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Brad Freeman wins 2021 EnduroGP crown in France

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2021 EnduroGP of France – Day Two

The 2021 EnduroGP World Championship has wrapped up in France, with Brad Freeman claiming top honours with a 16-point lead and a win on the final day ensuring he couldn’t be toppled.

Cementing her status as one of motorcycling’s greatest competitors, Laia Sanz (GASGAS) won her sixth FIM Enduro Women World Championship with victory on Sunday. She adds this title to her 14th FIM Trial World Championship, won last month. The final world champion crowned for the weekend was TM’s Matteo Pavoni, taking the Enduro Junior title.

EnduroGP

With the majority of the senior enduro titles won on Saturday, the talking point for Sunday was about who would end the day as the FIM EnduroGP World Champion. With a 16-point lead over his closest rival, Brad Freeman held the upper hand and was determined to see things through.

After a steady start on the opening ACERBIS Cross Test to settle his nerves, Freeman pulled the pin thereafter to top the following CHAMPION Enduro Test and NERVE by JUST1 Extreme Test to take up the lead. Clearly focused on clinching the title with a win, he built up a healthy 20-second lead with two tests to go.

Remaining trouble free, Freeman ended his day as the race winner, but more importantly, the new FIM EnduroGP World Champion. Adding to his Enduro3 crown from Saturday, the British rider is now a seven-time FIM Enduro World Champion.

Brad Freeman

“I wanted to go for the win today to take the title. I knew ninth place would be enough to get the job done, but that’s not my style or how I like to ride, so I just went for it. With two tests to go I had a good lead and then rode it home. I’m so happy with this year and how it’s gone. I feel like there’s a massive weight lifted off my shoulders now. I’m the EnduroGP World Champion and that’s an awesome feeling!”

Brad Freeman - 2021 EnduroGP World Champion
Brad Freeman – 2021 EnduroGP World Champion – Image by Future7Media

While Freeman had control over the race lead, behind him positions were changing. Steve Holcombe (Beta) was on form, winning the opening ACERBIS Cross Test and sitting in second after the fourth test. Also enjoying a great GP of France, Jaume Betriu (KTM) moved up to second after test five. Newly crowned Enduro1 champion Andrea Verona (GASGAS) was next to slot into second at the end of test six, a position he would hold until the end.

After a slow start, day one winner Josep Garcia (KTM) spent his day racing his way into contention to grab the final step of the podium from Betriu on the final special test. Although denied an EnduroGP podium, Betriu could still be pleased with his efforts in fourth, while Holcombe was close behind in fifth.

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

With Freeman crowned the EnduroGP champion, Garcia finished the championship in second, with Verona completing the top three.

2021 EnduroGP Final Standings

Rank Rider Nat Bike Total
1 FREEMAN Brad GBR Beta 217
2 GARCIA Josep ESP KTM 199
3 VERONA Andrea ITA Gas Gas 157
4 RUPRECHT Wil AUS TM 146
5 GUARNERI Davide ITA Fantic 125
6 HOLCOMBE Steve GBR Beta 119
7 BETRIU ARMENGOL J… ESP KTM 111
8 MACDONALD Hamish NZL Sherco 96
9 MCCANNEY Daniel GBR Sherco 56
10 WATSON Nathan GBR Honda 43
11 BERNARDINI Samuele ITA Honda 38
12 MAGAIN Antoine BEL Sherco 35
13 MCCANNEY Jamie GBR Husqvarna 35
14 OLDRATI Thomas ITA Honda 33
15 WOOTTON Joe GBR Husqvarna 28
16 REMES Eero FIN TM 19
17 SORECA Davide ITA Husqvarna 18
18 BOLT Billy GBR Husqvarna 17
19 CAVALLO Matteo ITA TM 17
20 ELOWSON Albin SWE Husqvarna 14
21 SANS Marc ESP Husqvarna 7
22 ESPINASSE Theophile FRA Honda 7
23 LUNDGREN Anton SWE Husqvarna 6
24 BLANJOUE Hugo FRA KTM 5
25 CHARLIER Christophe FRA Beta 5
26 EDMONDSON Jack GBR Sherco 5
27 FRANCISCO Enric ESP Sherco 4
28 PERSSON Mikael SWE KTM 4
29 BENGTSSON Filip SWE Husqvarna 2
30 WILKSCH Andrew AUS Husqvarna 2
31 R CRIVILIN Bruno BRA Honda 1
32 BASSET Antoine FRA Beta 1

Enduro1

With the Enduro1 title already wrapped up on Saturday, newly crowned champ Verona convincingly won the category for the 10th time this year. Fantic’s Davide Guarneri took second.

Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

Antoine Magain (Sherco) edged out TM’s Matteo Cavallo by six seconds to claim third, while Davide Soreca (Husqvarna) completed the top five.

Andrea Verona

“Today has been a very good day for me. After taking the Enduro1 title yesterday, I was able to relax a little more today and I think it helped my pace. I was fighting with Ruprecht for third position in the EnduroGP overall standings and today I was able to finish second overall, which is an amazing result for me. I was just over 10 seconds from the overall win, so I’m very happy with that. It has been an incredible year, changing teams early on, and getting used to the bike, but I was able to find my pace, and the results have been really good. Thanks to the team for all their work. I’ll get some rest now, but then we’ll soon be preparing for next year.”

Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

2021 Enduro1 Final Standings

Rank Rider Nat Bike Total
1 VERONA Andrea ITA Gas Gas 232
2 GUARNERI Davide ITA Fantic 206
3 BERNARDINI Samuele ITA Honda 148
4 MAGAIN Antoine BEL Sherco 144
5 SORECA Davide ITA Husqvarna 131
6 R CRIVILIN Bruno BRA Honda 96
7 CAVALLO Matteo ITA TM 77
8 TINKLER Kade CAN KTM 65
9 ESPINASSE Theophile FRA Honda 55
10 CHARLIER Christophe FRA Beta 53
11 BENGTSSON Filip SWE Husqvarna 37
12 BURUD Kevin NOR Yamaha 33
13 MIRABET Kirian ESP Honda 32
14 OLIVEIRA Luis PRT Yamaha 28
15 PERSSON Mikael SWE KTM 24
16 SCOTT James NZL Honda 23
17 VENTURA Diogo PRT Beta 15
18 DE CLERCQ Till FRA Husqvarna 13
19 HUEBNER Edward DEU KTM 12
20 ROSSE Jonathan CHE Yamaha 9
21 SALIN Roni FIN Husqvarna 8
22 LOFQUIST Franz SWE Yamaha 7
23 CROUZET Quentin FRA Sherco 5
24 SANDSTEDT Anton SWE Sherco 3
25 MIKKELSEN Mikkel NOR KTM 1

Enduro2

The fight for the final Enduro2 victory of the season was a close one. Holcombe started out in a determined mood and led for the majority of the day. After special test six of nine, 2021 Enduro2 champion Garcia had managed to reel Holcombe back in and with momentum growing worked his way into the lead on test seven.

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

With Garcia pulling clear for victory, Holcombe took a strong second. The fight for third was incredibly close, with Honda’s Nathan Watson beating Sherco’s Hamish MacDonald by eight tenths of a second. Will Ruprecht (TM) completed the top five.

Josep Garcia

“After winning the E2 Championship yesterday, I knew I still had a lot of work to do today, and my goal was to try and get the very best result I could. I started off well, but then had a big crash in the first enduro test that cost me a lot of time, and I hurt myself too. I was able to carry on, but then in the next cross test, I had another crash that put me behind even further. After that, I re-focused for the rest of the day and won three of the last tests. After losing time early on, to take third in EnduroGP and win Enduro2 today is really good. It’s frustrating not to take the EnduroGP title this year, but after being away from the series for three years, I’m really pleased that I came back and took these results. The beginning of the year was tough for me – it took me a while to get up to speed and of course the level is very high. After making a few mistakes in the first couple of rounds, I knew I had to change my mindset and the way I raced. It all came together at the ISDE this year, and after winning that, I was a lot more confident coming into the final rounds of the world championship. I’m pleased with second in EnduroGP, and of course to win my second title in Enduro2 is great, but I know I have the speed to win, so I’m looking forward to next year already.”

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

2021 Enduro2 Final Standings

Rank Rider Nat Bike Total
1 GARCIA Josep ESP KTM 221
2 RUPRECHT Wil AUS TM 185
3 HOLCOMBE Steve GBR Beta 170
4 MACDONALD Hamish NZL Sherco 155
5 WOOTTON Joe GBR Husqvarna 102
6 REMES Eero FIN TM 98
7 OLDRATI Thomas ITA Honda 91
8 EDMONDSON Jack GBR Sherco 76
9 WATSON Nathan GBR Honda 59
10 ELOWSON Albin SWE Husqvarna 58
11 LUNDGREN Anton SWE Husqvarna 55
12 ABGRALL David FRA Husqvarna 45
13 KUTULAS Nicolas ARG KTM 44
14 SNOW Alex GBR Honda 42
15 GOTTS Josh GBR TM 32
16 BLANJOUE Hugo FRA KTM 28
17 BOLT Billy GBR Husqvarna 26
18 POHJOLA Eemil FIN Honda 14
19 LETTENBICHLER Manuel DEU KTM 9
20 RAQUIDEL Julien FRA Beta 8
21 SPANDRE Mirko ITA Gas Gas 6
22 HANSSON Rikard SWE Gas Gas 5
23 BEAUD Alexis FRA Husqvarna 4
24 MAX Vial FRA Beta 4
25 SALVINI Alex ITA Honda 3
26 WAHLSTROM Erik SWE Gas Gas 3

Enduro3

With his Enduro3 crown safely defended on Saturday, Freeman secured a clean sweep of wins in 2021 with victory on Sunday. Delivering an impressively strong ride in France, Betriu comfortably placed as runner-up to Freeman.

Brad Freeman
Brad Freeman wrapped up the E3 title on Day 1

Sherco’s Daniel McCanney joined them on the podium with third, while Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) and Marc Sans (Husqvarna) were fourth and fifth respectively.

2021 Enduro3 Final Standings

Rank Rider Nat Bike Total
1 FREEMAN Brad GBR Beta 240
2 BETRIU ARMENGOL J… ESP KTM 202
3 MCCANNEY Daniel GBR Sherco 174
4 MCCANNEY Jamie GBR Husqvarna 158
5 BASSET Antoine FRA Beta 118
6 SANS Marc ESP Husqvarna 111
7 WILKSCH Andrew AUS Husqvarna 85
8 MARINI Thomas SMR TM 56
9 FRANCISCO Enric ESP Sherco 48
10 MORONI Rudy ITA KTM 31
11 REDONDI Giacomo ITA Gas Gas 18
12 GAUTIE Vincent FRA Beta 18
13 BLAZUSIAK Tadeusz POL Gas Gas 17
14 WICKSELL Jimmy SWE Beta 15
15 BRECHETEAU Jean FRA Beta 13

Enduro Women

Rewriting the history books once more, Laia Sanz (GASGAS) became the FIM Enduro Women World Champion with a race win on Sunday. Returning to the championship having last won the title in 2016, Sanz was simply outstanding throughout 2021.

Laia Sanz
Laia Sanz

Claiming her fifth win of the season out of a possible six, Sanz’ sixth Enduro title, added to her FIM Trial and Rally achievements, makes her one of the most decorated motorcycle riders of all time.

With conditions dry and dusty in France, Laia produced a masterclass on day one, increasing her lead in the championship standings to 13 points, and carried her speed into Sunday to again dominate and take the win by an impressive 47 seconds.

Laia Sanz

“It’s been an amazing weekend, I’m really happy. Coming into this final round I had a small advantage at the top of the standings, so I knew that two good days should be enough to take the championship. After winning yesterday, my lead going into today was even greater, so I was able relax – maybe too much on the first test. I felt good and so I pushed a little harder on the second lap. But anyway, to get the title is amazing and of course, this season I have won two, so it has been a fantastic year.”

Laia Sanz
Laia Sanz

With Sanz crowned champion, the battle for vice-champion went down to the wire between Mireia Badia (GASGAS) and Jane Daniels (Fantic). Daniels held a one-point advantage over Badia starting the day, but with Badia beating Daniels by three seconds she ended the season in second.

