The many riders who entered prior to the closing date are included along with the list of accepted Trophy, Vase, Club and Women’s Club teams as below:

The deadline for the payment of the entry fee is scheduled for Wednesday 31 July, the same date isalso the deadline for the composition of the teams including the riders who are currently registered as individuals.

The Moto Club Camerino, chaired by Stefano Ronconi, is finalising preparations to welcome riders from all over the world including the host nation, in the best possible way, delighted at the idea of reliving the atmosphere that was present in the entire Marche region 50 years ago, when Camerino hosted the 1974 FIM International Six Days of Enduro.Ahead of the event in September, it is recommended that riders carefully read the event Supplementary Regulations.

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS HERE

More info at Moto Club: www.camerinomotoclub.com and Sportity Channel Password FIMEVT.

After another scorching day of racing at round five of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia secured a commanding win at the POLISPORT GP of Slovakia, extending his championship points lead in the process. Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman put in an impressive ride in Gelnica to take second, followed by day one winner GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona in third. Kyron Bacon (Yamaha) emerged victorious again on day two in the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship.

• Josep Garcia extends EnduroGP lead after day two win
• Kyron Bacon wins Enduro Junior
• Enduro Youth leader Manuel Verzeroli tops the timesheets on day two

Taking on the MAXXIS Enduro Test to start the day, it was Josep Garcia who came out swinging and set the tone for the day, going fastest by seven seconds over Brad Freeman. The Spaniard didn’t hold back, winning the first ACERBIS Cross Test too, building his lead from the off. 

Brad Freeman settled into a rhythm by the end of lap one, taking the win on the POLISPORT Extreme Test over JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Matteo Pavoni. However, it wasn’t enough to close the gap to Garcia, with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider already eight seconds ahead after the opening lap.

Lap two saw Garcia get another test win under his belt, but new contenders emerged soon after. Victory in the ACERBIS Cross Test went to Beta Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson, day one’s EnduroGP runner up.

Slowly getting into the swing of things, Andrea Verona put in a series of top-three times before topping the timesheets on the POLISPORT Extreme Test on lap two. The Italian proved that consistency is key, his impressive results moving him up to second overall ahead of Freeman after two laps.

The three-way battle between Garcia, Freeman and Verona intensified on the final lap of the day, with all three securing a convincing test win each. Ultimately, Garcia came out on top, no doubt fuelled by his below par day one result, finishing with an 18-second lead overall. Less than half a second separated Brad Freeman and Andrea Verona, with the Brit just edging out the Italian to take second place.

After a test win and multiple top-three test results, Nathan Watson steered his Beta to a fourth-place finish, with countryman Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe just two tenths of a second behind in fifth.

Not only topping the EnduroGP class, Josep Garcia also secured his sixth Enduro1 category win of the season, 30 seconds clear of second-placed Steve Holcombe. As on day one, Team Beta Oxmoto’s Theo Espinasse completed the E1 podium in third place.

Andrea Verona marked his eighth consecutive victory in the Enduro2 class, extending his lead to a remarkable 45 points ahead of Nathan Watson, who finished second on day two. 
Rounding out the top three was Sherco rider Wil Ruprecht who had another impressive day, clocking the third fastest time on the ACERBIS Cross Test on lap two.

Alongside his EnduroGP podium finish, Brad Freeman added another Enduro3 win to his collection with one and a half minutes to spare over second-placed CH Racing Sherco’s Hamish Macdonald. Despite struggling with an ongoing injury, the New Zealander has now clocked four runner-up E3 finishes in a row. TM Moto’s Matteo Cavallo completed the top three.

Kyron Bacon does the double in Enduro Junior

Securing six test wins on day two, it was Kyron Bacon (Yamaha) who topped the timesheets in the GALFER FIM Enduro Junior World Championship, taking his second victory of the weekend. Bacon battled with championship leader Team KTM Pro racing Sport’s Max Ahlin all day, but ultimately it was the Tasmanian who came out on top, with Ahlin finishing second.

Third place was awarded to Fantic Racing Team’s Kevin Cristino, followed by KBS Team’s Matej Skuta and Team Beta Oxmoto’s Leo Joyon, with just twelve seconds separating the three.

Manuel Verzeroli makes it two from two in Slovakia in Enduro Youth

Enduro Youth saw championship leader Manuel Verzeroli (KTM) extend his lead to an impressive 42 points with a win on day two at the POLISPORT GP of Slovakia. Hot on the Italian’s heels all day was Romain Dagna, who finished as runner-up, just eight seconds behind Verzeroli. An unfortunate injury for Alberto Elgari (TM Racing) ruled the Italian out of the battle early on.

Rounding out the top three was Fantic Racing Team’s Pietro Scardina, with Clement Clauzier (Beta) placing fourth. JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Luca Colorio completed the top five.

With just two rounds left to contest, the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship continues in three weeks’ time with the ForSiteServices GP of Wales in Rhayader on August 2-4.

Josep Garcia (KTM): “Today was great for me! After yesterday, the goal was to be back at the top, so from the very first test I changed my mentality and the way I rode the tests compared to Saturday, which made all the difference. It feels good to be back on the top step of the podium.”

Brad Freeman (Beta): “It’s been an up and down weekend for me with some really good test results, but a few too many mistakes too. I really tried my hardest today and I’m happy to be on the podium, but I know it will take that little bit extra if I want to top the EnduroGP class.”

Andrea Verona (GASGAS):“Today was pretty up and down as I started out too slow but then had a few good tests on laps two and three. It was super close today with Brad [Freeman] beating me by less than a second, but I’m happy to have won Enduro2 again. »

Kyron Bacon (Yamaha): “I’ve had a really good weekend! I started off strong this morning, made a few small mistakes but I have really enjoyed battling with Max [Ahlin] all weekend. I’m used to these conditions which I think played to my advantage, and it’s definitely a big confidence boost for me.”

Manuel Verzeroli (KTM): “I’m really happy to win again today because my lead in the Enduro Youth championship is even bigger now. The conditions here were hard but I really enjoyed them. I’m looking forward to the final two rounds of the season.”

Results: Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 5 – Day 2

EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:03:46.40; 2. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:04:04.91; 3. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:04:05.91; 4. Nathan Watson (Beta) 1:04:16.70; 5. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:04:16.95; 6. Wil Ruprecht (Sherco) 1:05:21.48; 7. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 1:05:23.19; 8. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 1:05:31.35; 9. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 1:05:53.46; 10. Theo Espinasse (Beta) 1:05:56.12…

Championship Standings (After round five)

EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 177pts; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 169pts; 3. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 154pts; 4. Brad Freeman (Beta) 113pts; 5. Nathan Watson (Beta) 110pts; 6. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 73pts; 7. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 73pts; 8. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 68pts; 9. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 60pts; 10. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 55pts…

In an exciting opening day of competition at round five of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona claimed his third victory of the season at the POLISPORT GP of Slovakia. Hot on the Italian’s heels was Beta Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson, with Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe in third. Tasmanian Kyron Bacon (Yamaha) secured a hard-fought win in the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship.

• Andrea Verona tops the timesheets in EnduroGP on Saturday
• Kyron Bacon claims first Enduro Junior win
• Manuel Verzeroli extends his Enduro Youth lead with day one victory

With Friday night’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test kicking off the action in Gelnica, where Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman emerged victorious, riders took to the start ramp on Saturday morning for a full day of racing at round five of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship.

Fired-up by his win on Friday evening, Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman took to the first test of the day, the MAXXIS Enduro Test, and set the fastest time by nearly two seconds. The ACERBIS Cross Test was where GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona made his intentions clear and topped the timesheets to take an early lead. 

The POLISPORT Extreme Test saw a new contender come into play. Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe set the fastest time to end lap one in third. Verona retained his early lead, with Brad Freeman close behind in second thanks to his test one win.

Lap two saw even more incredibly close racing, with Verona clocking another test win early on. Fuelled by his stellar runner-up performance in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test the night before, Beta Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson won the ACERBIS Cross Test, placing three seconds clear of teammate Freeman. 

Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Samuele Bernardini put his head down on the POLISPORT Extreme Test to set the fastest time by over a second ahead of Nathan Watson, who clocked another impressive result. However, Verona proved that consistency is key, and after two laps had extended his overall lead to 12 seconds.

A two-way battle ensued on lap three between Andrea Verona and Nathan Watson, with the pair taking it in turns to claim test wins. Verona put in his best time of the day, six seconds clear of Watson on the MAXXIS Enduro Test. JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Matteo Pavoni wowed on the final test of the day, setting the fastest time ahead of countryman Bernardini and Team Beta Oxmoto’s Theo Espinasse.

Unfortunately, hopes of securing maximum championship points today were distant for Josep Garcia, with the Spaniard finishing fourth overall after a series of time-consuming mistakes. Holding onto the championship lead by just three points after day one, he will be looking for redemption tomorrow. Brad Freeman completed the top five behind Garcia.

Finishing third in EnduroGP, Steve Holcombe comfortably topped the Enduro1 class with 11 seconds to spare ahead of second-placed Josep Garcia. Theo Espinasse rounded out the podium in third.

Mirroring the EnduroGP top two, Andrea Verona claimed his seventh consecutive Enduro2 victory of the season, with Nathan Watson in second. Securing his best result of the season so far, Wil Ruprecht (Sherco) managed the heat well to come home as third-fastest.

Brad Freeman extended his lead in Enduro3 with a commanding victory on day one. CH Racing Sherco’s Hamish MacDonald finished second, beating TM Moto’s Matteo Cavallo by 48 seconds.

Kyron Bacon fastest in Enduro Junior

In the GALFER FIM EnduroGP Junior Enduro World Championship, it was an intense two-way battle for first place. Ultimately, Kyron Bacon emerged victorious after a series of consistent top-two results throughout the day put the Tasmanian ahead by four seconds. Championship leader Team KTM Pro Racing Sport’s Max Ahlin held the lead all day until the final test where Bacon just edged out the Swede for the top spot. The victory marks a debut Enduro Junior category win for Bacon.

Rounding out the top three was Thibault Giraudon (Sherco), with KBS Team’s Matej Skuta in fourth. Team Beta Oxmoto’s Leo Joyon finished fifth on day one.

All to play for in Enduro Youth

The super-competitive Enduro Youth class provided plenty of excitement at the POLISPORT GP of Slovakia. Championship leader Manuel Verzeroli (KTM) extended his advantage further, enjoying his fourth win of the season after an impressive day. Romain Dagna (Sherco) put the pressure on Verzeroli all day, finishing just seven seconds behind the Italian on day one. 

Just a further six seconds down on Dagna was JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Luca Colorio, proving how competitive the Enduro Youth category is. Fourth place went to current championship runner-up Alberto Elgari (TM Racing), with Pietro Scardina (Fantic) in fifth.

Andrea Verona (GASGAS): “I’m really happy to have got my third overall win of the season here! I didn’t make any big mistakes all day and rode pretty well from the first test until the last test. It feels great to win by 17 seconds because the riders at the top level are so competitive, but I just felt really good on the bike and did my best.”

Nathan Watson (Beta): “My weekend started off great with the Super Test coming second, so that was a nice confidence boost. I started off a bit steady but after that I put in some good times all day and I really enjoyed the conditions, so I’m super happy to come away with this result.”

Steve Holcombe (Honda): “I had a good day, but honestly I was hoping for more. I knew from early on that some of the tests were suiting the bigger bikes a bit more, but I just got to work and I’m glad it paid off with the Enduro1 win. I’m looking forward to day two!”

Kyron Bacon (Yamaha): “I’m super pumped about getting my first win in Enduro Junior, I’ve been over a few times now so I feel like I’m finally getting used to the tests. The conditions suited me and the bike felt great so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Manuel Verzeroli (KTM): “Today was a long and difficult day but I’m super happy to win the Enduro Youth class for the fourth time this year! As always I’d like to thank my team and sponsors for making this possible.”

Results: Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 5 – Day 1

EnduroGP
1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:06:07.03; 2. Nathan Watson (Beta) 1:06:24.07; 3. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:06:29.44; 4. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:06:40.04; 5. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:06:52.78; 6. Wil Ruprecht (Sherco) 1:07:27.74; 7. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 1:07:47.15; 8. Theo Espinasse (Beta) 1:08:13.26; 9. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 1:08:16.67; 10. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 1:08:35.04…

Kicking off the action at round five of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, the AKRAPOVIC Super Test saw Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman take the win for the first time this season.

The POLISPORT GP of Slovakia is already proving to be action-packed, with Freeman topping the timesheets at the closely fought AKRAPOVIC Super Test in Gelnica and starting his weekend off on a high. Beta Factory Racing teammate Nathan Watson and CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon went head-to-head in front of the packed crowd to cross the finish line with the exact same time, just 0.26 seconds short of Freeman.

As the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship visits Slovakia for the third year in a row, the Friday evening AKRAPOVIC Super Test provided no shortage of entertainment for the stands full of eager fans.

The grass course, littered with manmade bridges, jumps and rock gardens, quickly developed a clear racing line as the classes went through, with the EnduroGP class taking to the track last. 

In what will certainly be a memorable moment this season, Enduro3 class leader Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman put down a time that no one could beat and denied the joint fastest-time holders of a historic win.

Stunning the entire crowd in Gelnica, Beta teammate Nathan Watson took on the AKRAPOVIC Super Test against CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon with the pair clocking the exact same time down to the millisecond to finish as joint runners-up.

The last two riders to take to the start were GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia. Favourites to contest the top spot, the pair both made a few small mistakes to finish fourth and fifth respectively.

In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, it was Czech youngster KBS Team’s Matej Skuta who clocked in fastest for the first time in 2024. Less than half a second behind was Fantic Racing Team’s Kevin Cristino, followed by Team Beta Oxmoto’s Leo Joyon in third.

Clearly suiting the AKRAPOVIC Super Test setup, Romain Dagna (Sherco) set the fastest time in the Enduro Youth class for the second time this season. JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Luca Coloria was hot on Dagna’s heels, just 0.18 seconds behind the Frenchman. Alex Puey completed the top three after an impressive lap.

