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Knighter wins in France, tops E2 on day two At the end of what has been a hugely challenging season David Knight has claimed victory at the final round of the '09 World Enduro Championship, the GP of France staged in St Flour. Proving that he is without question still one of the world's very best enduro racers, Knighter battled hard during both days to claim the runner-up spot in the E2 class on day one before topping the E2 podium on day two aboard his 450cc Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team machine. Finishing fourth and third in the Enduro 2 class at the GP of Greece - his first outing for Kawasaki - Knight's second and first place results in France show that despite his mid-season change of machinery he never gave up on ending 2009 with a win. In topping the Enduro 2 class on day two David claimed his first ever E2 class victory, and with it put in one of the event's most impressive performances. David Knight: "It's been a great weekend. With everything that's happened this season this is the first time that I've felt like I've really been able to focus on just racing an enduro. This win really means a lot. We've not had the luxury of a winter's testing so it's been a case of trying different things, guessing sometimes, to turn a standard motocross bike into a machine capable of winning at World Enduro Championship level, which we've done. Ok, Johnny Aubert wasn't racing, and everyone knows how fast he's been this season, but I'll take this victory. I had some new parts in my engine this weekend, which worked really well, but it took me a little while to get used to them. I really enjoyed day one because it was so close between myself and Juha - either of us could have won really. I was really happy to be able to fight all day with Juha. I had a really disappointing first test on day two, but after that I was able to get going and find my speed. I had a really good fight with Salminen and Rodrig Thain in the morning but I just wanted to make sure I didn't make any mistakes. I made one mistake on day one and I think it cost me the win. I didn't want to push too hard too soon. I wanted to wait and see if the others made mistakes, before staying safe on the last lap. It's great to end the season with a win and I have to say a huge thanks to my team."
AHOLA’S CROWNING CLOSES 2009 WEC Mika AHOLA: “ I feel very very relax now. I could have taken it easy today but finally it’s easier to go full gas and think about nothing. Actually this season was better than last year when I was fighting until the end. This year I was thinking I’m already the champion at half season. Then I started to take it easy. I hope I will go on to improve as a good wine, the older I’ll get the better I’ll be. Next season everything is still open. I don’t have a contract yet and I didn’t choose my category.” Note that Mika Ahola imposes himself as the best rider into Extreme Tests in the overall. He succeeds Juha Salminen and wins for the second time the BMW MOTORRAD XTREME TEST AWARD and the BMW G450 X promised to the best rider. For the victory of the day in this ultimate round of the championship, Marc GERMAIN (FRA-YAM) and Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) offered a brave fight. The Husqvarna factory rider gets a sixth victory on MAXXIS FIM WEC, with 3.45 seconds in advance, and completes an amazing end of season. Released from any stake, ENDURO 2 class also offered a nice spectacle to the tens of thousands spectators of this record final. If Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM) sometimes showed signs of weakness in end of race in 2009, this Sunday the French seems more regular than ever. In spite of a wounded wrist he ends second, at the same time signing his best result since his coming on the WEC three years ago. However ENDURO 2 does not miss contenders, and the TM rider rubbed with Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) and David KNIGHT (GB-KAW) avid of victory. The BMW leader third proves once more that his machine reached an optimal performance level, while the British winner get a revenge on his bad start of season. Knight has from now all the keys to convince Kawasaki to support him on 2010 WEC. In E2 or E3, Italians from HM Honda make good results, with the fourth places of Oscar BALLETTI (ITA-HM) and Fabio MOSSINI (ITA-HM). In the big class, Mossini is getting closer of Top 3. In the absence of Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) wounded, Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) crowned the day before offers to KTM a second place of the day. On his side Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) loses one position compared to the day before and goes up on the third walk of the podium of the day as in the final classification of the championship. The revelation of this last GRAND PRIX AMV OF FRANCE is incontestably Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS). Recently confirmed by Gas Gas for the two next seasons, the French following the example of his compatriot Méo in E1 finishes the year brilliantly, with a double victory in the category and in the unofficial overall. Christophe NAMBOTIN: “ It was physically very hard today, since the end of last lap I was tired but my motivation made the difference. I think that was the same for my adversaries but here the public gave me more energy. I was really motivated for this race, maybe I wanted to erase the few deceptions and mistakes I had this year. This week-end I was 100% and everything worked well. I think it’s also an achievement for my team, so I’m happy.” Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) titrated earlier in the season, the last meeting definitively sealed the podium of the Junior class. By ending first, Benoît FORTUNATO (FRA-YAM) gets the plate of number 2, after realizing a promising end of season. Victor GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) has not been able to dispute the title of vice champion to the French because he hurt his finger during this second day. The prize list of the WEC would be incomplete without mentioning the final victory of Romain DUMONTIER (FRA-HVA) in front of Jonathan MANZI (ITA-HVA) in the classification of the FIM YOUTH CUP 125 CC powered by HUSQVARNA.
