Racing
Beta
4
7
MARCELLI Gabriel
SPA
RG Team
Montesa
2
8
MARTIN Toby
GBR
Beta Factory Racing
Beta
1
2020 X-Trial Rider Standings
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Points
1
BOU Toni
SPA
40
2
RAGA Adam
SPA
30
3
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
18
4
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
18
5
FAJARDO Jeroni
SPA
12
6
CASALES Jorge
SPA
6
7
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
6
8
MARCELLI Gabriel
SPA
6
9
MARTIN Toby
GBR
1
10
TOULY Kieran
FRA
1
Holder crowned 2019 Oceania Speedway Champion at Gillman
New South Welshman Jack Holder has taken out the inaugural FIM Oceania Speedway Championship at Gillman in South Australia, dominating the seven-race event, only dropping one point finishing ahead of under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey, British rider Dan Bewley and Australian junior international Jordan Stewart.
Holder scored 14 points, and recorded the fastest time of the night, in the heats, passed his biggest challenger, Jaimon Lidsey, to win his semi-final, and then won the final relatively comfortably in a dominating performance.
Holder’s only loss on the night was to Lidsey in their fourth heat, but by that time Holder had already qualified for the semi-finals, and therefore did not need to take any risks to try to pass Lidsey, highlighting one of the obvious flaws with the FIM format used for the meeting, where there is no reward, apart from choice of gate positions, for finishing on, or near, the top of the scorecard.
Second and third, in both the heat points and the final were Lidsey and English rider Dan Bewley, with the other finalist, Jordan Stewart, a non-finisher after he fell on the first lap.
Holder was ecstatic finishing on the top step and believes the new event formula has the support of riders. Holder said he believed European riders currently going through their winter break could see the FIM Oceania Speedway Championship as an opportunity to race.
Jack Holder
“The format and event was great, and similar to events in Europe. Hopefully it (FIM Oceania Speedway Championship) will help us push to gain GP qualifiers. It’s cold over there at the moment with no racing so they may want to come and enjoy the Australian summer and sunshine but to also remain competitive before returning to the European season.”
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FIM Oceania Vice President, Peter Doyle, said the FIM Oceania Speedway Championship showcased the international talent that Australia produces each year.
Peter Doyle – FIM Oceania Vice President
“We have a wealth of speedway talent and this inaugural FIM Oceania Speedway Championship will hopefully open up other avenues for upcoming Australian speedway stars to make their mark on the international stage. With the establishment of this championship we are continuing to support the growth of speedway here in Australia and promoting our international riders.”
Final – Holder (R), Lidsey (W), Bewley (B), Stewart (Y-fell), 56.254 (1st and 2nd from the two semi-finals)
Wade Young wins 2019 Uncle Hard Enduro in South Borneo
The 2019 Uncle Hard Enduro held in South Borneo, Indonesia has presented an incredibly tough challenge that ultimately saw just two riders complete the race over the weekend, with Sherco’s Wade Young on blistering form to take the win in front of Graham Jarvis.
Wade Young
“It was a tough day out at the Uncle Hard Enduro. There was only two finishers as there was a big downpour of rain just before the start which made things interesting.”
Wade Young – 2019 Uncle Hard Enduro
Young’s victory at the Uncle Hard Enduro follows his dominant performance at Wildwood Rock Extreme in Australia just a few weeks ago. Young will now head home to South Africa where he will finalise his preparations for the 2019 Roof of Africa.
Young is the defending Roof of Africa champion and is gunning for his fifth Roof of Africa win. Held in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Roof as it is commonly called, is an event steeped in history dating back to 1967 with legendary winners such as Graham Jarvis, Alfie Cox, Chris Birch and of, course, Wade Young. Labelled, the Mother of Hard Enduro, the 2019 Motul Roof of Africa begins on December 4, 2019.
2019 Uncle Hard Enduro results
Wade Young – ZAF – 1:58.04
Graham Jarvis – GBR – 2:13:25
Harley announce massive 2020 AFT contingency program
Harley-Davidson have announced a major increase in their support of American Flat Track’s AFT Production Twins class. For the first time ever, authorised Harley-Davidson dealerships will now have the race-proven XG750R available for purchase, ensuring that more competitors will field these race-winning machines during the 2020 American Flat Track season.
Dalton Gauthier – 2019 AFT Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
To support the racing efforts of Harley-Davidson-mounted riders in the class, the Milwaukee-based marque has also posted a $250,000 contingency package.