Brad Freeman (Beta): “That was really good! It was only a small margin of victory but I’m really happy. It’s been a while! It’s going to be a hard weekend so I’m glad to get it started with a victory and a great feeling on the bike.”

Currently leading the GALFER Junior Enduro World Championship, Max Ahlin has his sights set on securing his first world title, having won three of the last four days of competition. Despite a difficult start to the season, Max has clearly settled in well with Team KTM Pro Racing Sport and has now found his rhythm, which he hopes to carry into the POLISPORT GP of Slovakia this weekend and beyond.

Max, you’re currently leading the Enduro Junior championship standings heading into round five after a brilliant season so far. Are you pleased to be on top at this crucial stage in the year?
Max Ahlin: “Definitely! It’s my first time ever leading the championship in all the years I’ve competed in EnduroGP, so it’s really exciting. The first two rounds were difficult, but the last two have been really good for me so I’m keen to keep working on that and building momentum.”

With three wins in the last four race days, did you expect to be so strong after a difficult start to the year in Portugal?
“Honestly, no. The competition is really strong this year, but I’m super happy that I could pull it off. I had a small shoulder injury in preseason which, combined with getting used to the new frame and bike from KTM, meant that I struggled to find a good rhythm in the first two rounds. We were still trying to find the right bike settings for me, and I was trying to gain more confidence in the suspension because I had lost nearly a month in preseason where I couldn’t ride or test the bike due to my injury.”

From the opening rounds in Portugal to now in Slovakia, have you changed the bike even more?
“Yes, but I feel a lot more confident in what I need to do for each race. My first race of the year was the first round of the world championship, which was difficult because the bike setup is so different to training, so I did struggle because of that. Now, I can play around with the settings a lot more and I know what works well. Also, I trust myself more now to try new things and see what difference it makes to the bike.”

In the Enduro Junior standings it’s a Swedish one-two currently with you and Axel Semb – you must be enjoying these battles with him?
“Yes, we are really good friends, especially since he has ridden a lot more enduro in the past two years. Riding the FIM 6DAYS® together was really cool too, and you become very close to your teammates. It’s fun to be battling it out for the win with him, and great for Sweden too!”

You seem to have taken a big step forward from 2023 – what has changed in your riding and confidence?
“It’s a combination of confidence and training differently. To get my first win of the season in Romania was amazing, it was a huge boost of confidence. I’ve also switched up my training over the winter and changed the bike. Just these few small things coming together though has made a huge difference.”

How is life in Italy with Team KTM Pro Racing Sport?
“It’s very different to Sweden, but they are taking really good care of me. If I need help with anything, they are there for me so it has made the transition to living in Italy a lot easier. In summer I’m based in Sweden, but over winter and for preseason I’ll be in Italy again. It’s hard to stay in Sweden in winter as you can imagine, and the places to ride in Italy are a lot better at that time so that’s why I split it like that.”

Between Swedish and Italian training, two opposite ends of the spectrum, do you feel covered for any sort of terrain?
“Pretty much. In Italy, you can actually find almost any sort of enduro terrain you’d like if you travel a bit which is great. Sweden is your typical forest-based enduro training which is very different to the Italian terrain.”

How are you finding the KTM 350 EXC-F?
“I really enjoy it! I was on the 350 last year and I did have some thoughts about moving down to the 250, but I’m happy I stuck with my decision because I’ve been able to continue working on my riding style and carry over all the progress I made last year.”

Enduro is a huge sport in Sweden and there have been many successful Swedish riders that have come before you. What would it mean to win the world championship for you?
“It would mean so much to me. Both Mikael Persson and Albin Elowson have been battling it out, as well as Albin Norrbin, of course, so it’s great to see so many Swedes competing at this top level of enduro. It would mean everything to join the list of Swedish enduro world champions and I’ll do all I can to achieve that.”

Both the POLISPORT GP of Slovakia and the ForSiteServices GP of Wales could work in your favour being quite forest-based. Are you looking forward to both?
“I’m really excited! I enjoyed racing in Slovakia last year and the goal for this weekend is of course to get the double win again. The tests look great so I can’t wait to get stuck in and hopefully they suit me quite well. I’ve seen some videos of the GP of Wales venue and it looks really similar to the terrain I train on at home, so I’m keen to race there.”

Round five of the 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship kicks off tonight in Gelnica with the AKRAPOVIC Super Test.

This event replaces the Weston Beach Race in Great Britain that was originally scheduled for 12-13 October.

Jean-François Wulveryck, Director of the FIM Cross Country Commission (CTT), said: “The FIM would like to particularly thank the French Motorcycling Federation (FFM), the local organiser Moto Club du Littoral and all stakeholders for their support in maintaining the six events as planned for 2024 in order to provide a fair championship for the riders, teams and manufacturers involved. The FIM would also like to thank the Auto-Cycle Union Ltd (ACU) for its collaboration and hopes to welcome Great Britain to the Sand Races calendar in the future.”

Updated calendar

• 02-04 February – Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais (FRA) – FFM
• 23-25 February – Enduro del Verano (ARG) – CAMOD
• 26-27 October – Ronde des Sables de Loon Plage (FRA) – FFM
• 01-03 November – Bibione Sand Storm (ITA) – FMI
• 22-24 November – Monte Gordo Sand Race (POR) – FMP
• 30 November-01 December – Ronde des Sables Hossegor-Capbreton (FRA) – FFM

Strategic meeting discusses evolution of the FIM Sand Races World Cups

A strategic meeting to discuss the evolution of the FIM Sand Races World Cups was held recently at the FIM Headquarters in Mies, Switzerland, attended in person and via Zoom by interested parties including organisers of the 2024 series and representatives from Spain and Lithuania, countries that have expressed an interest in potentially hosting future events.

The FIM was represented by FIM Sports Director Jean-Paul Gombeaud, FIM Cross Country Commission (CTT) Director Jean-François Wulveryck, CTT Coordinator Arnaud Crépin, FIM Sand Race Jury President Larbi Rida-Sbaï and representatives from the FIM Marketing and Communications departments.

The positive and friendly atmosphereresulted in a very constructive meeting that covered the ongoing 2024 season along with discussions regarding improvements and preparations for the series’ next steps.

The first subject for discussion was the origins of the FIM Sand Race project and goals and the roadmap for the development of the sport that was followed by a review of the 2023 season and a mid-season review of this year’s expanded series.

Also under discussion was the harmonisation of the sport and the discipline that covered Sporting and Technical rules along with matters including age limits, FIM licences and track standards.

The meeting then discussed the proposed 2025 FIM titles and next year’s draft calendar along with communication on the series, including team manager and rider briefings, communication with organisers, the Sportity App and online registration.

Also under discussion was the new brand identity and new logo before the meeting closed with a conversation on communication, media and social media.

An ongoing commitment was also made regarding organising more Zoom meetings in the near future, so these discussions can be continued.

The attendees at the recent meeting included:
– Enduropale du Touquet (FRA):David Hauquier/Denis Guerin
– Enduro del Verano (ARG): Josi Zen
– Bibione Sand (ITA): Massimo Zamparo/Maria Giulia Padovani/Claudio Martin
– Monte Gordo Sand Experience (POR): Orlando Romana/Marcio Santos (Zoom)
– Ronde des Sables Hossegor-Capbreton (FRA): Cédric Boizieau
– Beach of Valdelagrana (ESP): Alberto Gomez
– Auto Moto Parkas (LTU): Lukas Perminas (Zoom)
– LMSF (LTU): Rusne Jankunaite, Lithuanian Motorcycling Federation Secretary General (Zoom)
– Honda France: Bruno Stocknicki (Zoom)
– Honda Wonderbike: Steeve Coquet (Zoom)
– Team Chapelière: Eric Chapelière/Camille Chapelière (Zoom)
– DRAG’ON: Frank Violet
– Yamaha Europe: Alexandre Kowalski
– Michael Jacobi: French Rider

– Benoit Sebert: Co Promoter French Sand Race Championship

ABOUT FIM SAND RACING WORLD CUP
Launched in 2023 the FIM Sand Racing World Cup is a new off-road championship that embraces and recognises the large and established global Sand Racing community. Using courses that consist of ninety percent sand, these are either located on fantastic beaches or closed circuits and feature the challenges of twists, turns, jumps and general undulation. This official FIM competition welcomes enduro and off-road motorcycles within the various classes for motorcycles, quads, vintage machines and in the future will also be open to SSV.

For its ninety-ninth edition the annual contest to determine the world’s leading Enduro nations will return to Italy for the twelfth time. After making its debut in 1913, the 6DAYS® was hosted by Italy for the first time in 1931 in Merano and most recently in Lombardy in 2021. The 2025 event will be the third time the historic Bergamo Moto Club has organised the competition following editions at San Pellegrino in 1968 and 1986.
 
The biggest event on the global Enduro calendar, six-hundred professional and amateur riders from upwards of thirty nations spread across six continents are expected to contest the 2025 6DAYS® with the major prizes up for grabs in the World Trophy, Women’s World Trophy and Junior World Trophy categories.Moto Club Bergamo President Giuliano Piccinini said: “The Bergamo Moto Club is proud and above all honoured to have been selected by the FIM to organise the 2025 FIM ISDE. It will certainly be a demanding undertaking in all respects, but it will be done with passion and I would like to thank FIM President Jorge Viegas and FMI President Giovanni Copioli for giving us this opportunity.”

FMI President Giovanni Copioli stated: “Four years after the fantastic Italian Trophy and Junior Trophy win in Rivanazzano Terme, the FIM ISDE will be back in Italy in 2025 in Bergamo, where Enduro is one of the most loved and followed sports. Here, as in many other areas of our country, we can feel the passion and culture of motorcycling. I want to thank the FIM for the trust shown in the Italian Motorcycle Federation and in the Bergamo Moto Club which, I am sure, will organise an event that lives up to expectations.”

FIM President Jorge Viegas commented: “Italy has enjoyed such a long association with the sport that can be traced back to the very early days of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro. I am confident that this rich history along with the passion Italy as a nation so obviously holds for Enduro will result in a very successful, professionally-run event and I am very much looking forward to it.”

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-moto.com) 
The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 121 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 
Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country, Speedway and E-Bikes. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

It was a day of celebration in Italy, with GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona claiming a home victory on day two at round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship. In wet and wild weather, the Italian narrowly beat Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe by half a second to secure the top step of the POLISPORT GP of Italy podium.

• Verona delights home crowd with EnduroGP victory
• Morettini takes victory in Enduro Junior
• Conditions were wet and muddy on day two in Bettola

After the scorching heat on day one at round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Bettola, Italy, day two was a contrasting mud bath. Heavy overnight rain ensured the dust of day one would be a distant memory as riders battled slippery special tests, littered with lots of mud holes. 

With organisers opting to reverse the POLISPORT Extreme Test, riders faced an untimed run on lap one, before taking on the MAXXIS Enduro Test, which would prove a crucial one for riders to get right throughout the day due to its testing conditions.

Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe executed it perfectly on lap one. Setting the quickest time, he held an early four-second advantage over GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona, with Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman third. There was trouble for day one winner Josep Garcia when the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider crashed in the trees and cost himself almost 50 seconds.

Quickly shaking it off, Garcia topped the ACERBIS Cross Test to begin his charge back to the front as Verona overhauled Holcombe to end lap one of three as the race leader. Fastest on the following POLISPORT Extreme Test and MAXXIS Enduro Test, before finishing second to Garcia on the ACERBIS Cross Test, Verona ended lap two 18 seconds clear of Holcombe in second.

Garcia had made an incredible recovery and was up to third with one lap remaining. Freeman held fourth, while CH Racing Sherco’s Antoine Magain was holding fifth. But with the rain returning hard for lap three, positions were about to change once more.

Holcombe won the final POLISPORT Extreme Test and then the MAXXIS Enduro Test. Also capitalising on a crash from Verona, he took over the race lead with just the final ACERBIS Cross Test remaining. Could the Brit deny his Italian rival a home victory?

With it all to play for, Verona left it all on the line for his Italian fans. By the narrowest of margins, he fought back past Holcombe to secure the top step of the podium by an astonishing 46 hundredths of a second. For Holcombe it was a case of so close, but so far. Naturally disappointed, he had to settle for the runner-up result. Arguably one of the best recovery rides of the day went to Garcia in third.

For Belgium’s Magain it was a day to savour, with the Sherco rider securing one of his best results in a long time with fourth. Magain headed a Sherco freight train, with Zach Pichon and Hamish MacDonald also taking fifth and sixth respectively.

Badia makes it a double Enduro Women win in Italy

In the Enduro Women’s class, it was RIEJU Factory Racing’s Mireia Badia who mastered the mud to secure her second victory of the weekend in Bettola. The Spaniard was supreme as she made short work of the rutted MAXXIS Enduro Test and slippery ACERBIS Cross Test. Claiming a 56-second margin of victory, she was pleased with her efforts today.

Adding to the celebrations in the RIEJU camp, teammate Rosie Rowett took second. The Brit fended off a big challenge by Beta’s Elodie Chaplot to beat her rival by just three seconds. Justine Martel (Beta) and Emelie Borg (Sherco) rounded out the top five.

In Enduro1, Holcombe was rewarded with the win. The Honda rider took the top step of the podium ahead of Garcia in second, with Pichon in third.

Verona added the Enduro2 class victory to his win tally on day two in Bettola. With Jet Zanardo Husqvarna’s Matteo Pavoni in second and Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Samuele Bernardini in third, it was an all-Italian Enduro2 podium.

The Enduro3 podium saw Sherco lockdown the top two positions. With a win for Magain, MacDonald followed him home for second. Freeman took third.

Home win for Morettini in Enduro Junior

The GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship saw Manolo Morettini (Honda) come through to win in Bettola. The young Italian was riding well in the slippery conditions and opened up an early lead. At the end of lap two, he held a 12-second advantage over Team KTM Pro Racing Sport’s Max Ahlin. Keeping his cool, he remained strong to secure his first victory of the season.