Continuing his recent run of good form Frenchman Antoine Meo has ensured success for Husqvarna at the final round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship, the GP of France staged in St Flour. Winning the Enduro 1 class on both days aboard his TE250 – his second double E1 class victory in as many races – Meo once again showed that he had the beating of his E1 class rivals despite being pushed hard on both days. Joining Meo in securing podium results Seb Guillaume claimed second and third place results in the Enduro 3 class. At the end of a demanding season Meo secured the runner-up position in the E1 championship standings while Guillaume finished third in E3. For the second consecutive event the World Enduro Championship enjoyed dry weather. And with thousands of spectators turning out to watch the final round of the ’09 season the event proved to be a memorable one. With three challenging special tests, as well as two demanding time controls, the event was anything but easy. For Antoine Meo the GP of France ended in celebration as for the second consecutive WEC race the former GP motocross rider enjoyed class winning success. Wanting to impress in front of his home fans Meo topped the Friday night Super Test before continuing to dominate the E1 class. Pushed hard by Mika Ahola early on day one, Antoine edged ahead as the day neared its close and enjoyed a 20 second winning margin. On day two Meo had to work hard for victory. Battling against countryman Marc Germain little separated the two throughout the day with Antoine just doing enough to secure his sixth consecutive day win of the season. Competing alongside Meo in the E1 class for Husqvarna Marc Bourgeois placed a creditable sixth on day one before claiming the exact same result on day two. Disappointingly, due to the injury of Bartosz Oblucki at the GP of Greece the CH Racing Husqvarna team were unable to field any riders in the Enduro 2 class. Despite having scored no points in the last two rounds of the ’09 WEC series Oblucki still placed a creditable sixth in the final end of season championship standings. Husqvarna’s Seb Guillaume brought his ’09 Enduro 3 campaign to a successful close in St Flour as the Frenchman visited the podium on both days. Although hoping to claim victory in front of his home crowd Seb placed a deserved second on day one having pushed newly crowned E3 World Champion Ivan Cervantes into third. On day two Seb again rode well but slipped to third. Seb also claimed third in the ’09 Enduro 3 World Championship standings.
Seb Guillaume – Enduro 3: “It’s been a great event but a really difficult race for me. I’m not sure if it was because there were so many people here supporting me but I didn’t ride my best on the first day, I didn’t get going like I wanted to. Christophe Nambotin was really fast on day one, which left me to have a great fight with Cervantes. I’m pleased with second but I know I could have ridden better. The second day was tough because the course was really rough and the special tests were really challenging. Finishing the season with another podium result was great, but I really wanted to win. The enduro test became a little dangerous so I didn’t want to take any risks. I made a lot of little crashes so I’m pleased with third.”