2021 Enduro Women Final Standings

Rank Rider Nat Bike Total
1 SANZ Laia ESP Gas Gas 115
2 BADIA Mireia ESP Gas Gas 99
3 DANIELS Jane GBR Fantic 98
4 ROWETT Rosie GBR KTM 67
5 GONCALVES Joana PRT Husqvarna 58
6 MARTEL Justine FRA KTM 52
7 HOLT Vilde marie NOR Gas Gas 50
8 VIEIRA Rita PRT Yamaha 47
9 ANTUNES Bruna PRT Gas Gas 40
10 BORG NILSSON Emelie SWE KTM 29
11 BRISEBARD Mauricette FRA Gas Gas 29
12 HOLMES Nieve GBR Honda 18
13 AKESSON Linnea SWE Husqvarna 18
14 VALL Kate ESP Sherco 18
15 LEMOINE Marine FRA KTM 15
16 CALVO Julia ESP Beta 7
17 WENNBOM Emma SWE Husqvarna 6
18 ROSSAT Audrey FRA Husqvarna 3

Enduro Junior

The final world title to be played out was in Enduro Junior, with Matteo Pavoni (TM) taking the crown. Pavoni held a comfortable points cushion over closest rival Lorenzo Macoritto (TM), and by ending his day in second to Macoritto did more than enough to clinch the title.

Matteo Pavoni

“It’s an amazing moment. Without the support of my family and team I couldn’t have won this title. I’m so happy with the result and how the year has gone.”

Matteo Pavoni - Image by Future7Media
Matteo Pavoni – Image by Future7Media

Day one winner Jed Etchells (Fantic) finished third, with Bernat Cortes (GASGAS) just four seconds behind in fourth. Max Ahlin (Husqvarna) rounded out the top five.

2021 Enduro Junior Final Standings

Rank Rider Nat Bike Total
1 PAVONI Matteo ITA TM 217
2 MACORITTO Lorenzo ITA TM 203
3 LE QUERE Leo FRA Sherco 147
4 AHLIN Max SWE Husqvarna 127
5 ETCHELLS Jed GBR Fantic 110
6 NAVARRO HUERTAS Se… ESP Gas Gas 110
7 KYTONEN Roni FIN Honda 104
8 FARGIER Luc FRA Beta 73
9 VAGBERG Lucas SWE Yamaha 56
10 SPANU Claudio ITA Husqvarna 54
11 CRIQ Antoine FRA Beta 53
12 FISCHEDER Luca DEU Sherco 53
13 CORTES Bernat ESP Gas Gas 51
14 KOUBLE Krystof CZE Sherco 37
15 ZILLI Enrico ITA Honda 32
16 BARBOSA Ruy CHL Honda 31
17 RINALDI Enrico ITA Gas Gas 25
18 MORETTINI Manolo ITA KTM 19
19 WILLEMS Erik BEL Husqvarna 15
20 TOMAS FONT Pau ESP Beta 13
21 LJUNGSTROM Oskar SWE Husqvarna 10
22 JUUPALUOMA Peetu FIN Husqvarna 9
23 ALIX Antoine FRA Husqvarna 8
24 HALJALA Hermanni FIN TM 7
25 ADIELSSON Marcus SWE Beta 5
26 SANCHEZ Adria ESP KTM 3

Enduro Youth

Signing off his season in style, Albin Norrbin (Fantic) took his ninth consecutive victory of the season. Behind him the battle for the runner-up result was close.

In the end Harry Edmondson edged out Kevin Cristino by seven tenths of a second, in what proved to be a Fantic clean sweep of the podium. Leo Joyon (Beta) and Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) completed the top five.

2021 Enduro Youth Final Standings

Rank Rider Nat Bike Total
1 NORRBIN Albin SWE Fantic 234
2 EDMONDSON Harry GBR Fantic 180
3 CRISTINO Kevin ITA Fantic 180
4 PUHAKAINEN Samuli FIN TM 130
5 FABRIS Riccardo ITA Fantic 92
6 DELBONO Daniele ITA Fantic 92
7 FONTOVA SALVIA Albert ESP KTM 84
8 MODIN Arvid SWE Yamaha 76
9 JOYON Leo FRA Beta 50
10 GIULIANI Lorenzo ITA Beta 48
11 DAVIES Sam GBR KTM 46
12 JUUPALUOMA Pyry FIN Husqvarna 34
13 CHATER Charlie GBR Yamaha 32
14 GIRAUDON Thibault FRA Sherco 28
15 ASK Herman NOR TM 24
16 PASINETTI Gabriele ITA Beta 20
17 LUZ Rodrigo PRT Yamaha 20
18 DOLCI Mathias FRA Husqvarna 20
19 ENJALA Tiitus FIN Yamaha 19
20 RAFFARD Evan FRA KTM 19
21 AHLIN Kalle SWE Husqvarna 18
22 BENGTSSON Nisse SWE Husqvarna 15
23 ROCHA Frederico PRT TM 12
24 CLAUZIER Maxime FRA Fantic 11
25 PUOTSAARI Niko FIN Husqvarna 11
26 ESCOFET Marti ESP Fantic 10
27 CARELL Emil SWE KTM 10
28 PAOLUCCI Nicolo ITA KTM 8
29 GONFAUS Lluis ESP KTM 8
30 RADMARK Gustav SWE Beta 7
31 BLOHME Andre SWE Gas Gas 5
32 PUEY MONFORTE Alex ESP KTM 2
33 HEIKKALA Roni FIN Beta 2
34 WEBB Alfie GBR Fantic 2
35 LAMBERG Linus SWE Husqvarna 2

Source: MCNews.com.au

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EnduroGP of France Day 1 crowns E1, E2 and E3 Champions

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2021 EnduroGP of France – Day One

The EnduroGP of France kicked off on Day 1 in Langeac with three champions crowned, Andrea Verona claiming the Enduro1 title, Josep Garcia wrapping up the Enduro2 and Brad Freeman winning the Enduro3.

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

Garcia was also able to keep his EnduroGP title hopes alive with a victory on the day, despite Brad Freeman setting the early pace. Laia Sanz edged closer to the Enduro Women’s title, with a victory.

Enduro1

With hopes of wrapping up the Enduro1 title with a day to spare, Andrea Verona (GASGAS) began his GP of France in a determined mood. Fastest Enduro1 rider in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test, he won the opening CHAMPION Enduro Test and NERVE by JUST1 Extreme Test to take an early lead.

Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

Faced with a strong challenge from both Matteo Cavallo (TM) and Theophile Espinasse (Honda) during the middle part of the day, Espinasse held the Enduro1 lead entering the final lap.

Picking up his pace, the Italian raced his way back into contention to claim an important win and with closest rival Davide Guarneri (Fantic) in fourth, he became the 2021 FIM Enduro1 World Champion.

Andrea Verona

“It feels amazing to win the Enduro1 world championship! It wasn’t an easy day for me today, but in the end, I did what I needed to do to take the E1 victory. It’s been a really good season, we’ve been strong at all the rounds, in all the different conditions, so I’m really happy with that. I want to thank the whole GASGAS Factory Racing team, everyone puts in a lot of work, so this win is for them. It’s great to celebrate, but there’s still one more day to go, so I’ll come back tomorrow and fight for the last day.”

Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

Signing for GASGAS Factory Racing at the beginning of the season, Verona had one major goal – to successfully defend his Enduro1 title – and what a season he’s had! So far, with one day left to go, the 22-year-old has won nine of the 11 days of racing and never finished off the podium.

Andrea can’t relax just yet though, as the EnduroGP World Championship is still undecided, and with him lying third, just one point ahead of the fourth-placed rider, the fight for third place on the EnduroGP championship podium will go right down to the wire on the final day in France.

Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

Enduro1 Standings

Pos Rider Nat Man Points
1 VERONA Andrea ITA Gas Gas 212
2 GUARNERI Davide ITA Fantic 189
3 BERNARDINI Samuele ITA Honda 139
4 MAGAIN Antoine BEL Sherco 129
5 SORECA Davide ITA Husqvarna 120
6 R CRIVILIN Bruno BRA Honda 89
7 CAVALLO Matteo ITA TM 64
8 TINKLER Kade CAN KTM 57
9 ESPINASSE Theophile FRA Honda 55
10 CHARLIER Christophe FRA Beta 43

Enduro2

With his win in EnduroGP, Garcia also topped Enduro2. But adding to the occasion, his victory allowed him to claim the Enduro2 championship honours with one day remaining. After a three-year absence from the championship, clinching the Enduro2 crown was an important and emotional milestone in the Spaniard’s career.

Josep Garcia

“It’s been a perfect day for me. I’m so happy to win the title here in France. All day things were going through my head, but in the end, it was all good. To come back to the series after three years away and win the Enduro2 title is a dream come true. I had a good day today and did all I could by winning the overall, so I need to stay focused now for tomorrow and keep fighting right to the end.”

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

Racing his way back to speed and fitness, Steve Holcombe was on flying form in France. Clearly enjoying the classic French tests, the Beta rider topped three tests to finish 13 seconds behind Garcia in second.

Will Ruprecht took third. Putting in a solid performance, Joe Wootton (Husqvarna) ended his day nine seconds behind Ruprecht in fourth, while Thomas Oldrati (Honda) was fifth.

Enduro2 Standings

Pos Rider Nat Man Points
1 GARCIA Josep ESP KTM 201
2 RUPRECHT Wil AUS TM 174
3 HOLCOMBE Steve GBR Beta 153
4 MACDONALD Hamish NZL Sherco 142
5 WOOTTON Joe GBR Husqvarna 92
6 REMES Eero FIN TM 92
7 OLDRATI Thomas ITA Honda 82
8 EDMONDSON Jack GBR Sherco 68
9 ELOWSON Albin SWE Husqvarna 58
10 LUNDGREN Anton SWE Husqvarna 55

Enduro3

As it has been all season so far, Enduro3 was again all about Brad Freeman. The Beta rider was untouchable as he also fought for overall EnduroGP honours. Comfortably powering his way to an incredible 11th consecutive win, he successfully defended his Enduro3 crown to become a six-time FIM Enduro World Champion.

Brad Freeman

“It feels great to wrap up the Enduro3 title and back up what I won last year. I really love riding this 300 two-stroke and the bike never missed a beat all season. I’m really happy to have brought another title to the team because they work so hard for this. Hopefully tomorrow we can go on to win the big one and get that EnduroGP crown.”

Brad Freeman
Brad Freeman

Jaume Betriu (KTM) was runner-up to Freeman, while Daniel McCanney (Sherco) took third. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) and Antoine Basset (Beta) completed the top five.

Enduro3 Standings

Pos Rider Nat Man Points
1 FREEMAN Brad GBR Beta 220
2 BETRIU ARMENGOL J  ESP KTM 185
3 MCCANNEY Daniel GBR Sherco 159
4 MCCANNEY Jamie GBR Husqvarna 145
5 BASSET Antoine FRA Beta 108
6 SANS Marc ESP Husqvarna 100
7 WILKSCH Andrew AUS Husqvarna 76
8 MARINI Thomas SMR TM 56
9 FRANCISCO Enric ESP Sherco 48
10 MORONI Rudy ITA KTM 24

EnduroGP

The EnduroGP class is set to go down to the wire as Josep Garcia (KTM) claimed victory on day one to keep his title hopes alive. A revelation in this second half of the season, Garcia backed up his winning form from last weekend in Portugal with a closely fought win today.

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

While it was Thomas Oldrati (Honda) who won Friday’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test, Garcia did himself no favours with a crash, which saw him 16th as he began on Saturday. But setting the fastest times on the opening ACERBIS Cross Test, CHAMPION Enduro Test and NERVE by JUST1 Extreme Test, Garcia looked ominous behind early leader Brad Freeman (Beta).

However, Freeman stood his ground and kept control of the lead up until the final lap. Topping the last CHAMPION Enduro Test, Garcia found his way into the lead and despite Freeman winning the final NERVE by JUST1 Extreme Test, the Spaniard claimed victory for the day. Runner-up for Freeman positions him as champion elect, holding a 16-point advantage over Garcia heading into the final day.

Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

While eyes were on Garcia and Freeman, outgoing EnduroGP champion Steve Holcombe (Beta) enjoyed one of his strongest rides this year, showing signs of a rider who’s returning to form. Ending his day 10 seconds behind Freeman, Holcombe made a welcome return to the EnduroGP podium with third. Jaume Betriu (KTM) secured his best result of the season with fourth, while Will Ruprecht (TM) was fifth.