Despite a crash on the penultimate test, Ahlin ended his day in second. Australia’s Kyron Bacon (Yamaha) delivered in the tough conditions to finish third. Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) and Enrico Rinaldi (GASGAS) completed the top five.

The Enduro Youth class saw Jet Zanardo Husqvarna’s Luca Colorio come through to secure his debut victory. The young Italian had come within eight hundredths of a second from winning on day one, but today was his day. An exceptional ride saw him take a memorable win. Team KTM Pro Racing Sport’s Manuel Verzeroli was second, with TM MOTO’s Alberto Elgari third to complete an Italian clean sweep in Enduro Youth.

The Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship now heads to Gelnica in Slovakia for the POLISPORT GP of Slovakia on July 12-14.

Andrea Verona (GASGAS): “It feels amazing to win today at home. I was fighting all day long with Steve. I gapped him a little until I crashed in the last Enduro Test and I lost everything. On the final test I went full gas and managed to take the time back and win by half a second.”

Steve Holcombe (Honda): “It never feels good to lose the race on the last test, but I rode good today. Andrea just pipped me in the final test by half a second. Conditions today were wet and wild, so I’m pleased to have been strong in the mud.”

Josep Garcia (KTM): “It was a tough day for me. I crashed in the Enduro Test and got stuck in the trees. I lost nearly 50 seconds. So from that point I was only thinking to recover. Coming back to third in EnduroGP is a like a win for me today for sure!”

Mireia Badia (RIEJU): “It’s been a fantastic weekend for me. Winning both days is incredible. Day one was hot and dusty and now today was wet and muddy. It’s nice to be strong like this and take maximum points in the championship. I’m happy!”

Results: Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round four – Day two
EnduroGP
1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 42:11.34; 2. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 42:11.80; 3. Josep Garcia (KTM) 42:33.81; 4. Antoine Magain (Sherco) 43:05.60; 5. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 43:11.91; 6. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 43:12.43; 7. Matteo Pavoni (Husqvarna) 43:16.64; 8. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 43:18.05; 9. Theo Espinasse (Beta) 43:21.43; 10. Brad Freeman (Beta) 43:32.72…

Championship Standings (After round four)
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 144pts; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 134pts; 3. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 128pts; 4. Brad Freeman (Beta) 85pts; 5. Nathan Watson (Beta) 80pts; 6. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 63pts; 7. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 59pts; 8. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 55pts; 9. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 50pts; 10. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 46pts…

The opening day of racing at round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia charge to victory in the POLISPORT GP of Italy. The Spaniard headed Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman in second, with GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona third in Bettola. Team KTM Pro Racing Sport’s Max Ahlin secured a commanding win in the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship.

• EnduroGP victory for Josep Garcia on day one in Italy
• Max Ahlin fastest in Enduro Junior
• Hard fought win for Mireia Badia in Enduro Women

After the excitement of Friday’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test, won by CH Racing Sherco’s Hamish MacDonald, riders rolled out early Saturday morning for the first full day of racing at round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Italy.

Greeted first with the super challenging POLISPORT Extreme Test, it was GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona who set the fastest time, much to the delight of his passionate home crowd. On to the MAXXIS Enduro Test, and this time it was Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman who topped the time sheets. But with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia right behind in second, it was the Spaniard who moved into the overall race lead.

Completing lap one with the fastest time in the ACERBIS Cross Test, Garcia stretched his advantage out to 15 seconds over Verona, with Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe just six hundredths of a second adrift in third. With Freeman a further three seconds back in fourth, the racing was incredibly close.

On lap two, Freeman was impressive. Winning both the POLISPORT Extreme Test and MAXXIS Enduro Test, he moved up to second and was now just seven seconds behind Garcia. At maximum attack, Garcia won the ACERBIS Cross Test and extended his lead back out to 10 seconds as they headed out for lap three.

A magical third lap from the Spaniard saw him win all three special tests, and with the final set of tests remaining, he was 22 seconds clear of his rivals. Despite renewed attacks from Freeman and Verona on the final lap, Garcia kept his cool. Managing his advantage, he cleared the 13th and final special test as the day one winner at the POLISPORT GP of Italy.

For Freeman, day one in Bettola marked the best day of his season so far. The Brit proved incredibly strong all day. Capping his ride off with two more test wins on the final lap for second overall, he’ll look to challenge for the win again tomorrow.

Unfortunately, hopes of a home win didn’t materialise on day one for Verona. The Italian enjoyed a strong ride, but was ultimately hampered by his crash in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test and never fully recovered. Third today, he has one more shot tomorrow to claim the top step of the podium in Italy.

Always in the mix, but not quite in the hunt for victory, Holcombe rode a solid-but-steady day for fourth overall. The Brit will hope to find a little bit extra overnight to properly weigh into the battle for the podium. Behind Holcombe, Nathan Watson (Beta) completed the top five.

Badia and Gutish go head-to-head in Enduro Women

The Enduro Women saw a closely fought battle for victory between RIEJU Factory Racing’s Mireia Badia and Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish. Gutish had the early advantage on Badia having won the AKRAPOVIC Super Test, but Badia kept the pressure on.

A costly mistake from Gutish on the final POLISPORT Extreme Test saw positions change, putting Badia into the lead. Managing her advantage, Badia hung on to claim victory over Gutish.

In the race for the final step of the podium, France’s Elodie Chaplot (Beta) held off Britain’s Rosie Rowett (RIEJU) by 15 seconds to secure her first top three of the year.

With Garcia racing to the EnduroGP win, he also comfortably topped Enduro1. Holcombe followed him home for second, with CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon beating TM MOTO’s Lorenzo Macoritto by eight seconds for third.

In Enduro2, it was Verona who secured the top step of the podium in Bettola, with Watson in second. Fantic Racing Team’s Jed Etchells made it a day to remember, with the reigning Enduro Junior champ securing his first senior class podium with third.

Freeman was untouchable in Enduro3. The Brit raced to a very commanding one minute and 19 second victory over MacDonald. TM MOTO’s Matteo Cavallo completed the top three, securing a podium result in his home race.

No stopping Ahlin in Enduro Junior

In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, Team KTM Pro Racing Sport’s Max Ahlin delivered a dominant performance. The young Swede was on a charge all day long. Clearly enjoying each of the special tests, he raced clear to a commanding one minute and 46 second margin of victory.

Behind him, and placings were much closer. France’s Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) held off Fantic Racing’s Team’s Axel Semb by 12 seconds to finish as runner-up. Manolo Morettini (Honda) finished fourth on day one, with Leo Joyon (Beta) rounding out the top five.

Super tight battle in Enduro Youth

Enduro Youth saw Manuel Verzeroli claim the only Italian victory on day one at the POLISPORT GP of Italy. By the narrowest of margins, the Team KTM Pro Racing Sport rider edged out JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Luca Colorio by just eight hundredths of a second to take the win. Losing out to Verzeroli on the final ACERBIS Cross Test, Colorio will have to wait until tomorrow to try for his first Enduro Youth victory.

Denying Italy a clean sweep of the Enduro Youth podium, France’s Romain Dagna (Sherco) finished in third. Thirteen seconds behind him, Italy’s Pietro Scardina (Fantic) took fourth, with Maxime Clauzier (Beta) fifth.

Josep Garcia (KTM): “It’s been a great day, but very hard. The Extreme Test was super tough and easy to make a mistake on. I love racing here in Italy, the fans are so passionate and it always seems extra special to win here.”

Brad Freeman (Beta):“I’m happy with this result, but know there is still more to come because I made a few too many mistakes. I’ll look to iron them out for tomorrow and be stronger than today.” 

Andrea Verona (GASGAS):“It’s been a crazy feeling all day on the tests with my home crowd cheering me on like this. I did make too many mistakes, so I’ll try again tomorrow and improve. The speed is good, the crowd is amazing, so I will go full gas!”

Max Ahlin (KTM): “It was really good today. No problems and just feeling good on the bike. I really hope I can do the same again tomorrow.”

Manuel Verzeroli (KTM): “I’m very happy with my result today. It was amazing out there, so it is fantastic to win at my home race. For sure, tomorrow I go full gas again!”

Results: Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 3 – Day1
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:12:21.62; 2. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:12:31.89; 3. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:12:48.38; 4. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:13:06.50; 5. Nathan Watson (Beta) 1:13:36.55; 6. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 1:13:51.00; 7. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 1:14:20.07; 8. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 1:14:37.04; 9. Antoine Magain (Sherco) 1:14:40.16; 10. Lorenzo Macoritto (TM Racing) 1:14:45.76…

2024 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship © Sport Up Agency

The 2025 season will consist of seven rounds in six countries and will begin on 14 December, 2024 in Gliwice (Poland).

The next two events in January will take the competitors to Riesa (Germany) and Cluj-Napoca (Romania).

On 1 February , the SuperEnduro riders will travel to Łódź (Poland) and then just a week later, the spotlight will be on Budapest (Hungary).

After a three-week break, the competitors will meet again on 1 March in Newcastle (United Kingdom), hometown of current FIM SuperEnduro World Champion Billy Bolt.

The final round of the 2025 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship will take place one week later, on 8 March, in Liévin (France).

Tomek Gagat, CEO of Sport UP Agency said: “We are all fired up and cannot wait to take SuperEnduro fans for a ride with us on this exciting journey. Sport UP Agency brings a new energy and bottomless passion that will fuel the development of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship series. Join us on our ride, it will be electrifying.”

John Collins, FIM Enduro Director added: “Next year will mark an exciting and fresh chapter for the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, the 2025 calendar reinforces the strength of the series, which is sure to grow under the leadership of our new promoter Sport UP Agency. 2025 will be an intense schedule and should deliver a campaign packed with great action and entertainment for the fans.”

2025 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship calendar

• 14 December 2024 – Gliwice / PreZero – Arena – Poland – PZM   
• 4 January  – Riesa / WT Energiesysteme Arena – Germany  – DMSB 
• 18 January  – Cluj-Napoca / BTArena  – Romania – FRM
• 1 February  – Lodz / Atlas Arena – Poland  – PZM
• 8 February  – Budapest / MVM Dome  – Hungary – MAMS
• 1 March – Newcastle / Utilita Arena – Great Britain  – ACU
• 8 March  – Liévin / Arena Stade Couvert – France – FFM

2024 FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy
Registrations are open!

Registration is now open for the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy (EVT), which will be held in Camerino, Italy from 4 to 7 September, exactly 50 years after the 6DAYS®️ took place in the same town in the Marche region of the province of Macerata. 

Riders who wish to participate in the 2024 edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy must complete the registration form which can be found both in Italian and English on the website of the Moto Club Camerino, the organiser of the race.

Entrants have until 6 July to registerfor this competitive event, which will satisfy the passion of Italian and foreign vintage off-road motorcycle riders alike, with the entry limited to 400 riders.

At the time of registration, the fee of 100 euros must be paid, a quarter of the total amount of 400 euros, which will not be refunded if the entrant fails to pay the full sum.

REGISTER HERE

The registration form, to be completed in its entirety and to be fully legible, must then be sent via email to: evt2024camerino@gmail.com before the closing date.

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS HERE

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-moto.com) The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 121 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

The Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship witnessed an epic weekend of racing at the GP of Romania for round three. Across all classes, the racing was tight in Bacau. Here are some hot topics everyone was talking about post-race…

A welcome return to Romania
Eleven years since the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship last visited Romania, it was exciting to be back there for round three. Offering a superb mix of terrain and great hosting, the GP of Romania was a welcome addition to the calendar. Riders enjoyed the challenge of the traditional forest-based MAXXIS Enduro Test and the wide-open, full-gas ACERBIS Cross Test. 

Matteo Cavallo – A surprise winner
The AKRAPOVIC Super Test delivered a new winner in 2024. After Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia won both times out in Portugal, this time we saw TM MOTO’s Matteo Cavallo take the top spot. The Italian was millimetre-perfect and clocked in a time that not even Garcia could better. With his win, Cavallo moved up to third in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test standings behind Garcia and GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona.

Fantic Factory Racing
Take a walk through the paddock and it’s clear to see that Fantic Factory Racing have a strong presence. With riders in almost all classes, they are really pushing hard to reach the top of EnduroGP. However, it’s in the Enduro Junior and Enduro Youth categories where they often excel the most. As a manufacturer that provides a platform for young talent to showcase their skills on the world stage, it’s great to see their investments pay off. They currently lead the Enduro Junior category with Axel Semb. His teammate, and 2023 Enduro Youth champion, Kevin Cristino is third in points. Meanwhile, their academy rider Pietro Scardina carded his best result of the year in Enduro Youth in Romania with second.

The rise of Brad Freeman
Day two of the GP of Romania saw Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman return to the podium. The nine-time world champion has endured a rough start to the season. From a hand injury to illness, the odds have been stacked against the Brit. In Romania, we began to see the best of him again. Although he lies 32 points behind the top three in the EnduroGP standings, an on-form Freeman is sure to play an exciting factor in the remainder of this championship fight.

Open Series
The Enduro Open riders were out in force in Romania, with a mixture of regular riders and new faces. Belgium’s Tim Louis (Sherco) maintained his lead in the Enduro Opens 2S class, but Czech Republic’s Jiri Hadek (Sherco) broke Louis’ win streak by claiming victory on Sunday.

Gold plate changes hands
Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe arrived at the GP of Romania with the EnduroGP gold plate. But throughout the course of the weekend it changed hands. Now it’s the turn of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia to run the leader’s plate at round four in Italy. Despite a strong ride from Holcombe in Bacau, he slipped from first to third in the overall standings. With GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona up to second and entering his home round next time out, we could see the gold plate change hands once again!

Every split-second counts
At every round of the season so far, we are being treated to incredible battles for victory in the EnduroGP. Consistently, special tests are being won by tenths of a second. On Sunday’s second POLISPORT Extreme Test the top three riders were separated by just five tenths of a second. With the intensity so high, it seems that those who can best manage their mistakes are the ones who have the best chance of reaching the podium. 

The Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship continues with round four’s POLISPORT GP of Italy on June 21-23.

The second day of racing at round three of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia claim victory. Securing a strong win in the EnduroGP class, the Spaniard now takes over the points lead and leader’s gold plate.

GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona fought hard to finish as runner-up, while Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman enjoyed his first overall podium result of the season with third. The GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship saw Sweden’s Max Ahlin (KTM) secure his second victory of the weekend at the GP of Romania in Bacau.

• Josep Garcia claims victory on day two at GP of Romania
• Max Ahlin tops Enduro Junior for the second day running
• Alberto Elgari secures a double win in Enduro Youth

The GP of Romania delivered another exciting day of racing for day two at round three of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Bacau. With four laps and 12 special tests to complete, riders were again pushed to their maximum.

Garcia enjoys winning ride in EnduroGP

Finishing day one as runner-up, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia was keen to make amends today. Hot out of the traps, the Spaniard won the opening ACERBIS Cross Test by two seconds over Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman to establish an early lead. In the following POLISPORT Extreme Test, Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe topped the time sheets by seventh tenths of a second over Garcia. Freeman was also looking good in third.

Closing out lap one by winning the MAXXIS Enduro Test, Garcia was in control of the race lead. But the times were still incredibly tight, and his advantage was only two seconds over Holcombe.

Banking two more test wins on lap two, Garcia extended his lead out to a comfortable 12 seconds. Day one winner GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona was beginning to find his pace and had now overtaken Holcombe for second. But with Garcia edging clear, the Italian had some work to do.

Winning both the third ACERBIS Cross Test and POLISPORT Extreme Test, Verona had reduced that gap to eight seconds. With the Italian gaining ground, Garcia needed to fight back. True to form, Garcia won the penultimate MAXXIS Enduro Test in style and began the fourth and final lap with a 17-second lead.

Despite some late last lap attacks by his rivals, Garcia remained firmly fixed at the front. Signing his day off by winning the final MAXXIS Enduro Test, he won the day by 22 seconds over Verona in second.

Returning to form, Freeman put together a solid day to hold on to third overall. The Beta rider will be happy with his performance having so far battled injury and illness in Portugal. Just three seconds behind Freeman, Nathan Watson (Beta) placed fourth.

After a strong opening lap, Holcombe slipped back to fifth. As a result, he lost control of the EnduroGP points lead. Both Garcia and Verona overhauled the Brit to move into first and second overall respectively. Garcia will now carry the leader’s gold plate into round four’s POLISPORT GP of Italy next month.

Adding to his day, Garcia duly won the Enduro1 class. Holcombe was second. CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon was just three seconds behind in a very impressive third.

Although missing out on the EnduroGP victory, Verona still won Enduro2. Watson was once again second. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) completed the top three.

Brad Freeman made it two Enduro3 wins from two starts in Romania. The result sees him become the new points leader in class. TM MOTO’s Matteo Cavallo ended his day in second, with JET ZANARDO Husqvarna’s Morgan Lesiardo third.

Battle of the Swedes in Enduro Junior

In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, the GP of Romania proved a weekend to remember for Max Ahlin (KTM), with the Swede claiming his second victory of the weekend. His confidence high following his victory on day one, Ahlin was hungry for more success.

However, Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb also had winning intentions of his own. Semb came out strong and won the opening ACERBIS Cross Test. Ahlin answered back with a win on the MAXXIS Enduro Test, and at the end of lap one, he was nine seconds to the good over Semb.

During laps two and three, the pair were evenly matched. Ahlin remained out front, but only by six seconds. On lap four, Ahlin found another turn of speed to silence Semb. Winning all three remaining tests, he took victory by 13 seconds over Semb, his fellow countryman.

Kevin Cristino (Fantic) finished behind them in third, albeit 52 seconds adrift. KBS Team’s Matej Skuta enjoyed a great day for fourth, with Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) completing the top five.

The Enduro Youth category saw TM MOTO’s Alberto Elgari ride clear for his second victory of the weekend. The Italian was untouchable, winning by 57 seconds. Pietro Scardina (Fantic) secured his first podium result of the year with second, while Alex Puey (Beta) completed the top three.

The Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship continues with round four, the POLISPORT GP of Italy, on June 21-23.

Josep Garcia (KTM): “I’m super happy to win today. It’s put a smile on my face for sure. I only had one crash, but we are all on the limit so that’s kind of normal. With this win I am also leading the championship, so I will fight to keep that.”

Andrea Verona (GASGAS):“It’s been a solid day, but for sure not as good as yesterday. I started out a bit slow on lap one, but then got into a nice rhythm after that. A mistake on the Enduro Test on lap three made me lose the gap to Josep. But I’ve moved up to second overall in the championship, so that’s great too. »

Brad Freeman (Beta):“I’m happy to get my first EnduroGP podium of the season. The pace of the front two guys was pretty strong, but slowly I’m getting back up there. I’m still struggling a little, but definitely happy to get this result, and also another win in Enduro3. »

Max Ahlin (KTM): “I’m thrilled to get two wins in Enduro Junior this weekend. Axel is strong and my goal was to keep the fight with him today. I managed to do just that and won. It’s been a great weekend in Romania.”

Results: FIM EnduroGP World Championship – Round 3, Day 2
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:11:15.02; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:11:37.61; 3. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:12:15.85; 4. Nathan Watson (Beta) 1:12:19.03; 5. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:12:32.59; 6. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 1:12:36.19; 7. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 1:13:03.72; 8. Matteo Cavallo (TM MOTO) 1:13:12.15; 9. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 1:13:23.87; 10. Morgan Lesiardo (Husqvarna) 1:13:24.69…

Championship Standings (After round 3)
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 109pts; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 99pts; 3. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 98pts; 4. Nathan Watson (Beta) 64pts; 5. Brad Freeman (Beta) 62pts; 6. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 55pts; 7. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 48pts; 8. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 44pts; 9. Matteo Cavallo (TM MOTO) 37pts; 10. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 30pts…

The opening day of racing at round three of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Romania saw GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona claim the win. Fighting hard all day, Verona held firm to secure his first EnduroGP class victory of the season. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia took second, with Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe third.

There was also a season-first victory in the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship with Max Ahlin (KTM) taking the win on day one in Bacau.

• Super tight racing on day one at GP of Romania
• Andrea Verona tops EnduroGP
• Max Ahlin claims Enduro Junior win

After the excitement of Friday’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test, which saw TM MOTO’s Matteo Cavallo take the win, riders rolled out early Saturday morning for day one at round three of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship. Clear, sunny skies would ensure conditions would be at their best for the day.

The opening ACERBIS Cross Test saw Beta Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson put in an incredible time to go fastest by three seconds. However, a major error on the following POLISPORT Extreme Test ultimately put him out of the hunt for a podium. Winning the test, Andrea Verona put his GASGAS into the lead by two seconds over Josep Garcia, with Steve Holcombe third. Moving on to the MAXXIS Enduro Test to close out the opening lap, Garcia went fastest by six seconds to take over the race lead as they headed out on lap two.

With Verona, Watson and Garcia separated by just six tenths of a second on the second ACERBIS Cross Test, the franticly fast pace continued in Bacau. Sweeping lap two by adding the POLISPORT Extreme Test and MAXXIS Enduro Test wins to his tally, Verona put his GASGAS back into the lead as they began lap three. However, it was only by four tenths of a second over Garcia, and six tests still remained.

A mistake from Verona allowed Garcia to lead by five seconds after the third ACERBIS Cross Test. But Verona kept fighting back. Entering the fourth and final lap, the duo were separated by just two seconds, and were now over 30 seconds clear of Holcombe in third.

With the pressure rising, Garcia cracked on the final POLISPORT Extreme Test. Losing seven seconds to Verona, it would now be a tall ask for the Spaniard to recover with just the MAXXIS Enduro Test remaining. But Verona didn’t give Garcia any opportunity, and signing off the day with the fastest time, he took the win by 13 seconds over Garcia.

Unable to bridge the gap to the leading duo, Holcombe had to settle for a lonely third. He will look to find some improvement for Sunday. Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman finished fourth, with Fast Eddy Racing’s Jamie McCanney 10 seconds back in fifth.

While a chance of the EnduroGP win slipped from his grasp, Garcia topped Enduro1. Holcombe followed him home for second, with McCanney in third.

Verona was the clear winner of Enduro2, placing nearly two minutes ahead of Watson in second. Watson showed he had pace by winning the ACERBIS Cross Test but will need to stay on two wheels to challenge Verona tomorrow. Ablin Elowson (Husqvarna) completed the top three.

Freeman rode to victory in Enduro3. TM MOTO’s Matteo Cavallo battled hard with Fantic Racing Team’s Albin Norrbin to take second by four seconds over the Swede.

Victory for Ahlin in Enduro Junior

The GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship saw Max Ahlin (KTM) take his first win of the season. Championship leader Axel Semb (Fantic) had set the pace during the early part of the day, but some mistakes dropped him back. Ahlin put in a solid closing lap to take a memorable victory.

Kevin Cristino (Fantic) slotted in-between Ahlin and Semb to snatch second, with Semb third. KBS Team’s Matej Skuta was fourth, with Team Beta Oxmoto’s Leo Joyon completing the top five.

The Enduro Youth class saw TM MOTO’s Alberto Elgari take his second victory of the season. The Italian won the first three tests of the day and then maintained his advantage throughout. Winning the final three tests saw him beat runner-up Manuel Verzeroli (KTM) by 16 seconds. Beta Factory Racing’s Clement Clauzier rounded out the podium in third.

Andrea Verona (GASGAS): “It feels awesome to get my first overall win of the season. I rode strong all day. I’ll try again tomorrow and push hard.”

Josep Garcia (KTM): “It was a great day and I felt great out there. But then I crashed on the final extreme test and lost the lead. The pace is fast and very close. It shows you can’t make mistakes out there.”

Steve Holcombe (Honda): “It was a good day, but I just didn’t have the pace of Andrea and Josep to bring the fight to them. I know I’m riding well, so I will have another look at the tests tonight to see where I can improve for tomorrow.”

Max Ahlin (KTM):“I didn’t watch the times so close today, but I knew it was *tight* between Axel and myself. I think he had a crash and that gave me some room. I maintained my advantage after that and took the win. It’s been a good day!”

Results: FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 3 Day 1
EnduroGP
1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:12:23.92; 2. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:12:37.54; 3. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:13:21.96; 4. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:14:01.47; 5. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 1:14:11.68; 6. Nathan Watson (Beta) 1:14:13.97; 7. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 1:14:25.81; 8. Theo Espinasse (Beta) 1:14:39.09; 9. Jeremy Sydow (Sherco) 1:14:43.69; 10. Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) 1:15:00.25…

Day two at round two of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship delivered an incredible battle for victory with Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe taking the win. Going head-to-head with GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona, Holcombe secured the top step of the EnduroGP podium by just one second. Day one winner Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia was third.

Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb made it two wins in Valpacos in the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, while RIEJU Factory Team’s Mireia Badia topped the FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship.

• Intense battle sees Steve Holcombe win EnduroGP on day two in Valpacos
• Holcombe beats runner-up Andrea Verona by just one second
• Mireia Badia races to victory in Enduro Women

The racing was about as close as it gets on day two of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Valpacos, Portugal. Despite the punishing special tests and hot temperatures, the world’s best enduro riders put on an incredible display, with close battles the order of the day throughout all classes.

In the EnduroGP class, all eyes were on day one winner Josep Garcia to see if he could put his KTM on the top step of the podium again. However, on the first POLISPORT Extreme Test, Steve Holcombe came out swinging and set the fastest time. Unlike the previous day, Garcia didn’t answer back straight away. Holcombe won the following MAXXIS Enduro Test to build up a nine-second lead over Beta Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson, with Verona four tenths of a second behind in third. 

Lying sixth overall, Garcia had work to do. He finally hit his stride by winning the ACERBIS Cross Test to move up to third overall at the end of lap one of three. But Holcombe was in control with a 10-second lead over Verona in second place. Throughout lap two, Holcombe continued to hold firm in front as Verona and Garcia shared test wins between them. His advantage had lessened though, and as they began the third and final lap, only 10 seconds separated the top three. Enduro fans were in for a grandstand finish.

Holcombe started out strong by winning the final POLISPORT Extreme Test. Verona had the measure of everyone on the final MAXXIS Enduro Test and topped the time sheets. With back-to-back ACERBIS Cross Tests set to close out the day, Holcombe hoped his six-second lead would hold out.

Fending off attacks from both Verona and Garcia, Holcombe kept his cool, like he had the previous Sunday. Shadowing his rivals in both tests, he did just enough to take victory by only one second after over one hour of timed special test racing. Despite putting everything he had into winning the final test, Verona couldn’t get the better of the Honda rider and had to settle for second. Admitting to going ‘all-in’ on the final test for the win, Garcia pushed the limit that little bit too far and hit the dirt. With his chance of taking a double victory in Valpacos slipping away, the Spaniard had to be content with third.

After shaking off his crash on day one, Watson put in a strong ride for fourth. The Beta rider was still feeling the effects of yesterday’s tumble and wasn’t able to get into the mix with the top three riders. Continuing to put in solid rides, Fast Eddy Racing’s Jamie McCanney claimed fifth overall. The Manxman rode well on day two, enjoying a big battle with Brad Freeman (Beta) and Samuele Bernardini (Honda) to secure his first EnduroGP top-five of the season.

Badia tops Enduro Women on day two

The FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship saw Mireia Badia take her second victory of the season for RIEJU Factory Team. Taking the opening POLISPORT Extreme Test win, Badia went on to win another five special tests to top the podium by 32 seconds. Day one winner Francesca Nocera put up the biggest challenge to Badia, but the Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team rider wasn’t able to consistently stay on pace with Badia and ultimately took second. Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish completed the top three, with Rosie Rowett (RIEJU) and Justine Martel (Beta) rounding out the top five.