Swedish rider Joakim Ljunggren rounded off a good season for the
Husaberg Factory Team on Sunday when he garnered enough points in the
final two rounds of E2 to hang onto third overall in the world
championship standings. Perfect day, Ljunggren says Mixed luck on Saturday Ankle injury foils Salonen's final race Calle Sjoo third in EJ Sunday Good team result overall
Electraction TM UK rider Phillip McLaughlin has brought his participation in the ’09 World Enduro Championship to a positive end with a seventh place result in the Enduro Junior class at the GP of France. With the penultimate round of the series, the GP of Greece, having ended with a day two DNF after Phillip crashed heavily on the event’s extreme test, the eight and final round of the series saw the Irishman perform well against a stacked Enduro Junior class, earning him and end-of-season 12th position in the EJ class final standings. With French riders dominating the Enduro Junior class on day one of the GP of France McLaughlin found it tough to break into the top 10. Giving his best throughout the day less than 12 seconds separated Phillip from a top 10 result. Day two was an altogether better day for Mclaughlin. With the opening day having taken its toll on many of the EJ class riders, the second day saw yet more retirements. But for Phillip it brought an improved result as impressive performances on the extreme test, and solid riding on the motocross and enduro tests, saw him place comfortably inside the top 10. Saving his best until last Phillip finished sixth in class on two of the final three special tests to ensure his participation in the ’09 WEC series ended on a high. Also bringing his participation in the ’09 WEC series to a close was Electraction TM UK rider Gordon Clarke. With the dry and duty conditions not best suiting the Irishman Gordon battled his way through both days placing 13th and 12th. The world championship points Gordon scored in France, added to those he scored in Finland, ensured he placed 15th in the ’09 Enduro 3 World Championship. Electraction TM UK supported Frenchman Rodrig Thain enjoyed a hugely successful home GP placing fourth in the Enduro 2 class on day one before finishing second on day two. Phillip McLaughlin: “After the disappointments at the GP of Greece I’m pleased to have come away from the final round of the series with a top 10 result on day two. There are always a lot of fast French riders at the WEC races in France so I’m really pleased with seventh in class on day two. It was a tough race, with three tough tests and some hard going. The first day didn’t go so well but on day two things came together well. It was written for Cervantes For an enduro rider, the GRAND PRIX AMV OF FRANCE has never been a part of pleasure. For the eighth and last meeting of the season, the stars of MAXXIS FIM WEC took up a challenging race, on a track as technical as spectacular, through Cantal and the surroundings of beautiful Saint-Flour. Paths, drained river or career, all the ingredients of extreme enduro were joined together to offer the hardest test of the season. The Cantal failed to its reputation of least populated area in France with an impressive crowd bound all over the course. The theatre of the KTM SUPER TEST smiled to the French riders and more particularly to Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS), author of an incredible reference time, 2.11 seconds faster than the rest of the riders who fight by hundredths. With a strong national representation, ENDURO 3 is besides the major category of this first day of race. In the continuity of his excellent prologue, Nambotin dominates frankly the competition and wins the category with 1 minute 11 seconds in advance. He proves that he definitively took the ascending on his compatriot and adversary Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA), second of E3. It sufficed for Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) the leader to the championship to ensure a honourable fourth place to be crowned world champion. The Spaniard finishes third and finds again a title in the big class which he had conquered for the last time in 2007, the fourth of his career. Ivan CERVANTES: “I was surprised because I was feeling confident during all the day. I knew here Nambotin and Guillaume would be very hard to beat, so I didn’t want to take too muck risks, I preferred to make my own race. I lost some seconds by riding safely but here a result in top 4 was enough to win the title. I am very happy with this new world crown, we had a hard battle this season. Victory comes back home, finally.” Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) could have won the title in E1 during this first round. But while falling in the Enduro Test, he loses one minute and retrogrades at the third place of ENDURO 1. On his side Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA), after a few concentration problems at mid-race, offers himself a victory in front of his public, and pushes back the expiry of the Finn’s crowning, who should avoid any mistake during the ultimate day of the championship. Returning on the WEC, Marc GERMAIN (FRA-YAM) intercalates himself between the two strong men of the championship, and proves that in spite of his absence he did not lose anything of his level on the world scene. Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) unfortunately missed the rendez-vous with his public. The recent world champion of ENDURO 2 had to give up after one hour of race, with the wake up of the injury he suffered during last Greek Grand Prix. In his absence Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM) animates E2, until mid-race where he yields to the pressure of the duo Knight-Salminen. The former teammates are new adversaries, and in this end of season the determination of Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) takes the advantage on the will of David KNIGHT (GB-KAW) for 7.40 seconds. The Finn offers at the same time a second victory to BMW in Grand Prix in 2009. Third, Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) completes the podium of E2. The JUNIOR category saw the rising of the young French guard. Surprising Sebastien BOZZO (FRA-HVA) victorious and Benoit FORTUNATO (FRA-YAM) second animated the race. Yannick BOSSI (FRA-TM) punctuates this podium 100% French. In the brawl for the second final place of the championship, Fortunato the future Husaberg factory rider takes the advantage on Victor GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) only 6th. The second round of the GRAND PRIX AMV OF FRANCE will decide on Sunday the issue of the championship.