EnduroGP Standings

Pos Rider Nat Man Points
1 FREEMAN Brad GBR Beta 197
2 GARCIA Josep ESP KTM 184
3 VERONA Andrea ITA Gas Gas 140
4 RUPRECHT Wil AUS TM 139
5 GUARNERI Davide ITA Fantic 117
6 HOLCOMBE Steve GBR Beta 108
7 BETRIU ARMENGOL J ESP KTM 98
8 MACDONALD Hamish NZL Sherco 87
9 MCCANNEY Daniel GBR Sherco 51
10 BERNARDINI Samuele ITA Honda 38

Enduro Women

The EnduroGP of France saw the Enduro Women back in action for the final time this season. Picking up where she left off in Sweden, Laia Sanz (GASGAS) took the win. Although second to Jane Daniels (Fantic) in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test, Sanz took control straight away on Saturday to win every special test. With a 54-second margin of victory, Sanz now has a comfortable 12-point lead over Daniels with one day remaining.

Laia Sanz

“It was an important day to win to help my championship hopes. I didn’t feel like my speed was perfect, but I had no major mistakes and was able to remain consistent. I have a nice points gap heading into tomorrow, but I still need a strong result to get the job done!”

Laia Sanz topped the Women's podium
Laia Sanz topped the Women’s podium and holds a 12-point lead

Finishing as runner-up to Sanz on day one, Daniels now moves ahead of Mireia Badia (GASGAS) – third on day one – in the fight for vice-champion. However, only one point separates the duo, meaning tomorrow is all to play for. Justine Martel (KTM) and Rosie Rowett (KTM) completed the top five.

Enduro Women Standings

Pos Rider Nat Man Points
1 SANZ Laia ESP Gas Gas 95
2 DANIELS Jane GBR Fantic 83
3 BADIA Mireia ESP Gas Gas 82
4 ROWETT Rosie GBR KTM 56
5 GONCALVES Joana PRT Husqvarna 49
6 HOLT Vilde marie NOR Gas Gas 40
7 VIEIRA Rita PRT Yamaha 40
8 MARTEL Justine FRA KTM 39
9 ANTUNES Bruna PRT Gas Gas 35
10 BORG NILSSON Emelie SWE KTM 25

Enduro Junior

Enduro Junior saw Jed Etchells (Fantic) take victory. His first win of the season, the Manxman battled right to the final test with Bernat Cortes (GASGAS) to top the podium by just over two seconds. In the fight for this year’s title, championship leader Matteo Pavoni (TM) had a mixed day at the office finishing third. But with closest rival and teammate Lorenzo Macoritto placing fourth, Pavoni holds a 17-point advantage with one day remaining and looks to be the champion elect.

Enduro Youth

Already clinching Enduro Youth title honours last weekend in Portugal, Albin Norrbin (Fantic) enjoyed a victory lap on day one in France, securing a comfortable win. The Swede was fastest by 44 seconds. Sherco’s Thibault Giraudon placed second, with Harry Edmondson (Fantic) in third. Leo Joyon (Beta) and Kevin Cristino (Fantic) were fourth and fifth respectively.

The championship wraps up with day two.

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto Wrap | Rallye du Maroc | AFT | GNCC | MXGP | Enduro | SoN

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Rallye du Maroc Update Stages 1-3

Round four of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – 2021 the Rallye du Maroc – opened with a short 10-kilometre Prologue to determine the start order for Saturday’s stage one. With riders opting for strategy rather than all-out speed, easing off to ensure a mid-pack result so as not to open the first full stage.

At 441 kilometres, the shortest of the event, stage one included a timed special of 288 kilometres, raced against the clock. Opening with a fast section of tracks, the route challenged competitors with 30 kilometres of dunes before returning to the sandy and stony pistes on the way to the finish.

Joan Barreda won Stage 1
Joan Barreda won Stage 1 – Image by Rallyzone

Stage 1 proved a great one for the Monster Energy Honda Team, with Joan Barreda claiming the early lead, then Ricky Brabec and Pablo Quintanilla completing the podium in a Honda 1-2-3. Top KTM rider was Matthias Walkner in fourth, followed by Australia’s Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) in fifth.

Toby Price was second fastest in the prologue and soon took the lead, but a sandstorm causing Price and many other riders to lose time, with almost no visibility Price lost around 40 minutes to finish the stage 25th.

At a total of 609 kilometres, stage two was the longest of the race and included a challenging timed special of 334 kilometres. KTM’s Matthias Walkner hit his rhythm in the sand dunes to claim the stage win from Jose Cornejo and Pablo Quintanilla while Daniel Sanders moved up to fourth.

Matthias Walkner took the Stage 2 victory
Matthias Walkner took the Stage 2 victory

Toby Price had to start the day from 29th, he was proving dast but had to deal with the dust of all the slower riders in front of him. TP brought his KTM 450 Rally home in 13th, moving up through the standings.

Stage three in contrast featured the longest timed special of the event, the 604-kilometre stage proving a real challenge for all competitors. With the section raced against the clock and covering over 341 kilometres, the test was made up of fast, stony tracks to the northeast of the bivouac town of Zagora, it delivered incredibly tricky navigation that caught out many of those riding near the front.

American Ricky Brabec was the leading protagonist of the day with some excellent navigation and a pace that no other rider was able to match. Brabec not only won the stage but also snatched the overall Rally du Maroc lead. Hero Motorsports’ Sebastian Buhler finished second for the stage, Yamaha’s Andrew Short third.

Toby Price
Toby Price

Finishing just over one minute ahead of team-mate Walkner who opened the stage, Toby Price showed strong pace throughout the day’s special. Falling foul of the same note that caught out many riders, Toby eventually got back on track relatively quickly to complete the stage 11th fastest.

Toby Price

“Day three has gone well, we’re not trying to do anything too crazy, just get some good race time on the bike. Yeah, we all had a little issue there later on after the refueling, the drawing on the road book just didn’t seem quite right and it caught a lot of the guys out. But on a positive note, we’re making good progress on the new bike, getting really comfortable on it, and definitely going in the right direction. The plan is to stay healthy and keep doing what we’re doing.”

A couple of minor navigational errors by Daniel Sanders on stage three resulted in a lowly – by his standards – 15th place finish. Nevertheless, after beginning the rally with two impressive stage times, the Australian only loses one spot in the provisional rally classification with an overall podium result still very much on the cards.

Daniel Sanders

“It’s been a really tough day today. Early on, about 30 kilometres in, I made a mistake with my navigation, so I then had to ride at my limit for the rest of the stage to make up for lost time. I think I lost around nine minutes there which was quite frustrating. After the refueling station at 220 kilometres I was then into a pretty difficult navigation area and the lines from the guys in front were all over the place. There were some tricky notes in the roadbook, and it just caught me out. It was a learning day for sure today and in a way, it’s good to experience something like this to make me a better rider in the future and I definitely learned from it. Two days to go now and I’m looking forward to getting back up the sharp end tomorrow.”

Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders

Sanders now holds sixth overall, while Price sits 16th overall, with two stages left to compete.

2021 Rallye du Maroc Standings after Stage 3

Pos Rider Nat Man Gap
1 BRABEC Ricky USA Honda 10:43’43
2 QUINTANILLA Pablo CHI Honda +10’27
3 WALKNER Matthias AUT KTM +12’09
4 VAN BEVEREN Adrien FRA Yamaha +17’33
5 SANDERS Daniel AUS Gas Gas +18’31
6 CORNEJO José Ignacio CHI Honda +18’43
7 BENAVIDES Luciano ARG Husqvarna +26’21
8 SUNDERLAND Sam GBR KTM +30’42
9 SHORT Andrew USA Yamaha +32’06
10 BARREDA Joan SPA Honda +54’42
…
16 Toby Price AUS KTM +1:01:37
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Tom Vialle extends KTM contract for four more years

Tom Vialle has extended his contract with KTM for a further four years and will defend his MX2 title on the 250 SX-F in 2022, before stepping up to the premiere class in 2023.

20-year-old Vialle claimed the 2020 MX2 title and has already won four Grands Prix in the current campaign. The Frenchman is rapidly climbing the standings after suffering a broken right hand earlier in the season and has risen from 11th to 4th position with seven rounds still to go.

After entering the Red Bull KTM squad as an MX2 rookie in 2019, Vialle has made incredible progress and mixed his blossoming technique, fitness, racecraft and intelligence with outstanding results. He has now committed his future to the factory effort to bring his association with KTM up to more than half a decade.

As well as aiming for another MX2 crown in 2022 – where Vialle will also help develop the latest generation of the KTM 250 SX-F – #28 is also lined-up to make his debut with the KTM 450 SX-F in MXGP in 2023 where he will be given time and scope to learn the intricacies of the division in a deal that will stretch to the end of 2025.

Tom Vialle

“I’m so happy to continue with KTM. I want to give special thanks to Robert and Pit because they understand me and my wish to make another year in MX2 because I had some bad luck this season. I want another title. I feel so good with the team – Dirk, Joel, Valentina, Harry, the whole crew – and I wanted to carry on with them. It was an easy decision. KTM is my first team! They were the first people who believed in me, so I am very grateful.”

Vialle thanked Robert Jonas and Pit Beirer

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Sammy Halbert injured at Charlotte Half-Mile

Sammy Halbert was injured at the weekend’s Charlotte Half-Mile, ending up in hospital, receiving stitches to his eye. He was caught up in Bauman’s crash and with nowhere to go ended up being launched, ending his race.

He did however make it to the Awards Banquet regardless, appearing in good spirits.

Sammy Halbert

“Not ded, plastic surgeon sewed up my eyelid and just like that I’m all ready for Halloween. Not one to miss a party, [I] broke out of the ER last night and still made the American Flat Track awards banquet with my babe.”

Sammy Halbert – Image Facebook

Jonny Walker reinstated into Hixpania results

British rider Jonny Walker has been reinstated into the results of round seven of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship – the 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro, being allocated fifth overall in the race as a result.

During round seven of the series in Spain, Walker was excluded from the results of The Lost Way race due to a course violation. Walker later received incorrect information from the FIM Jury Secretary regarding his right to appeal the decision.

Winfried Kerschhaggl – FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Series Manager

“While there is no doubt that that the decision of the Clerk of the Course to disqualify Jonny was correct, based on the fact that he left the track to return to the paddock and repair his motorcycle, which was not permitted, the decision has to be reversed due to a procedural error. Simply, Jonny was given the wrong information by the FIM Jury Secretary regarding what he needed to do about protesting against his disqualification. Therefore, his fifth place result is reinstated.”

2021 FIM Hard Enduro Championship Standings (Revised)

Pos Rider Man Points
1 Billy Bolt Husqvarna 87
2 Manuel Lettenbichler KTM 84
3 Wade Young Sherco 70
4 Mario Roman Sherco 61
5 Jonny Walker Beta 55
6 Alfredo Gomez Husqvarna 53
7 Michael Walkner GASGAS 37
8 Teodor Kabakchiev Husqvarna 28
9 Taddy Blazusiak GASGAS 26
10 Dominik Olszowy Husqvarna 23

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A4DE returns in 2022 at Victoria’s Dandenong Motorcycle Club in Erica

The Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) is back on the calendar for 2022 where it will be hosted by Victoria’s Dandenong Motorcycle Club at Erica. Scheduled to be held May 4-7, 2022 the Championship returns to Victoria – where it was last hosted in Mansfield back in 2016.

Conceived in 1978, the A4DE is renowned nationally for its fierce competition, as the riders tackle all elements of the off-road terrain over three days of traditional enduro battling against the clock and finishing off on day four with a spectacular final Motocross.

The A4DE returns in 2022
The A4DE returns in 2022

The Erica location will provide the perfect landscape for the highly anticipated event as it did back in 1987 when it was first hosted in the town. The event will include excellent spectator vantage points, plus easy access from the township.