With his EnduroGP victory in one hand, Steve Holcombe held the Enduro1 class win in the other at the end of day two in Portugal. Garcia, disappointed with his mistakes, finished in second, while McCanney took third in Enduro1 for the third race in a row.

Although narrowly missing out on the EnduroGP win, Andrea Verona was the clear winner of Enduro2. His double win in Valpacos, while benefiting from Watson’s non-finish yesterday, sees him lead the championship by 15 points at the end of round two. Watson placed second today, with Bernardini completing the top three.

The Enduro3 class saw Brad Freeman top the podium for the second time this weekend. He won by 23 seconds over Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing), with JET Zanardo Husqvarna’s Morgan Lesiardo in third. There was drama for championship leader, and race leader, Hamish MacDonald, when the CH Racing Sherco rider crashed heavily on the final test. The New Zealander limped home to salvage ninth, but suffering a suspected shoulder injury now puts him in a race to be fit for round three next month in Romania.

Semb takes closely fought Enduro Junior win

In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb was once again the rider to beat. The Swede raced to his second victory of the weekend. However, today he didn’t have things all his own way. Fellow countryman Max Ahlin (KTM) applied the pressure all day and didn’t allow Semb to break away. In the end, Semb won by only eight seconds over Ahlin.

As the day progressed, eyes were also fixed on the battle for the third step of the podium. Italians Manolo Morettini (Honda) and Kevin Cristino (Fantic) were fighting hard. In the end, Morettini took third by just two tenths of a second over Cristino. Albert Fontova (GASGAS) completed the top five.

The Enduro Youth class saw Manuel Verzeroli (KTM) record his second victory of the weekend. In a closely stacked field of riders, the top five were separated by just 32 seconds on day two in Valpacos. TM Racing’s Alberto Elgari placed as runner-up, with Pietro Scardina (Fantic) ensuring an all-Italian podium in third. Romain Dagna (Sherco) and Maxime Clauzier (Beta) were fourth and fifth, respectively.

After an exciting start to the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Portugal for rounds one and two, the championship heads to Bacau in Romania for round three on May 10-12.

Steve Holcombe (Honda) – 1st EnduroGP: “The fight for the win today was incredible. I love to race like this, but yeah, the pressure coming into that final test was pretty wild. It felt good to keep it together and take the victory. I changed my style up a bit today and tried to stay as smooth as possible. I think that helped throughout the course of the day. I’m tied for the championship lead now, so let’s see how Romania goes next month!”

Andrea Verona (GASGAS) – 2nd EnduroGP: “The battle today with Steve and Josep was incredible. Of course I wanted to win, but I can’t be too upset about finishing second because I gave it everything. The times were so tight, and it could have gone either way. I’m super happy with my speed, fitness and riding. I’m excited for round three.”

Josep Garcia (KTM) – 3rd EnduroGP: “I crashed early this morning and lost some time. With the pace as fast as it is, you can’t make mistakes like that. I regrouped well and was right there entering the final test. I went all-in on it, but another crash ruled me out of the win today.”

Mireia Badia (RIEJU) – 1st Enduro Women: “I’m super happy with the win today. I didn’t make many mistakes and opened up a nice lead. This win puts me into the championship lead!”

Results: Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 2 – Day 2
EnduroGP
1. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:01:24.91; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:01:25.99; 3. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:01:45.15; 4. Nathan Watson (Beta) 1:02:11.91; 5. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 1:02:35.29; 6. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:02:39.28; 7. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 1:02:43.54; 8. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 1:02:53.60; 9. Jeremy Sydow (Sherco) 1:03:00.29; 10. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 1:03:03.15…

Championship Standings (After round 2)
EnduroGP
1. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 72pts; 2. Josep Garcia (KTM) 72pts; 3. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 62pts; 4. Nathan Watson (Beta) 41pts; 5. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 38pts; 6. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 35pts; 7. Brad Freeman (Beta) 34pts; 8. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 30pts; 9. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 26pts; 10. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 25pts…

The opening day of racing at round two of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia rule supreme. The Spaniard saw off multiple challenges from his rivals to take the overall EnduroGP win in Valpacos, Portugal.

Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb eased his way to victory in the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, while Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Francesca Nocera secured a debut win in the FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship.

• Riders face long day of racing on day one in Valpacos
• Josep Garcia tops EnduroGP podium
• Debut victory for Francesca Nocera in Enduro Women

After the excitement of Friday night’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test, competitors welcomed a slightly later start than normal for the opening day of racing at round two of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Valpacos, Portugal. Despite the first riders rolling off the start ramp at 10am, they still faced a lengthy day.

In total, three and a half laps of the 50-kilometre-long course was on the agenda. Factoring in the hot temperatures and 12 special tests (including Friday’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test), meant day one would be a testing affair.

Garcia holds them off to win EnduroGP

Determined to reel Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia back in following his Friday night triumph, Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe immediately topped the opening POLISPORT Extreme Test by almost three seconds to put himself into the lead. However, Garcia was not about to lie down and won both the MAXXIS Enduro Test and ACERBIS Cross Test to end lap one with a three-second lead over Holcombe in second.

GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona was just a further seven seconds behind in third, while Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman had regrouped well following his Super Test penalty to slot into fourth. But with the Fast Eddy Racing pairing of Mikael Persson and Jamie McCanney hot on Freeman’s heels, the fight for a place inside the top five was truly on.

On lap two, while Garcia maintained his lead, Verona took the fight to Holcombe. Setting the fastest time in the POLISPORT Extreme Test and MAXXIS Enduro Test, before placing second to Garcia on the ACERBIS Cross Test, saw him lie just three tenths of a second behind the Brit with only five tests left to run.

But as quickly as that battle formed, the following POLISPORT Extreme Test put paid to the Italian’s efforts. A major mistake from the GASGAS rider handed Holcombe some much-needed breathing room.

Meanwhile, Garcia continued to have all bases covered. Consistently staying inside the top three, the Spaniard maintained his advantage to bring his KTM home for the EnduroGP class victory on day one. Unable to make gains on Garcia, Holcombe protected his lead over Verona during the final half lap to take second. Naturally frustrated with his costly mistake, Verona had to settle for third. Expect the Italian to make amends for his errors tomorrow.

Not quite matching the fast pace of the leading trio, Freeman brought his Beta home in a lonely fourth. A reshuffle of the leaderboard in the latter stages of the day saw CH Racing Sherco’s Hamish MacDonald finish strongly for fifth, with McCanney seven seconds behind in sixth.

Debut win for Nocera in Enduro Women

The FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship saw the third race winner in as many races emerge on day one in Valpacos. Excelling in the high temperatures and physically demanding conditions, Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Francesca Nocera topped the podium. The Italian was incredibly strong in the final four tests of the day. Topping each one, she worked her way from third overall to an eight-second margin of victory as she exited the final ACERBIS Cross Test of the day. 

After leading for the majority of the day, RIEJU Factory Team’s Mireia Badia couldn’t hold off the late charge by Nocera and slipped to an eventual second. Fighting for a place on the podium, Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish saw her day unravel with a mechanical issue on the penultimate special test. With Gutish losing a lot of time to salvage a result of eighth, it opened the door for Rosie Rowett (RIEJU) to capitalise and take third. Nieve Holmes (Sherco) was fourth, with Beta mounted Justine Martel rounding out the top five.

 Enduro1, Garcia put his KTM on the top step of the podium. Thirteen seconds behind, Holcombe ended his day as runner-up. McCanney could be pleased with his opening day efforts in Valpacos with a strong third place result.

Verona was the undisputed winner of Enduro2 with the Italian winning his class by 73 seconds. Crashing hard on the final MAXXIS Enduro Test, Enduro2 points leader Nathan Watson (Beta) saw his day come to an unfortunate end while sitting second. That opened the door for Samuele Bernardini (Honda) to take the position. Persson completed the podium in third.

After his non-finish on day two at round one due to illness, Freeman showed that he’s back on pace by winning the Enduro3 category. The Brit won the first four tests to build an early lead and despite a late charge by MacDonald, Freeman still had enough in hand to seal the deal. MacDonald will need to hit the ground running tomorrow to topple his close rival. Fantic Racing Team’s Albin Norrbin fended off TM Racing’s Matteo Cavallo by nine seconds to place third.

Semb rules the roost in Enduro Junior

In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb returned to the top step of the podium on day one in Valpacos. After a slow start to his morning in the POLISPORT Extreme Test, the Swede hit his stride during the middle part of the day and built up a lead that wouldn’t be caught. 

Behind him and things were much tighter as a four-rider battle developed for the remainder of the podium. Reigning Enduro Youth champ Kevin Cristino (Fantic) is showing that he’s already settled in his move up to Enduro Junior. Racing hard with Max Ahlin (KTM), Team Beta Oxmoto’s Alix Antoine and Manolo Morettini (Honda), the Italian saw off their challenges to make it a Fantic 1-2 on day one. 

Despite clocking the fastest time on the final two tests, Ahlin couldn’t overhaul Cristino and will have to try again tomorrow. Alix took fourth. However, only five tenths of a second split him and Morettini in fifth.

Enduro Youth saw Manuel Verzeroli (KTM) improve on his runner-up result from last Sunday in Fafe to win on Saturday in Valpacos. The Italian only won four of the 12 special tests, but by never faltering outside of the top three, proved that consistency is key to success. Romain Dagna (Sherco) was second, with TM Racing’s Alberto Elgari five seconds behind Dagna in third.

Josep Garcia (KTM) – 1st EnduroGP: “It was a long day and very physical. The pace at the top of EnduroGP is super high. I made a mistake on the second enduro test and really had to push to overcome that. In every test we were fighting, there was nowhere to rest out there!”

Axel Semb (Fantic) – 1st Enduro Junior: “I pushed hard from the start and managed to establish a good lead. That helped me a lot on the final lap to control my advantage and take the win. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.”

Francesca Nocera (Honda) – 1st Enduro Women: “To take my first victory in the world championship is an amazing feeling. It was a long, tough day, but I feel like I rode well. I managed to win the final tests and that made the difference. I hope tomorrow I can keep this strong pace and battle again for victory.”

Results: Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 2 – Day 1
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:11:20.16; 2. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:11:34.07; 3. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:11:46.72; 4. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:12:24.55; 5. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 1:12:47.75; 6. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 1:12:54.80; 7. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 1:13:00.51; 8. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 1:13:27.34; 9. Albin Norrbin (Fantic) 1:13:27.34; 10. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 1:13:36.55…

Registration for Club Team open for 2024 NOCO 6DAYS®

Registration for Club Team has now opened for the 2024 NOCO FIM International Six Days of Enduro that is scheduled to take place in Galicia, Spain, running from 14-19 October.

Situated in the northwest of the country, the ninety-eighth edition of this iconic event will be based in the municipality of Silleda. It will be the fifth time the 6DAYS® has been staged in Spain with the most recent visit in 2016.

The biggest event on the global Enduro calendar, the 6DAYS® Enduro of Nations attracts six-hundred professional and amateur riders from more than thirty countries spread across six continents who gather annually to determine the sport’s leading nations.

Registration for riders will open on May 3rd.
More information about registration steps HERE

CLUB TEAM REGISTRATION CLICK HERE

Full event details can be found at www.fim-isde.com

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-moto.com)
The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 121 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 
Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country, Speedway and E-Bikes. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

Copyright © 2024 FIM, All rights reserved.
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The eagerly anticipated 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship roared into life over the weekend with round one in Fafe, Portugal. Spectators and enduro fans alike were treated to some incredible racing as the world’s best enduro riders got down to business. 

While Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia and Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe ultimately stole the majority of the limelight due to their EnduroGP class wins, there were plenty of talking points in Fafe. Here are a few exciting highlights that you may have missed…

All-weather riders
The weather in Fafe was a strong talking point throughout the ACERBIS GP of Portugal. Continually wet in the build-up to the weekend’s racing, riders were greeted with rain and fog on Saturday morning. Rain Sunday morning soon eased to give sunny skies and perfect conditions for the latter half of the day. Rain or shine, though, and the same group of riders rose to the top, showing that you have to be the best no matter what the weather brings.

Seeing double!
You could be forgiven for thinking you were seeing double in Fafe, with identical twin brothers Maxime and Clement Clauzier sharing the Enduro Youth podium on day one. We’re not too sure if this is another first in the Enduro World Championship’s history, but it was very cool to see.

Slippery when wet
The north of Portugal is well-known for its large regions of boulders and the POLISPORT Extreme Test was filled with them in Fafe. A true test of technical riding skills, especially when wet and slippery, the special test delivered some incredible action throughout the weekend.

Rachel Gutish
Day one in Fafe marked a historical moment for Enduro Women with Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish becoming the first American to stand on the top step of the podium in the category. In fact, she was the first person from the USA to win a race in EnduroGP since Taylor Robert in 2016.

RIEJU
RIEJU Factory Racing are quickly making a name for themselves in Enduro Women with both team riders finishing on the podium in Fafe. On day one Rosie Rowett, and Mireia Badia placed second and third, respectively, before Badia topped the podium on day two.

Enduro Open
In Enduro Open, Belgium’s Tim Louis (Sherco) proved the rider to beat in Fafe. Louis was on top form, winning both days over Britain’s Alfie Webb (GASGAS) and France’s Franck Luberriaga (Husqvarna).

Jed Etchells
Making his debut in the senior classes was 2023 Enduro Junior World Champion Jed Etchells. Despite starting from the rear of the field, the Fantic Racing Team rider put in a strong showing for fifth overall both days in Enduro2. Expect lots more to come from this fast Manxman!

Debut senior class with for Hamish MacDonald
Celebrations inside the CH Racing Sherco awning were in full flow on Sunday evening when Hamish MacDonald secured the Enduro3 class win. The victory marked the former Enduro Junior World Champion’s first win in the senior ranks. And with day one winner Brad Freeman (Beta) cutting short his day due to illness, Hamish also picked up the Enduro3 leader’s plate heading into this weekend’s round two.