Jon Bekefy – GM of Brand Marketing for Harley-Davidson
“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson XR750 next season, this expanded pledge of support shows our lasting commitment to the sport of flat track. Harley-Davidson dealerships fielding the XG750R will provide an opportunity for our community to rally behind this great American sport.”
Harley-Davidson has been synonymous with flat track racing since the inception of the sport. Throughout the golden era of pro flat track, powerhouse Harley-Davidson dealerships from around the country scored hundreds of wins aboard the legendary XR750.
James Rispoli – Lima Half Mile 2019 – Image by Scott Hunter
Moments of brilliance during the 2019 AFT Production Twins season hearkened back to that golden era, as Dalton Gauthier and James Rispoli made consistent podium appearances and scored two wins aboard a privateer XG750R backed by Black Hills Harley-Davidson.
With $7,500 awarded to XG750R riders for each AFT Production Twins race win plus a $25,000 championship bonus on the line, the contingency package offered by Harley-Davidson is sure to heat up the on-track action next season.
A total of $15,000 will be up for grabs to XG750R riders at each AFT Production Twins round in 2020, broken down as follows, by place:
James Rispoli & Ryan Varnes – 2019 AFT – Meadowlands Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
The XG750R is available for purchase for $35,999 and deliveries will begin immediately. Supply is limited and priority will be given to dealerships, with the availability of the XG750R and Harley-Davidson’s contingency setting the stage for a renaissance movement of dealer-backed privateers contesting for AFT championships in 2020.
American Flat Track will kick off its highly-anticipated 2020 season with the first-ever Saturday of Speed featuring the DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT Doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway. It all kicks off at the peak of Daytona Bike Week on Saturday, March 14, 2020. You can check out the full calendar below:
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
The RecoveR8 Australian Junior Trophy Team were crowned ISDE World Champions at the 94th running of the FIM International Six Day Enduro.
Daniel Sanders – Image Dario Agrati
Lyndon Snodgrass enjoyed a standout week with fourth in E1 for the 2019 ISDE and seventh outright for the event across all categories.
Lyndon Snodgrass
“We are Junior World Trophy Champions this year! I’m already loosing my voice as we have been celebrating after a massive week. Thanks to my team mates Fraser Higlett and Machael Driscoll and to everyone involved in getting us here and making this win happen. It feels great!”
Australian won the Junior category – Image Dario Agrati
Fraser Higlett put himself on the international map with fourth in E2 for the ISDE, and tenth outright overall across all categories.
Michael Driscoll further underlined the strength of the Aussie Junior squad by finishing ISDE 2019 as the 16th fastest rider of the event across all categories, ahead of plenty of well-known regulars on the senior stage of World Enduro.
Michael Driscoll
“We had an awesome week in Portugal and to be a part of the win with the Junior Team is amazing. “It still seems unreal to think myself, Fraser Higlett and Lyndon Snodgrass are world champions,” said an excited Driscoll. To win something like this, everything and everyone plays a part and the WR450F was just perfect for the conditions. In fact, the more I rode it the more comfortable I felt, and I got faster as the week went on. Apart from replacing a couple of levers from my crashes, we just poured fuel in it every day and kept on riding. Thanks to Yamaha and my Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Team for building me a bullet proof bike and to everyone at MA for their assistance and guidance throughout the event.”
Michael Driscoll – Image by Dario Agrati
The Australian Senior World Trophy Team ultimately finished second to the USA in the ISDE World Trophy standings.
Daniel Sanders was the fastest overall rider outright of ISDE 2019 – Image by Dario Agrati
Daniel Sanders was the stand-out rider across the entirety of ISDE 2019 winning the majority of the special tests and days out-right to end the event as the fastest individual overall on his Husqvarna FE 501.
Daniel Sanders – Image by Dario Agrati
Daniel Sanders
” It has been a hectic week here at the ISDE and we gave it our all as a team. Although we didn’t reclaim the World Trophy, we can be proud of second place and there’s always next year to come out swinging! I am so happy to claim the individual outright ISDE Championship, it’s been a big year for me and I’m now looking forward to some off season down time before a big 2020″.
Daniel Sanders – Image by Dario Agrati
Both Josh Green and Luke Styke put in some great performances with Styke finishing fourth in E1, and ninth outright for the event as a whole while Josh Green was 12th outright.