Frank Gogol – Dandenong Motorcycle Club

“Many older Enduro enthusiasts will have fond memories of the 1987 A4DE at Erica with the Park Ferme on the edge of the State Forest that contains epic enduro trails in typical Victorian heavily treed gum forests. With the event scheduled for May, the trail conditions should be prime. With the assistance of DELWP (Forests Vic) and Parks Victoria the trails have been approved for use and are vast within the surrounding State Forests. Long trail loops planned with the Park Ferme at the hub of the expansive trail network. This event will create a significant economic benefit to the surrounding towns, bringing hundreds of competitors, officials and supporters to the region during the four-day event.”

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Haiden Deegan joins Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing

Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing will team up with Haiden Deegan in a multi-year deal to join the team’s amateur motocross program. At the young age of 15, Deegan is already one of the most popular riders in the sport with his on-track success and engaging personality.

Haiden Deegan

“I’m excited to ride with champions and learn from them at Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing. I feel good on the bike and have a lot of work to do, and I am looking forward to it!”

Haiden Deegan
Haiden Deegan

The son of motocross icon Brian Deegan, racing is in his blood and he shares his father’s work ethic and passion for the sport. He has won championships at every level that he has raced, including winning four in a single day. In addition to his impressive number of titles, at 10 years old, Deegan became the youngest rider in the world to land a backflip on a motorcycle.

Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing 450 Team Manager

“We’re really happy to have a rider of Haiden’s caliber join our team. He has a great presence on and off the track and is a proven championship contender. We look forward to the upcoming season and look to bring home some more number-one plates!”

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Speedway of Nations Final line-ups revealed

The starting line-ups for the 2021 Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Final in Manchester on Saturday and Sunday have been confirmed. Hosts Great Britain, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, Latvia and France battle it out over two days in the ultimate test of team riding, staged at Britain’s iconic National Speedway Stadium.

Each country must select two senior riders and one under-21 from their five-man squad as they compete to become FIM world champions. The Brits track their two FIM Speedway Grand Prix stars, triple world champion Tai Woffinden and 2020 European champion Robert Lambert.

Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations scoring changes
FIM Speedway of Nations

British Under-21 champion Tom Brennan is named as their under-21 rider on his SGB Premiership home track in Manchester, but his Belle Vue team mate Dan Bewley is overlooked by joint team managers Simon Stead and Oliver Allen, with Woffinden and Lambert ending SGP 2021 in strong form.

Last year’s Monster Energy SON runners-up Poland draft in Maciej Janowski for his first appearance in the competition since 2019. He replaces Dominik Kubera, who partnered double world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik to victory at Semi-Final 1 in Daugavpils, Latvia on September 17.

New FIM Speedway Under-21 world champion Jakub Miskowiak teams up with Zmarzlik and Janowski to complete a stellar side in team manager Rafal Dobrucki’s first Final as Polish boss.

Semi-Final 2 winners Australia are led by 2017 world champion Jason Doyle and former Belle Vue star Max Fricke, who returns to his former British home track. Keynan Rew is their under-21 star.

Denmark list an unchanged side from Semi-Final 1, with double European champion Mikkel Michelsen, former world No.2 Leon Madsen and FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship runner-up Mads Hansen bidding for the country’s first world team title since 2014.

The Swedes are without their SGP icon Fredrik Lindgren, who has ended his season early due to an ongoing battle with long Covid and a hand injury.

His place is taken by double Swedish champion Jacob Thorssell, who partners stand-in skipper Pontus Aspgren, while promising young gun Philip Hellstrom-Bangs is their under-21.

Making historic first-ever final appearances, both Latvia and France name unchanged sides from Semi-Final 2.

Former European champion Andzejs Lebedevs leads Latvia into action, alongside 2020 FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship bronze medallist Olegs Mihailovs. European Under-19 champion Francis Gusts is named as their under-21.

The French side features David Bellego and Dimitri Berge, who teamed up to help Swedish side Masarna win the Bauhaus Elitserien in 2020. FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship rider Steven Goret is their junior man.

The seven sides battle it out over 21 heats on Saturday, followed by another 21 heats on Sunday as each of the countries face each other once on each day.

The highest scoring nation over two days earns automatic qualification for the Grand Final, with the second and third-placed sides meeting in the Grand Final Qualifier. The winning team in that race faces the top-scoring country in the Grand Final for the Monster Energy SON world title.

Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Final Line-Ups

  • GREAT BRITAIN: 1 Tai Woffinden ©, 2 Robert Lambert, 3 Tom Brennan (U21). Team Managers: Simon Stead and Oliver Allen.
  • POLAND: 1 Bartosz Zmarzlik ©, 2 Maciej Janowski, 3 Jakub Miskowiak (U21). Team Manager: Rafal Dobrucki.
  • SWEDEN: 1 Pontus Aspgren ©, 2 Jacob Thorssell, 3 Philip Hellstrom-Bangs (U21). Team Manager: Morgan Andersson.
  • DENMARK: 1 Leon Madsen ©, 2 Mikkel Michelsen, 3 Mads Hansen (U21). Team Manager: Hans Nielsen.
  • AUSTRALIA: 1 Jason Doyle ©, 2 Max Fricke, 3 Keynan Rew (U21). Team Manager: Mark Lemon.
  • LATVIA: 1 Andzejs Lebedevs ©, 2 Olegs Mihailovs, 3 Francis Gusts (U21). Team Manager: Vladimirs Ribnikovs.
  • FRANCE: 1 David Bellego ©, 2 Dimitri Berge, 3 Steven Goret (U21). Team Manager: Laurent Sambarrey.

Monster Energy FIM SON Final Day 1 (Saturday) Draw

  • A – GREAT BRITAIN
  • B – LATVIA
  • C – POLAND
  • D – AUSTRALIA
  • E – SWEDEN
  • F – FRANCE
  • G – DENMARK

Monster Energy FIM SON Final Day 2 (Sunday) Draw

  • A – LATVIA
  • B – SWEDEN
  • C – AUSTRALIA
  • D – FRANCE
  • E – GREAT BRITAIN
  • F – POLAND
  • G – DENMARK
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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Garcia unstoppable at EnduroGP of Portugal

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2021 EnduroGP of Portugal

Images by Future7Media

The fifth and penultimate round of the 2021 EnduroGP championship ran over the weekend in Portugal, with Josep Garcia taking a commanding victory as riders returned from their summer break.

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

Day 1 saw Garcia claim both EnduroGP and Enduro2 victories, while Roni Kytonen topped the Juniors and Albin Norrbin took his sixth consecutive Youth win.

Day 2 saw a repeat performance with Garcia wrapping up his round win with both EnduroGP victories, while Albin Norrbin became the first World Champion of the season, claiming the Enduro Youth title with another win.

Australia’s Wil Ruprecht finished eighth overall and fourth E2 rider on Day 1, while Andrew Wilksch was 19th and fourth E3 rider. Wilksch took 22nd on Day 2, and seventh E3 rider. Ruprecht wasn’t classified Day 2.

The 2021 Borilli FIM EnduroGP World Championship concludes with the sixth and final round next weekend in Langeac, France, October 15-17.

Josep Garcia celebrates the round win
Josep Garcia celebrates the round win

Day 1 – EnduroGP

After an extended summer break, the Borilli FIM EnduroGP World Championship returned to action in Santiago do Cacem in southern Portugal and from the word go the action came thick and fast as riders went head-to-head in the Friday evening AKRAPOVIC Super Test.

Britain’s Joe Wootton (Husqvarna) lead the way for the majority of the night until he was bested by the final two riders to hit the track – Brad Freeman (Beta) and Josep Garcia (KTM). Both were almost inseparable, but it was Freeman who narrowly took the win by just one tenth of a second.

However, knowing the sandy special tests would be to his liking, Garcia was quick to take over. Winning the opening NERVE by JUST1 Extreme Test, the Spaniard then topped the next five special tests to further extend his lead. Signing his day off with the fastest times in both the final CHAMPION Enduro Test and ACERBIS Cross Test, he won the day by an impressive 54 seconds.

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

Behind him the fight for the remainder of the podium positions was closely contested. Freeman faced a strong challenge from Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS), with Britain’s Nathan Watson (Honda) and Steve Holcombe (Beta) both within striking distance. With four seconds to his advantage, Freeman held on to the runner-up position, with Verona taking third.

Watson made a welcome return to EnduroGP action for fourth, while defending EnduroGP champion Holcombe showed he’s returning to form following a difficult season plagued with injury and illness with fifth.

Josep Garcia

“I felt great on the bike today. I knew the conditions would suit me out there, so my goal this morning was to push hard from the beginning and see how I got on. I managed to build up a good lead and from midway I managed it as best I could. I’m excited for tomorrow now.”

Josep Garcia topped the Day 1 EnduroGP podium from Brad Freeman and Andrea Verona
Josep Garcia topped the Day 1 EnduroGP podium from Brad Freeman and Andrea Verona

Enduro1

Locked in a battle for the overall runner-up result, Andrea Verona (GASGAS) pulled clear of his Enduro1 classmates to take the win. A strong ride throughout the day saw him build up a comfortable 40-second margin of victory.

Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

For Davide Guarneri (Fantic), the veteran Italian wasn’t able to match the pace of his countryman from the word go. Losing time in the morning, he came on stronger in the afternoon, taking two special test wins. For Sunday, he’ll look to come out swinging against Verona early on.

Ensuring an Italian sweep of the podium, Matteo Cavallo (TM) took third, with France’s Christophe Charlier (Beta) and Italy’s Samuele Bernardini (Honda) completing the top five.

Enduro2

Saturday was a day to savour for Garcia, with the Spaniard also claiming Enduro2 honours to take over the championship lead. With a dominant ride in Enduro2, the KTM rider was almost untouchable, winning by one minute and 22 seconds.

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

After a couple of years absence, Nathan Watson (Honda) wasted no time getting back into the swing of EnduroGP action. Second on day one and edging out Holcombe by just six seconds, the addition of Watson to the series in these closing stages of the championship certainly added excitement.

Behind the top three of Garcia, Watson and Holcombe, Australia’s Will Ruprecht (TM) was fourth – losing his championship lead to Garcia in the process. The Australian will need to fight back on Sunday to keep those title hopes alive. Only six seconds behind Ruprecht, Italy’s Thomas Oldrati (Honda) placed fifth.

Enduro3

The opening day of the TERRA ÚNICA GP of Portugal marked another Enduro3 class win for Beta’s Brad Freeman. Although not the most commanding of Enduro3 victories seen from Freeman this season, he still did more than enough to secure his ninth consecutive win.

Brad Freeman
Brad Freeman

Feeling quite at home in the soft sandy terrain, Spain’s Jaume Betriu (KTM) ended his day was runner-up to Freeman. Sherco’s Danny McCanney put in a solid day to take third, closing the gap to Betriu to 10 seconds come the end of the final test. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) was fourth and Andrew Wilksch (Husqvarna) took fifth.

Enduro Junior

The Enduro Junior class saw Roni Kytonen (Honda) come to the fore to secure his first victory of the season. After an early lead by Lorenzo Macoritto (TM), Kytonen topped the second NERVE by JUST1 Extreme Test to take over the proceedings. Continuing to fend off attacks from title favourites Matteo Pavoni (TM) and Macoritto, the Finn took a well-earned win.

Roni Kytonen
Roni Kytonen

Enduro Youth

The racing was tight in Enduro Youth with Fantic riders Albin Norrbin and Kevin Cristino leading the way. Norrbin looked strong all day, but with Cristino able to match his pace, he couldn’t relax.

With just five seconds separating the duo – in Norrbin’s favour – it’s sure to be another tight affair tomorrow. Behind them, Samuli Pujkainen (TM) was third, with Harry Edmondson (Fantic) and Federico Rocha (TM) rounding out the top five.