Ivan Cervantes, the Spanish rider in the KTM Enduro Factory Racing Team on Saturday wrapped up his E3 season in a blaze of glory in St. Flour, France with a third place in round 15 to take the World Championship title ahead of the final round on Sunday. His third place on Saturday gave Cervantes the unbeatable edge and the title, allowing him to coast home in Sunday's final race to close off what has been a great season for him and his team. It was the second world championship title for KTM Enduro Factory Racing after Johnny Aubert won the E2 title last weekend in Serres, Greece. By sealing the title on Saturday, Cervantes spoiled the party on home turf for his two French rivals Christophe Nambotin and Sebastien Guillaume on their home ground. He finished second in E1 World Championship last season and went on in the winter to win the Indoor World Championship and in doing so achieved his stated goal for the season. Of the 15 rounds held so far in what is a gruelling and difficult series of races, Cervantes topped the podium in 10 rounds and took three minor podium places. KTM Enduro Factory Racing's boss Fabio Farioli was understandably pleased to be celebrating the team's second world championship title in two weeks and was generous in his praise for both Cervantes and the whole team. "We did a great job," he said. "Ivan went out today very concentrated and he knew he had to control Nambotin to be able to wrap up the title. He had to attack but at the same time he had to make no mistakes and not take any risks and he managed to do that. The race was long and very difficult, just as the French races are always," he added. Cervantes, 27, who is passionate about sandy and difficult tracks like those at home in Spain, first rode for KTM in 2000 on a 125cc machine in contrast to his 530 EXC on which he took the E3 title on Saturday.
Podium result for Knight on WEC return Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team rider David Knight made a return to the World Enduro Championship podium at the penultimate round of the '09 series staged in Serres, Greece - his first ever WEC event aboard Kawasaki machinery. In unfamiliar dry and dusty conditions Knight took an early lead in the E2 class on day one before his progress was halted when he broke a foot peg on the first timed enduro test. Ending the day fourth Knight won each of the four extreme special tests. On day two a three-rider fight for the E2 top spot saw David battle against Juha Salminen and Cristobal Guerrero. Dominating the extreme test once again David missed out on the runner-up position by less than half a second and placed just 18 seconds behind eventual winner Salminen. David Knight: "The main thing for me is that I really enjoyed the event. It was tough with the heat but generally I'm pleased with the way it went. Returning to the WEC was never going to be easy, but I've improved throughout the weekend and know where improvements can be made. Day one started really well and I managed to open up about an 18 second lead, which was good, but then I broke a footpeg in the first enduro test. That cost me a lot of time. On the extreme test my bike was perfect, but it was too soft on the enduro test. I was pleased enough with the way the first day went though. I had many more good tests than I did bad. The second day was really good. Things were really close between myself, Salminen and Guerrero early on. I made some mistakes on a few tests, caught a few slower riders on some others, and at the same time Juha was riding really well. The extreme test always went well. It was on the faster going where I was losing out a little. I'm pleased that I was competitive, but a little disappointed that I missed out on second by next to nothing. I feel like I've improved a lot during the weekend and that I really started getting back into it. Like I said I know where I can improve the bike and myself so I'm looking forward to the French Enduro Championship event next weekend and the WEC final the week after. I have to thank my team for doing a great job all weekend." Results - '09 WEC Rnd 7, GP of Greece Enduro 2 class, Day 1 1. Johnny Aubert (KTM) 55:42.12; 2. Juha Salminen (BMW) 56:09.19; 3. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 56:19.35; 4. David Knight (Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team) 56:48.58 Enduro 2 class, Day 2 1. Juha Salminen (BMW) 51:13.10; 2. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 51:31.91; 3. David Knight (Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team) 51:32.28 A SECOND CROWN FOR KING JOHNNY AUBERTSweat and Champagne are the two main ingredients of the GRAND PRIX MAXXIS OF GREECE. For the first round of this penultimate test of the world season, the French Johnny Aubert offered himself a second title of enduro world champion, at the end of a day marked by many surprises. In the dust of the mountains as in the furnace of the plain of Serres, the stars of MAXXIS FIM WEC faced a hard restart of season, connecting four laps of race and twelve timed sectors at high speed. Thanks to his invincibility on the six preceding events of 2009 WEC, it sufficed for Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) to finish in front of his first rival to become world champion of the ENDURO 2 again. In spite of a beginning impressed of tension and punctuated by a few mistakes, the French managed to release himself in a long Enduro Test where qualities of enduro rider prevailed. Winner of the day, he precedes Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) second by 27.08 seconds and cap his second world crown, a first under the colours of KTM. Johnny AUBERT: “I am very happy for KTM because we worked very much to win it. At the beginning of the year, only a few people thought that I could defend my title, so I had a feeling of revenge. I am glad to prove to those who did not believe in me that I am always here. What I am living this year is marvellous, I won all the races, I’m signing an incredible season, and I become dad for the second time. It is really a year of happiness.” The other smile of this Saturday is the one of David KNIGHT (GB-KAW) on his Kawasaki. After an unhappy episode at BMW, the British giant comes back to life in his private structure. He punctuates his first appearance on the WEC on the machine of the Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team by an encouraging 4th place, despite a broken footpad. Knight just missed rhythm compared to his first adversaries in the Enduro Test. Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM), already fast on this same ground during 2008 ISDE, takes again confidence in the championship, he is on the third step of the podium. Note that by being wounded to the ankle, Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) gives up, compromising his participation to the final of the championship and at the same time his third place in the general. In ENDURO 1, Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) shone once more. He took the race to his advantage from the KTM Super Test of the Friday evening, where his aggressive and sometimes lucky riding made the difference on Mika AHOLA (SF-HM). The Finnish leader of the championship had however decided to arrive one month earlier in Greece for studious holidays, in order to prepare the event and also to acclimatize himself to heat. But the will of the French, recently confirmed by Husqvarna for two years, is strongest. He wins with 1 minute 6 seconds in advance his third consecutive success on the WEC. The Finn on his side takes the second place and keeps in a comfortable position at the top of the standings, even if as in Mexico he was shoved by his own team mate, the French Julien GAUTHIER (FRA-HM). Author of a new podium, the HM Honda rider affirms himself more and more in front of the mainstays of the category who are Eero REMES (SF-HM) and Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM). The end of the championship approaches and the category ENDURO 3 is tightened. The true war that delivered today Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS), Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA), Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) and Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) is worthy of the best suspense movies. On the other hand the scenario is often the same at the end. Ivan Cervantes increases his effort while his adversaries undergo the by-effect of hotness. The Spanish winner precedes Guillaume second and Aro third. Finally fourth after a crash, Christophe Nambotin beats a Fabio MOSSINI (ITA-HM) always very fast in the Extreme Tests. For his beginnings in the category, the new Junior world champion Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) takes a beautiful 6th place. Under conditions close to those met in Southern Spain, Victor GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) ends in second position of the Junior category, in front of his compatriot Lorenzo SANTOLINO (ESP-KTM). But the hero of the young class is Benoit FORTUNATO (FRA-YAM), supersonic in the two last special tests. He offers to French enduro a third Marseillaise anthem on the final podium of this first day of the GRAND PRIX MAXXIS OF GREECE, before Sunday second round of competition. SALMINEN'S GIFT TO BMW 5 to 6 litres of water per day, that is what some riders had to drink during the race to face the torrid temperatures of Northern Greece in this end of August. Fortunately some clouds carrying shade gave a drop of the thermometer of world enduro. If we add the fact that the race have been cut down of one lap, we will say that the riders of the GRAND PRIX MAXXIS OF GREECE benefited from a special favour for this second day of competition. However the menu of the day