Luke Styke
“This is my first ISDE and I have to say it was one of the most challenging things I have done. The course was first class with a huge variety of terrain and conditions as we went from mud to dust and back again and from roads to sand, this ISDE had everything. Fortunately, one thing I didn’t have to worry about was the durability of my bike. I might have crashed and bent a radiator or two during the week and its probably not in show room condition and ready for sale but mechanically it was rock solid and performance wise, we led the way for Yamaha so it’s a real credit to the team and the production bike to last through such tough conditions. As a team, we busted our butts all week and in the end we just weren’t good enough. But we gave it our all and we all leave Portugal with our heads held high,” Styke ends.
Luke Styke – Image by Dario Agrati
In the Women’s Trophy, Jessica Gardiner was the sole team member remaining on day six. With the teams unbeaten run of six straight ISDE Championships coming to an end with the retirement of Makenzie Tricker and Tayla Jones earlier in the event, Gardiner soldiered on for individual results, finishing fourth outright in the Womens World Trophy.
Jessica Gardiner
“I think this my ninth ISDE now and this years event in Portugal has been a tough week for the team, but I was happy with my individual performance. I felt the best I have all year spending a month training in France in the lead up to this event. I’m stoked to finish fourth overall individually in the womens category, it’s been fun and it’s a shame the Aussie girls couldn’t finish on the podium this year. I’m proud of all the girls for their efforts and we will be back next year fighting!”
Jessica Gardiner – Image Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Top 10 Overall
Daniel Sanders Husqvarna Australia
Josep Garcia KTM Spain +53.23s
Taylor Robert KTM USA +4min22.34s
Kailub Russell KTM USA +6min02.99s
Daniel McCanney TM GBR +7min30.46s
Ryan Sipes KTM USA +7min31.50s
Lyndon Snodgrass KTM Australia +8min10.41s
Davide Guarneri Honda Italy +8min11.69s
Luke Styke Yamaha Australia +8min35.26s
Fraser Higlett Husqvarna Australia +10min03.39s
Steward Baylor KTM USA +10min25.82s
Joshua Green Yamaha Australia +10min39.46s
Rudy Moroni KTM Italy +10min44.00s
Grant Baylor KTM USA +10min53.91s
Eero Remes Yamaha Finland +10min58.24s
Michael Driscoll Yamaha Australia +12min00.91s
Antoine Magain KTM Belgium +12min03.82s
Thomas Oldrati Honda Italy +12min13.94s
Ben Kelley KTM USA +12min20.34s
Roni Kytonen Husqvarna Finland +13min29.92s
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Toni Bou has continued his cracking form in Réunion, where the crowd at the curtain-raising event of the new season witnessed a dazzling performance in the Stade Jean Ivoula, in Saint Denis, capital of Réunion.
Toni Bou
Bou becomes the provisional leader in the 2020 championship standings, after he made his maiden outing count in the venue in spectacular style.
In the first qualifying phase, with competitors facing five sections, Bou was already looking leagues ahead of his adversaries with just six marks on the scorecard.
Toni Bou
In the second, with only the winner of each group making the cut for the final, the champion again lapped with a mere six penalty marks.
In the final, up against one of his toughest rivals Adam Raga, Bou scored 10 marks compared to the 16 collected by Raga.
Toni Bou
Repsol Honda Team and Toni Bou will get little rest as the second season event is scheduled to be held in French city of Rennes this coming weekend.
Results: X-Trial Reunion Island 2020 Toni Bou, Montesa/Spain, (10 – Final) Adam Raga, TRS/Spain, (17 – Final) Jaime Busto, Vertigo/Spain, (2 – Runners-up Final)
Toni Bou
“I am very happy to start off winning. For us it was really important. Today I felt at ease with my riding, and I had a very good first round. I am also very happy too, as this is the first time that I have participated here, with some very technical areas. I want to congratulate the organizer for the marked sections. Now it’s time to think about next week, as in this championship it is very easy to not get through to the semi-finals or the other round for that matter, as everything is really tight. It is very important to come away from this first trial with these twenty points.”
Championship Standings: X-Trial World Championship 2020
Toni Bou, Montesa/Spain, 20 points
Adam Raga, TRS/Spain, 15
Jaime Busto, Vertigo/Spain, 12
Miquel Gelabery, Vertigo/Spain 9
Jorge Casales, GasGas/Spain, 6
Marcelli Gabriel, Montesa/Spain, 4
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Aussie Supercross hits NZ
2019 Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland Video Highlights
Fans were treated to an action-packed show that saw the event reach it’s climax when 2018 World Supercross Champion Jason Anderson took the top honours in the premier SX1 Class, and subsequently assumes the points lead in the S-X Open FIM Oceania Supercross Championship.