After an explosive start to the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, the paddock travels to nearby Valpacos in Portugal for round two on April 12-14.

The final day of racing at the opening round of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Portugal saw Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe take victory. In what proved to be an incredible day of action at the ACERBIS GP of Portugal, Holcombe shone through to claim a hard-fought win over day one winner Josep Garcia (KTM), with Nathan Watson (Beta) close behind in third.

In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb collected his second victory of the weekend, with TM Racing’s Alberto Elgari winning Enduro Youth. RIEJU Factory Team’s Mireia Badia topped the Enduro Women’s class.

• Steve Holcombe claims the EnduroGP day two win
• Axel Semb secures his second victory of the weekend in Enduro Junior
• Mireia Badia best in Enduro Women

The final day of racing at round one of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship produced one of the most memorable races in recent times. Exceptionally close battles saw the world’s best enduro riders fight it out with just 10 seconds separating the top three on the EnduroGP podium.

As riders left the start ramp in Fafe, the rain soon cleared to produce bright, sunny skies. The drying weather ensured grip levels in the Portuguese dirt were at their best, allowing competitors to push the level even higher than the previous day.

Holcombe takes debut EnduroGP win in Honda colours

Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe fired the first warning shot to his rivals on the opening ACERBIS Cross Test by clocking in the fastest time. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia was right behind him in second, with Beta Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson shadowing them in third. A solid start from current Junior World Champion Jed Etchells (Fantic) slotted him into fifth, behind GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona in fourth. 

On to the opening MAXXIS Enduro Test and Garcia immediately responded. Setting the quickest time saw him take over the lead from Holcombe. But it would prove short-lived. Holcombe answered right back on the POLISPORT Extreme Test. Taking the test win and capitalising on a mistake from the Spaniard put the Honda rider nine seconds ahead of his rival as they began lap two of three.

For the entire second lap, the pace was frantic at the front. Garcia, Watson, and Holcombe split the special test wins between them, with Verona, Samuele Bernardini (Honda), and the Fast Eddy Racing duo of Mikael Persson and Jamie McCanney right behind them.

Heading into the final lap, and Holcombe still controlled the race lead by a crucial eight seconds over Garcia. With Watson only four seconds behind the Spaniard in third, it was all to play for with only three tests remaining. 

Watson powered his way to the final ACERBIS Cross Test win. Closing in on the duo, he looked the danger man. Persson took the final MAXXIS Enduro Test, while Garcia, Watson, and Holcombe were separated by two seconds.

With it all boiling down to the final POLISPORT Extreme Test, nine-time world champion Holcombe utilised every ounce of experience he had to stay cool under pressure. Taking the test win saw him secure his debut EnduroGP victory in Honda colours by just four seconds. Despite his best efforts, Garcia was made to settle for second on day two in Fafe. Putting in an incredible ride, Watson could be pleased with his day’s work of third. 

Sitting on the fringes of the top three, Verona wasn’t quite able to join Holcombe, Garcia, and Watson in the battle for the victory and had to be content with fourth. Closing out the top five overall was Bernardini, with Persson just one second behind the Italian in sixth.

Badia claims top step of Enduro Women’s podium

The FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship produced a great battle between RIEJU Factory Team’s Mireia Badia and day one winner Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish. Badia had the measure of Gutish today and with four special test wins to her name out of a possible six, she took the win.

Gutish rode well but wasn’t able to show the same intensity as she had done on day one and placed second. Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Francesca Nocera finished seven seconds behind in third. Elodie Chaplot (Beta) and Marie Holt (KTM) were fourth and fifth, respectively.

With Holcombe and Garcia fighting it out for the overall EnduroGP victory, it was Holcombe who also snatched the Enduro1 class win. The Brit has now secured race wins in all three senior classes during his professional career. Fast Eddy Racing’s Jamie McCanney got the better of CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon on day two to take third.

Putting the finishing touches to an incredible debut with Beta Factory Racing, Nathan Watson put his name on top of the Enduro2 results sheet on day two in Fafe. Verona and Bernardini joined the Beta rider on the podium in second and third respectively. Just missing a place in the top three by one second, Persson will look for more at round two next weekend in Valpacos. Etchells completed the top five.

In Enduro3, day one winner Brad Freeman (Beta) caused a surprise when he exited the race after the first special test due to illness. CH Racing Sherco’s Hamish MacDonald came through to take a memorable first victory in Enduro3. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) was second, with Julien Roussaly (Sherco) third.

Semb does the double in Enduro Junior 

The GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship saw Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb make it two wins from two starts in Fafe. However, unlike his day one victory, his advantage was only 18 seconds this time around. Team Beta Oxmoto’s Antoine Alix kept him honest all day for second, while Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) was third. Leo Joyon (Beta) and Max Ahlin (KTM) rounded out the top five.

The Enduro Youth class saw a shake up in the results with a new winner emerging on day two in Fafe. TM Racing’s Alberto Elgari was on top form in the Portuguese special tests and powered through to take the first win of his young career. Manuel Verzeroli (KTM) rose his game as well to finish second. Third on day one, Clement Clauzier (Beta) returned to the podium on day two with another well-deserved top-three result.

After what proved to be an exceptionally exciting opening round of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Fafe, Portugal, the paddock now heads to nearby Valpacos in Portugal for round two next week on April 12-14.

Steve Holcombe (Honda) – 1st EnduroGP:“I’m really pumped to take the EnduroGP win today. It was a heck of a battle all day between Josep (Garcia), Nathan (Watson), and myself. I felt good in my riding and could really put the bike where I wanted to on track. It feels awesome to win so soon with Honda, and also to get my first Enduro1 victory. I’m excited for the rest of the season!”

Axel Semb (Fantic) – 1st Enduro Junior: “It’s been the perfect start to the season, winning both days. I’m so happy with how things went and how I felt on the bike in these conditions. Thank you to the team for all their support.”

Mireia Badia (RIEJU) – 1st Enduro Women: “I’m super happy with my riding. It’s been a great result today in tough conditions. The fight was good between Rachel (Gutish) and myself and it’s so nice to take the win here in Fafe.”

Alberto Elgari (TM Racing) – 1st Enduro Youth: “It’s been an incredible day for me. It’s just my second ever world championship race and now I have my first victory. I have no words to explain how happy I am.”

Results: Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 1 – Day 2
EnduroGP
1. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 53:32.40; 2. Josep Garcia (KTM) 53:36.79; 3. Nathan Watson (Beta) 53:41.95; 4. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 53:54.45; 5. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 54:17.18; 6. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 54:18.69; 7. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 54:48.13; 8. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 54:52.68; 9. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 54:56.41; 10. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 55:17.56…

Championship Standings (After Round 1)
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 37pts; 2. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 35pts; 3. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 30pts; 4. Nathan Watons (Beta) 28pts; 5. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 20pts; 6. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 19pts; 7. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 18pts; 8. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 14pts; 9. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 13pts; 10. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) 12pts…

Josep Garcia Claims Impressive EnduroGP Victory On Day One At ACERBIS GP Of Portugal

Day one at round one of the 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia claim victory in Fafe, Portugal. Putting in an impressive performance at the ACERBIS GP of Portugal, the Spaniard took the top step of the EnduroGP podium over GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona, with Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe in third.

• Josep Garcia wins EnduroGP on day one in Fafe
• Axel Semb off to winning start in Enduro Junior
• Historic victory for USA’s Rachel Gutish in Enduro Women

After an exciting Friday night AKRAPOVIC Super Test, won by Garcia, overnight rain filtered through to greet riders on Saturday morning at the ACERBIS GP of Portugal. The rain would eventually ease off, but overcast skies ensured damp conditions remained for the duration of the day. However, despite the drop in temperatures, the action on track was very much red hot as the world’s best enduro riders got down to their first full day of racing in the 2024 season.

Garcia puts on a masterclass in EnduroGP

Determined to strengthen his early lead, Garcia came out swinging in the opening ACERBIS Cross Test and topped the time sheets. However, his advantage was slim, with Verona just six tenths behind in second. After his spill in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test, Holcombe was on a mission and set the third fastest time with Fast Eddy Racing’s Jamie McCanney and Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman going fourth and fifth quickest, respectively.

Winning the following MAXXIS Enduro Test by four seconds, Garcia extended his advantage to eight seconds, proving he meant business in Fafe. Freeman went on to top the POLISPORT Extreme Test by one second over Garcia, but as they closed out the opening lap of three, Garcia was already 11 seconds clear of his rivals. 

On the second ACERBIS Cross Test, it was the turn of Verona to top the time sheets. With a mistake coming from Garcia, his advantage was now just six seconds and it looked like that battle for victory was back on. However, Garcia was quick to resume normal service and won the second MAXXIS Enduro Test to stretch his lead out to 11 seconds.

Entering the final lap, Garcia was just 12 seconds clear of Verona, while Holcombe in third had an 11-second advantage over Nathan Watson (Beta) in fifth. With Freeman sandwiched between Holcombe and Watson, a place on the podium was all to play for.

Fastest in the ACERBIS Cross Test and MAXXIS Enduro Test, Garcia built a lead that couldn’t be caught. And with a strong ride on the final POLISPORT Extreme Test, he was able to end his day with a 32-second margin of victory in EnduroGP. Behind him though, the final steps of the podium went right to the wire.

Mistakes from Verona allowed Holcombe to close right in. Sensing an opportunity to claim second, the Honda rider pushed hard to win the final POLISPORT Extreme Test, but it wasn’t enough. Hanging on, Verona claimed the runner-up result by just one second, with Holcombe third. A titanic battle from the Beta pairing of Freeman and Watson saw Watson overhaul his teammate on the final lap to snatch fourth and push Freeman back to fifth.

Historic victory for Gutish in Enduro Women

Settling straight into her FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship debut, Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish took the win on day one. The victory sees Gutish become the first woman from the USA to take a race win in the championship.

RIEJU Factory Racing’s Rosie Rowett placed 22 seconds behind to take the runner-up result. Mireia Badia capped off a great day for RIEJU to finish on the podium in third. A consistent and strong ride from Nieve Holmes saw her place fourth, while Marie Holt Vilde (KTM) won the opening ACERBIS Cross Test to end her day in fifth.

In the Enduro1 class, Garcia effortlessly secured victory. Holcombe’s debut ride in Enduro1 earned him second place, indicating more potential from the nine-time world champion. In the battle for the final step of the podium, CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon edged out McCanney on the final two tests to seal the deal.

Verona was best of the Enduro2 category on day one but faced a late charge from Watson in the latter stages of the race. Watson will aim to carry that pace into day two and challenge Verona from the off. While both Verona and Watson broke away from their classmates, Samuele Bernardini (Honda) and Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) fought it out for third. Bernardini got the better of Persson by just half a second to finish on the Enduro2 podium.

Brad Freeman kicked off the defence of his Enduro3 crown with a 22-second win on day one in Portugal. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) placed second in his debut Enduro3 ride. MacDonald took four test wins to Freeman’s five on day one and will look to apply the pressure some more tomorrow. TM Racing’s Matteo Cavallo completed the top three.

Semb dominates Enduro Junior on day one

The GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship saw Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb dominate the opening day of racing in Fafe. The Swede was a level above his rivals in the challenging Portuguese terrain and claimed a commanding 62-second margin of victory.

Reigning Enduro Youth champion Kevin Cristion (Fantic) made good his debut in Enduro Junior to place as runner-up to teammate Semb. Manolo Morettini (Honda) fended off attacks from both Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) and Leo Joyon (Beta) to claim third. 

The Enduro Youth class saw Romain Dagna (Sherco) come through to take the win on day one. Dagna headed an all-French podium in the category. It was a special day in the Clauzier family, with Beta-mounted twin brothers Maxime and Clement finishing second and third, respectively. 

Josep Garcia (KTM) – 1st EnduroGP: “My goal was to start the season with a win and I managed to get that done today. It’s something I’ve been pushing to do for a while now because I wasn’t able to do it last year. The conditions were tough out there, but I enjoyed it a lot and could ride hard.”

Rachel Gutish (Sherco) – 1st Enduro Women:“The world championship is a lot different than the ISDE. It’s a tough, long day, but I enjoyed it a lot. I wasn’t expecting to win, so to take the top step of the podium is a proud moment for me for sure. I’m looking forward to tomorrow now and another good battle.”

Romain Dagna (Sherco) – 1st Enduro Youth:“I had a great day and good feeling with the bike. I really liked the extreme test and enjoyed the technical challenges. It’s only my third time in EnduroGP, so to take a win in Youth is amazing. I’m so happy!”

Results: Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 1 – Day 1
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 56:17.60; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 56:49.70; 3. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 56:50.87; 4. Nathan Watson (Beta) 57:01.82; 5. Brad Freeman (Beta) 57:14.38; 6. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 57:36.98; 7. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 57:51.72; 8. Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) 57:52.24; 9. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 58:07.57; 10. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 58:10.81…

2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship
Set To Get Underway In Portugal

Excitement is building among enduro fans as the 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship arrives in Fafe, Portugal for the opening round of the season. Marking the first of seven races, the ACERBIS GP of Portugal will see the many exciting battles to become this year’s world champions begin at what is expected to be a challenging series-opener.

In the premier EnduroGP category, defending champion Steve Holcombe has made an exciting switch to the Honda Racing Redmoto Enduro Team and will look to deliver victory in his debut world championship outing with the Italian outfit. Additionally, the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship and FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship are wide open and hotly contested, with fresh title contenders set to emerge in Fafe.

• Seven-round 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship begins in Portugal
• Fafe plays host to ACERBIS GP of Portugal for three days of demanding racing
• True mix of traditional Portuguese terrain set to test world’s best enduro riders

The quiet town of Fafe in the north of Portugal is set to become the focal point of attention for enduro this weekend as the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship calls it home for round one of the 2024 season. A country that always delivers a true test of enduro, the ACERBIS GP of Portugal has an exciting, demanding, and fun three days of racing in store. 

