World Champions Crowned On Final Day of WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship

The final day of racing in the 2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship saw the year’s final world champions crowned in Zschopau, Germany today. Bringing the series to thrilling end, the all-important closing round of the season saw Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing), Brad Freeman (Beta) and Harry Edmondson (Fantic) join Andrea Verona (GASGAS), Zach Pichon (Sherco) and Jane Daniels (Fantic) as the 2022 FIM Enduro World Champions.

Zach Pichon also added the Junior1 World Cup title to his overall Enduro Junior title, while Luc Fargier (Beta) topped the Junior2 Enduro World Cup series. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia made it two-for-two in Germany by claiming the overall EnduroGP victory on day two in Zschopau.

• TM mounted Australian Wil Ruprecht claims coveted Enduro2 title

• Brad Freeman lifts Enduro3 World Championship crown for Beta

• KTM’s Josep Garcia claims overall EnduroGP class win on day two

After seven long, tough, and varied rounds, the 2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship drew to an exciting close in Zschopau, Germany. With GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona clinching the overall EnduroGP title on Saturday, together with Jane Daniels (Fantic) who won the Magnorange FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship with one day to go, the focus of attention on the final day of the series was most definitely on who would be crowned Enduro2 and Enduro3 champions.

Garcia Does The Double In EnduroGP

Ending the day at the top of the overall time sheets, Josep Garcia (KTM) was a man on a mission. Determined to keep his Enduro2 title hopes alive, he was pushing hard. Overcoming a big mistake on the opening POLISPORT Extreme Test, the Spaniard won the following JUST1 Enduro Test and ACERBIS Cross Test to work his way back into contention. By the end of the second JUST1 Enduro Test the Spaniard had taken the overall lead and by topping another four tests he went on to claim the EnduroGP class win.

With the battle for the Enduro3 title also heating up, Brad Freeman was enjoying one of his strongest days at the office for some time. The British rider held the lead midway through the day, eventually placing second behind Garcia. Newly crowned EnduroGP champion Verona edged out Honda Racing RedMoto’s Nathan Watson by fourth tenths of a second for third.

Verona Signs Off Incredible 2022 Season With Yet Another Enduro1 Win

Signing off on a sensational 2022 campaign, Verona added yet another Enduro1 victory to his tally. Taking 13 race wins from a possible 14, the Italian is the undisputed Enduro1 World Champion. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) was once again second, with Fantic’s Loic Larrieu putting in one of his best rides of the season for third.

In the Enduro2 category all eyes were on Ruprecht and Garcia to see who would lift the title. Fourth on the day and clearly opting to keep himself out of trouble and not push too hard and risk crashing, Australian Ruprecht did enough to secure his first FIM Enduro2 World Championship title. Giving it his all, Garcia topped the final day of the season, ending his Enduro2 campaign as runner-up.

Another World Title For Freeman

After levelling the scores on Saturday, Brad Freeman arrived at the final day of racing tied on points with Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikael Persson in the Enduro3 class. All to play for, both riders hit the ground running this morning. Freeman opened his account with the POLISPORT Extreme Test win, before Persson answered back by winning the ACERBIS Cross Test and JUST1 Enduro Test.

After six of the day’s 11 tests the two were separated by only seven seconds, in Freeman’s favour. Keeping the pressure on, Freeman managed to extend his lead to win the day and with it claim the Enduro3 World Championship.

Signing off on a highly successful Enduro Junior career, Team Sherco CH Racing’s Zach Pichon took his 11th victory of the season. Having already clinched the Junior title at round six, Pichon also won the Junior1 World Cup. Roni Kytonen (Honda) and Albin Norrbin (Fantic) joined him on the Junior podium in second and third. Finishing fourth saw Luc Fargier (Beta) also secure the Junior2 World Cup championship.

Edmondson Crowned Enduro Youth Champ

Coming down to the wire, the Enduro Youth World Championship was won by Fantic’s Harry Edmondson. The young British rider held a 14-point advantage heading into the final day of racing but was facing strong competition from teammate Kevin Cristino. After five tests Cristino held the lead over Edmondson with Samuli Puhakainen (TM Racing) and Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) not too far behind. Giraudon went on to win the day over Cristino and Puhakainen. Fourth was enough for Edmondson to secure his debut world title.

With the Magnorange FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship already wrapped up, Fantic’s Jane Daniels set about securing herself a perfect season. Flawless all day, Daniels won every special test to claim victory and remain undefeated in 2022. Rieju’s Mireia Badia was second, with Rosie Rowett (KTM) third.

Brad Freeman (Beta): “After pulling level on points yesterday for the Enduro3 title it was all or nothing today for the title. Mikael (Persson) came out swinging, so the battle was on straight away. We both wanted it, for sure. It’s been a hard year, probably one of the hardest I’ve had battling through injuries. To end it with my eighth world title is amazing.’

Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing): “To win my first world title has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. But they don’t come easy. It’s been a good year, great results mixed with some tough days, so to finally lock it down is incredible.”

Josep Garcia (KTM): “My aim was to fight for the win on both days and hope that maybe luck falls my way for the Enduro2 title. I managed to win each day, but unfortunately the championship wasn’t to be. I feel like I put in a great year but getting injured in Italy put both the EnduroGP and Enduro2 championships out of my reach. I’m happy to have gone out on a high though with two wins here in Germany.”

Results: Round 7: GP of Germany, Day 2

EnduroGP

1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:03:46.07; 2. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:04:01.88; 3. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:04:29.55; 4. Nathan Watson (Honda) 1:04:29.94; 5. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 1:04:41.73; 6. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:04:45.71; 7. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 1:05:53.70; 8. Daniel McCanney (Sherco) 1:06:14.92; 9. Daniel Milner (Fantic) 1:06:16.95; 10. Leo Le Quere (Sherco) 1:06:24.80…

2022 FIM Enduro World Champions

EnduroGP: Andrea Verona (GASGAS)
Enduro1: Andrea Verona (GASGAS)
Enduro2: Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing)
Enduro3: Brad Freeman (Beta)
Enduro Junior: Zach Pichon (Sherco)
Enduro Youth: Harry Edmondson (Fantic)
Enduro Women: Jane Daniels (Fantic)
Junior1 World Cup: Zach Pichon (Sherco)
Junior2 World Cup: Luc Fargier (Beta)

Please click here for full result

ISDE au Puy-en-Velay (43) – Les Bleues sur le podium !

Les ISDE 2022 se sont achevés ce samedi 3 septembre avec le traditionnel cross test final disputé sur l’aérodrome du Puy-en-Velay en présence du Président de la Fédération Française de Motocyclisme, Sébastien Poirier, venu supporter ses troupes. Une 96ème édition qui restera dans les mémoires ! Une organisation millimétrée, un travail fantastique du millier de bénévoles impliqué, des spéciales variées, des liaisons techniques dans des paysages somptueux, une météo clémente, des spectateurs venus en très grand nombre, les Moto-Clubs du Puy-en-Velay, de Sauges et le MC Moto Verte Haute Lozère ont relevé le challenge des International Six Days of Enduro haut la main. La délégation tricolore a été performante, les Bleues se classent deuxième tandis que l’Équipe de France Trophée Mondial termine au pied du podium avec une excellente fin de semaine.

Soutenues par un public très nombreux sur chaque spéciale et dans les liaisons, les Bleues du Trophée Féminin montent sur la deuxième marche du podium de ces ISDE. Longtemps à la lutte avec les Australiennes pour la 3ème place, Justine Martel (Elite Moto – KTM), Elodie Chaplot (GS Moto Passion – Sherco) et Marine Lemoine (DSN – Sherco) ont fait preuve de beaucoup d’abnégation et d’application pour distancer leur rivale à mi-course. Elles ont terminé chaque journée aux alentours du Top 10 du classement individuel, ce qui leur a permis de rouler groupées en permanence. Elles ont ainsi pu s’épauler dans les moments difficiles, particulièrement dans les longues et exigeantes liaisons de la boucle 2 ou quant il a fallu franchir hier sous une pluie battante les impressionnants dévers de la spéciale de Vorey-Sur-Arzon. Ce samedi, elles sont parvenues à rester concentrées lors du cross final, disputé dans une ambiance de folie, pour se classer deuxième de la journée. Elles ont également su ne pas partir à la faute dans cette course où tous les résultats comptent, contrairement à l’Américaine Brandy Richards qui a chuté et abandonné jeudi. Alors qu’elles caracolaient en tête, les Américaines laissent ainsi la victoire aux Britanniques, tandis que les Australiennes complètent le podium de ces 96ème ISDE.

L’Equipe de France Trophée Mondial est montée en puissance tout au long de la compétition, à l’image de son capitaine Hugo Blanjoue (Elite Moto-KTM). En cinquième position derrière les Américains lors de la première journée, les Bleus ont toujours devancé leurs rivaux à la bannière étoilée les jours suivants. Ils ont pris la quatrième position derrière les Britanniques, les Italiens et les Espagnols au soir du jour 3 et ont encore accéléré pour définitivement creuser l’écart ensuite. Au jour 5, Hugo Blanjoue, Léo Le Quéré (Sherco Academy), Christophe Charlier (Atomic Moto-Husqvarna) et Till de Clercq (Dafy Moto – KTM) ont réalisé leur meilleure performance en restant dans le Top 3 devant les Italiens durant les quatre premières spéciales. Hugo a terminé la journée 3ème au scratch et Léo 9ème. Le cross final d’aujourd’hui a vu nos pilotes devancer les Espagnols de treize secondes. Insuffisant malheureusement pour nos Bleus qui terminent au pied du podium d’une édition remportée par les Britanniques, une première depuis près de 70 ans. Au classement général individuel toutes catégories, Hugo Blanjoue termine 6ème devant Léo Le Quéré, 10ème. Pour sa deuxième participation aux ISDE, Till De Clerq a fait preuve de beaucoup de détermination et d’application pour se classer 23ème au scratch tandis que Christophe Charlier prend une belle 20ème position.