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
Jason Anderson didn’t have it easy however, with a stiff challenge from new Australian Championship points leader Luke Clout, who stood on the podium in P2 with a victory in race two of the Triple Crown format, along with South Australian legend Brett Metcalfe, who took third overall.
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
“I’m stoked to grab the win here in Auckland, the racing was super intense tonight. It’s always a blast to come over here and race in front of these fans – I’ll look to keep the ball rolling come Melbourne,” commented Anderson.
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
For Clout, a second place to the 2018 World Champion was as good as a win, as he states that he’s ‘back’ after a few turbulent years of supercross and motocross competition.
“I said to my brother this week; I’m back. There’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes that people haven’t seen, and for a while there I didn’t really even want to ride a dirt bike. I’ve got that passion back, and my eyes are back on the United States,” commented Clout.
Luke Clout – Image by AM
The racing in the quarter-litre SX2 category was electrifying, with Australian SX2 Supercross point’s leader Josh Osby taking the top spot, posting the most consistent result through the Triple Crown format. Penrite Honda’s Chris Blose claimed second, with Australian Aaron Tanti rounding out the podium.
“It feels so good to extend my points lead. The crowd here was insane tonight; every time they went nuts, I wanted to know what was happening! I’m keen to get back to work and look to wrap up the Australian Championship in Melbourne,” commented Osby.
Josh Osby – Image by AM
In his last FMX competition ever, New Zealand native Levi Sherwood catapulted himself into the Auckland night sky with a double backflip, and subsequently edged Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams for the gold medal, in a fitting end to his Freestyle Motocross career in what was an amazing Freestyle Best-Trick contest.
“This means so much to me. To call time in front of my home fans, and to get the gold; I’m speechless. Thank you for the support over the years, it’s been a dream come true,” commented Sherwood.
The ANAZAC vs. USA saw the stars and stripes come out on top when Ricky Carmichael took down Ben Townley in the final race, after Cody Cooper beat Jason Anderson, and Luke Clout topped Joey Savatgy.
The next round will take place in Melbourne’s iconic Marvel Stadium on November 30 for the first time ever, where champions in each category will be crowned, in front of over 35,000 fans, in what promises to be the largest ever Supercross event in history in the Oceania region.
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
American Flat Track announces 2020 calendar
American Flat Track has announced the 18-event schedule for the 2020 season, which once again features coast-to-coast action, kicking off at the legendary Daytona International Speedway on March 14 with an epic season opener with the Daytona 200 & Daytona TT Doubleheader. It all comes to a close after 18-rounds with the Meadowlands Mile* finale in September at the most spectacular venue of the season: Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J.
There are two fan favorite events returning to the schedule and one event revamped for a thrilling new experience. The returning venues is the Half-Mile at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. and the famed OKC Mile.
Additionally, the fastest Mile in the world – the Springfield Mile – will run back-to-back as a doubleheader, making for a Labor Day weekend event unlike any other.
Michael Lock – CEO of American Flat Track
“AFT is coming off the back of a record-breaking season and we have planned the 2020 schedule to push things to the next level and return to the best tracks in the country. We are delighted to be restoring the series to OKC and Charlotte and to amplify the thrilling action of Springfield Mile with a fall doubleheader.”
Proving themselves as the nation to beat in this year’s FIM ISDE, the United States won back the FIM World Trophy they last held in 2016. After edging out early pace setters RecoveR8 Team Australia during the midway stage in the race, they grew stronger as the week progressed.
2019 ISDE Day Six – Imge by Dario Agrati
Entering the traditional day six motocross race with a comfortable lead, Ryan Sipes – KTM, Kailub Russell – KTM, Taylor Robert – KTM and Baylor Steward – KTM barely put a foot wrong to clinch this year’s World crown.
Ryan Sipes
“It’s an amazing feeling to win the FIM ISDE. It was an honour to be on the team when we first won it in Spain in 2016 and now to have this moment again is incredible. It’s been a real team effort this week. I think everyone came together to deliver this winning result. I can’t thank everyone involved for the support they’ve given us all – it’s not just us riders doing it, it’s the team manager, mechanics, volunteers and all those back home who’ve got us this far. We’ll celebrate tonight, that’s for sure.”
Team USA win ISDE 2019 – Image by Dario Agrati
Taylor Robert
“I’m so happy to be part of the winning team. All four of us have ridden amazing and stayed so consistent. Throughout the whole event the team have been really close, often within a few seconds of each other. To take the win in the E2 class, with Kailub second, feels great too. Obviously, it would have been nice to take the overall win again, but the level has been so high this year. Believe it or not I got through to day five without having a single crash, then managed to come off three times. After that I knew I needed to just make it to the finish safely and secure the result for the team. Everyone has worked so hard, so I’m really pleased with the result.”