EnduroGP of Portugal Day 1 – Top 20

Pos Rider Nat Cat Moto Total Gap
1 GARCIA Josep ESP E2 KTM 52:29.53 –
2 FREEMAN Brad GBR E3 Beta 53:23.99 +54.46
3 VERONA Andrea ITA E1 Gas Gas 53:28.49 +58.96
4 WATSON Nathan GBR E2 Honda 53:52.17 +1:22.64
5 HOLCOMBE Steve GBR E2 Beta 53:58.80 +1:29.27
6 GUARNERI Davide ITA E1 Fantic 54:09.34 +1:39.81
7 BETRIU ARMENGOL Jaume ESP E3 KTM 54:12.50 +1:42.97
8 RUPRECHT Wil AUS E2 TM 54:21.77 +1:52.24
9 MCCANNEY Daniel GBR E3 Sherco 54:23.04 +1:53.51
10 OLDRATI Thomas ITA E2 Honda 54:27.90 +1:58.37
11 MACDONALD Hamish NZL E2 Sherco 54:28.53 +1:59.00
12 MCCANNEY Jamie GBR E3 Husqvarna 54:44.29 +2:14.76
13 CAVALLO Matteo ITA E1 TM 54:50.04 +2:20.51
14 WOOTTON Joe GBR E2 Husqvarna 54:56.60 +2:27.07
15 CHARLIER Christophe FRA E1 Beta 55:06.22 +2:36.69
16 REMES Eero FIN E2 TM 55:13.58 +2:44.05
17 BERNARDINI Samuele ITA E1 Honda 55:13.72 +2:44.19
18 SORECA Davide ITA E1 Husqvarna 55:14.11 +2:44.58
19 WILKSCH Andrew AUS E3 Husqvarna 55:14.54 +2:45.01
20 MAGAIN Antoine BEL E1 Sherco 55:49.78 +3:20.25

Day 2 – EnduroGP

After the previous day’s dominant EnduroGP class win by Garcia, the KTM rider was forced to work much harder for the top step of the podium on day two.

Although off to a flying start by winning the opening NERVE by JUST1 Extreme Test, he faced a much tougher challenge from points leader Brad Freeman (Beta) throughout the day. The British rider was determined not to allow the Spaniard to gain any early advantage and piled on the pressure immediately.

At the end of the second Extreme Test on lap two, the duo were separated by less than one second, as Freeman eyed up the race lead. But Garcia was determined to hold him at bay and answered back by topping the CHAMPION Enduro Test. Freeman responded with the quickest time in the following ACERBIS Cross Test and as they began the final lap Garcia’s lead was just three seconds.

Josep Garcia dominated both days of the EnduroGP of Portugal - Round 5
Josep Garcia dominated both days of the EnduroGP of Portugal relevating Freeman and Watson to the minor podium places Day 2 – Round 5

A mistake by the Spaniard in the final Extreme Test allowed Freeman to momentarily lead, but Garcia fought back by winning the final two tests to take a hard-earned EnduroGP class win. With just two days remaining in this year’s title chase, Freeman now holds a 16-point lead over Garcia, setting up an exciting finale in France next weekend.

Brad Freeman

“I was a bit bummed out with yesterday’s result, so I wanted to bring the pace to Josep today and I managed that. I would have loved to have got the win, but it was a great battle all day. Props to him on the win, but I hope I can turn the tables on him in France!”

Brad Freeman
Brad Freeman

Behind the top two, Nathan Watson (Honda) proved his day one form was no fluke as he upped his speed to claim a podium result with third. The Brit, although ending his day 30 seconds behind Freeman, did repeatedly match the leading duo for pace throughout the day and could prove a danger man in France.

Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS) raced his way to fourth, with Davide Guarneri (Fantic) completing the top five.

Enduro1

After a strong win on day one, Andrea Verona (GASGAS) faced much stiffer competition for victory on day two.

Much more in tune with the tests, Davide Guarneri (Fantic) pushed his championship rival hard. Swapping test wins, Verona just held on by two seconds to top the podium.

Andrea Verona

“It’s been a tough two days in Portugal, but to get two Enduro1 class wins and some good overall results in EnduroGP has been great – just what I’d hoped for ahead of the final round of the championship next weekend. Overall, day one was a good one for me. I made a few mistakes on the first two laps, but I managed to improve my speed throughout the day. I’m happy, it was fun to race in the sand. Day two was hard. I wasn’t feeling so strong after a tough opening day. But I kept pushing and finally on the final test of the day I was able to get the E1 class win. I needed to ride a little harder than I would normally, but I got the job done and I’m happy with the result. Now it’s onto France. Conditions will be very different, but I’m looking forward to the final round of the series.”

Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

With the pace of the top two very high, Davide Soreca (Husqvarna) placed almost two minutes behind in third. However, it was a closely fought podium, with Matteo Cavallo (TM) just six seconds behind in fourth. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) was fifth to ensure an all-Italian Enduro1 top-five.

Enduro2

Capping off a great weekend at the office, Josep Garcia also claimed top honours in Enduro2. The Spaniard won all but one of the day’s nine special tests as he looked very much at home in the sandy terrain.

Josep Garcia

“The whole weekend has gone really well for me. My goal right from the beginning was to push as hard as I could and that’s what I did. I had a small crash on the first test on day one, but it didn’t slow me down too much. To take the win on Saturday by such a large margin felt really good. Day two was more of a fight – I had a crash in the first enduro test, but this time it lost me a few seconds although I was still fourth quickest. The fight with Brad (Freeman) went on all day – he was really fast today, and we were both pushing to the limit in every test. Finally, I was able to get the win, which is really good after such a tough day. I want to thank my team for their hard work this weekend as everything was perfect.”

The other test win went to Nathan Watson (Honda), with the Brit now looking settled into EnduroGP racing once again. Watson, although 33 seconds behind Garcia, was 44 seconds ahead of Beta’s Steve Holcombe in third.

Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Thomas Oldrati (Honda) enjoyed a solid day for fourth, with New Zealand’s Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) fifth.

Enduro3

With his battle for overall honours intense, Brad Freeman once again pulled clear of his Enduro 3 classmates to secure his 10th consecutive win of the season. With a commanding 38-point lead over Jaume Betriu (KTM) in second, Freeman looks set to secure the Enduro3 title with a day to spare next weekend in France.

Betriu was again the next best rider to Freeman in Enduro3 with another strong ride from the Spaniard. Marc Sola (Husqvarna) produced his best form of the season so far, to secure a spirited third. He edged out Sherco’s Daniel McCanney by less than three seconds for the final step of the podium. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) was fifth.

Enduro Junior

The Enduro Junior class saw championship leader Matteo Pavoni (TM) return to the top of the podium, securing an important victory over closest rival Lorenzo Macoritto (TM) heading into next week’s finale.

Matteo Pavoni
Matteo Pavoni

Day one winner Roni Kytonen (Honda) was unable to repeat his winning result and had to settle for third behind the two Italians. Leo Le Quere (Sherco) and Max Ahlin (Husqvarna) completed the top five.

Enduro Youth

Enduro Youth saw Sweden’s Albin Norrbin become the first world champion of 2021. Doing it in style, the Fantic rider claimed the title with a victory, to mark his eighth win of the season.

Albin Norrbin

“I’m so happy to have won the world title. It’s been a great season, maybe even better than I expected it to be. Today I just tried not to think about it and go for the win again and it worked out!”

Albin Norrbin wrapped up the Enduro Youth Championship with a round to spare
Albin Norrbin wrapped up the Enduro Youth Championship with a round to spare

Kevin Cristino (Fantic) was again the closest rider to Norrbin with second, while Finland’s Samuli Puhakainen (TM) took third. Britain’s Harry Edmondson (Fantic) and Arvid Modin (Yamaha) were fourth and fifth respectively.

EnduroGP of Portugal Day 2 – Top 20

Pos Rider Nat Cat Total Gap
1 GARCIA Josep ESP E2 51:42.52 –
2 FREEMAN Brad GBR E3 51:45.28 +2.76
3 WATSON Nathan GBR E2 52:15.85 +33.33
4 VERONA Andrea ITA E1 52:44.45 +1:01.93
5 GUARNERI Davide ITA E1 52:46.77 +1:04.25
6 HOLCOMBE Steve GBR E2 52:57.35 +1:14.83
7 BETRIU ARMENGOL Jaume ESP E3 53:28.40 +1:45.88
8 OLDRATI Thomas ITA E2 53:51.92 +2:09.40
9 SANS Marc ESP E3 53:53.07 +2:10.55
10 MCCANNEY Daniel GBR E3 53:55.80 +2:13.28
11 MACDONALD Hamish NZL E2 54:02.92 +2:20.40
12 SORECA Davide ITA E1 54:39.71 +2:57.19
13 CAVALLO Matteo ITA E1 54:45.84 +3:03.32
14 MCCANNEY Jamie GBR E3 54:49.73 +3:07.21
15 BERNARDINI Samuele ITA E1 54:53.76 +3:11.24
16 REMES Eero FIN E2 54:58.13 +3:15.61
17 EDMONDSON Jack GBR E2 55:04.06 +3:21.54
18 WOOTTON Joe GBR E2 55:07.96 +3:25.44
19 BASSET Antoine FRA E3 55:12.50 +3:29.98
20 ABGRALL David FRA E2 55:34.81 +3:52.29

EnduroGP Standings

Pos Rider Nat Bike Total
1 FREEMAN Brad GBR Beta 180
2 GARCIA Josep ESP KTM 164
3 VERONA Andrea ITA Gas Gas 130
4 RUPRECHT Wil AUS TM 128
5 GUARNERI Davide ITA Fantic 113
6 HOLCOMBE Steve GBR Beta 93
7 BETRIU ARMENGOL J… ESP KTM 85
8 MACDONALD Hamish NZL Sherco 84
9 MCCANNEY Daniel GBR Sherco 50
10 BERNARDINI Samuele ITA Honda 38
11 MCCANNEY Jamie GBR Husqvarna 34
12 MAGAIN Antoine BEL Sherco 31
13 WATSON Nathan GBR Honda 28
14 OLDRATI Thomas ITA Honda 25
15 REMES Eero FIN TM 19
16 SORECA Davide ITA Husqvarna 18
17 BOLT Billy GBR Husqvarna 17
18 ELOWSON Albin SWE Husqvarna 14
19 WOOTTON Joe GBR Husqvarna 13
20 SANS Marc ESP Husqvarna 7
21 LUNDGREN Anton SWE Husqvarna 6
22 CAVALLO Matteo ITA TM 6
23 BLANJOUE Hugo FRA KTM 5
24 CHARLIER Christophe FRA Beta 5
25 FRANCISCO Enric ESP Sherco 4
26 PERSSON Mikael SWE KTM 4
27 EDMONDSON Jack GBR Sherco 3
28 BENGTSSON Filip SWE Husqvarna 2
29 WILKSCH Andrew AUS Husqvarna 2
30 R CRIVILIN Bruno BRA Honda 1
31 BASSET Antoine FRA Beta 1

E1 Standings

Pos Rider Nat Bike Total
1 VERONA Andrea ITA Gas Gas 192
2 GUARNERI Davide ITA Fantic 176
3 BERNARDINI Samuele ITA Honda 131
4 MAGAIN Antoine BEL Sherco 118
5 SORECA Davide ITA Husqvarna 110
6 R CRIVILIN Bruno BRA Honda 80
7 TINKLER Kade CAN KTM 50
8 CAVALLO Matteo ITA TM 47
9 ESPINASSE Theophile FRA Honda 40
10 CHARLIER Christophe FRA Beta 38
11 BENGTSSON Filip SWE Husqvarna 37
12 BURUD Kevin NOR Yamaha 33
13 MIRABET Kirian ESP Honda 32
14 OLIVEIRA Luis PRT Yamaha 28
15 PERSSON Mikael SWE KTM 24
16 SCOTT James NZL Honda 23
17 VENTURA Diogo PRT Beta 15
18 DE CLERCQ Till FRA Husqvarna 13
19 ROSSE Jonathan CHE Yamaha 9
20 SALIN Roni FIN Husqvarna 8
21 LOFQUIST Franz SWE Yamaha 7
22 SANDSTEDT Anton SWE Sherco 3
23 MIKKELSEN Mikkel NOR KTM 1

E2 Standings

Pos Rider Nat Bike Total
1 GARCIA Josep ESP KTM 181
2 RUPRECHT Wil AUS TM 159
3 HOLCOMBE Steve GBR Beta 136
4 MACDONALD Hamish NZL Sherco 133
5 REMES Eero FIN TM 86
6 WOOTTON Joe GBR Husqvarna 79
7 OLDRATI Thomas ITA Honda 71
8 EDMONDSON Jack GBR Sherco 60
9 ELOWSON Albin SWE Husqvarna 58
10 LUNDGREN Anton SWE Husqvarna 55
11 KUTULAS Nicolas ARG KTM 44
12 SNOW Alex GBR Honda 37
13 WATSON Nathan GBR Honda 34
14 ABGRALL David FRA Husqvarna 31
15 BLANJOUE Hugo FRA KTM 28
16 GOTTS Josh GBR TM 27
17 BOLT Billy GBR Husqvarna 26
18 POHJOLA Eemil FIN Honda 14
19 LETTENBICHLER Manuel DEU KTM 9
20 SPANDRE Mirko ITA Gas Gas 6
21 HANSSON Rikard SWE Gas Gas 5
22 SALVINI Alex ITA Honda 3
23 WAHLSTROM Erik SWE Gas Gas 3