En Trophée Junior, Zachary Pichon (Sherco Factory) et Luc Fargier (Beta Oxmoto) ont réalisé de superbes prestations. A 21 ans et pour sa première saison en Enduro, Zachary n’en finit plus de performer. Notre Champion du Monde Junior 2022 a remporté toutes les journées de compétition dans sa catégorie. Quatrième de sa course au cross final, premier Junior de ces ISDE, l’officiel Sherco se classe cinquième au classement scratch de l’épreuve. Il permet à la délégation tricolore de placer trois pilotes dans les dix premiers de ce classement ! Cinquième junior après les cinq premiers jours alors qu’il a eu un problème d’amortisseur, Luc Fargier a perdu 1min22 dans le cross, rétrogradant à la 8ème position. L’Ardéchois a réussi quelques chronos extraordinaires, comme mardi quand il a terminé 6ème au scratch de la spéciale de Saugues. Malgré son abandon sur problème mécanique lors du premier jour, le rôle d’Antoine Alix a été primordial dans la réussite des Bleus. Aux côtés des pilotes à tout moment, le Normand a couru de spéciales en spéciales pour repérer et indiquer les traces à ses compatriotes. Comme tout le staff fédéral, son implication a été primordiale dans la réussite française. L’expérience acquise sera précieuse en vue de la 97ème édition prévue en Argentine en 2023.

Caroline Castillo – Directrice Technique Nationale : « C’était Une belle compétition avec de superbes spéciales où les pilotes ont pris du plaisir à rouler. Nous sommes satisfaits de l’état d’esprit de tout le monde. Bien sûr, c’est une petite déception pour l’équipe Junior de ne pas avoir pu montrer tout ce que l’on avait à montrer avec cette équipe. Mais ce n’est que partie remise. Notre équipe Trophée a rempli le contrat même si nous aurions aimé monter sur le podium. Mais tout le monde s’est donné à fond. Et en Trophée Féminin, un très beau titre de vice-championne du monde pour les filles. C’est une énorme satisfaction. Un podium qui vient récompenser des concurrentes qui ont une belle mentalité, un bel état d’esprit. C’est important et c’est surtout ce que nous retenons, une belle cohésion de groupe de tout le staff France autour de nos pilotes.

The glory years of a winning French FIM ISDE Team

France are no stranger to winning the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE). Visiting the top step of the podium many times, they have been a formidable nation when it comes to battling for FIM World Trophy team honours.

However, it is the years between 2008 and 2017 that will long be remembered as a golden era for France in the FIM ISDE. Across a ten-year span, they raced to victory an incredible seven times in a manner that was nothing short of domination.

With France proving the dominant force in the FIM Enduro World Championship at that time, that winning mentality naturally carried across to the annual FIM ISDE. With a field of riders to choose from that were already world champions or vice world champions, they were almost in a position of being unable to lose.

Success began in Greece in 2008, when Julien Gauthier, Jordan Curvalle, Rodrig Thain, Christophe Nambotin, Sebastien Guillaume, and Nicolas Deparrois claimed victory. France went on to win again in Portugal in 2009 and Mexico in 2010.

Finland on home soil in Kotka beat them to victory in 2011, but twelve months later France were back on top in Germany. The race itself was almost a French tricolour whitewash, with the team pushing hard to occupy the individual outright podium too. In the form of their lives, riders like Antoine Meo, Johnny Aubert, Pela Renet, and Christophe Nambotin were pushing the level of enduro to heights few could match.

That dream team selection would remain almost unchanged for 2013 and 2014, delivering France two more wins in Italy and Argentina, before Australia denied them a four-in-a-row in 2015 in Slovakia.

The United States also sneaked in a debut win in 2016, but France came back with vengeance in 2017 to win on home soil in Brive-la-Gaillarde. Jeremy Tarroux, Loic Larrieu, Christophe Nambotin, and Christophe Charlier made it a memorable week for spectators.

However, the golden era for French domination appears to have ended and now victories are harder to come by. With the legendary names of Meo, Renet and Nambotin returning to the ISDE to race in the Club Team Awards this year, French enduro is in a transition of sorts as we wait for the new guard to establish itself at the sharp end of the competition.

Whether Till de Clercq, Christophe Charlier, Hugo Blanjoue and Léo Le Quere can be responsible for seeing the tricolour waved from the top step of the World Trophy podium in Le Puy-en-Velay remains to be seen. But if anything a French-based FIM ISDE will serve as a catalyst to spur on the next generation of French riders.

The FIM International Six Days of Enduro takes place in Le Puy-en-Velay, France from 29 August to 3 September.

Alex Salvini: The FIM ISDE Is Uniquely Challenging

Eagerly awaited, the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) begins its ninety-sixth edition in France on 29 August – 3 September. Racing to victory last year in both the FIM World Trophy and FIM Junior Trophy categories, Italy start as reigning champions.

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While the line-up is different from 2021 – a race they won on home soil – the motivation to win remains unchanged. The Italian World Trophy team are a formidable force and one to be reckoned with.

Andrea Verona (GASGAS) has just won his third straight FIM Enduro1 World Championship and currently leads the EnduroGP standings. He is joined by the vastly experienced duo of Thomas Oldrati (Honda) and Alex Salvini (Husqvarna), with rising talent Samuele Bernardini (Honda) propping them up.

Oldrati and Verona were part of Italy’s 2021 success, while Salvini first won the FIM ISDE for his country back in 2007.

FIM-Dario Agrati ©

“I’m excited to go to France with Italy,” tells the ever-smiling Salvini. “I feel like the team is strong this year, both in the World Trophy and Junior World Trophy categories. Andrea Verona is riding incredible right now. He’s fighting for the EnduroGP title and has just won his third Enduro1 championship.”

“Like myself, Thomas has a wealth of experience and knows how to go the distance in a race like the ISDE. Together with Samuele Bernadini, I’m confident we can do a good job.”

No two FIM ISDE races are ever the same. Each edition presents its own series of challenges to overcome as rider and machine battle for position each day. It is a race where experience pays off, as Alex knows only too well.

“I enjoy the challenge of the ISDE,” he continues. “There’s lot of unknowns during the six days of racing – there are always challenges to deal with.”

“We’ve been told there will be around thirteen special tests. That’s a lot! It’s a lot of walking to do before the race even begins. I think trying to remember them will be impossible. As a rider you will have to find that balance of reading the terrain at speed and pushing hard. It will be a different dynamic than what we’re used to in the world championship.”

As reigning FIM ISDE champions Italy start with the objective of defending their crown. But Alex knows that they will have a fight on their hands.

FIM-Dario Agrati ©

“It’s never easy to predict how the ISDE will go. There are a lot of teams on paper who can win. But for sure Spain will be strong. Great Britain have also got a good team and the USA have always that unknown factor because we never really race against them all year.”

“But France will be pushing hard. It’s their home race and that always lifts the energy and motivation. They will be in the hunt for sure.”

The FIM International Six Days Enduro takes place in Le Puy-en-Velay, France from 29 August to 3 September.

Jamie McCanney: You have to play the long game at the FIM ISDE

Sixty-nine years is a long time, but incredibly that is how long it has been since Great Britain last won the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE).

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A lot has happened since then, the FIM ISDE is no longer called the International Six Day Trial as it was in 1953. But yet the Great Britain drought has continued. However, Steve Holcombe (Beta), Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna), Nathan Watson (Honda), and Jed Etchells (Fantic) are hoping to set the record straight.

Although as a team Great Britain remains winless in the modern era of the FIM ISDE, their talent pool is arguably as deep and as good as it has ever been.

Steve Holcombe is a seven-time FIM Enduro World Champion, Nathan Watson is arguably one of the world’s best all-round riders having had success in enduro, motocross, hard enduro, and beach racing. Jamie McCanney is similarly talented from Dakar Rally success to winning the Enduro1 class at the 2015 FIM ISDE.

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“Personally, it’s been a while since I raced it, but it’s an event that brings back a lot of good memories,” recalls Jamie. “I’ve had some solid results as an individual and winning the E1 category in 2015 remains a career highlight.« 

“My speed has been good this year and if I can carry that into France, I can deliver a strong result individually that will help the team overall.”

Absent from the race in 2021 means Great Britain will have a late starting number for the opening day of racing. Juggling traffic in the special tests, while at the same time progressing up the leaderboard will be tricky to manage, something that is not lost on Jamie.

Future7Media ©

“Day one is always the toughest. There are a lot of nerves and excitement to start out well. Everyone is eager to get going. With a late starting number Great Britain are at a bit of a disadvantage too. We might have a lot of traffic on the special tests to deal with and it’s going to be a big ask to fight for the win on day one. »

“But hopefully we can put a solid ride in and give ourselves a better starting position for day two and try to build from there. The FIM ISDE is a long race – you can’t win it on the first day, but you can definitely lose it. So we’ll need to play smart and play the long game!”

The FIM International Six Days of Enduro takes place in Le Puy-en-Velay, France from 29 August 29 to 3 September.

Visit the Official Website

COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE
A Paris, le 19 août 2022

Des Équipes de France ambitieuses
pour les ISDE 2022 au Puy-en-Velay (42)
 

Cinq ans après avoir accueilli les ISDE, la France sera à nouveau l'hôte de la plus ancienne compétition moto internationale tout-terrain au monde. Du 29 août au 3 septembre prochains, la 96ème édition des International Six Days of Enduro se déroulera autour du Puy-en-Velay, en Haute-Loire. Le Comité d'Organisation, composé des Motos-Clubs du Puy-en-Velay, de Sauges et du MC Moto Verte Haute Lozère, travaille d'arrache-pied sur l'événement depuis de nombreux mois. Il proposera aux près de 600 pilotes engagés trois boucles d'environ 200 kilomètres réparties dans le département mais également en Lozère. Des parcours dans des paysages à couper le souffle, avec des zones très techniques sur lesquelles se disputeront cinq spéciales par jour. Victorieuse en Trophée Mondial et Trophée Junior en 2017 à Brive-La-Gaillarde, la France vise la plus haute marche du podium dans ces deux catégories, mais également en Trophée Féminin. La concurrence va néanmoins être rude ! Les 34 nations engagées ont un niveau et des objectifs élevés.