Taylor Robert – Image by Dario Agrati
Kailub Russell
“It awesome to stand here as World Trophy champion once again, we had a rough couple of years and then I missed last year so to step on top of the podium once again feels really good. It takes a huge effort from Antti and the whole team for us to come over here, and to be able to reward all that hard work with a win is great. We have a lot of fun when we come here but we take the racing extremely seriously and the hard work has certainly paid off.”
Kailub Russell – Image by Dario Agrati
As defending champions, RecoveR8 Team Australia never gave up, claiming victory on day six. But with the deficit to their rivals too much to bridge, they ultimately had to settle for the runner-up result in this year’s title fight after leading the first three days of the event.
Strong throughout the competition, Italy made no mistakes on the day to claim the third and final step of the FIM World Trophy podium.
Spain rode hard to collect fourth in this year’s race with Finland and France completing the top six.
2019 ISDE World Trophy Final Classification Overall
USA
Australia +1min45.34s
Italy +12min37.50s
Spain +16min53.05s
Finland +22min14.01s
France +24min45.66s
Germany +39min12.90s
Sweden +40min15.24s
Portugal +49min08.60s
Belgium +71min04.06s
2019 ISDE Junior World Trophy
RecoveR8 Team Australia made no mistakes on the sixth and final day of competition at the FIM ISDE to race their way onto the top step of the FIM Junior World Trophy podium.
Australian won the Junior category – Image Dario Agrati
Despite holding a commanding lead over their rivals, the Australian trio of Michael Driscoll – Yamaha, Lyndon Snodgrass – Husqvarna and Fraser Higlett – Husqvarna still topped today’s motocross to cement themselves as this year’s Junior champions.
Lyndon Snodgrass
“As a team we came out strong this week,” said Lyndon Snodgrass. “We wanted a strong start to the week, and I feel like we did just that. It put us in a good position and earned us a big lead that we needed to then maintain. As leaders it gave us that extra confidence to keep setting the pace. All told we were still nervous starting out this morning, but once the racing got going we settled into things. Crossing the finish line – knowing you put everything you had into six days of racing – as World champions is a very special feeling indeed.”
Lyndon Snodgrass – Image Dario Agrati
Offering the Australians their greatest challenge all week, the United States kept them honest right until the end. Securing second overall, they ended their week nineminutes and thirteen-seconds behind the winners.
Spain rode resiliently to third overall in the proceedings. Host nation Portugal impressed finishing out the week strongly for fourth overall, while Belgium rounded out the top five.
Australian won the Junior category – Image Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Junior World Trophy Final Classification
Australia
USA +9min13.94s
Spain +28min49.31s
Portugal +77min35.65s
Belgium +83min09.30s
Chile +83min24.71s
Canada +127min46.84s
Italy
France
GBR
Women’s
Creating their own piece of Enduro history, the trio of Rebecca Sheets – KTM, Brandy Richards – KTM and Tarah Gieger – Honda secured United States’ second FIM Women’s World Trophy win, their first since topping the inaugural running of the category in 2007.
USA took out the Women’s competition – Image by Dario Agrati
Putting an end to Australia’s six-year win streak, the United States rightfully earned their place on the top step of the podium in Portimao.
Brandy Richards
“The nerves were really high coming into today, I think everyone was so relieved to cross the finish line as World champions,’ commented Brandy Richards. “We’ve had a brilliant week and aside from some minor moments, we’ve been strong every day and I think that’s been the key this year. The FIM ISDE is so tough – it wears you down, but you’ve just got to keep fighting. We did that and now finally the victory is ours. Also, with the boys winning the FIM World Trophy class too, it’s certainly put the United States on top!”
USA took out the Women’s competition – Image by Dario Agrati
With a healthy margin over Great Britain in third, Germany put in a solid final day of riding to claim their place as runners-up in the category.
In what has been a successful FIM ISDE debut, Great Britain took third overall and are sure to become title contender in future editions.
Sweden held off Spain to take fifth, while Portugal will be pleased with their efforts on home soil for sixth.