E3 Standings

Pos Rider Nat Bike Total
1 FREEMAN Brad GBR Beta 200
2 BETRIU ARMENGOL J… ESP KTM 168
3 MCCANNEY Daniel GBR Sherco 144
4 MCCANNEY Jamie GBR Husqvarna 132
5 BASSET Antoine FRA Beta 97
6 SANS Marc ESP Husqvarna 91
7 WILKSCH Andrew AUS Husqvarna 76
8 MARINI Thomas SMR TM 56
9 FRANCISCO Enric ESP Sherco 48
10 REDONDI Giacomo ITA Gas Gas 18
11 BLAZUSIAK Tadeusz POL Gas Gas 17
12 MORONI Rudy ITA KTM 16
13 WICKSELL Jimmy SWE Beta 15

Junior Standings

Pos Rider Nat Bike Total
1 PAVONI Matteo ITA TM 185
2 MACORITTO Lorenzo ITA TM 170
3 LE QUERE Leo FRA Sherco 127
4 AHLIN Max SWE Husqvarna 105
5 KYTONEN Roni FIN Honda 99
6 NAVARRO HUERTAS Se… ESP Gas Gas 92
7 ETCHELLS Jed GBR Fantic 75
8 FARGIER Luc FRA Beta 58
9 SPANU Claudio ITA Husqvarna 54
10 VAGBERG Lucas SWE Yamaha 48
11 FISCHEDER Luca DEU Sherco 44
12 CRIQ Antoine FRA Beta 42
13 KOUBLE Krystof CZE Sherco 37
14 BARBOSA Ruy CHL Honda 31
15 ZILLI Enrico ITA Honda 28
16 RINALDI Enrico ITA Gas Gas 25
17 CORTES Bernat ESP Gas Gas 21
18 MORETTINI Manolo ITA KTM 18
19 TOMAS FONT Pau ESP Beta 13
20 LJUNGSTROM Oskar SWE Husqvarna 10
21 JUUPALUOMA Peetu FIN Husqvarna 9
22 HALJALA Hermanni FIN TM 7
23 ADIELSSON Marcus SWE Beta 5
24 WILLEMS Erik BEL Husqvarna 4
25 SANCHEZ Adria ESP KTM 3

Youth Standings

Pos Rider Nat Bike Total
1 NORRBIN Albin SWE Fantic 194
2 CRISTINO Kevin ITA Fantic 154
3 EDMONDSON Harry GBR Fantic 148
4 PUHAKAINEN Samuli FIN TM 121
5 FONTOVA SALVIA Albert ESP KTM 84
6 DELBONO Daniele ITA Fantic 80
7 FABRIS Riccardo ITA Fantic 72
8 MODIN Arvid SWE Yamaha 68
9 GIULIANI Lorenzo ITA Beta 48
10 JUUPALUOMA Pyry FIN Husqvarna 34
11 DAVIES Sam GBR KTM 32
12 JOYON Leo FRA Beta 24
13 ASK Herman NOR TM 24
14 CHATER Charlie GBR Yamaha 21
15 PASINETTI Gabriele ITA Beta 20
16 LUZ Rodrigo PRT Yamaha 20
17 ENJALA Tiitus FIN Yamaha 19
18 AHLIN Kalle SWE Husqvarna 18
19 BENGTSSON Nisse SWE Husqvarna 15
20 ROCHA Frederico PRT TM 12
21 RAFFARD Evan FRA KTM 11
22 PUOTSAARI Niko FIN Husqvarna 11
23 ESCOFET Marti ESP Fantic 10
24 CARELL Emil SWE KTM 10
25 PAOLUCCI Nicolo ITA KTM 8
26 DOLCI Mathias FRA Husqvarna 7
27 RADMARK Gustav SWE Beta 7
28 GONFAUS Lluis ESP KTM 6
29 BLOHME Andre SWE Gas Gas 5
30 HEIKKALA Roni FIN Beta 2
31 WEBB Alfie GBR Fantic 2
32 LAMBERG Linus SWE Husqvarna 2

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Garcia does the EnduroGP double in Estonia | Ruprecht P2 in E2

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2021 FIM EnduroGP World Championship
Round 3 – GP of Estonia

The weekend saw the 2021 BORILLI FIM EnduroGP World Championship continue at Round 3, the GP of Estonia, in Saaremaa, with KTM’s Josep Garcia taking his first overall win of the season on Day 1, only to follow up with another win on Day 2. Australia’s Wil Ruprecht settled for second behind Garcia in the E2 class, and ran 5-5 overall.

Josep Garcia

Conditions at Saaremaa were hot, dry and very physically demanding. A mixture of soft sandy terrain and hard pack trails ensured a thorough test for both riders and their machines.

Day 1

Confident that the hot and dry conditions would favour him Garcia finally recorded his first win of the season on day one, hitting the ground running with the fastest time in Friday’s Akrapovic Super Test.

Josep Garcia

Australia’s Wil Ruprecht was quick to fight back. Topping the Nerve by Just1 Extreme Test, he put his TM out front and the battle was on as Freeman also joined in on the action. The trio were pushing hard, with no-one able to make a clean break.

Mistakes by Ruprecht on the Champion Enduro Test saw him lose touch as Garcia found another gear on the final lap to claim an eight-second margin of victory over Freeman. With a flyer of a final lap, Verona raced his way into contention. Fastest on the final Extreme Test he secured third by less than two seconds over Italy’s Davide Guarneri.

Davide Guarneri – Image by Dario Agrati

The Enduro1 category was once again a battle for victory between the Italian pairing of Verona and Guarneri. With little to separate the duo throughout the day, it all came down to the final test. With the clock stopping in Verona’s favour, he picked up his fourth win of 2021.

France’s Antoine Magain edged out Samuele Bernardini by four seconds for third, with Davide Soreca completing the top five.

Andrea Verona

The Enduro2 class began as a two-horse race between Garcia and Ruprecht with the duo immediately establishing themselves at the head of the field. However, with mistakes for Ruprecht coming in the second half of the day, it gave Garcia the breathing room he needed. Pulling clear to claim a 79-second winning margin, he ended his day a happy man.

With Ruprecht ending his day in second, the fight for the final step of the podium was played out between Hamish MacDonald and Steve Holcombe, with MacDonald eventually taking it by 10 seconds.

The Enduro3 category was yet again the Brad Freeman show as the Beta rider stamped his authority on the proceedings. With a more-than comfortable one-minute and forty-five second margin of victory, Freeman claimed his fifth win of the year.

It wasn’t all plain sailing however, with Freeman finally losing two special tests. Spain’s Jaume Betriu claimed one to end his day as runner-up, while Sherco’s Danny McCanney took the other to finish third. Husqvarna duo Jamie McCanney and Andrew Wilksch rounded out the top five.

Matteo Pavoni topped the podium in Enduro Youth

The TM duo of Pavoni and Macoritto ruled the roost in Enduro Junior, with Pavoni holding command over his teammate. Despite some impressively fast times set by Macoritto, Pavoni matched that speed with consistency to claim the top stop for the fourth time.

Macoritto enjoyed the lion’s share of test wins with eight, but will need to eliminate those mistakes to put his TM on top. Sherco’s Leo Le Quere ended his day in third, while Sergio Navarro and Max Ahlin were fourth and fifth respectively.

After ending the opening days in Portugal and Italy as runner-up, Norrbin finally reversed that trend to take victory in Enduro Youth. The young Swede was on fire on familiar terrain, powering clear to a convincing 52-second margin of victory. Finland’s Pyry Juupaluoma made his first appearance of 2021 for second, with Kevin Cristino third.

Day 2

Day two in Estonia was all about two riders – Freeman and Garcia. From the off the duo positioned themselves at the head of the EnduroGP field, setting a pace out front no other rider could match. Freeman remained in control for the majority of the day and looked to have the Spaniard beaten in the ever-deteriorating conditions.

Freeman was strongest in the Champion Enduro Test, while Garcia proved faster in the Acerbis Cross Test. Entering the final test of the day, the short Akropovic Super Test, Garcia knew he needed to give it everything to overcome his two second deficit to Freeman. Doing exactly that, he emerged victorious and showed himself as a new title threat to point’s leader Freeman ahead of next weekend’s GP of Sweden.

Josep Garcia – EnduroGP Winner

“Finally everything came good for me here in Estonia and I was able to claim the victory in both Enduro2 and EnduroGP. It was hard work, but after winning day one, I knew if I stayed focused, I should be in the fight for day two as well. I made a few mistakes on Saturday and had a couple of crashes, thankfully nothing too serious and it didn’t lose me too much time. On Sunday, I had one crash, but I think Brad did too, and the battle with him stayed really close. We were pushing the limits all day, in every test. Arriving at the last test less than two seconds behind, I knew I had to give it my all – if I crashed, I crashed, but I had to make up those seconds to take the win. Thankfully, the test was perfect, and I was able to claim another victory in EnduroGP. It’s an amazing feeling and I’m really looking forward to going to Sweden now, hopefully for more of the same.”

Josep Garcia celebrates his first victories of the 2021 EnduroGP season in Estonia

Finding his way onto the podium for the second day in a row, it was another strong performance from Verona. Clearly enjoying the deep sandy terrain, the GASGAS rider held off his Enduro2 classmate Davide Guarneri for third overall. Still feeling the effects from his crashes on day one, Will Ruprecht had to be content with fifth.

Beginning to show itself as a two-horse race, the Enduro1 honours were again fought out between Verona and Guarneri. With both riders pushing each other in the overall standings, they ended their day over 90 seconds clear of the field.

Andrea Verona

Verona however got the better of Guarneri again to take the win. In a change of positions, Samuele Bernardini recorded his second podium result of the year with third, while Davide Soreca ensured Italy swept the first four positions in Enduro1. Sweden’s Kilip Bengtsson was fifth and will look to improve on that on home soil next weekend.

Andrea Verona – E1 Winner

“It’s been a very positive weekend for me here in Estonia. After my home GP I really wanted to continue in a positive way, despite the change of terrain, and that has worked out just like I hoped. Everyone knew that with the soft, sandy ground here in Estonia the special tests would change a lot during the GP and they did. Day one was really good. It was another big battle with Davide Guarneri, but that helped me. We were pushing each other so much, it helped me get onto the overall EnduroGP podium as well, which was great. Day two was really tough – the special tests were so, so rough. I had two crashes where I lost some very important seconds, but in the end things were very good for me with another win. I had to work really hard, but to be heading to Sweden after these two Enduro1 class wins is very, very good.”

Andrea Verona topped the E1 class

With the EnduroGP win in one hand, Garcia took home the Enduro2 victory with the other. The Spaniard was nearly all but untouchable in the sandy terrain, claiming 11 of the day’s 12 Enduro2 special test wins.

Admittedly not at his best following his crashes on day one, Ruprecht had to settle for the runner-up result. Gaining momentum in this year’s championship, New Zealand’s Hamish MacDonald carded another third place finish in Enduro2. A tough weekend for Steve Holcombe (Beta) saw the Brit place fourth, while Eero Remes (TM) finished fifth.

Making no mistakes today, Freeman dominated Enduro3 as his battle with Garcia for the overall saw him win in E3 by a massive two minutes and eight seconds. Behind him, Sherco’s Daniel McCanney found an extra turn of speed to leap past Spain’s Jaume Betriu (KTM) and into second place.

Brad Freeman – Image by Dario Agrati

Slipping down to third for the first time in 2021, Betriu completed the podium. Again, the Husqvarna duo of Jamie McCanney and Andrew Wilksch rounded out the top five.