Quand il s'agit de parler objectifs pour la délégation tricolore sur cette édition 2022 des ISDE, Frédéric Weill va droit au but. "On vise la victoire dans les trois catégories", précise l'Entraîneur National. Conscient de la difficulté de la compétition, il connaît aussi les forces de ses équipes et les ingrédients à mettre en place pour performer. "Cette année, il n'y aura aucun joker dans les trois catégories. Cela signifie que tous les résultats vont compter, tous les jours. La course est très ouverte, la moindre erreur, le moindre problème mécanique, sera lourd de conséquence. Plus que la vitesse pure, il faudra de l'endurance physique, de l'endurance mécanique et nous sommes performants de ce côté-là." Pour se placer dans les meilleures conditions, les Bleus se sont retrouvés en Haute-Loire mi-juillet pour un stage de récupération, de préparation et de cohésion.


Fédération Française de Motocyclisme

2022 Provisional entry lists are published
The 2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) is fast approaching with the 96th running of this historic event taking place in Le Puy-en-Velay, France from 29 August to 3 September. With the teams soon to descend on the French town the provisional entry lists reveal that a total of five hundred and sixty-four riders from thirty nations will take part in this year’s event that remains the oldest in the FIM calendar.

Competitors from as far afield as Japan, Australia, USA and South America are included in the list that confirms that twenty-two nations will battle it out in the World Trophy class; sixteen countries will be looking for glory in the World Junior class, whilst nine female teams will contest the Women’s World Trophy class this time around. The bulk of the field is made up of the almost one hundred and thirty – three rider teams that are entered in the Club Team Award.
The provisional 2022 ISDE entry lists can be viewed here:
2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro – Provisional Entry list – All
2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro – Provisional Entry list – World Trophy
2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro – Provisional Entry list – Junior World Trophy
2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro – Provisional Entry list – Women’s World Trophy
2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro – Provisional Entry list – Club Team Award
2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro – Provisional Entry list – Individu

COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE
A Paris, le 17 août 2022

MODIFICATION DE L’ÉQUIPE DE FRANCE TROPHÉE MONDIAL
EN LICE POUR LES ISDE

Suite au forfait de Loïc Larrieu, la Fédération Française de Motocyclisme a sélectionné Christophe Charlier pour représenter les couleurs de l’Équipe de France Trophée Mondial lors de la 96^ème édition des ISDE qui se déroulera en France, au Puy-en-Velay, du 29 août au 3 septembre 2022.
L’Équipe pourra compter sur l’expérience du double champion du Monde, vainqueur des ISDE et du Motocross des Nations en 2017 avec les Bleus.

ÉQUIPES DE FRANCE D’ENDURO
Trophée Mondial
Hugo BLANJOUE
Christophe CHARLIER
Till DE CLERCQ
Léo LE QUÉRÉ
Trophée Junior
Antoine ALIX
Luc FARGIER
Zachary PICHON
Trophée Féminin
Élodie CHAPLOT
Marine LEMOINE
Justine MARTEL



Fédération Française de Motocyclisme

Verona And Pichon Crowned WPTGlobal Enduro
World Champions In Hungary

The final day of racing at round six of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship witnessed the first world champions of 2022 crowned with Andrea Verona (GASGAS) claiming Enduro1 honours and Zach Pichon (Sherco) securing the Enduro Junior title.
Racing to his 11th class win this season, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Verona took home his third consecutive Enduro1 title in Hungary. For Team Sherco CH Racing’s Pichon, today marked a major milestone in the young Frenchman’s career by clinching his debut world crown in Enduro Junior.
In the overall classifications it was a day to savour for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia. The Spaniard took his second EnduroGP win of the weekend in Zalaegerszeg.
Andrea Verona clinches his third consecutive Enduro1 title
Zach Pichon is crowned Enduro Junior World Champion
Josep Garcia makes it two EnduroGP wins in Hungary
World championship celebrations for Verona and Pichon
The penultimate round of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship saw our first champions of the season crowned in winning style, with Verona topping Enduro1 and Pichon doing likewise in Enduro Junior.
As he’s been all year, Verona was once again the rider to beat in Enduro1. With the prospect of taking the Enduro1 title with a round to spare locked in his sights, the Italian put on a masterclass in Enduro1. Racing to a clear victory, the GASGAS rider ended his day as world champion.
For Pichon, the pressure of clinching his debut world crown was very real today, but the young Frenchman kept his cool. Opting to go for it in style, the Sherco rider won the day and with it the title. In what’s proved to be an incredible rookie season for the Frenchman, Zach looks set to challenge the sport’s best in the years to come.
Garcia makes it an EnduroGP double win
Riding high on momentum following his EnduroGP win on Saturday, Garcia set about winning again on Sunday. Impressive in the beaten-up and rough special tests, the Spaniard was quickest in six of the day’s special tests to secure a 27-second margin of victory.

With one eye on the Enduro1 title and another on building his advantage in EnduroGP, Verona chased Garcia home for the runner-up result. Importantly heading off closest rival Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing), the Italian has extended his lead to 28 points with just the final round of the season in Germany now remaining.
After yesterday’s disappointment of a mechanical issue and then subsequent disqualification, Ruprecht fought back today for third overall to keep his own title hopes alive. A strong ride saw him finish just 10 seconds behind Verona. Putting in one of the day’s most impressive rides, Spain’s Marc Sans was feeling at home in the hot, dry, and dusty conditions. Holding off JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Alex Salvini by four seconds, he took fourth. Delivering another top-five ride in Hungary, Salvini was pleased with his efforts for fifth.
Debut Enduro3 win for Sans
With Verona racing to the Enduro1 title, Sunday saw yet another strong ride for Fast Eddy Racing’s Jamie McCanney with the Manxman placing as runner-up. Finishing just two seconds behind, Matteo Cavallo (TM) was third. In Enduro2, Garcia added the class win to his overall EnduroGP victory. Ruprecht took second, while Salvini claimed his first podium result of the season with third.

Enduro3 saw yet another new rider take to the top step of the podium this year with Marc Sans securing his debut win. The Spaniard rode hard in the dust to win by 13 seconds. Consistency is paying off for Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikael Persson in this year’s championship fight. Runner-up today sees the Swede retake control of the points lead heading into the final round in Germany. Leo Le Quere (Sherco) completed the top three.
With Pichon riding to victory to clinch the Enduro Junior title, Roni Kytonen (Honda) finished in second place. Fantic’s Albin Norrbin finished just three seconds behind in third. Enduro Youth saw Fantic’s Kevin Cristino power his way to victory. The Italian took the top step of the podium from Samuli Puhakainen (TM) and Harry Edmondson (Fantic).
The WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship concludes with the seventh and final round of the season in Zschopau, Germany on October 14-16.

Josep Garcia (KTM): “I can’t believe I’ve managed to win both days this weekend. It feels great to have done that. Returning from injury to this block of racing in Slovakia and now here in Hungary, I was a little nervous about my chances. But with a lot of help from my team, family and friends we got it done.”
Andrea Verona (GASGAS): “What can I say! To win my third Enduro1 title in a row is incredible. I’ve got a great team around me in GASGAS, and we all work together, pushing every week for the same goal. Winning 11 of 12 days so far in Enduro1 is probably more than I expected too. Now the focus is on for the EnduroGP title in Germany. It would be a dream come true to win it.”
Zach Pichon (Sherco): “It’s an amazing moment in my life. Enduro Junior World Champion feels so good and it’s going to take a bit of time for this to sink in. This is my first season in enduro, and I can’t believe how well it’s gone. With my team we just kept trying hard at every round and I felt like I was in good hands with their support. I think we’ll celebrate tonight!”
Results: Round 6: GP of Hungary, Day 2
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 59:22.95; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 59:50.86; 3. Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing) 1:00:01.36; 4. Marc Sans (Husqvarna) 1:00:15.80; 5. Alex Salvini (Husqvarna) 1:00:19.78; 6. Hugo Blanjoue (KTM) 1:00:21.81; 7. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 1:00:28.83; 8. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:00:36.19; 9. Nathan Watson (Honda) 1:00:53.97; 10. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 1:00:56.47…
Enduro Junior
1. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 1:00:47.30; 2. Roni Kytonen (Honda) 1:01:15.91; 3. Albin Norrbin (Fantic) 1:01:19.07; 4. Sergio Navarro (Husqvarna) 1:01:33.52; 5. Jed Etchells (Fantic) 1:01:37.74…
Enduro Youth
1. Kevin Cristino (Fantic) 1:02:54.05; 2. Samuli Puhakainen (TM Racing) 1:03:23.77; 3. Harry Edmondson (Fantic) 1:03:25.19; 4. Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) 1:03:26.21; 5. Samuel Davies (GASGAS) 1:04:29.13…
Please click here for full results

MODIFICATION DE L’ÉQUIPE DE FRANCE TROPHÉE MONDIAL
EN LICE POUR LES ISDE

Suite au forfait sur blessure de Théophile Espinasse, la Fédération Française de Motocyclisme a décidé de son remplacement par Till De Clercq pour représenter les couleurs de l’Équipe de France Trophée Mondial lors de la 96^ème édition des ISDE qui se déroulera en France, au Puy-en-Velay, du 29 août au 3 septembre 2022.

ÉQUIPES DE FRANCE D’ENDURO
Trophée Mondial
Hugo BLANJOUE
Till DE CLERCQ
LoÏc LARRIEU
Léo LE QUÉRÉ
Trophée Junior
Antoine ALIX
Luc FARGIER
Zachary PICHON
Trophée Féminin
Élodie CHAPLOT
Marine LEMOINE
Justine MARTEL

ZACHARY PICHON SACRÉ CHAMPION DU MONDE D’ENDURO JUNIOR


A l’issue du Grand Prix de Hongrie disputé les 6 et 7 août derniers, 6^ème et avant-dernière épreuve inscrite au calendrier du Championnat du Monde d’Enduro, Zachary Pichon s’est adjugé le titre mondial en catégorie Junior. Un baptême du feu parfaitement négocié pour le pilote tricolore qui découvrait la discipline à ce niveau de la compétition après une première partie de carrière consacrée au Motocross. Intégré en Équipe de France Espoir Mondial de la FFM cette saison, Zach s’est imposé comme le patron de la catégorie dès l’ouverture en Espagne en s’offrant les deux journées. Suivront 7 autres victoires et 3 podiums soit quasiment un sans-faute. Au palmarès des tricolores en Junior, il succède à Jérémy Joly (2011) et Mathias Bellino (2012).
Sébastien Poirier, Président de la Fédération Française de Motocyclisme : « La Fédération est extrêmement fière de la performance de Zachary. Issu du Motocross, son potentiel dans la discipline est indéniable et j’espère que ce premier titre en appellera d’autres. La famille Pichon marque définitivement de son empreinte l’histoire du sport moto tricolore avec les doubles titres mondiaux de son père Mickael en Motocross. C’est une performance historique que de retrouver des couronnes mondiales dans deux disciplines différentes au sein d’une même famille ! Un nouveau challenge attend désormais Zach avec les ISDE qu’il disputera du 29 août au 3 septembre prochains au Puy en Velay sous les couleurs de l’Équipe de France Trophée Junior aux côtés de Luc Fargier et Alix Antoine. »
Crédit photos : FIM Pictures / Pole Position Communication.