2019 ISDE Women’s World Trophy Final Classification
USA
Germany +8min51.21s
GBR +18min55.73s
Sweden +37min08.71s
Spain +42min34.76s
Portugal +54min06.21s
Canada +64min26.60s
Australia
Norway
Daniel Sanders fastest rider of ISDE 2019
Daniel Sanders – Image by Dario Agrati
Daniel Sanders and Josep Garcia ran each other close most days across ISDE 2019 but ultimately it was the Australian that proved his form as the fastest rider of ISDE 2019.
Lyndon Snodgrass was the fastest ‘Junior’ category entrant, third in Enduro 1 and the 20-year-old also claimed the seventh outright overall time for the six days of the event.
Luke Styke and ‘Jnuior’ Fraser Higlett rounded out the overall top ten of ISDE 2019 in what underlined the speed, consistency and class of Australian enduro riders with four Australians in the outright top ten.
Joshua Green made it five Australians in the top 12 while ‘Junior’ Michael Driscoll ended the event as the 16th fastest rider overall.
ISDE Fastest Rider Overall
Daniel Sanders Husqvarna Australia
Josep Garcia KTM Spain +53.23s
Taylor Robert KTM USA +4min22.34s
Kailub Russell KTM USA +6min02.99s
Daniel McCanney TM GBR +7min30.46s
Ryan Sipes KTM USA +7min31.50s
Lyndon Snodgrass KTM Australia +8min10.41s
Davide Guarneri Honda Italy +8min11.69s
Luke Styke Yamaha Australia +8min35.26s
Fraser Higlett Husqvarna Australia +10min03.39s
Steward Baylor KTM USA +10min25.82s
Joshua Green Yamaha Australia +10min39.46s
Rudy Moroni KTM Italy +10min44.00s
Grant Baylor KTM USA +10min53.91s
Eero Remes Yamaha Finland +10min58.24s
Michael Driscoll Yamaha Australia +12min00.91s
Antoine Magain KTM Belgium +12min03.82s
Thomas Oldrati Honda Italy +12min13.94s
Ben Kelley KTM USA +12min20.34s
Roni Kytonen Husqvarna Finland +13min29.92s
Enduro 1
With the outright fastest time on the day, Spain’s Josep Garcia – KTM topped the Enduro 1 class for the sixth time. Consistently proving himself as the rider to beat each day, Garcia secured the overall category win.
Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia
“Overall, I am happy with my result, winning the E1 class was always going to be my first goal here in Portugal. I’m a little disappointed not to have been closer to the overall win, but the tests in the sand on the first two days didn’t suit the smaller bike so well. I finished second on both of those days, but it was tricky to make up time after that. I pushed as hard as I could every day, but to take the overall win on day five felt very special. With such varied conditions and terrain each day, the whole event has been tough. I’m happy with my performance and my bike has been great.”
Josep Garcia – Image Dario Agrati
Behind Garcia, Ryan Sipes held off top Junior Lyndon Snodgrass by thirty-eight seconds after more than four-and-a-half hours of timed racing to claim second.
Australia’s Luke Styke – Yamaha and Finland’s Eero Remes – Yamaha completed the top five.
Luke Styke and Josep Garcia on the final day of competition – Image by Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Enduro 1 Final Classification
Josep Garcia KTM Spain
Ryan Sipes KTM USA
Lyndon Snodgrass KTM Australia
Luke Styke Yamaha Australia
Eero Remes Yamaha Finland
Thomas Oldrati Honda Italy
Roni Kytonen Husqvarna Finland
Antoine Basset Husqvarna France
Sergio Navarro Husqvarna Spain
Joshua Toth KTM USA
Enduro 2
Signing off on his 2019 FIM ISDE in style, Taylor Robert claimed the day six Enduro 2 win to ultimately claim the overall category victory.
Taylor Robert
Ensuring another memorable result for the United States, Kailub Russell joined him on the podium in second. Italy’s Davide Guarneri – Honda rounded out the top three.
Davide Guarneri – Image by Dario Agrati
Fraser Higlett was the top Junior in fourth just ahead of Australian compatriot.
Josh Green – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Enduro 2 Final Classification
Taylor Robert KTM USA
Kailub Russell KTM USA
Davide Guarneri Honda Italy
Fraser Higlett Husqvarna Australia
Joshua Green Yamaha Australia
Grant Baylor KTM USA
Michael Driscoll Yamaha Australia
Antoine Magain KTM Belgium
Ben Kelley KTM USA
Erik Willems Husqvarna Belgium
Enduro 3
Daniel Sanders dominated the Enduro 3 category throughout the event and was the overall fastest rider of ISDE 2019.