remains demanding, because in addition to an interminable portion of dusty connection in the mountain, and short tricky special tests close to the paddock, the long Enduro Test often appeared decisive. If it is incontestably one of the most beautiful special tests of 2009 MAXXIS FIM WEC, it mixes all the technical ingredients of enduro and the best riders must take a maximum of risk in it to win. The risk is precisely a major part of Antoine MEO’s (FRA-HVA) riding style in ENDURO 1. The WEC new superstar is like the day before the fastest man of this second Greek round. If he plays equal with Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) in Cross and Extreme Tests, he realizes a harvest of seconds in the Enduro Test, where the speed of the Finn was rather awaited. Meo offers Husqvarna the fourth consecutive success on the WEC with 40.56 seconds in advance and put pressure on the Finnish leader, who will have a margin of 27 points and thus not any possibility of mistake during the last event in France. The other fast French of E1 Julien GAUTHIER (FRA-HM) tried to battle, stuck between the members of KTM armada. He finishes first lap in the third place in front of Eero REMES (SF-KTM), Thomas OLDRATI (ITA-KTM) and Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM). A position that he hardly managed to keep until the finish line. In addition to the DNS of Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) wounded to the ankle, and Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM) injured to the wrist, the infirmary of ENDURO 2 welcomes this second day a guest star. Crowned world champion the day before, Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) must give up, victim of the pain to the hand contracted during his fall of Saturday. The championship already won, the French will not be able to carry out a Grand Slam, he prefers to preserve his wounded hand. In his absence, Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) becomes for the first time this season the owner of the category. While resisting the successive attacks of Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) and David KNIGHT (GB-KAW), he offers BMW a first historical success on MAXXIS FIM WEC. Juha SALMINEN : « I’m happy, it’s always good to win even if Johnny couldn’t ride today. It’s important for BMW because we’ve been struggling quite a lot this year, and now things are going better and better. It’s complicated to explain all the few things that have changed on the bike but for sure we’ve been working hard. Now it would be interesting to compete with Johnny. I’m confident, after many second places, this win is perfect. » On their sides, Cristobal Guerrero second and David Knight third confirm their results of the day before. They complete a new and surprising podium for E2 this season. In full confidence, Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) seems to move inexorably towards the world title in ENDURO 3. His strong second day enables him to punctuate this Greek weekend by an important double win, for 2.88 seconds today, before the final of the championship. Behind the Spaniard, his direct adversaries are neutralized. Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) takes the second place in front of Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA), third and slightly outdistanced. Following the example of his team mate Johnny Aubert, Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) wounded to the finger the day before preferred to give up. The radiographies made Serres hospital having revealed a fracture of thumb, he will not be able to take down the second place of the championship that he aimed. The second final place of the championship is also in the heart of all covetousness among JUNIORS. The winner of this second round is Lorenzo SANTOLINO (ESP-KTM), in front of Benoit FORTUNATO (FRA-YAM). Ironically the BMW MOTORRAD EXTREME TEST AWARD is won by David Knight, he succeeds Antoine Meo faster on Saturday.
World Enduro Championship ’09 – Round 7, Serres, Greece, 29-30.8.2009 Meo wins again… dominates WEC GP of Greece Following on from their many successes at the GP of Mexico the CH Racing Husqvarna team have once again enjoyed impressive results in the ’09 World Enduro Championship with Antoine Meo claiming a second consecutive Enduro 1 class double victory, this time dominating both days of the penultimate round of the WEC series. Determined to continue his recent run of good form, Meo produced his best ever WEC performances to date as he blitzed the E1 class on both days. The fastest outright performer on both days aboard his TE250, the Frenchman made next to no mistakes on any of the event’s demanding special tests. Joining Meo in delivering good results for Husqvarna was Seb Guillaume who came agonisingly close to topping the Enduro 3 class on day one yet still claimed podium results on both days.