Turning the tables on his teammate, Macoritto raced his way onto the top step of the podium in Enduro Junior. Having showed he had the pace on day one to win, he matched it with consistency on day two to get the job done. Despite his best efforts of securing a double victory by winning the final two tests, Pavoni couldn’t bridge the gap to Macoritto and finished second.

Moving up the leaderboard, Sergio Navarro secured his first podium result of the year with third following a close battle with Sherco’s Leo Le Quere. Sweden’s Max Ahlin took fifth.

Albin Norrbin

Another dominant win by Albin Norrbin puts him in the driving seat in Enduro Youth. The Swede was on flying form and will start as the rider to beat in his home race next weekend.

Ensuring an all-Scandinavian affair on the podium, Finland’s Pyry Juupaluoma and Samuli Puhakainen were second and third respectively. Kevin Cristino and Albert Fontova completed the top five.

2021 EnduroGP of Italy Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Wil Ruprecht tops E2 at EnduroGP of Italy | Second overall

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2021 FIM EnduroGP World Championship
Round 2 – GP of Italy

The opening day of the ACERBIS EnduroGP of Italy saw Britain’s Brad Freeman (Beta) eventually edge out Australia’s Will Ruprecht (TM) for the win as the Borilli FIM EnduroGP World Championship returned to action for its second outing.

Brad Freeman

A thrilling, day-long battle between the duo saw Freeman snatch the EnduroGP win by just two seconds. There was plenty for the Italian fans to cheer about as Andrea Verona (GASGAS) topped Enduro1 with Matteo Pavoni (TM) delivering a winning ride in Enduro Junior. Harry Edmondson (Fantic) put the Italian manufacturer on top in Enduro Youth.

Britain’s Brad Freeman (Beta) had a lot more to celebrate at the close of the second round of the FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Italy having put the finishing touches to a superb weekend with a dominant victory on day two.

Claiming a double EnduroGP class win in Edolo, the Beta rider extends his lead at the top of the standings over his closest rival, Australian Will Ruprecht (TM). In Enduro Junior home favourite Matteo Pavoni topped the classification for the second day running, while Sweden’s Albin Norrbin led home a Fantic 1-2-3 in Enduro Youth.

Day 1

With little time to recover from last weekend’s opening round of the Borilli FIM EnduroGP in Portugal, it was back to business for the competitors for the second stop of the season in Edolo, Italy.

Brad Freeman

With round one delivering some incredibly tight racing, there was added excitement in the paddock at round two as Hard Enduro specialists Billy Bolt (Husqvarna), Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) and Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) got themselves in on the mix.

Bolt quickly made his presence felt with a monumental effort in Friday’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test. A masterclass ride from the FIM SuperEnduro World Champion saw him top the time sheets by four seconds.

But Saturday told a different story, as competitors faced down a full day of racing, with no fewer than 12 special tests. Highly motivated from his debut EnduroGP class win last week, Ruprecht set the fastest time on the opening Champion Enduro Test to take control of the race lead, but with Freeman in check the battle was most definitely on.

Wil Ruprecht

Sharing 10 of the remaining special test wins between them, the duo consistently set the pace as the fight for victory took them clear of the chasing pack. With Ruprecht holding a five-second lead entering the final test of the day, it was Freeman who topped the Nerve by Just1 Extreme Test and with it claimed an eventual overall win.

Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) completed the EnduroGP podium one minute and 50 seconds behind Freeman. Garcia didn’t have much room for error though, with Andrea Verona just over two seconds behind in fourth.

Josep Garcia

Posting arguably one of the most impressive rides of the day, Bolt showed his AKRAPOVIC Super Test win was no fluke to take fifth. Reigning Enduro Junior champion Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) rounded out the top six. A bad day for EnduroGP champion Steve Holcombe (Beta) saw him slip down the leaderboard to eighth.

Steve Holcombe

The fight for top Enduro1 honours was a case of national pride between Verona and Davide Guarneri (Fantic). With nine special test wins to his credit, Verona kept Guarneri covered to secure his second win of the season. Belgium’s Antoine Magain (Sherco) ended his day in third, with Samuele Bernardini (Honda) and Kirian Mirabet (Honda) fourth and fifth respectively.

Enduro2 class honours belonged to Ruprecht on the opening day of racing in Edolo. Locked in a battle for the overall EnduroGP win, the Australian comfortably stretched out an unassailable lead over Garcia in second. Thanks to his top-five ride in EnduroGP, Bolt raced his way onto the Enduro2 podium with third. MacDonald was fourth with Holcombe fifth.

Billy Bolt

Although only three races into the 2021 season, Freeman already looks untouchable in Enduro3. Claiming yet another clean sweep of special test wins, the Beta rider secured a massive three-minute margin of victory.

The fight for the runner-up result was a tighter affair, with Jaume Betriu (KTM) edging out Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) by 11 seconds. Jamie held off his brother Daniel McCanney (Sherco) by three seconds for third, while Australia’s Andrew Wilksch (Husqvarna) took fifth.

With momentum high following his win last weekend, Pavoni kept that form rolling in Edolo to take another Enduro Junior class victory. Times were tight in the battle for the remainder of the podium places with France’s Leo Le Quere (Sherco) securing the runner-up result by five seconds.

Italy’s Lorenzo Macoritto (TM) edged out Finland’s Roni Kytonen (Honda) by two tenths of a second for third. France’s Antoine Criq (Beta) placed fifth.

In Enduro Youth it was once again a Fantic-powered freight train for the top placings. Britain’s Harry Edmondson returned to the top step of the podium following his day one victory in Portugal. He claimed an 11-second winning margin over teammate Albin Norrbin (Fantic). Italy’s Kevin Cristino was third, with Riccardo Fabris and Leo Joyon (Beta) rounding out the top five.

Day 2

All eyes were focused on the duo of Freeman and Ruprecht, to see who would have the edge on Sunday. A fast-starting Ruprecht put his TM out front on the opening Champion Enduro Test, but Freeman then hit his stride, topping the next three tests.

Brad Freeman

Pulling nine seconds clear, he then kept extending his lead. Picking up another four wins from the remaining eight tests, it allowed the Beta rider to take charge of the proceedings and top the podium by 27 seconds.

While proving super consistent, Ruprecht never quite had the measure of Freeman in the afternoon and had to be content with the runner-up result. But with three podium results from four starts after two rounds, the EnduroGP class rookie is certainly proving himself to be the real deal in 2021.

After a disappointing outing on day one for eighth, Britain’s Steve Holcombe (Beta) regrouped strongly for third overall. The EnduroGP champion looked out of sorts yesterday due to a broken rib sustained last weekend in Portugal. Highlighted by a top time in the ACERBIS Cross Test, Holcombe was back on the pace.

Steve Holcombe

Looking for his first podium of the year in EnduroGP, Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS) got close, but just not close enough. Two seconds behind Holcombe, he missed his shot of a home podium with fourth following a mistake on the day’s closing special test. Slipping two places back down the order over his Saturday result, Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) completed the top five.

Brad Freeman

“It’s been brilliant to pick up a double win this weekend, I can’t ask for more than that! After yesterday’s effort I knew another four laps today would be hard work. I rode good this morning and that made the difference for sure , I was able to control things from there.”

Brad Freeman with the EnduroGP red plate on Day 2

While an EnduroGP podium eluded him, Verona made it count in Enduro1 by claiming his second victory of the weekend. Best mastering the technical Edolo terrain, the GASGAS rider controlled the proceedings throughout the day.

Runner-up for the second time in Italy, Fantic’s Davide Guarneri didn’t get the home GP win he came for. Another consistent ride from Belgium’s Antoine Magain (Sherco) saw him complete the podium with third. Davide Soreca (Husqvarna) and Samuele Bernardini (Honda) ensured Italy locked out four of the top five Enduro1 placings.

Davide Guarneri

With the EnduroGP victory escaping him, Ruprecht added to his Enduro2 win tally on day two. Holding the upper hand over his classmates, the Australian had things under control with a 57-second margin of victory. Feeling more on pace than the previous day, Holcombe ended his day in second, while Garcia completed the top three.

Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) remained solid as ever taking a fourth-place result for the fourth time, but the New Zealand rider must surely be looking to land that podium finish next time out. After his stunning top-three finish yesterday, Hard Enduro specialist Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) backed it up with fifth today.

Manuel Littenbichler

As ever Freeman ruled supreme in Enduro3, securing his fourth win in as many races. With yet another clean sweep of special test times, he remains untroubled in the class.

Behind Freeman, Spain’s Jaume Betriu (KTM) appears to have the measure of everyone else, finishing in second for the fourth time. While Freeman won by three minutes yesterday, the Spaniard narrowed that gap to just under two minutes today.

Daniel McCanney (Sherco) got the better of his brother Jamie on day two to make a return to the Enduro3 podium with third. With the McCanney brothers third and fourth, Giacomo Redondi (GASGAS) took fifth.

The Enduro Junior class saw Matteo Pavoni record a double victory on home soil thanks to his win on Sunday. But he was pushed all the way by teammate Lorenzo Macoritto (TM).

Locked in a battle for much of the day, Pavoni held his nerve to secure the win by just two seconds. Behind the Italian duo, France’s Leo Le Quere (Sherco) took third, with Finland’s Roni Kytonen (Honda) fourth and Max Ahlin (Husqvarna) fifth.

Setting a trend so far in 2021, Albin Norrbin rose to the top of the Enduro Youth podium on day two. Norrbin and his Fantic teammate Harry Edmondson are proving the dominant pair of the category, sharing wins between them.

Albin Norrbin

With Edmondson second to Norrbin, the duo end round two tied on points for the championship lead. Kevin Cristino secured his fourth podium result with third place, while Leo Joyon (Beta) and Gabriele Pasinette (Beta) finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The 2021 FIM EnduroGP World Championship takes a two-week break before returning with back-to-back rounds, beginning with the GP of Estonia on July 16-18, and followed by the GP of Sweden on July 22-24.

2021 EnduroGP of Italy Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News | Ruprecht tops EnduroGP D2 | Whale wins OKC Mile II

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Team Australia now taking MXoN applications

In 2021 Montova, Italy will play host to the year’s edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN). Commencing on 26th September, Motorcycling Australia (MA) has called for all interested competitors to submit their applications to join Team Australia.

MXoN Multiple Kyle Webster JB MXON
Kyle Webster – Team Australia – 2019 MXoN

There are three classes available for riders to nominate for: MX1, MX2 and Open. Riders are advised that they can nominate for more than one class. Applications must be submitted by no later than COB Friday 16th July.

If you’re interested in being selected as part of the team grab the application form here (link).

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Zach Osborne out till 2022 for extended recovery

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team have confirmed that reigning 450MX Champion Zach Osborne will miss the remainder of the 2021 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in order to fully recover from an ongoing back injury.

Zach Osborne will now be out of action until 2022

Osborne, who sustained the back injury mid-way through the 2021 AMA Supercross Championship, worked hard to get himself ready for the opening round of the outdoor season but he unfortunately re-injured himself at the second round in Colorado. Upon further review with the team, Osborne made the tough decision to sit out the rest of the season to fully recover for 2022.

Zach Osborne

“I’m bummed to say the least. This injury has been a big setback with no clear path to 100% but I feel I’m on a good path now and I just need to give my body the time to heal itself. Myself, along with the team, made the decision to pull the plug and be ready for 2022. It was a tough decision in an already-trying year but I believe I can be back to 2020 form with this time away to heal up. Thanks to my team and fans for the support through this!”

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will return to racing this Saturday, June 19 in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania.

Jonte Reynders dominates Bakers Beach Tasmanian Enduro

Sherco hotshot Jonte Reynders has completed an ideal build-up for the 2021 Hattah Desert Race by dominating the latest round of the Tasmanian enduro series at Bakers Beach, north-east of Launceston, on July 19.

The 24-year-old was a class above on his Pirelli Motul Sherco Racing Team 300 SE Factory two-stroke, easily winning the three-hour event ahead of great rivals Kyron Bacon and Seton Broomhall – even after an extra fuel stop!

Jonte Reynders

“I’m rapt with the result on a circuit that was quite difficult, but I made it a little hard for myself – just when I had a decent lead I made a silly mistake of refuelling when I didn’t need to. So I topped up the 300 Factory three times instead of two, which obviously cost me a fair bit of time. But I was able to regroup and take a strong win to extend my lead in the series.”