Daniel Sanders – Image by Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Enduro 3 Final Classification
Daniel Sanders Husqvarna Australia
Daniel McCanney TM GBR
Steward Baylor KTM USA
Rudy Moroni KTM Italy
Anugs Heidecke KTM DEU
Anthony Geslin Beta France
David Abgrall Beta France
Matteo Pavoni Beta Italy
Oskar Ljungstrom Husqvarna Sweden
Jed Etchells Sherco GBR
Women’s
In the final battle for Enduro Women honours, Brandy Richards secured the day six win over Germany’s Maria Franke.
However, it was Franke who enjoyed the spoils of victory claiming the outright Enduro Women’s win in this year’s FIM ISDE.
Richards, helped by her final day’s success, took the runner-up spot, while Great Britain’s Jane Daniels was third.
Australian Jessica Gardiner and Spain’s Mireia Badia were fourth and fifth respectively.
Jessica Gardiner and Maria Franke – Image by Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Women’s Final Classification
Maria Franke KTM DEU
Brandy Richards KTM USA
Jane Daniels Husqvarna GBR
Jessica Gardiner Yamaha Australia
Mireia Badia Husqvarna Spain
Rebecca Sheets KTM USA
Shelby Turner KTM Canada
Tarah Gieger Honda USA
Anne Borchers Husqvarna DEU
Joana Goncalves Husqvarna PRT
FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy
The final day of competition in the EVT class saw Italy’s Stefano Passeri – KTM come out on top. He was followed home by Australia’s Rick Madden – Husqvarna in second with Mario Rinaldi – KTM third.
Italy won the Vintage Team Trophy ahead of Germany and France.
There was a change of overall individual winner on day five, with Spain’s Josep Garcia finally putting a stop to the winning ways of Australian Daniel Sanders – Husqvarna.
Josep Garcia
“I’m delighted to finally get an outright win in this FIM ISDE,” said Garcia. “I’ve been pushing hard all week, but Daniel always had the edge. Today things came good and I got it done. I gave my best in every test and only made one mistake, which helped a lot. It was quite slippery this morning due to the rain and mud, but as the day progressed conditions improved a lot. It’s been a tough FIM ISDE so far – I think everyone will be happy to see the finish line tomorrow.”
Josep Garcia – Image by Dario Agrati
The end of this year’s FIM ISDE may now be in sight, but the penultimate day of racing in Portimao pulled no punches for those battling to reach the finish line of the ninety-fourth edition of the FIM’s longest-running motorcycle race. A new course for day five – Crossing the Barocal – tested the spirits of the weary competitors with a multitude of gravel and rocky trails, mixed with early morning muddy special tests due to overnight rain.
Taylor Robert – Image by Dario Agrati
For the third day running, the United States positioned themselves as the team to beat in Portugal. Although unable to split Garcia and Sanders at the head of the overall individual field, seeing three of their four riders place inside the top-six overall ensured another team win. In doing so it lifts them to a two-minute and two-second lead over their Australian rivals heading into the traditional motocross races on day six.
Taylor Robert – Image by Dario Agrati
In the battle for the final step of the podium, Spain – thanks to the efforts of Garcia – beat Italy by over two-minutes. However, with the Italians ahead of the Spaniards by four-minutes and thirty-seconds, they remain favourites to take the bronze medal tomorrow. Finland hold fifth overall, but now head France by two-minutes-thirty-seconds.
Kailub Russell – Image by Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Day 5 World Trophy Classification Overall
USA
Australia +2min02.52s
Italy +11min57.30s
Spain +16min29.22s
Finland +21min15.45s
France +23min45.58s
Germany +37min55.15s
Sweden +38min28.91s
Portugal +46min35.22s
Belgium +68min14.78s
2019 ISDE Day 5 Junior World Trophy
Sitting eight-minutes and thirty-nine-seconds clear of their closest rivals the United States, RecoveR8 Team Australia look poised to win back the FIM Junior World Trophy title they last held in 2015.
Lyndon Snodgrass
“It’s been another good day for the team and we’re now within touching distance of winning the FIM Junior World Trophy,” said Australia’s Lyndon Snodgrass. “With the lead we’ve got it does help to ease the stress at this stage in the race, but you still have to remain focused on the job in hand. Although we’re nearly there, one problem is all it takes to lose out. Tomorrow the goal is to play safe and secure the title.”
United States were fastest today, but not by enough to properly trouble the Australian’s ahead of tomorrow’s motocross races.
Team USA – Image by Dario Agrati
Spain, third quickest on day five, are comfortably set in third. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they should deny host nation Portugal – in fourth – the chance to finish on the podium.