On day two Meo was equally dominant. Pushing no harder than he needed to he quickly moved to the top of the E1 class as well as setting a pace faster than any other rider, irrespective of class. Making no mistakes Meo ended the second day’s competition with a 40 second lead to claim a well deserved win. Next up for Meo is his home round of the WEC series – a race he is well placed to win. In the Enduro 2 class Husqvarna’s lone competitor Bartosz Oblucki was forced to retire on day one after he injured his foot on the enduro test. Breaking bones in his left foot Bartosz understandably took no part in the second day’s competition and will likely miss the final round of the season in France, in two weeks. Finn Matti Seistola was not competing in Greece for the CH Racing Husqvarna team due to recovering from recent knee surgery. In the Enduro 3 class Husqvarna enjoyed podium success as Seb Guillaume finished as runner-up on day one and in third position on day two. Just 23 seconds behind eventual day one winner Ivan Cervantes, Seb performed well on all tests. Despite not quite being able to match his day one result at the end of the second day’s competition Seb nevertheless secured a second podium finish with third in the E3 class. The CH Racing Husqvarna team will now prepare themselves for the final round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship in France on September 12-13. Antoine Meo – Enduro 1: “I’m really, really happy with my results
and performances. This win means much more to me that my first victory on
Mexico. I felt that I was really the fastest rider here. I think I
surprised Mika with my speed on day one. I pushed hard from the start and
never stopped pushing hard throughout the day. On day two I was expecting Seb Guillaume (left)– Enduro 3: “The first day was very good for me, but it was a hard race because of the heat. You had to keep drinking, and drinking, all day. It was really hard. I made one small mistake on the enduro test, which cost me the win. That was disappointing but generally I was pleased with my speed and the way I rode. Day two wasn’t so good. It just didn’t happen for me. I made quite a lot of small mistakes, especially in the enduro test where I didn’t have a good feeling. I finished on the podium again, which is good. But I wasn’t fast enough like I was on day one. I’m looking forward to the GP of France now.”
To ensure the World Title in the JUNIOR class, Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) had to end in a honourable place, profiting from the particular rules of the less than 23 years category. By finishing first, he seals his destiny and wins at two Grand Prix from the end his first world crown, offering at the same time a third success to Husaberg after the titles of Joakim Ljunggren in 2006 and 2007. Oriol MENA: “First of all I am tired, but I feel also very happy to win this title, and I want to thanks all the people who help me, my team, my sponsors. I am dreaming and I’m still asking myself if I am really the winner. I worked hard to be world champion, especially after my accident and my wound to the face. I will work as hard to manage my entry in the Seniors category next year.” In the brawl for the victory that opposed him to Mena, Jérémy JOLY (FRA-HM) crashed in the Cross Test of the third lap. After a first diagnosis he would suffer from a fracture of the clavicle. Like Saturday, altitude is the number one enemy of motorbikes and breathless riders. In ENDURO 1, Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) knew once more whims of his machine to start the engine and begins the day with 10 seconds of penalty. By wasting time in the stone drains of the Extreme Test, he eats into his chances of victory and must be satisfied with the second place for only 15 hundredths. On his side, Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) under the pressure of his rival at the end punctuates a perfect weekend by a second consecutive victory. The third step of the podium is for Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM). In ENDURO 2, Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) strategy was to take a frank advantage from the first special tests of the morning. He succeeded easily to the pressure of Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) to ride alone at the head, such as he uses to do since the beginning of season. The strong man of the WEC was an exhausted man at the finish line of an event which marks his twelfth consecutive success this season. Victim of a distortion to the inch, Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) was not able to defend the place he wished in the category. This wound of the Pole benefits in Salminen but also Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM), third of the day. In ENDURO 3, Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS), however leader during the ¾ of the race could not resist to the incredible come back of Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) at the end of the race. In particular the physical resources of the Spanish made the difference, and allow him to win the second Mexican round by 18 seconds in advance on Nambotin. Ivan CERVANTES: “It was two hard days for me and since Slovakia Nambotin put a lot of pressure on me. Yesterday I finished in front of him, and today I did not think I was able to come back because I made a series of mistakes in the Extreme Test. After one hour and a half of cumulated special tests we returned to equality. I won, and this victory makes me confident for the championship and the next test in Greece, because it is there that I won my first world title. ” At the end of an enthusiastic battle with Samuli ARO (SF-KTM), the winner of the day before, Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA), takes finally the third place for more than one second. Note that after Nambotin Saturday, Antoine Méo wins the BMW MOTORRAD XTREME TEST AWARD Sunday.