Steve Holcombe: “EnduroGP is the most competitive
it’s ever been…”

For the seven-time world champion it would be an understatement to say that the first half of his season didn’t go to plan. But things are on the up. Close to winning the opening day of racing at round one in Spain, things unfortunately went ‘off track’ shortly after. Injuries meant Steve wasn’t in a position to fight for victory and was even forced to take some time out away from competition.

But last weekend’s GP of Slovakia saw the Steve of old make a welcome return to action. The fast, super smooth rider that’s such a fearsome competitor to his rivals was back. 

“It’s been a long road, but last weekend in Slovakia I finally got back to where I want to be,” smiles Steve ahead of tonight’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test in Hungary. “I want to be fighting for wins, I want to be with the top guys.”

So, what changed for the Beta rider last weekend? How did he get his mojo back?

“It never really left,” he laughs. “It was just a combination of everything. Being healthy, feeling fit, and being able to ride how I want on the bike. But also, Slovakia was an absolutely mega event too. 

“It was proper enduro. It was exactly the kind of special tests I enjoy, and, also, I think the kind of true enduro tests the championship needs more of. I feel most people were of the same opinion too. It was fun out there!”

Coming up four tenths of one second shy from victory after over one hour of special test racing shows how tight the competition is the year. With a lot of riders in a position to win EnduroGP, one small mistake can make or break a result. Something that’s not gone unnoticed by Steve.

“Competition is really high right now,” he reckons. “For a few years it was really only myself and Brad (Freeman) fighting for wins, then Josep (Garcia) came back to the championship, which was great.

“Suddenly Wil (Ruprecht) hit some great form and Andrea (Verona) has also stepped up massively. Then Nathan Watson is on fire and wins two races, plus Thomas Oldrati is always knocking on the door.

“The increased competition has changed the dynamic of the championship. You can’t get away with a bad result and still finish top three. Now an off day puts you outside the top six, maybe even the top 10. For sure, EnduroGP is probably the most competitive it’s ever been for some time.”

Round six of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Hungary starts tonight with the AKRAPOVIC Super Test, followed by two full days of racing. 

Stay tuned to www.endurogp.com throughout the weekend for championship updates and live results, and to @enduro_gp on Instagram for event story content.

2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Calendar

Round 1 – ACERBIS GP of Spain – Lalin – 6-8 May
Round 2 – GP of Portugal – Peso da Règua – Armamar – 13-15 May
Round 3 – GP of Italy – Carpineti – 24-26 June
Round 4 – GP of Portugal – Coimbra – Souselas – 1-3 July
Round 5 – GP of Slovakia – Gelnica – 29-31 July
Round 6 – GP of Hungary – Zalaegerszeg – 5-7 August
Round 7 – GP of Germany – Zschopau – 14-16 October

Josep Garcia Back To Winning Ways With WPTGlobal EnduroGP Victory In Hungary

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia has won day one at round six of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Hungary. The Spaniard showed he’s back to his best following injury to claim a well-deserved overall win.

Behind him things were dramatic. While lying second, TM Racing’s Wil Ruprecht dropped out of the running with a mechanical, allowing Honda Redmoto World Enduro’s Nathan Watson through as runner-up. GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona also capitalised on the day’s events to take third and further extend his overall championship lead in EnduroGP.

• Josep Garcia lands emotional win in Hungary
• Nathan Watson and Andrea Verona finish second and third
• Wil Ruprecht loses ground in championship fight with mechanical

Decisive day in EnduroGP title fight

Marking the penultimate round of this year’s WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship, the opening day of racing at the GP of Hungary was filled with twists and turns across the classes. Most notably for the EnduroGP category, it proved quite decisive in the standings. 

With the battle for this year’s world crown being played out between Verona and Ruprecht, Saturday in Zalaegerszeg was exciting. A double victory last weekend in Slovakia saw Ruprecht reduce Verona’s lead to 11 points, and the Australian was determined to attack again.

At the end of the opening ACERBIS Cross Test, the battle was very much on, with Garcia, Ruprecht, and Verona separated by just half of a second. With the POLISPORT Extreme Test ending lap one of four, the lead swapped hands with Ruprecht now in front, Verona second, and Garcia in third. And with the top eight split by less than 10 seconds, things couldn’t have been tighter.

On the second ACERBIS Cross Test, Garcia pushed hard and retook the race lead. Things continued to swap and change on lap two with Ruprecht setting the pace on the JUST1 Enduro Test. The top three also had company with Watson and Fast Eddy Racing’s Jamie McCanney entering the mix.

At the end of lap three, Garcia had finally put some time into his rivals to open up a seven-second lead over Ruprecht. But on the following JUST1 Enduro Test that would all change again. A mechanical issue knocked Ruprecht out of contention. His misfortune was Watson’s gain, with the Brit now up to second over Verona and McCanney.

Holding firm, Garcia went on to win the final ACERBIS Cross Test to claim his first victory since crashing out of the GP of Italy at round three. Watson kept Verona at bay by less than two seconds to finish his day as the runner-up. Claiming his best result of the season, McCanney took a well-deserved fourth, while JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Alex Salvini fended off Fantic’s Daniel Milner for fifth.

Memorable victory for Betriu in Enduro3

In Enduro1, Verona put a virtual grasp on this year’s title with his 10th win. The Italian, capitalising on closest rival Thomas Oldrati (Honda) finishing ninth, looks likely to claim the crown tomorrow. With his best performance of the season to date, McCanney enjoyed his first visit to the podium with second. Daniel Milner claimed third.

Garcia was top dog in Enduro2, taking the win over Watson in second. Salvini returned to the podium for the first time since round two’s GP of Portugal for third.

It was a memorable day for WP Eric Auge’s Jaume Betriu with the Spaniard racing to the Enduro3 class win. Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikael Persson finished just six seconds behind as runner-up, with TM Racing’s Matteo Pavoni only another one second behind Persson in third.

Returning to his own winning ways, Team Sherco CH Racing’s Zach Pichon moved closer to clinching the Enduro Junior title. The Frenchman claimed one of the largest winning margins of the day in Hungary, with a 33-second victory over Roni Kytonen (Honda) in second, and Albin Norrbin (Fantic) third.

Enduro Youth saw Sherco’s Thibault Giraudon come through for the win after a titanic battle with Fantic’s Kevin Cristino. Samuli Puhakainen (TM) took third, with championship leader Harry Edmondson (Fantic) in fourth.

Josep Garcia (KTM): “To take the win feels incredible. After my injury in Italy, just getting to the start line for Slovakia and now Hungary was a big mission, so I’m so happy to have won again. Big thanks to the support of my team, family, and everyone around me to get back to this moment.”

Nathan Watson (Honda): “I felt like I was in the fight for the podium all day, so I’m pretty happy with second. Unfortunately Wil (Ruprecht) had a problem and that changed things, but all day I was right there. To be honest I didn’t expect that result because I picked up tendonitis in my wrist during the GP of Slovakia. Hopefully tomorrow I can keep it going all day.”

Andrea Verona (GASGAS): “It’s been a good day for sure. My riding was solid enough, but I had a few silly mistakes that cost me time. It’s been good points for the championship, so I’ll focus again for tomorrow and go full gas!”

Results: Round 6: GP of Hungary, Day 1

EnduroGP

1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:01:02.70; 2. Nathan Watson (Honda) 1:01:21.68; 3. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:01:23.45; 4. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 1:01:53.74; 5. Alex Salvini (Husqvarna) 1:02:00.51; 6. Daniel Milner (Fantic) 1:02:06.00; 7. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:02:10.59; 8. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 1:02:12.02; 9. Hugo Blanjoue (KTM) 1:02:13.59; 10. Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) 1:02:33.30…

Enduro Junior

1. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 1:02:17.13; 2. Roni Kytonen (Honda) 1:02:50.33; 3. Albin Norrbin (Fantic) 1:03:08.16; 4. Max Ahlin (Beta) 1:03:13.62; 5. Luc Fargier (Beta) 1:03:19.73…

Enduro Youth 

1. Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) 1:03:58.70; 2. Kevin Cristino (Fantic) 1:04:02.21; 3. Samuli Puhakainen (TM Racing) 1:04:28.76; 4. Harry Edmondson (Fantic) 1:04:44.02; 5. Albert Fontova (KTM) 1:05:57.81…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andrea Verona Wins AKRAPOVIC Super Test Series At WPTGlobal EnduroGP of Hungary

GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona has clinched this year’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test series at the penultimate round of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Hungary. Taking it in style with a win, the Italian set the fastest time tonight in Zalaegerszeg.

• Andrea Verona wraps up the AKRAPOVIC Super Test series at GP of Hungary
• The Italian was fastest tonight, with Wil Ruprecht and Josep Garcia second and third
• A full crowd of spectators watched the action unfold

Always a crowd-pleaser, the AKRAPOVIC Super Test for round six of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary got the weekend’s racing off to an exciting start.

With a virtual grasp on this year’s overall series, Verona was determined to put his name at the top of the standings in Zalaegerszeg and wrap things up with one round to spare.

Putting in a lightning-fast lap, the GASGAS rider powered his way around the tight and twisty course. Setting a time over one second quicker than his rivals, he comfortably took the win. 

After securing a double victory last weekend in Slovakia, TM Racing’s Wil Ruprecht carried that high-speed momentum into Hungary and clocked the second fastest time of the night. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia was hot on his heels to complete the top three. 

Always a top performer in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test, Husqvarna’s Alex Salvini was fourth, with Sweden’s Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) completing the top five.