Jonte Reynders

Five rounds remain in the state title, but Reynders’ focus will now switch to the mainland for the Hattah Desert from July 2-4 where he will be one of the favourites in the open two-stroke class.

He’ll have some exalted guest company in the Pirelli Motul Sherco Racing Team: Ben Grabham – fresh from his two-stroke-winning heroics at the 2021 Finke Desert Race – on a 450 SEF Factory and Justin Carafa on a 500 SEF Factory.

Nathan Trigg, who lives just up the road from the Hattah epicentre at Ouyen, will also be looking to bounce back from his knee-twisting prologue crash at Finke, which put him out of the main game. Trigg rides a Mallee Motorcycles-backed 450 SEF Factory.

The circuit is 37km long, with the senior riders to complete eight laps.

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Daniel Sanders and GasGas ready for Silk Way Rally 2021

The 11th edition of the Silk Way Rally will get underway in less than one month. Setting off from Omsk (Russia), the second town of the Urals, on 1 July, the race will feature 10 varied and technical stages. Crossing Siberia before traversing Mongolia from West to East, the event passes through the famous Gobi Desert before reaching Ulaanbaatar on 11 July.

Silk Way Rally Stage barreda
Silk Way Rally 2019

A total of 5250 km, of which more than 2850 are against the clock, offering the perfect mix of technical difficulty, variety and scenic beauty. From the Altai Mountains to the capital of Mongolia via the Gobi Desert and the endless Mongolian steppes, the 2021 edition of the Silk Way Rally will be quite simply exceptional.

Two years after Sam Sunderland (KTM) in the bikes, who will be the new white tigers to go down in the Silk Way Rally history books at the end of this incredible journey in the land of Genghis Khan?

For its second edition with a bike category, the Silk Way Rally 2021 has once again attracted the major factory teams on what is one of the highlights of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. This second round will benefit from a 1.5 coefficient thanks to its status as a marathon event with over six days of racing.

Silk Way Rally Stage Sam Sunderland
Sam Sunderland – Silk Way Rally 2019

The titleholder, the British rider Sam Sunderland, Dakar winner in 2017, will defend the colours of Red Bull Ktm Factory Racing alongside his Austrian teammate Matthias Walkner.

Their sister team Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing will enter the Argentinian Luciano Benavides and their latest recruit, the American Skyler Howes, one of the revelations of the last Dakar.

Another rider to make a splash in Saudi Arabia with his fourth place, the Australian Daniel Sanders will have the honour of flying the flag for GasGas Factory Racing.

Daniel Sanders

Over at the Monster Yamaha Rallye Team, the Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren will be accompanied by another recent revelation, the Botswanan Ross Branch and ex-Supercross Champion, the American Andrew Short.

The Hero Motorsports team will be pinning their hopes on an eclectic trio of Portuguese rider Joaquim Rodriguez, the Argentinian Franco Caimi and the young German Sebastian Bühler.

The quad category is also back on this 11th Silk Way Rally and promises us a splendid duel between the ever young, five times world champion and ex-Dakar winner, the Pole Rafal Sonic and the Russian Alexander Maksimov, both riding Yamaha Raptor 700s.

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Herlings on form at Arnhem International

Jeffrey Herlings took the two moto wins over the weekend at the Arnhem International in Holland to claim the overall from Brian Bogers and Max Nagle, with Cyril Genot finishing fourth overall, just over the podium.

The event served as training for Herlings, between GP events, who admits he’s still working on his starts, with an aim to do better than in Russia.

Jeffrey Herlings

“I really enjoyed myself and it was a good training for the GP. Starts have to be better, but I can get a podium, and I will try and do better than I did in Russia.”

Herlings brought home 40-championship points in the MXGP opener last weekend, after finishing 4-2, and sits second overall in the standings, behind Tim Gajser, who won both races.

Dylan Ferrandis tops High Point ProMX

Images by Jeff Kardas

Following its first break of the 2021 season the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship returned to action with its East Coast debut from legendary High Point Raceway. The third round of the summer campaign marked the sport’s return to the famed Pennsylvania venue for the first time since 2019 with the GEICO Motorcycle High Point National, where the threat of rain loomed over the afternoon but never really materialised.

High Point 2021

In the 450 Class a hard-fought, consistent afternoon was enough to put Dylan Ferrandis atop the podium for the second time this season. In the 250 Class, Jalek Swoll extended the parity in the division and broke through with his first professional victory as Jett Lawrence increased his lead in the 250 Championship.

450 Moto1

Light precipitation was present when the gate dropped on the opening 450 Class moto, where Adam Cianciarulo prevailed with the MotoSport.com Holeshot ahead of Chase Sexton and Christian Craig, who soon gave up the position to Ken Roczen, the championship leader. As Cianciarulo sprinted out to an early lead the Honda teammates engaged in a battle for second place.

450 Start

As the moto surpassed the 10-minute mark, the lead trio solidified their hold on those positions as Ferrandis gave chase from fourth. As the minutes continued to tick away the distance between the top three continued to shrink. Sexton soon closed in to within a couple bike lengths of Cianciarulo, but a mistake by Sexton not only caused the Honda rider to lose some ground, it forced Roczen into a mistake when he briefly went down and gave up third to Ferrandis.

Ferrandis and Roczen

With the threat defended, Cianciarulo gradually built a multi-second advantage over Sexton, who in turn built a comfortable margin over Ferrandis. As time ran out on the moto clock with just over three laps to go, Sexton tucked the front of his Honda and went down. As he looked to remount, both Ferrandis and Roczen were able to get by, which placed Sexton in fourth when he resumed.

Out front, Cianciarulo looked to close out his first moto win of the season with ease but was dealt with one last obstacle as a slower rider went down exiting the final corner. With nowhere to go, Cianciarulo ran over the downed motorcycle and fell over.

Adam Cianciarulo

He kept his Kawasaki running, got up, and pushed his bike across the finish line to win in unconventional fashion. Ferrandis followed five seconds behind in second as Roczen rounded out the podium in third. Sexton recovered to finish fourth as Aaron Plessinger completed the top five.

450 Moto 2

The deciding 450 Class moto kicked off as Justin Barcia emerged with the MotoSport.com Holeshot out of a gaggle of bikes. He was quickly passed by Plessinger for the early lead, while Eli Tomac and Cianciarulo followed through.

450 Start

Cianciarulo put the hammer down and made an aggressive push that carried him all the way around Plessinger and into the lead. He continued to ramp up the pace and established a multi-second advantage after just two laps. Behind him, Tomac’s first opportunity to run at the front of the field in 2021 saw him surge around Plessinger into second to put the Kawasaki riders at the top of the running order.

As the battle up front took shape the class’ title contenders made moves as well, as Ferrandis worked his way from fourth and Roczen from sixth. Both riders were urgent in their push and successfully moved into third and fourth, respectively. By the time they finished their early charge, the Kawasaki teammates were more than five seconds ahead. From there, Ferrandis and Roczen went head-to-head for third and traded the position before Ferrandis got the upper hand and asserted control of the spot.

Ken Roczen

Up front, Tomac closed onto Cianciarulo’s rear fender and a battle for the lead ensued. Tomac was able to get by, but Cianciarulo fought back and reclaimed the position. However, Tomac didn’t give up and kept the pressure on. The two came together, which pushed Cianciarulo out of a rut and allowed Tomac to move into the lead for the first time this season.

Once out front Tomac started to build an advantage over his teammate and was soon in control of the moto. As the moto surpassed the 20-minute mark Cianciarulo found himself under pressure from Ferrandis and Roczen in third and fourth. All three riders then duked it out for second and used every inch of the track in search of an advantage.

Dylan Ferrandis

As the crowd cheered them on, both Ferrandis and Roczen bullied their way around Cianciarulo, who dropped from second to fourth. That thrilling sequence also changed the battle in the overall classification, as Ferrandis moved into control of the afternoon.

For Tomac it was a dominant ride indicative of his three-year championship run. He stormed to his first moto win of the season by 3.2 seconds over Ferrandis, who was able to fend off Roczen for the entirety of the moto.

Although he missed out on a moto win, Ferrandis’ consistency was enough to vault him to the second overall victory of the season and his career via 2-2 moto finishes. Cianciarulo’s drop off the podium in the final moto relegated him to the runner-up spot by a single point (1-4), while Tomac made his first appearance on the podium this summer in third (6-1), which bumped Roczen (3-3) off the podium via tie-breaker.

Dylan Ferrandis – P1

“What a race. I don’t know (what to say), I got a good start and was able to get by Ken (Roczen), which was good because he was so fast today. It was a war (after that). Ken kept pushing me and we were able to come to Adam (Cianciarulo). It was crazy how competitive it was with them. We were going so fast and the track was so difficult. It’s just amazing to get a win here today and get a hold of the red plate again.”

Dylan Ferrandis

Adam Cianciarulo – P2

“It sure feels good to get that first moto win under my belt. I thought I had a decent sized gap in the second moto, but Eli was flying and caught me a bit off-guard. Fair play to him and the others, they rode amazing. I’m stoked with how awesome my bike has been feeling lately. I honestly believe with a little more endurance, I can be a regular winner this season. Thanks to everyone at Monster Energy Kawasaki for giving me a great bike to ride and always supporting me. We have another break coming up, but I’m ready to build off of this and get back to racing.”

Adam Cianciarulo

Eli Tomac – P3

“This was a big one for us. I’ve been in a bit of slump these last two races, so to get a win and feel like myself on the bike again is huge. After I got off the gate in Moto 2 and saw I had a good jump, I knew it was going to be a good moto. I was able to catch Adam rather quickly and once I was in the clean air, I rode my own race and started pulling away. This was an exciting race, and I can’t wait to keep this momentum rolling into RedBud. Thanks again to the entire Monster Energy Kawasaki squad for all the hard work this weekend.”

Eli Tomac

Ken Roczen – P4

“Today started off really good. I felt comfortable on the track, but we had a slightly different bike setup so in the first moto it really beat me up. I wasn’t that comfortable out there so I really couldn’t do that much. I still rode okay, but it wasn’t the best and I ended up third. In the second moto I was pinched off and had a really bad start. We did some adjustments to the bike that helped me out and I charged forward hard in the first half of the race and ended up having a good battle with Dylan [Ferrandis]. I ended up with another third place for fourth overall, which is kind of weird, but in the end, I’m okay with it because we rode really well and charged hard. That’s all we can do.”

Aaron Plessinger – P6

“This weekend had some ups and downs. I was really happy with my riding in the first moto. I got a really bad start but had a really good flow going and came back to fifth place. I went into the second moto really confident and got an awesome start, but I couldn’t really find that flow that I had in the first moto, and I dropped back to eighth. The track was really tough. There were some spots that were dry and some spots that were soft. So it was definitely weird, but we have a weekend off and will get back to work and get ready for RedBud!”

Justin Barcia – P7

“It was a little bit of a tough day. I just didn’t jive with the track that much and I never felt super comfortable. I think we’ll go back to California and work on a few things and try to be a lot better for RedBud in two weeks. All we can do is keep level-headed and be better for the next race.”

Justin Barcia

Marvin Musquin – P8

“In the first moto, the start was decent but the riding was not good enough and the feeling was not good enough so we decided to go back to some old settings on the shock and it shows, it was definitely better in the second moto. I didn’t get a good start but I was able to fight back, attack and race hard to come back to seventh place, so that was a lot better. Overall, I’m obviously not happy because we’ve been working hard and it didn’t pay off for this weekend, so we need to keep going.”

Cooper Webb – P10

“It was a bit of a struggle today. I felt like I put up a good fight in the first moto and ended up seventh. In the second moto, I got tangled on the start and I ended up crashing three times coming through the pack, so that was pretty unfortunate. Now we’ve got a weekend off and all we can do is try to improve.”

Cooper Webb

Christian Craig – P11

“I didn’t have the best day at High Point. I seemed to struggle to find good lines and had a couple of crashes, but I was able to get through with some points. We’re going to go back to work and look forward to a better RedBud.”

With the win Ferrandis also reclaimed control of the red plate as 450 Class point leader for the second time this season. He currently has a slim three-point advantage over Roczen, while Plessinger, who finished sixth on the afternoon (5-8) maintained his hold on third, 30 points out of the lead.

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450 Results & Championship Standings

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Source: MCNews.com.au