AKRAPOVIC Super Test adds spice to Friday evening

As per tradition, racing begins on Friday evening with the action-packed AKRAPOVIC Super Test in the heart of Fafe town. For 2024, AKRAPOVIC has introduced two new trophies. At each round the leader of the AKRAPOVIC Super Test classification will receive an award. The overall winner at the end of the year will also walk away with a prize of €1,500. Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman claimed the overall win in 2023 and will no doubt be a hotly tipped favourite for victory on Friday evening.

Saturday and Sunday will see the riders get down to business. Event organisers have prepared a 60-kilometre loop that will be ridden three times. Leaving the starting ramp in Fafe, competitors first take on the high-speed ACERBIS Cross Test. A liaison will take them to the MAXXIS Enduro Test, which will no doubt prove itself as one of the most decisive tests of the event. Completing the POLISPORT Extreme Test, riders return to the paddock service to mark the end of each loop.

Holcombe starts EnduroGP title defence with Honda

Following a busy offseason for all riders and teams, the time has now come for everyone to show their hand. Creating the most exciting headlines this winter was the high-profile news of defending EnduroGP and Enduro2 champion Steve Holcombe moving teams. The nine-time world champion departed Beta Factory Racing following a long and successful relationship to join Honda Racing Redmoto Enduro Team. The move also sees the Brit step into the Enduro1 category for the first time in his professional career. Could 2024 become the year Holcombe wins in Enduro1 and in doing so puts the finishing touches to a full set of senior world titles?

As the current Enduro1 World Champion and EnduroGP vice-champion, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia is one rider with a clear plan to stop that happening. The Spaniard boasts explosive speed in the quarter-litre category and will be sure to have the top step of the Enduro1 podium closely guarded in Fafe. Naturally, this is a battle everyone will be closely watching in Portugal and throughout 2024.

Finishing third overall in EnduroGP last year was GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona. The Italian had a mixed season in his switch from a 250F to 350F. But having bounced back to his best during the closing stages of the year, the 2022 EnduroGP champion will look to come out on top form this weekend.

Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman arrives at round one eager to put a troublesome 2023 behind him. Despite winning the Enduro3 world title and topping the first five days of racing in EnduroGP, Freeman was hit with injury and ultimately dropped out of EnduroGP title contention. The Brit carries a hand injury into round one but is a rider who can never be ruled out of a surprise performance.

CH Racing Sherco’s Hamish MacDonald completed the EnduroGP top-five in 2023. The New Zealander remains with the same team for 2024 but moves into the Enduro3 category and onto two-stroke machinery. As a rider on the verge of breaking consistently into the top-three, this move could be the motivation the likeable Kiwi needs to become a regular EnduroGP podium contender. 

All to play for in Women’s Enduro

For 2024, the FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship is wide open. After claiming her fourth world crown in 2023, Jane Daniels (Fantic) made a high-profile switch to the Dakar Rally for 2024 and won’t be in Fafe to defend her title. With the top step of the podium vacant, we will see a new winner emerge this weekend.

Placing third and fourth in 2023, Francesca Nocera (Honda) and Rosie Rowett (RIEJU) will likely feature strongly, along with Spain’s Mireia Badia (RIEJU) and Britain’s Nieve Holmes (Sherco). Excitingly, USA’s Rachel Gutish (Sherco) joins the EnduroGP paddock for the first time. A two-time winner of the FIM ISDE, Gutish could make history in Portugal as the first American to stand on top of the FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship podium.

Senior ranks hotly contested

While Holcombe and Garcia are the major Enduro1 talking points heading into round one, there are plenty of other riders eyeing up a strong start to the season. Zach Pichon (Sherco) can never be counted out either. Adding in Fast Eddy Racing’s Jamie McCanney and Team Beta Oxmoto’s Theo Espinasse ensures a place inside the top-five will be hotly contested.

With defending Enduro2 champ Holcombe moving to Enduro1, many will see Verona with a clear path to victory. But racing always throws up surprises and Enduro2 is sure to be no different. With some tough competition in the category, Nathan Watson will look to impress in his debut with Beta Factory Racing. Also expect 2022 Enduro2 champion Wil Ruprecht to come out swinging. Junior World Champion Jed Etchells moves up to the senior ranks for 2024 with Fantic Racing Team too.

In Enduro3, it’s Brad Freeman who starts as the defending champion with Beta Factory Racing. The Brit has made the class his own in recent years and despite numerous injuries, he has managed to come out on top. However, with the addition of MacDonald, Fantic’s Albin Norrbin, Marc Sans Soria (Yamaha), and RIEJU Factory Team’s Loic Larrieu to the category, among others, it should create some exciting battles.

Big battles expected in Enduro Junior

In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, a new champion will emerge as Etchells moves up to the senior ranks. Sweden’s Max Ahlin (KTM), France’s Leo Joyon (Beta), and Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) all have the potential to reach the top step in Portugal. Following a dominant season in Enduro Youth, Italy’s Kevin Cristino (Fantic) moves into the Junior class and will look to make his presence felt immediately.

In Enduro Youth, expect fireworks between Luca Colorio (Husqvarna), Alex Puey (Beta), Valentino Corsi (Fantic), and Alfredo Pellicer (Sherco), among others, as they look to establish themselves as the rider to beat. 

The opening round of the 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship gets underway with the ACERBIS GP of Portugal this weekend in Fafe, from April 5-7.

2024 FIM EnduroGP World Championship Calendar
Round 1 – Acerbis GP of Portugal, Fafe – April 5-7 
Round 2 – GP of Portugal II, Valpacos – April 12-14 
Round 3 – GP of Romania, Bacau – May 10-12 
Round 4 – Polisport GP of Italy, Bettola – June 21-23 
Round 5 – Polisport GP of Slovakia, Gelnica – July 12-14 
Round 6 – ForSiteServices GP of Wales, Rhayader – August 2-4 
Round 7 – GP of France, Brioude – September 13-15

CHASING SIX DAYS Movie release

We are pleased to announce the premiere of the movie « CHASING SIX DAYS« , presented by NOCO®, the title sponsor of FIM International Six Days of Enduro. This cinematic journey provides a unique perspective on the 6DAYS®, featuring three distinguished riders and highlighting the universal language shared among them – a deep love for dirt bikes.

FEATURED RIDERS

« CHASING SIX DAYS » is not just a film; it’s a compelling exploration of the essence of ISDE, capturing the resilience, dreams, and camaraderie that defines the most heritage off-road racing competition in the world.

We take the opportunity to thank NOCO® and the NOCO® Studios crew for the direction and the production of the movie. This talented and tight-knit in-house team of filmmakers are passionate about exploring subjects where people are pushing themselves and the boundaries of what is possible. « Chasing Six Days« , is a documentary that embodies this spirit in our commitment to storytelling.

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FIM Sand Races World Cup pace-setters double up at Enduro del Verano

Defending champion Todd Kellett – Yamaha from Great Britain completed his Moto class clean sweep of the Enduro del Verano when he raced to his second victory of the weekend at Villa Gesell in today’s Main forty-five-minute race, in the process maintaining his one-hundred per cent record after two rounds of the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup.

Matching him win-for-win in the Moto Women’s class, Amandine Verstappen – Yamaha also kept her win-streak going in Argentina, as did Quad class pace-setter Pablo Violet – Yamaha.
 
Following his victory in yesterday’s shorter Sprint Race, twenty-six-year-old Kellett put on a masterclass of sand racing to win by almost forty-two seconds after completing six laps of the full twelve-and-a-half-kilometre course. France’s Camille Chapeliere – KTM had to settle for the runner-up position for the second time this weekend, thirty-five seconds ahead of his compatriot Maxime Sot – KTM who improved on his fifth-placed finish on Saturday to complete the podium.
 
With Dutch racer Lars Van Berkel – Honda, who at the start of the day was Kellett’s closest challenger, finishing the race back in sixth behind the French pairing of guest rider Adrien Van Beveren – Honda and Jeremy Hauquier – Honda, the result sees Kellett extend his series lead with four rounds to go.
 
Verstappen, the Belgian former FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship contender, maintained her unbeaten record in the Women’s class with a typically confident performance. Reigning champion Mathilde Denis – Honda from France matched her title rival’s total of five laps of the ferociously fast course, but was just over forty seconds behind at the chequered flag.
 
“It’s the first time for me here so it’s been a totally new experience,” said Verstappen. “Great terrain and very fast. The sand is different compared to races in France and is a little more hard-packed.”

The last racer to finish on the same lap as Kellett, Javier Pizzolito from Argentina ended the race in eleventh overall to top the hotly-contested Moto Veteran’s class one lap ahead of reigning champion Arnaud Besnier – Honda from France. Home hero Danilo Goes repeated his third-placed finish from yesterday which was once again good enough to earn him maximum points in the Moto Vintage class.

Also remaining unbeaten after the two opening rounds of the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup with another victory today, France’s Paolo Maschio – Kawasaki extended his Junior 2 class advantage.

Violet has started the season in incredible form and after taking maximum points from the series-opening Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais earlier this month, the fast Frenchman continued his command of the Quad class in Argentina and following Saturday’s Sprint Race win he looked in complete control again today.

With the three podium finishers all recording an impressive total of five laps, Violet ended the race with a comfortable cushion of three minutes and forty-four seconds ahead of Argentina’s Hugo Giambruni and over six minutes clear of Sebert Benoit from France in third as defending champion Michel Trannin – Honda lost ground in fourth.

Giambruni also claimed maximum points in the Quad Veteran classfrom Benoit with yesterday’s winner Axel Dutrie forced to settle for third.

Competitors must now wait until the autumn before the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup resumes with round three, Great Britain’s infamous three-hour Weston Beach Race on 13 October.Followers of the FIM Sand Races World Cup can stay completely up to date with all the latest news through new FIM social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram and via the Sportity app using the password FIMSandRaces.

By using the tag #FIMSandRaces, fans will also be able to interact on social media with riders and like-minded enthusiasts.

FULL RESULTS

Kellett, Verstappen and Violet extend FIM Sand Races World Cup leads at Enduro del Verano

Great Britain’s Todd Kellett – Yamaha continued his domination of the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup when he stormed to victory in today’s Sprint Race at the Enduro del Verano – round two of the series – in Argentina as Amandine Verstappen – Yamaha maintained her unbeaten record in the Women’s class and Pablo Violet – Yamaha tightened his hold on the Quads.

Following on from his victory at the Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais, defending champion Kellett – along with the sizeable field of riders registered for the series who made the journey to South America – faced a very different challenge at the resort city of Villa Gesell to the famous three-hour marathon on the northern coast of France that got the series under way earlier this month.

Instead, everything rested on a single super-fast twenty-minute race over a shortened three-and-a-half-kilometre course which, adding to the spectacle, also included competitors in the Quad class of the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup.

“It’s really nice to be back in Argentina,” said Kellett. “We’ve had a busy week testing to adapt to conditions here. It’s incredibly fast and I’ve struggled to find confidence so I’m really pleased to get this win and it’s all systems go for tomorrow.

“Racing with the Quads wasn’t an issue for me and the Sprint Race format is very different, but I certainly don’t dislike it. I’m not worried about anyone tomorrow, I just plan to focus on myself and do the best job I can to keep hold of the red plate for my home race at Weston-super-Mare.”

Well known for his ability to start fast and quickly find a good racing tempo, Kellett set the fastest lap of the race on his opening lap and never looked troubled. His only problem came just before half-distance when he momentarily slowed, but he immediately picked up the pace to win by just over six-and-a-half seconds on a total of eleven laps.His closest challenger was Camille Chapeliere – KTM, but following the Frenchman’s DNF at the Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais, Lars Van Berkel – Honda from the Netherlands cemented his position as Kellett’s main title rival by adding a third-placed finish today, less than half-a-second behind Chapeliere, to his second overall at the opening round.

The top five was completed by the French pairing of Valentin Madoulaud – Yamaha and Maxime Sot – KTM who both remain in series contention after their polished performances at the opening round.

Belgium’s Verstappen extended her lead in the Moto Women’s class when she finished one lap ahead of defending champion Mathilde Denis – Honda from France as victory in the Moto Veteran’s class went to Javier Pizzolito from Argentina, one lap up on reigning champion Arnaud Besnier – Honda. Argentina’s Danilo Goes finished third and also topped the Moto Vintage category.

Winner of the Moto Junior race at the Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais, talented French teenager Paolo Maschio – Kawasaki claimed another victory to extend his advantage in the Junior 2 class.

Violet, the highest-placed registered rider at the opening round, stretched his Quad lead with a fighting fourteenth overall as he led home defending champion Michel Trannin – Honda and home hero Hugo Giambruni. Axel Dutrie from France kept hold of his Quad Veteran series lead by finishing second in the class behind Giambruni with France’s Sebert Benoit completing the podium.

The focus now switches to tomorrow’s separate forty-five-minute Moto and Quad races that will be held over the full twelve-and-a-half-kilometre course with the action getting under way at 14:30 local time.Followers of the FIM Sand Races World Cup can stay completely up to date with all the latest news through new FIM social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram and via the Sportity app using the password FIMSandRaces.

By using the tag #FIMSandRaces, fans will also be able to interact on social media with riders and like-minded enthusiasts.

BILLY BOLT DELIVERS DOMINANT PERFORMANCE AT SUPERENDURO IN BULGARIAHUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING STAR EDGES CLOSER TO FOURTH CONSECUTIVE INDOOR WORLD TITLE WITH CLEAN SWEEP OF WINS AT PENULTIMATE ROUND IN SOFIA

Putting on a clinic, Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt has dominated the sixth and penultimate round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Bulgaria. Racing ahead to secure three wins from three starts, along with taking the SuperPole hot lap, Billy recorded his sixth consecutive overall victory of the season on his FE 350. The performance sees him extend his championship lead to a comfortable 59 points with just his home round in Newcastle, United Kingdom remaining next weekend.

Fastest throughout the afternoon’s practice sessions in Sofia, Billy was determined to carry that momentum into the evening’s proceedings when the stadium lights dimmed for the SuperPole hot lap. As the final rider to take to the track, Bolt put down a blisteringly fast time to top the time sheets by almost three seconds.