Andrea Verona (GASGAS):“Winning the AKRAPOVIC Super Test series is an awesome way to start the weekend. I’ve really enjoyed racing the super test this year and feel like I’ve improved a lot in it. I won two rounds and always finished inside the top four, so I’m happy about that. Although it’s a short test, it’s difficult to master. There’s no warm-up, the body is cold and there are a lot of spectators watching, so it’s tough to perform in.”

2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship GP of Hungary
Results (Overall) – Akrapovic Super Test

1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:36.02; 2. Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing) 1:37.25; 3. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:37.99; 4. Alex Salvini (Husqvarna) 1:38.48; 5. Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) 1:38.65; 6. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:39.04; 7. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:39.11; 8. Antoine Magain (Sherco) 1:39.18; 9. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 1:39.40; 10. Nathan Watson (Honda) 1:39.79…

AKRAPOVIC Super Test Series Standings (After round 6)

1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 98pts; 2. Josep Garcia (KTM) 74pts; 3. Brad Freeman (Beta) 70pts; 4. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 61pts; 5. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 52pts…

Please click here for full results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ruprecht Holds Off Holcombe For Double WPTGlobal EnduroGP Victory In Slovakia

TM Racing’s Wil Ruprecht celebrated a perfect weekend at round five of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship after claiming victory on Sunday in Gelnica, Slovakia. The Australian was on top form, as he overcame the wet and slippery conditions to top the EnduroGP podium.

Beta Factory Racing’s Steve Holcombe pushed Ruprecht all the way, finishing just under half of a second behind him as runner-up. Back from injury, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia returned to the podium with third. Honda Redmoto World Enduro’s Roni Kytonen took victory in Enduro Junior, while Fantic’s Kevin Cristino won Enduro Youth.

• Wil Ruprecht makes it two wins from two starts in Slovakia
• Steve Holcombe finishes just four tenths of a second behind as runner-up
• Andrea Verona maintains his EnduroGP championship lead

Overnight rain that lingered into the morning greeted competitors for day two at round five of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Gelnica, Slovakia. Already beaten-up special tests would prove all the more challenging to master this morning before the wet weather eased off during the second half of the day.

After showing yesterday that he’s an Australian who can master the mud, Wil Ruprecht was out to hammer that home again today. Unfazed by the slippery conditions, he was impressive to watch on lap one. Fastest on the opening three special tests, he built up a lead that would ultimately prove too much for everyone else to catch.

Slow to get going on lap one, Steve Holcombe found some extra pace on lap two and made an attack on Ruprecht. Winning the second ACERBIS Cross Test, he closed the gap slightly. Finding 12 seconds on Ruprecht in the following JUST1 Enduro Test, Steve was on a roll. 

Exiting the final POLISPORT Extreme Test he still trailed Ruprecht by almost 11 seconds and would need to deliver an outstanding effort on the final ACERBIS Cross Test to take the win. Giving it his best shot, the seven-time world champ went to work and clocked in the fastest time of the day. However, it wouldn’t be enough and after over one hour of timed special tests he fell just four tenths of a second short of victory.

Building pace all weekend, Spain’s Josep Garcia fought his way onto the podium today. Putting his recent injury behind him, the KTM rider will welcome that result as he heads into the GP of Hungary next weekend.

Thomas Oldrati (Honda) had a great day at the office, racing his way to fourth overall. The Italian picked up the fastest time on the final JUST1 Enduro Test to hold off fifth-placed GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona by two seconds. Verona still maintains his overall lead in the championship.

Oldrati turns the tables on Verona to win Enduro1

In Enduro1, Verona’s win streak finally came to an end in the rain in Gelnica. After nine consecutive victories, today was Oldrati’s turn to enjoy the top step of the podium. With Verona second, TM Racing’s Matteo Cavallo filled out an all-Italian top three in Enduro1.

Arguably one of the most competitive classes, the results of Enduro2 mirrored that of EnduroGP, with Ruprecht, Holcombe and Garcia claiming the top three positions. Nathan Watson (Honda) and Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) were fourth and fifth respectively.

Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman was once again the rider to beat in Enduro3. The Brit had the measure of his classmates in the rain, finishing 45 seconds clear of Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikael Persson in second. Matteo Pavoni (TM) took third.

Enduro Junior saw Finland’s Roni Kytonen return to the top step of the podium. The Honda rider hit his stride on the JUST1 Enduro Test, winning both runs. Team Sherco CH Racing’s Zach Pichon finished as runner-up for the second day running, while day one winner Max Ahlin (Beta) was third.

In Enduro Youth, Fantic’s Kevin Cristino took the win. The Italian was impressively strong in the slippery conditions, winning five of the day’s eight special tests. Fantic’s Harry Edmondson maintains his lead at the top of the standings with another runner-up result. Albert Fontova (KTM) enjoyed his first podium visit of 2022 with third.

The WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship continues with round six in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary on August 5-7.

Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing): “The tracks were so slippery this morning with the overnight rain. I went out hard this morning and it worked for me building a big lead. But I suffered for it on the final lap. The 15-minute enduro test was tough work. Steve was coming back strong, but I just managed to keep him back. Overall it’s been awesome to bounce back like this with a double win.”

Steve Holcombe (Beta): “It’s been a good weekend. I really enjoyed the special tests. They were proper long, and I love that. Normally I have more confidence in the mud, but I struggled with mistakes this morning. I got it together when the rain eased and was battling for the win. It felt good to be doing that again. For sure it’s a huge confidence boost heading into Hungary next weekend.”

Josep Garcia (KTM): “It’s been a good weekend for my results, but quite tough physically coming back from my injury. I still have to build the race speed back up. I was tired this morning, but felt good midday, until a crash on the cross test dropped me back. But I’m happy with third overall today. It’s something to build on in Hungary.”

Roni Kytonen (Honda): “I started out a bit slow, but came good from lap two. I had a good pace on the enduro test and that helped for sure. I’m happy to get this win.”

Kevin Cristino (Fantic): “I pushed hard from the start and had good times in the enduro test. I’ve worked hard to get back to this pace, so I’m excited now to keep fighting for the rest of the season.”

Results: Round 5 – GP of Slovakia

EnduroGP
DAY 2

1. Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing) 1:04:45.73; 2. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:04:46.18; 3. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:05:22.87; 4. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 1:05:38.57; 5. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:05:40.97; 6. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:05:44.38; 7. Nathan Watson (Honda) 1:06:01.55; 8. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 1:06:29.46; 9. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 1:06:47.49; 10. Matteo Pavoni (TM Racing) 1:06:54.98…

Championship Standings (After round 5 of 7)

EnduroGP

1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 161pts; 2. Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing) 150pts; 3. Nathan Watson (Honda) 123pts; 4. Josep Garcia (KTM) 115pts; 5. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 106pts…

Please click here for full results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wil Ruprecht Takes Muddy Win At WPTGlobal 
EnduroGP Of Slovakia

TM Racing’s Wil Ruprecht has won the opening day of competition at round five of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Gelnica, Slovakia. A wet and muddy day of racing at the GP of Slovakia saw the Australian come good in the final test of the day to edge out GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona by 11 seconds for the win. Beta Factory Racing’s Steve Holcombe was having fun in the tricky conditions and finished third overall.

A new winner emerged in Enduro Junior with Max Ahlin (Beta) securing his first win of the season, while Samuli Puhakainen carded another win for TM Racing with victory in Enduro Youth.

• Wil Ruprecht takes opening victory at GP of Slovakia
• Andrea Verona and Steve Holcombe joined him on the EnduroGP podium
• Wet and muddy conditions make for an exciting and closely fought race

After the hot, dry, and dusty conditions of round four in Portugal earlier this month, competitors were greeted with cooler, wetter, and muddier conditions at round five of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Gelnica, Slovakia. Lingering clouds ensured conditions stayed at that optimum level of tricky and challenging. Mastering the mud and adapting to changing race lines was key to success today.

Ruprecht and Verona battle for EnduroGP win

On Friday evening it was Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman who topped the AKRAPOVIC Super Test to start this morning with a slender one-second lead over championship leader Andrea Verona. And Freeman didn’t miss a beat as he charged through the opening POLISPORT Extreme Test to extend his lead to almost six seconds.

However, Ruprecht was beginning to find his rhythm and on the ACERBIS Cross Test he set the fastest time to reduce that margin to two seconds. At over 14 minutes long the JUST1 Enduro Test was set to play a big factor in the results. With Verona and Ruprecht going 1-2 respectively, the pair moved to the head of the standings as Freeman slipped from first to fifth.

On lap two, Freeman was again fastest on the POLISPORT Extreme Test to move up to fourth. Ruprecht led, but it was only just, with an incredible one hundredth of a second splitting Ruprecht and Verona. Holcombe was six seconds back and keeping the pressure on.

At the end of lap two, the positions had changed once more, with Verona now leading by three seconds. Holcombe was still third, but losing ground. Entering the final test of the day, the ACERBIS Cross Test, Verona held a three-second lead over Ruprecht. However, luck was not on his side and with two crashes coming the Italian’s way, it was just what Ruprecht needed to claim victory.

Behind Ruprecht and Verona, Holcombe – spurred on by winning the final POLISPORT Extreme Test – ended his day third overall. Returning to racing having missed round four due to injury, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia finished fourth. Freeman completed the top five.

Class wins for Verona, Ruprecht, and Freeman

In Enduro1 there was no change of race winner, with Verona riding clear to a commanding one minute and 36 second margin of victory. Honda Redmoto World Enduro’s Thomas Oldrati put in a solid ride for second. TM Racing’s Matteo Cavallo completed the top three.

With his EnduroGP victory in one back pocket, Ruprecht added the Enduro2 win to his other pocket. Holcombe finished as runner-up, with Garcia rounding out the podium. Taking advantage of his strong start this morning, Freeman controlled Enduro3 to take the win. Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikael Persson enjoyed a close battle with Matteo Pavoni (TM) to finish second.

The Enduro Junior class saw Max Ahlin (Beta) land his first win of the season. Point’s leader Zach Pichon had started out strong, but lost a lot of time on the first JUST1 Enduro Test to slip down the running order. Ahlin won that test to move into the race lead and hung on to claim victory. Germany’s Luca Fischeder (Sherco) finished second, with Pichon regrouping for third.