Fifth overall, Belgium look to claim one of their best results in recent memory – if they can keep Chile at bay.
2019 ISDE Day 5 Junior World Trophy Classification
Australia
USA +8min39.20s
Spain +27min28.97s
Portugal +74min50.34s
Belgium +80min40.88s
Chile +81min24.62s
Canada +123min24.94s
Italy +137min32.95s
France +259min10.67s
GBR +269min14.93s
Women’s
With the United States now comfortably out front in the FIM Women’s World Trophy classification, it is looking likely that two of the FIM ISDE’s coveted trophies will find a home in America this year. If the trio of Rebecca Sheets, Brandy Richards and Tarah Gieger deliver the goods, it will mark a debut class victory for the United States.
Germany look set to finish as runners-up in the category, with Great Britain also poised for a medal result with third. Sweden and Spain are fourth and fifth respectively, while Portugal round out the top-six.
2019 ISDE Day 5 Women’s World Trophy Classification
USA
Germany +8min35.22s
GBR +18min18.88s
Sweden +35min34.47s
Spain +41min04.50s
Portugal +53min18.19s
Canada +63min08.16s
Australia +234min55.69s
Enduro 1
As the outright individual winner on day five, Josep Garcia powered his way to a fifth consecutive Enduro 1 day victory in Portugal. Sweeping all seven special tests for the third time this week, the Spaniard looks all but assured of the overall class win thanks to a six-minute-and-twenty-three second lead.
With one day remaining, second placed Ryan Sipes from the United States has built his advantage over Australian Lyndon Snodgrass to thirty-five seconds.
Holding third overall and twenty-nine seconds up on compatriot Luke Styke, Snodgrass is the best placed Junior rider.
2019 ISDE Day 5 Enduro 1 Individual Classification Overall
Josep Garcia KTM Spain
Ryan Sipes KTM USA
Lyndon Snodgrass KTM Australia
Luke Styke Yamaha Australia
Eero Remes Yamaha Finland
Enduro 2
The Enduro 2 class saw one of the day’s closest battles with the United States’ Kailub Russell narrowly beating team-mate Taylor Robert by seven-tenths-of-a-second for the win.
Robert, however, will sleep well tonight knowing he has got a one-minute-and-twenty-two second lead over Russell for the category win.
Italy’s Davide Guarneri remains third overall, with Australian’s Fraser Higlett and Josh Green fourth and fifth respectively.
2019 ISDE Day 5 Enduro 2 Individual Classification Overall
Taylor Robert KTM USA
Kailub Russell KTM USA
Davide Gauarneri Honda Italy
Fraser Higlett Husqvarna Australia
Joshua Green Yamaha Australia
Enduro 3
Daniel Sanders topped the Enduro 3 class for the fifth day in a row. The Husqvarna rider also made it his fourth clean sweep of special test wins. Placing second and third to Sanders, Great Britain’s Danny McCanney and Steward Baylor strengthen their footing on the final Enduro 3 podium entering day six.
Daniel Sanders – Image by Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Day 5 Enduro 3 Individual Classification Overall
Daniel Sanders Husqvarna Australia
Daniel McCanney TM GBR
Steward Baylor KTM USA
Rudy Moroni KTM Italy
Angus Heidecke KTM DEU
Women’s
The Enduro Women’s category saw Brandy Richards fight back to take the day win over Germany’s Maria Franke , with Great Britain’s Jane Daniels third.
However, finishing just nine-seconds behind Richards, Franke still controls the class lead. With Richards and Daniels second and third respectively.
Australian Jessica Gardiner and Spain’s Mireia Badia complete the top five.
Maria Franke – Image by Dario Agrati
2019 ISDE Day 5 Women’s Individual Classification Overall
Maria Franke KTM DEU
Brandy Richards KTM USA
Jane Daniels Husqvarna GBR
Jessica Gardiner Yamaha Australia
Mirela Badia Husqvarna Spain
FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy
The FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy marked another overall victory for Italy’s Mario Rinaldi – KTM. Almost mirroring yesterday’s results, Italy took the top-four overall positions on the second day of EVT competition. Today, Giovanni Sala – KTM took second, with Maurizio Casartelli – Puch third and Stefano Passeri – KTM fourth. France’s Philippe Barthomeuf – Cardel rounded out the top five.
What’s Next…
The ninety-fourth edition of the FIM ISDE concludes tomorrow with the traditional motocross race, now to be held at the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve (KIA).
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