With all eyes on the start gate for race one, Billy timed his reactions to perfection and grabbed the holeshot on his FE 350. With a clear track in front of him, he immediately got to work on breaking away from the chasing pack. Ticking off each lap without trouble, the Husqvarna rider surged ahead to claim a comfortable race one victory in Sofia.

In race two, Billy opted for a cautious start from the second row of the reversed-grid order. Knowing the course offered plenty of overtaking opportunities, he quickly picked off a number of riders on lap one to slot inside the top 10. Moving into third on lap two, Bolt took control of the race lead before the end of lap four. Piecing together a string of fast laps, before easing off on the final lap, Billy completed race two with a healthy nine-second margin of victory.

Aiming to close out what had so far been a perfect round six, Billy set about stamping his authority on the third and final race in Sofia. Claiming another holeshot on his FE 350, the Husqvarna rider got to work. With racing lines few could match, he opened up a gap of two seconds at the end of lap two and continued to build his advantage. Really enjoying the layout of the course inside the Arena Sofia, Bolt remained unchallenged for the entirety of the race to win by an incredible 29 seconds.

Extending his championship lead to 59 points, the Husqvarna Factory Racing rider enters next weekend’s seventh and final round of the 2024 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Newcastle, United Kingdom with a virtual grasp on his fourth consecutive title.

Billy Bolt: “Tonight was a great night. Taking maximum points I couldn’t have really asked for better here. I really enjoyed my riding, and I enjoyed the track a lot. It was wide with plenty of sections for overtaking. I feel like I saved my best for last in race three. Once I got out front, I was able to push hard and really build up a lead. Naturally I’m excited for the final round next weekend in Newcastle. It’s my home race, I grew up beside the stadium, so I can’t wait to put on a show for my home crowd. My championship lead is very healthy, which eases the pressure slightly to take my fourth title in a row.”

Results – 2024 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship – Round 6, Bulgaria

Prestige Overall

1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 63pts

2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 47pts

3. Will Hoare (Rieju) 37pts

4. Jonny Walker (Beta) 37pts

5. Mitchell Brightmore (GASGAS) 35pts

Prestige Race 1

1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10 laps, 7:05.416

2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 10 laps, 7:13.233

3. Eddie Karlsson (Husqvarna) 10 laps, 7:18.016

Prestige Race 2

1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10 laps, 7:07.670

2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 10 laps, 7:17.263

3. Dominik Olszowy (Rieju) 10 laps, 7:24.859

Prestige Race 3

1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10 laps, 6:43.105

2. Will Hoare (Rieju) 10 laps, 7:12.118

3. Mitchell Brightmore (GASGAS) 10 laps, 7:13.003

Championship Standings (After Round 6)

1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 364pts

2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 305pts

3. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 240pts

4. Will Hoare (Rieju) 208pts

5. Mitchell Brightmore (GASGAS) 191pts

Verstappen goes for gold in Women’s class of FIM Sand Races World Cup

With one round down and five to go, Amandine Verstappen – Yamaha has taken an early lead in the Women’s class of the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup and the twenty-four-year-old Belgian racer has got her sights firmly set on the title after finishing second in 2023.

At the series-opening Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais earlier this month, Verstappen was in dominant form as she led home the female field and in the process charged from outside the top one-hundred-and-fifty riders up to a sensational eighty-second overall at the finish following three gruelling hours on the northern coast of France.
 
“It’s true that I was going for the Women’s victory, but apart from that I didn’t know where I would finish,” she said. “Anything can happen and I didn’t expect to finish so high up the overall ranking, but my coach was sure that I could make it into the top one-hundred.”
 
Fully committed to racing all six rounds of the newly-expanded FIM Sand Races World Cup, Verstappen does not pause for even a moment when asked if she has set herself any goals for 2024.
 
“The aim is to win the title because last year I finished second!”
 
Like so many other riders, racing motorcycles is a family affair for Verstappen who was introduced to two wheels at the age of four by her father who also raced. Growing up in Belgium, it was almost inevitable that she would excel in sand. It is also no surprise that her favourite Motocross rider is Jeffrey Herlings, one of the greatest sand riders ever, who she rates highly for his perseverance and ability to come back strongly from injury.
 
Verstappen is well known to Motocross fans after battling in the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) every season since she made her debut at the MXGP of the Netherlands in 2014 when she was barely into her teens. No points came on her debut, but the following year she finished the season in fourth and remained in the top six for the next four years, claiming her debut overall victory in 2019 at Valkenswaard, the track where she made her WMX debut five years earlier.
 
She was sixth overall in 2021 and again in 2022, though is now focussing on the exciting Sand Races series which runs until the start of December and has further rounds in Argentina, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and France.
 
“I’m going to do a [WMX] race,” she added, “but this year I’m concentrating on the Sand Races World Cup.”
 
The Enduro del Verano in Argentina is the next event on the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup calendar this coming weekend (24-26 February).

Followers of the FIM Sand Races World Cup can stay completely up to date with all the latest news through new FIM social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram and via the Sportity app using the password FIMSandRaces.

By using the tag #FIMSandRaces, fans will also be able to interact on social media with riders and like-minded enthusiasts.

To view the full 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup calendar along with more information INFOS HERE

Kellett starts 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup defence on top at Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais

Defending champion Todd Kellett – Yamaha kicked off the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup with a dominant overall win in the Motorcycle category at today’s Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais as Belgium’s Amandine Verstappen – Yamaha led home the registered riders in the Women’s class and Mickaël De Souza – KTM got his campaign under way on top in the Veteran’s class.

Britain’s Kellett, who won the legendary race on the north coast of France last season before going on to claim the inaugural FIM Sand Races World Cup, started the three-hour race near the front of almost thirteen-hundred competitors and sat third following the opening lap less than six seconds off the lead.

By the end of the second thirteen-kilometre lap he was thirteen seconds ahead and he began to pull clear of a chasing pack that, by the completion of lap three, saw registered riders Lars Van Berkel – Honda from the Netherlands and Jeremy Hauquier – Honda from France running third and fifth.

Illustrating the depth of talent contesting this year’s series, Valentin Madoulaud – Yamaha held ninth at this point with Camille Chapeliere – KTM in twelfth, Maxime Sot – KTM sixteenth and Joey Nuques – Yamaha eighteenth and there could very well have been another registered rider running near the front if Belgian Yentel Martens – Honda, who started the series as a hotly-tipped rider, had not gone out on the opening lap.

By the end of lap four Kellett led by almost one-and-a-half minutes from Van Berkel and Hauquier and although Hauquier then lost third to Cyril Genot as the race approached the hour mark, France’s Chapeliere looked solid in eighth, two places ahead of his compatriot Madoulaud.

By the halfway point Kellett’s lead was almost two-and-a-half minutes and he was in complete control, using all his hard-won experience to find smart lines through the traffic as conditions got increasingly rough, but Chapeliere slowed dramatically and dropped out of contention.

On the penultimate lap Van Berkel fell and lost second position to Genot, but Kellett was out of reach and he completed his fifteenth and final lap with a winning advantage of two minutes and fourteen seconds with Van Berkel an additional thirteen seconds behind in third before a gap of over six-and-a-half minutes to fourth-placed rider Brian Bogers – Honda.

“Today I feel like I’m back on my good level,” said Kellett. “It’s been a real challenge since my crash last October so I’m really pleased and proud to have done this. It’s a great start to the FIM Sand Races World Cup. This is the biggest beach race in the world – there’s no disputing that – and my secret [to winning] is just the sheer hunger and drive within me.”

The next registered rider to cross the line was France’s Maxime Sot – KTM who moved into the top twenty on lap two and pulled through all the way up to sixth overall with Hauquier finishing eighth, Nuques eleventh and Madoulaud sixteenth.

In the fight for supremacy in the Women’s class, Verstappen started strongly and charged from just inside the top one-hundred-and-fifty riders at the end of lap three all the up to eighty-second at the finish on a total of twelve laps. Mathilde Denis – Honda from France, who won last year’s Women’s class in the FIM Sand Races World Cup, finished a lap down on her rival in one-hundred-and-ninety-eighth.

“It was quite a complicated race physically, but from start to finish I kept my pace and held on,” said Verstappen. “So that produced a victory and a finish in the top one-hundred which I didn’t think I was capable of so I’m really pleased with my race.”

The Veteran’s class is shaping up to be close and competitive this season with De Souza coming home in forty-second overall on thirteen laps, last year’s winner Arnaud Besnier – Honda finishing in eighty-first on twelve laps and Christophe Brucker – KTM completing a French one-two-three in one-hundred-and-seventh on eleven laps.

There is now a three-week break in the schedule before the six-round series resumes on 24-26 February with the Enduro del Verano in Argentina.

Followers of the FIM Sand Races World Cup can stay completely up to date with all the latest news through new FIM social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram and via the Sportity app using the password FIMSandRaces.

By using the tag #FIMSandRaces, fans will also be able to interact on social media with riders and like-minded enthusiasts.

To view the full 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup calendar along with more information click here.

FULL RESULTS ENDUROPALE 2024

Changes to 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup confirmed

The FIM is pleased to confirm a number of major changes to the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup series, with each round again having its own unique format as detailed in the respective Supplementary Regulations, but all still counting towards the overall standings.

(2023 Enduro del Verano (Argentina) © Frederik Herregods)

In addition to the expanded six-round calendar that was published last month, the FIM Sand Races World Cup will now be contested across nine categories. These are Motorcycle (M), Motorcycle Junior 1 (MJ1), Motorcycle Junior 2 (MJ2), Quad (Q), Quad Junior (QJ), SSV (S), Vintage 1 (V1), Vintage 2 (V2) and Vintage Quad (VQ).

The Motorcycle category will have Overall, Veteran and Women classes while MJ1 and MJ2 will include both Junior and Women classes. Quad competitors will also have Overall, Veteran and Women classes while QJ will include Junior and Women classes. For SSVs – which stands for Side-By-Side Vehicle – and Vintage Quad competitors there will be an Overall class while V1 and V2 racers will compete in Overall and Women classes.

To qualify for the Vintage categories, machines must be pre-1997 and be equipped with steel frames.

There is also a new logo for the series, featuring two riders in typical starting positions to represent Motorcycle and Quad competitors.

New social media pages on Facebook and Instagram dedicated to the FIM Sand Races World Cup have been created along with a new Sportity Channel that can be accessed using the password FIMSandRaces.

Consisting of races in five separate countries across two continents, the series runs from February to December and gets under way with the world-famous Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais from 2-4 February.

https://www.fim-moto.com/en/sports/view/fim-sand-races-world-cup-5853

(2023 Monte Gordo Sand Experience, Portugal   – Quad © Frederik Herregods)

https://www.fim-moto.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/2024/2024_FIM_Sand_Races_World_Cup_Regulations_240123_clean.pdf?t=1706194798

BILLY BOLT STARTS 2024 SUPERENDURO CAMPAIGN WITH DOMINANT OVERALL WIN IN FRANCEHUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING ACE KICKS OFF INDOOR ENDURO SEASON IN STYLE SECURING THREE WINS FROM THREE STARTS AT ROUND ONE

Unbeatable in France, Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt has delivered a dominant performance at round one of the 2024 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship. Making it three wins from three starts inside the Arena Stade couvert de Lievin, Billy also topped the SuperPole hot lap on his FE 350 to complete round one with a maximum points score.

Despite a short turnaround between the final round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship and round one of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, Bolt was fired up to go racing in Lievin, France following several weeks of intense training. Confident of a positive start to the series, the fast-paced course favoured the Brit. Fastest in timed practice, Bolt then began the evening’s racing by topping the superpole hot lap by over eight tenths of a second.

Opting for a middle starting gate for race one, Bolt timed his reactions to perfection and grabbed the holeshot. With his wheels out front, he set a blisteringly fast pace on the opening few laps to build a comfortable lead. Extending that advantage as the race progressed, he took the opening win of the night by a very sizeable 20 seconds.

With the start order reversed for race two, Billy made good of his outside start position on row two. Attacking from the drop of the gate, he exited the first rock garden in sixth, then quickly moved up to third by the end of lap one. During the following lap he took the lead and never looked back. Unchallenged, he eased away to another commanding win.

Aiming to end round one on a high, Bolt took his second holeshot of the night in race three. Knowing the course was deteriorating, he pushed hard for the first few laps to establish a strong advantage over the chasing pack. Remaining mistake free, he raced on to make it three wins from three starts and with it secured a deserved overall victory.

The FIM SuperEnduro World Championship now moves on to round two in Krakow, Poland on December 9th.

Billy Bolt: “It’s been a perfect night and perfect start to the championship here in France. To get three wins from three starts, along with winning superpole, is great. But more importantly, I felt my riding was where I wanted it to be and without mistakes. With only a few weeks between the hard enduro and SuperEnduro series, I wasn’t sure where my intensity level would be in the races. But my fitness was good and I could go the distance each race. I’m looking forward to building on this at round two in Poland.”

Results – 2024 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship – Round 1, France

Prestige Overall
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 63pts;
2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 53pts;
3. Will Hoare (Beta) 39pts;
4. Dominik Olszowy (Rieju) 35pts;
5. Alfredo Gomez (Rieju) 34pts

Prestige Race 1
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10 laps, 7:04.244;
2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 10 laps, 7:24.255;
3. Dominik Olszowy (Rieju) 10 laps, 7:36.876

Prestige Race 2
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10 laps, 7:07.573;
2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 10 laps, 7:21.327;
3. Alfredo Gomez (Rieju) 10 laps, 7:44.980

Prestige Race 3
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 10 laps, 6:56.880;
2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 10 laps, 7:11.539;
3. Will Hoare (Beta) 10 laps, 7:25.291

Championship Standings (After Round 1)
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 63pts;
2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 53pts;
3. Will Hoare (Beta) 39pts;
4. Dominik Olszowy (Rieju) 35pts;
5. Alfredo Gomez (Rieju) 34pts