The Enduro Youth class belonged to Samuli Puhakainen (TM) on day one in Gelnica. Clearly enjoying the conditions, he rode clear to a 47-second margin of victory over Fantic’s Harry Edmondson. Sherco’s Thibault Giraudon rounded out the podium.

Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing): “I was fortunate to get the win today, but I wasn’t completely happy with how I rode. After my crash at the GP of Portugal my bike time was a bit limited coming into this race but, hey, I’ll definitely take a win if I can! It’s also my first win in the wet and mud, so that was cool. Hopefully I can do it again tomorrow.”

Andrea Verona (GASGAS): “It’s been a good day. There were some mistakes today, but that was always going to happen in these muddy conditions. Overall I was consistent, and I think I was actually leading entering the final test until I crashed twice. Hopefully tomorrow I can stay on two wheels!”

Steve Holcombe (Beta): “It’s been a good day, it was great to have such a good enduro test too. Of course there were a few places I could improve on, but I’ll try to do that tomorrow. Finishing on the podium today with third has been a great start to the weekend for sure.”

Results: Round 5 – GP of Slovakia

EnduroGP

1. Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing) 1:03:55.70; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:04:07.24; 3. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:04:13.55; 4. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:04:51.84; 5. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:05:00.63; 6. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 1:05:43.84; 7. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 1:05:44.26; 8. Matteo Pavoni (TM Racing) 1:05:53.49; 9. Nathan Watson (Honda) 1:05:55.68; 10. Leo Le Quere (Sherco) 1:06:02.17…

Enduro Junior

1. Max Ahlin (Beta) 1:06:51.54; 2. Luca Fischeder (Sherco) 1:07:05.57; 3. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 1:07:12.90; 4. Roni Kytonen (Honda) 1:07:50.78; 5. Luc Fargier (Beta) 1:07:51.55…

Enduro Youth

1. Samuli Puhakainen (TM Racing) 1:08:39.70; 2. Harry Edmondson (Fantic) 1:09:27.43; 3. Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) 1:09:34.85; 4. Kevin Cristino (Fantic) 1:09:55.68; 5. Lorenzo Bernini (Beta) 1:11:00.01…

Please click here for full results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nathan Watson: “I want to win more races in EnduroGP”

With three rounds left to run in this year’s WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Britain’s Nathan Watson has suddenly pushed himself forward as serious championship contender.

Absent from the EnduroGP paddock since 2017, Nathan has returned for 2022 with Honda Redmoto World Enduro and is arguably wiser, more well-rounded, and significantly more motivated than when he left.

Storming his way to a confidence-boosting double win last time out in Portugal is testament to that and with momentum gained, he’s hoping it carries through to Slovakia this weekend.

“I feel like I’m in with a shot for the Enduro2 title and that’s ultimately the goal,” says Nathan ahead of round five. “I have never won a world title, so I want to take advantage of it this season.”

Currently third overall in the EnduroGP standings, the Honda man lies second in Enduro2 with just eight points separating him from points leader Wil Ruprecht. Another strong showing in Slovakia, in conditions that are likely to favour him, could really shake things up.

“I’m really looking forward to the next two races in Slovakia and Hungary. In 2017 we raced in Slovakia and it was definitely more suited to what my favourite conditions are like. I like the soft, loamy ground with less stones. I’m prepared to push hard.”

After numerous seasons on Austrian machinery, the switch to Honda seems to have gelled well with the Brit.

“I’m super happy with how things are going in the team. It seems a lot more relaxed than when I was in the KTM factory team and I think that it suits me. I’m there to do my job, they’re there to do their job, and we get on really well.

“For the majority of my career I rode KTM or Husqvarna, so switching to Honda was a big step for me. We did a lot of testing and development to get the bike how I wanted it to be. I feel like we’re dialled in right now. 

“My form has come good at the right time in this championship,” concludes Nathan ahead of the weekend’s GP of Slovakia. “I’m really focused on getting points in Enduro2. I want to win more races there and I know that when you’re in a good position in Enduro2, you’re also in the hunt for EnduroGP too!”

The WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship continues with round five in Gelnica, Slovakia on July 29-31.

Stay tuned to www.endurogp.com throughout the weekend for championship updates and live results, and to @enduro_gp on Instagram for event story content.

WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Standings (After round 4)

EnduroGP

1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 133pts; 2. Wil Ruprecht (TM) 110pts; 3. Nathan Watson (Honda) 107pts; 4. Josep Garcia (KTM) 87pts; 5. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 83pts; 6. Brad Freeman (Beta) 57pts; 7. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 53pts; 8. Daniel Milner (Fantic) 52pts; 9. Hugo Blanjoue (KTM) 45pts; 10. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 43pts…

2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Calendar

Round 1 – ACERBIS GP of Spain – Lalin – 6-8 May
Round 2 – GP of Portugal – Peso da Règua – Armamar – 13-15 May
Round 3 – GP of Italy – Carpineti – 24-26 June
Round 4 – GP of Portugal – Coimbra – Souselas – 1-3 July
Round 5 – GP of Slovakia – Gelnica – 29-31 July
Round 6 – GP of Hungary – Zalaegerszeg – 5-7 August
Round 7 – GP of Germany – Zschopau – 14-16 October

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andrea Verona In The Driving Seat As WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Heads To Slovakia

It’s full steam ahead for the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship this week as the series travels to Slovakia and the first of two back-to-back events that mark the fifth and sixth rounds of what’s proving to be an incredibly exciting championship battle. As the series makes a long-awaited return to Slovakia it’s GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona who’ll start with the EnduroGP leader’s plate this weekend in Gelnica.

Although suffering his first defeat of 2022 last time out in Portugal, Team Sherco CH Racing’s Zachary Pichon holds a healthy lead in the Enduro Junior class, while Fantic’s Harry Edmondson remains in charge of the Enduro Youth class.

• Andrea Verona leads the way as EnduroGP heads for Slovakia
• Josep Garcia returns to action following injury
• Beta’s Steve Holcombe and Brad Freeman both back on pace

Can anyone reel Verona back in?

In what’s become a super competitive championship battle, we saw the EnduroGP standings turn on their head once again last time out in Portugal. Verona was a big winner at round four, despite not claiming an EnduroGP day win!

The Italian played his hand to perfection, securing a pair of runner-up finishes over the weekend. That outcome sees the GASGAS rider firmly in the championship driving seat with a healthy 23-point lead. Naturally, as we head into round five of seven, Verona will have an eye on the bigger prize of becoming an FIM EnduroGP World Champion, but he’s experienced enough to know there’s still a long way to go. On peak form, claiming another victory will make him tough to beat in the EnduroGP title race.

After an impressive round three in Italy, TM Racing’s Wil Ruprecht’s championship lead fell apart in the heat and dust of round four in Coimbra. Just scraping into the points on both days following a big crash on day one, the Australian dropped from first in the standings to second. No doubt he’ll be looking to bounce back in Slovakia, but he’s got a big task on his hands if he’s to reel in Verona, who’s now hit his stride.

While Verona headed home from Portugal as EnduroGP championship leader, Honda Racing RedMoto World Enduro’s Nathan Watson was the standout performer. Achieving a career-first double win in EnduroGP, the Brit was too hot to handle for his rivals. He moves up to third in the title chase and is only three points behind Ruprecht in second.

We missed watching Josep Garcia’s full gas riding style last time out in Coimbra and are excited to see him back in action in Gelnica. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider is healed up from his high-speed get off in Italy and will look to build on his win tally. Fifth in the title chase, Thomas Oldrati has showed real consistency this season, but has yet to deliver a breakout ride.

After a tough first half to 2022, Beta Factory Racing’s duo Brad Freeman and Steve Holcombe are getting back on the pace. With multiple injury setbacks between them, they’ve yet to show their true speed. Defending EnduroGP champ Freeman should prove strong in Slovakia, while Holcombe won’t be holding back either.

Verona, Ruprecht, and Freeman lead Enduro1, Enduro2, and Enduro3

In the individual senior classes it’s all still very close, except in Enduro1. As you might have guessed, Verona has ruled the roost in the quarter litre capacity category since round one. Eight wins from eight starts puts him 28 points clear of Oldrati in second, who in turn is 28 points ahead of TM Racing’s Matteo Cavallo in third.

Ruprecht heads Enduro2. The Australian leads by eight points over Watson and will look to extend that advantage in Slovakia. However, Garcia and Holcombe should present some serious competition for the leading two. After losing his Enduro3-class points lead in Italy, Freeman won it back in Portugal with a brilliant double victory. Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikael Persson is enjoying a great 2022 and will hope the Slovakian terrain will favour him at round five. TM Racing’s Matteo Pavoni is third in points.

Pichon and Edmondson head Junior and Youth classes respectively

Despite starting 2022 as a rookie, Zach Pichon has made the Enduro Junior class his own. With five wins to his credit, he’s racked up a 38-point lead over Finland’s Roni Kytonen in second. Kytonen finally beat Pichon last time out in Portugal and will need to do so again to keep his title hopes in check. Beta’s Luc Fargier is only two points behind Kytonen in third having enjoyed multiple podium results in recent rounds.

Fantic’s Harry Edmondson is beginning to stretch out a lead in the Enduro Youth category. The Brit got a double win in the bag last time out in Portugal and will aim to repeat that trick in Slovakia to further cement his title hopes. Twice a winner in 2022, teammate Kevin Cristino is his closest challenger. Finland’s Samuli Puhakainen (TM) holds third, but faces a motivated Leo Joyon (Beta) in fourth.

The WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship goes racing in Gelnica, Slovakia this coming weekend, starting on Friday with the AKRAPOVIC Super Test.

WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Standings (After round 4)

EnduroGP

1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 133pts; 2. Wil Ruprecht (TM) 110pts; 3. Nathan Watson (Honda) 107pts; 4. Josep Garcia (KTM) 87pts; 5. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 83pts; 6. Brad Freeman (Beta) 57pts; 7. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 53pts; 8. Daniel Milner (Fantic) 52pts; 9. Hugo Blanjoue (KTM) 45pts; 10. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 43pts…

Enduro Junior

1. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 157pts; 2. Roni Kytonen (Honda) 119pts; 3. Luc Fargier (Beta) 117pts; 4. Jed Etchells (Fantic) 104pts; 5. Max Ahlin (Beta) 86pts…

Enduro Youth

1. Harry Edmondson (Fantic) 148pts; 2. Kevin Cristino (Fantic) 121pts; 3. Samuli Puhakainen (TM Racing) 102pts; 4. Leo Joyon (Beta) 97pts; 5. Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) 87pts…

2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Calendar

Round 1 – ACERBIS GP of Spain – Lalin – 6-8 May
Round 2 – GP of Portugal – Peso da Règua – Armamar – 13-15 May
Round 3 – GP of Italy – Carpineti – 24-26 June
Round 4 – GP of Portugal – Coimbra – Souselas – 1-3 July
Round 5 – GP of Slovakia – Gelnica – 29-31 July
Round 6 – GP of Hungary – Zalaegerszeg – 5-7 August
Round 7 – GP of Germany – Zschopau – 14-16 October

Underlining the importance of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship, the series continues to receive support from many of the offroad motorcycle industry’s biggest names. ACERBIS, AKRAPOVIC, Polisport, JUST1, MAXXIS Tires, KTM, GASGAS, and Husqvarna Motorcycles all take a front row seat.

Putting their weight behind the championship, WPTGlobal, AMV, PRAMAC, CROSSPRO, WP, Magnorange, pgm, GALFER, Milwaukee, Quinta do Mourao, Quinta da Figueirinha, Galati, Paulo Duarte Group, Race For Good (our social responsibility partner), Segafredo, and more, are also lending their support to the 2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship.

Stay tuned to www.endurogp.com throughout the weekend for championship updates and live results, and to @enduro_gp on Instagram for event story content.

 Wels, Austria – July 20, 2022 — Exciting and often difficult to predict, racing during the first half of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship has been exceptional. From Israel to Italy, with Serbia and Austria in between, Hard Enduro’s top riders have faced all manner of different terrains and event formats. 

Lettenbichler on a roll

Absent at round one as he recovered from injury, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler made good his return to racing at round two by winning. And he hasn’t stopped topping the podium since. In Serbia he surprised everyone, including himself, to earn victory and show that his extended time off a bike hadn’t slowed him down. A debut Red Bull Erzbergrodeo victory was then backed up with a win at Red Bull Abestone in Italy. Now all of a sudden, he’s a championship contender heading into the second half of the season!

Breaking new ground

Round one saw Hard Enduro break new ground with the Minus 400 in Israel. Located in the Dead Sea region, it took place below sea level, hence the event name. Held in a vast barren and rocky desert, it also proved incredibly tough on body and machine. Intense heat pushed everyone to their limits.

Young guns blazing

We’re witnessing the rise of new Hard Enduro talent with each passing round. In Serbia, Team Bulgaria powered by ECONT rider Teodor Kabakchiev raced his way to a debut podium. Next up, we saw GASGAS’ Michael Walkner put on an incredible show in his home race at round three in Austria. Finally, Rigo Racing’s Matthew Green carded a career-best fifth last time out at Red Bull Abestone. With all three inside the top-10 in the overall standings, it won’t be long until we see them regularly pushing for consistent podium results.

Mr Consistent Mario Roman

Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman has shown himself as a serious title contender this year. Sitting third overall in points, he’s only missed the podium once in four races. His highlight moment came with a victory at round one, but arguably round two was his most heroic performance despite it being his lowest score. Breaking a toe on the opening day of four, Roman bravely raced on to collect six valuable points in 10th.

Junior contenders

New for 2022 is the Junior category for riders under the age of 22. Providing an additional platform for emerging talent to showcase their speed, it’s already delivering results. South Africa’s Matthew Green has emerged as title favourite with three wins from three starts. Behind him and it’s tight between Rieju’s Mitchell Brightmore and AG Racing Team 89’s Suff Sella. Brit Brightmore holds a two-point lead over Israel’s Sella.

Spectacular Serbia

Serbia’s Xross Hard Enduro Rally proved an instant hit with both riders and Hard Enduro fans thanks to its incredible terrain. Amazing single track mountain trails greeted competitors throughout the four-day event. Offering a similar feel to the upcoming Red Bull Romaniacs, Serbia delivered true, raw mountainous Hard Enduro terrain with GPS style navigation.

Iron Giant awakened

We waited two years for Red Bull Erzbergrodeo to return, but it was worth it. Seeing the Iron Giant in full Hard Enduro mode brought a smile to everyone’s face. Up to 1,800 competitors took to the track during the four days of racing, culminating in an epic battle for supremacy that was played out live on Red Bull TV.

Billy on the injury bench

At the halfway point in the season Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt holds the championship lead. But it’s likely that this is where his title defence ends as he steps away from competition to get himself 100% healthy. Since before the season began, he’s been battling ongoing wrist and ankle injuries, which makes his performances even more incredible. Heal up Billy, we can’t wait to see you back (hopefully before the end of the year!) all guns blazing.\

Championship Standings (After round 4 of 8)

1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 62pts; 2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 60pts; 3. Mario Roman (Sherco) 58pts; 4. Alfredo Gomez (GASGAS) 47pts; 5. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 40pts; 6. Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 38pts; 7. Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM) 35pts; 8. Wade Young (Sherco) 33pts; 9. David Cyprian (KTM) 31pts; 10. Matthew Green (KTM) 27pts…

Junior Standings (After round 3 of 4)

1. Matthew Green (KTM) 60pts; 2. Mitchell Brightmore (Rieju) 49pts; 3. Suff Sella (KTM) 47pts; 4. Kasper Dudzic (GASGAS) 34pts; 5. Robert Crayston (KTM) 24pts…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nathan Watson claims first EnduroGP win of 2022 with victory on day one in Portugal

Making sure that he’ll forever remember the fourth round of the 2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Honda Racing RedMoto World Enduro team rider Nathan Watson topped the timesheets in style on day one of the EnduroGP of Portugal to secure his first class and outright win of the year. Doing everything right on his 450cc Honda, Nathan finished ahead of GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona with Daniel Milner (Fantic) continuing his recent run of strong form to claim third. 

As expected, it was Jane Daniels (Fantic) who topped the Magnorange FIM Women Enduro World Championship class, by a considerable margin. In the Enduro Junior category Zachary Pichon (Sherco) claimed his seventh consecutive day win of the season. 

• Nathan Watson Honda took the win on day one of the EnduroGP of Portugal (Coimbra)
• Aussie charger Wil Ruprecht (TM) crashed big on the day’s first Enduro Test 
• Brad Freeman (Beta) tops Enduro3 by 0.27 of a second!
• Jane Daniels (Fantic) claims the day’s largest winning margin to top the women’s class

Following hot on the heels of last weekend’s EnduroGP of Italy, the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship’s second visit of the year to Portugal certainly didn’t disappoint. Dry and stony but nowhere near as hot as the Italian event, the host towns Coimbra and Souselas served up some great special tests.

Watson wins big as Ruprecht crashes hard

While it was Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS) who started the Portuguese event in the best way possible by topping both the Friday night AKRAPOVIC Super Test and Saturday morning’s opening Just1 Enduro Test, it was Great Britain’s Nathan Watson who ultimately went the distance and ended the day at the top of the outright EnduroGP results.

With Verona just over 15 seconds behind Watson following a day-long battle for the win, the Italian GASGAS rider nevertheless took advantage of Wil Ruprecht’s monster crash on the opening Just1 Enduro Test and subsequent 13th place finish to move to the top of the EnduroGP championship standings.

Rounding out the EnduroGP podium was Australian Daniel Milner. Clearly loving life on his 250cc Fantic, despite not topping any of the day’s special tests, his consistent riding enabled him to finish as a worthy third-place finisher. Placing fourth overall, Steve Holcombe (Beta) put his troubled run through round three behind him to top the POLISPORT Extreme Test on lap one and eventually place fourth overall.

Fifth outright went to France’s Hugo Blanjoue (KTM) who, like Milner, carried the impressive form he showed in Italy over to the Portuguese event. Delivering a stand-out performance to finish a strong sixth on his Motoclub Lago D’Iseo Honda was Italian Samuele Bernardini. Just 0.58 of a second behind Bernardini was fellow Honda mounted Italian Thomas Oldrati in seventh while Matteo Cavallo (TM), Antoine Megan (Sherco), and Brad Freeman (Beta) rounded out the top 10 in EnduroGP.

Verona, Watson, and Freeman the riders to beat in E1, E2, and E3

Marching on in his quest to defend his Enduro1 World Championship title, Andrea Verona (GASGAS) took yet another E1 class win on day one in Portugal. Beaten on just one of the day’s nine special tests, Verona placed 25 seconds clear of runner-up Daniel Milner (Fantic). With Samuele Berdardini (Honda) rounding out the top three in E1 to claim his first trip to the podium of 2022, Thomas Oldrati (Honda) placed fourth with Matteo Cavallo (TM) fifth.

The Enduro2 class saw a British one-two with the day’s outright winner Nathan Watson (Honda) finishing comfortably ahead of Steve Holcombe (Beta), who’d missed the second day of racing at last weekend’s GP of Portugal due to his previously injured shoulder. With the GB countrymen out front, third went to Hugo Blanjoue (KTM) with Wil Ruprecht (TM) battling his way back from his early morning get-off to place fourth with Czech rider Krystof Kouble (Husqvarna) rounding out the top five.

Showing that every second is worth fighting for, Brad Freeman (Beta) again battled through another day of racing with his injured hand to importantly get the better of his closest challenger on the final special test of the day. In finishing six seconds up on Antoine Basset (Beta) in the final ACERBIS Cross Test, Brad topped the podium by 0.27 of a second. With Basset runner-up, third went to Matteo Pavoni (TM) with Mikael Person (Husqvarna) fourth following a spill on the final extreme test.

Pichon and Daniels flawless in Junior and Women classes

Picking up yet another day win in the Enduro Junior class, France’s Zachary Pichon (Sherco) topped the Friday night AKRAPOVIC Super Test in the Juniors, then went on to win the opening Just1 Enduro Test before taking six more special test wins and place close to 40 seconds ahead of Roni Kytonen (Honda). Kytonen in turn finished close to 14 seconds ahead of third-placed Luc Fargier (Beta).

Unbeaten on all but one special test (where she finished second!) Jane Daniels (Fantic) topped the Magnorange FIM Women Enduro World Championship class by a massive one minute and 12 seconds. Doing her best to try and stop Jane from stamping her mark on the class, Mireia Badia (Rieju) claimed a well-deserved second with Rosie Rowett (KTM) rounding out the podium in third.

Battling to the very end of the day to finally claim the Enduro Youth class win Harry Edmondson squeezed every last drop of power out of his 125cc Fantic to claim the win, finishing just 2.47 seconds ahead of team-mate Kevin Cristino with third going to Samuli Puhakainen (TM) in third.

Nathan Watson (Honda): “It’s been an amazing day. I finally had a good Super Test, so that set me up well for today. I made a good start to the day and just felt really good on my Honda. The times continued to come all day, and the extreme was a little easier, which helped me, so all-in-all things went really well. This is my first overall win since 2017, so it feels so, so good.”

Daniel Milner (Fantic): “It’s been a good day for me. The ground was really slick, with small stones and grit. I just did what I could and I’m so happy to have got onto the EnduroGP podium. I feel like I was able to get a lot closer to Verona today, so I’m stoked to be where I’m at.”

Jane Daniels (Fantic): “It certainly wasn’t an easy day for me today, the loose ground with the small rocks meant that you had to really stay focused all day. From the Super Test last night things have gone really well, and they stayed good all day. I did fall on the second enduro test, so I wasn’t able to win that one, but other than that it’s been a great day.”

Zachary Pichon (Sherco): “I’ve really enjoyed racing in Portugal today. And I’m really happy with the times I made in the special tests. I struggled a little last weekend in the extreme test, but today things went well. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Results: Round 4 – GP of Portugal

EnduroGP
DAY 1

1. Nathan Watson (Honda) 1:00:21.68; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:00:37.33; 3. Daniel Milner (Fantic) 1:01:02.96; 4. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:01:17.23; 5. Hugo Blanjoue (KTM) 1:01:43.68; 6. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 1:01:46.73; 7. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 1:01:47.31; 8. Matteo Cavallo (TM) 1:01:49.22; 9. Antoine Magain (Sherco) 1:01:53.62; 10. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:01:53.63…

Please click here for full results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Heads To Portugal For Round Four

Marking the mid-way point of the 2022 series, the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship continues at pace this weekend with round four taking competitors to Coimbra, Portugal. Following the action-packed racing in Italy at round three, competitors get straight back to business this weekend as TM Racing’s Wil Ruprecht looks to further extend his EnduroGP championship lead.

The GP of Portugal also sees the return of the Magnorange FIM Women Enduro World Championship where Fantic’s Jane Daniels is aiming to continue her run of unbeaten form in 2022.

• Portugal ready for round four of the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship
• Australia’s Wil Ruprecht (TM) arrives in Coimbra as EnduroGP points leader
• Sherco mounted Frenchman Zach Pichon starts as favourite in Enduro Junior
• The Magnorange FIM Women Enduro World Championship class returns

With little time to celebrate (or dwell on!) results earned at last weekend’s GP of Italy, it’s all systems go for the WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship as the series makes a return visit to Portugal for the fourth stop of the season. After an exciting Portuguese race in Peso da Régua back in May for round two, this time it’s the turn of host towns Coimbra and Souselas to play centre stage to the world’s best enduro riders.

Ruprecht looks to extend EnduroGP lead

Just days ago in Italy we were treated to a duel of epic proportions between TM Racing’s Wil Ruprecht and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia. Spaniard Garcia was on flying form, taking victory on Saturday, but it was Ruprecht who ruled the roost on Sunday. The pair were virtually neck-and-neck until a crash from Garcia gave Ruprecht an open door through which he raced to overall victory. As the series hits the mid-way point, Ruprecht will be looking to extend his six-point lead in the EnduroGP standings.

Although gritting his teeth and finishing the day, a 16th place result from Garcia ultimately put a serious dent in the Spaniard’s title hopes. Undergoing surgery on a broken thumb on Tuesday, Garcia will miss this weekend’s GP of Portugal. We hope to see the hard-charging KTM rider back racing soon.

Although unable to claim the home victory he’d hoped for, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona delivered a quiet-but-solid ride in Italy. The Italian is now second in the overall standings and only six points adrift of EnduroGP classmate Ruprecht. Expect Verona to go all out in Coimbra and bring the fight to Ruprecht.

Outside the top three, the battle for the places inside the top five is tight between Honda Racing Redmoto World Enduro teammates Thomas Oldrati and Nathan Watson. With one point separating them, Oldrati holds the upper hand over Watson, but it’s the Brit who looks to have the momentum. Earning his best result of the season to date in Italy, Watson claimed his first podium of 2022 and will be hunting down a place inside that EnduroGP top three in Portugal.

Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman holds down sixth overall in what’s proving to be a frustrating and injury-hit season for the defending EnduroGP champ. Fantic’s Daniel Milner and Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikael Persson sit seventh and eighth respectively, but naturally have their sights set on getting ahead of the struggling Freeman.

In Enduro1 there’s no change at the top of the standings with Verona holding a clear lead over Oldrati who’s comfortably ahead of third-placed Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing). Ruprecht has built an 11-point lead in Enduro2 over Garcia in second, with Watson sitting third. Arguably the most competitive it’s ever been, Enduro3 saw the GP of Italy end with Persson as the new championship leader. A double win has put the Swede out front, with Freeman seven points behind in second. Matteo Pavoni (TM Racing) is a further five points adrift in third.

Women Enduro is back in action in Portugal

Absent in Italy, the Magnorange FIM Women Enduro World Championship makes a welcome return to the paddock in Portugal. We’ve seen Fantic’s Jane Daniels dominate proceedings in Spain and Portugal and she will arrive in Portugal eager to remain unbeaten.

With four second-place results, Rieju’s Mireia Badia is second overall but must be growing tired of missing out on that victory. Expect her to take the fight to Daniels. Ready to capitalise on another home race, Portugal’s Rita Vieira (Yamaha) sits third in the standings.

Pichon unstoppable so far in Enduro Junior

Although a 2022 enduro rookie, Team Sherco CH Racing’s Zachary Pichon has made the Enduro Junior class his own. The Frenchman has claimed six wins from six starts and is looking hard pushed to be stopped. Behind him, it appears to be wide open with five points separating second, third, and fourth. Luc Fargier (Beta) has been super solid and sits second to Pichon. Fantic’s Jed Etchells is just one point behind in third, while Roni Kytonen (Honda) holds fourth.

Never dipping outside of the top two so far in 2022, Fantic’s Harry Edmondson leads the Enduro Youth standings after round three. Teammate Kevin Cristino is second, with TM Racing’s Samuli Puhakainen in third.

The WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship continues with round four in Coimbra-Souselas, Portugal on July 1-3.

Stay tuned to www.endurogp.com throughout the weekend for championship updates and live results, and to @enduro_gp on Instagram for event story content.

WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Standings (After round 3)

EnduroGP

1. Wil Ruprecht (TM Racing) 105pts; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 99pts; 3. Josep Garcia (KTM) 87pts; 4. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 68pts; 5. Nathan Watson (Honda) 67pts; 6. Brad Freeman (Beta) 38pts; 7. Daniel Milner (Fantic) 37pts; 8. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 31pts; 9. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 30pts; 10. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 30pts…

Enduro Junior

1. Zachary Pichon (Sherco) 120pts; 2. Luc Fargier (Beta) 87pts; 3. Jed Etchells (Fantic) 86pts; 4. Roni Kytonen (Honda) 82pts; 5. Max Ahlin (Beta) 60pts…

Enduro Youth

1. Harry Edmondson (Fantic) 108pts; 2. Kevin Cristino (Fantic) 87pts; 3. Samuli Puhakainen (TM Racing) 74pts; 4. Leo Joyon (Beta) 71pts; 5. Albert Fontova (KTM) 66pts…

Enduro Women

1. Jane Daniels (Fantic) 80pts; 2. Mireia Badia (Rieju) 68pts; 3. Rita Vieira (Yamaha) 58pts; 4. Rosie Rowett (KTM) 52pts; 5. Elodie Chaplot (Sherco) 42pts…

2022 WPTGlobal FIM EnduroGP World Championship Calendar

Round 1 – ACERBIS GP of Spain – Lalin – 6-8 May
Round 2 – GP of Portugal – Peso da Règua – Armamar – 13-15 May
Round 3 – GP of Italy – Carpineti – 24-26 June
Round 4 – GP of Portugal – Coimbra – Souselas – 1-3 July
Round 5 – GP of Slovakia – Gelnica – 29-31 July
Round 6 – GP of Hungary – Zalaegerszeg – 5-7 August
Round 7 – GP of Germany – Zschopau – 14-16 October

ISDE (INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS OF ENDURO)
COMPOSITION DES ÉQUIPES DE FRANCE

La Fédération Française de Motocyclisme a le plaisir de lever le voile sur les Équipes de France qui porteront nos couleurs lors de la prochaine édition des ISDE qui se déroulera en France, au Puy-en-Velay, du 29 août au 3 septembre 2022.

Composée de 10 pilotes répartis dans 3 catégories (Trophée, Junior et Féminine), la délégation Bleu-Blanc-Rouge sera confrontée à une trentaine de nations venant des 5 continents.

L’équipe Trophée aura pour objectif d’ajouter une dixième étoile à son palmarès et de détrôner l’Italie, victorieuse l’an passé.
Deuxième lors de la dernière édition en Italie, l’équipe Junior tentera le tout pour le tout afin de monter sur la première marche du podium. 
Nos françaises, quant à elles se battront pour monter sur le podium face notamment aux redoutables américaines.

Pour le retour en France de cette épreuve phare de l’enduro mondial, nos équipes pourront compter sur le public français qui les soutiendra tout au long de ces six jours de compétition.

La Fédération Française de Motocyclisme exprime son plein soutien aux équipes de France qui défendront nos couleurs. 
 
 

ÉQUIPES DE FRANCE ISDE

Équipe Trophée
Théophile Espinasse
Loic Larrieu
Hugo Blanjoue
Léo Le Queré

Équipe Junior
Zachary Pichon
Antoine Alix
Luc Fargier

Équipe Féminine
Elodie Chaplot
Marine Lemoine
Justine Martel