The Husaberg Factory Team had reason to celebrate in Valle de Bravo,
Mexico this weekend with Spanish rider Oriol Mena clinching the EJ World
Championship title with four races still in hand. Dream came true says Mena Carlsson himself was not so fortunate this weekend. He finished in seventh place on Saturday and had to retire after one lap on Sunday, citing a lack of practice on the bike as a result of injuries. Carlsson has had a damaged knee and broke ribs in recent races and now hopes to work on his fitness for the final four races of the season. “I was very tired today,” he said after Sunday’s race. It was a tough track and I haven’t been able to train. Now I will return to Sweden and do a lot of training on the bike to get fit for the last races. 8-5 Result for Ljunggren in E2 First podium for Sjoo
Frenchman Antoine Meo has given Husqvarna its first TE 250 powered World Enduro Championship race victory with a sensational double Enduro 1 class winning result at the GP of Mexico, round six of the ’09 WEC series. Agonisingly close to claiming his first WEC victory at the recent GP of Slovakia, Antoine continued his good form in Valle de Bravo to stand on top of the E1 class podium ahead of Mika Ahola on both days. Joining Antoine in enjoying success in the ’09 World Enduro Championship’s only non-European event was Seb Guillaume. Topping the Enduro 3 class on day one Seb returned to form having struggled to perform at his best in recent events following a crash at the GP of Finland. Giving himself and the CH Racing Husqvarna team much to be pleased about Meo did on day one what he had been threatening to do at the last two GPs – finish at the very top of the Enduro 1 class. Although winning just five of the first full day’s 11 special tests Meo placed no lower than third in class on any test, which ensured he remained in the hunt for victory. In winning the final test of day one by three seconds he secured his first ever WEC victory. On day two Meo found things difficult. Sick for three days prior to the start of the race Antoine became tired soon after the start but knowing that a second race win was within his grasp gave his all to ensure he again arrived at the end of the day fighting for the win. Although not winning any of the special tests on the final lap, Meo’s hard work early in the day ensured he claimed his second ever WEC victory. Competing as the CH Racing Husqvarna team’s lone Enduro 2 class rider due to Finn Matti Seistola having to undergo knee surgery, Bartosz Oblucki’s GP of Mexico didn’t go exactly to plan as a big crash early on day one spoiled his event. Riding extremely well prior to his crash, Bartosz was forced to fight his way through the two days with the help of pain killing injections. Fourth on day one, on day two things got really hard for Bart’ but he fought his way to the end of the day and finished eighth. Finally putting the crash he sustained at the GP of Finland firmly behind him Seb Guillaume enjoyed a near perfect opening day as he piloted his WR 300 to a well-deserved Enduro 3 class win. Enjoying the Mexican event, and the long motocross test in particular, Seb took an early class lead and maintained his position at the front of the throughout the day. Seb’s eventual winning margin was 11 seconds. On day two Seb was one of many riders to feel less than 100 per cent. After a long, hard first day Seb was unable to start day two as he’d finished day one but upped his pace as the day wore on and claimed third, ensuring a second, deserved, visit to the podium. Antoine Meo – Enduro 1: “It’s been a fantastic weekend for me. Winning on day one was really special because it was my first ever WEC victory. The Husqvarna team and myself have worked really hard this season and to finally win is really great. I had a really good day on day one. Mika had some problems in the morning and lost 10 seconds but I won by 12 seconds. I rode well all day and felt good. Day two was also good. I was sick for three days before the race and I started to feel really tired half way through the second day. Mika was pushing really hard but I managed to stay ahead of him and win again. I am really happy for Husqvarna and the team. I’m also pleased to give the TE 250 its first WEC victory.” Bartosz Oblucki – Enduro 2: “I crashed really heavily on the motocross test on lap two of the first day and badly injured my right thumb. It was really difficult after that. I had a good opening lap so I was pushing hard to try and win the day. After my crash I was in fourth, and I had a good lead ahead of the riders behind me, so I am pleased that I was able to finish in that position. Day two was much harder. I had four different pain killing injections during the day, but it was still really hard to hold on because the track was so rough. I just wanted to try and score some points, which I managed to do. I’m happy with fourth and eight place results because it could have easily been a no-point weekend after the crash. I’d really like to thank the event organiser Sergio Diaz and his family and Husqvarna Mexico for their support and help.” Seb Guillaume – Enduro 3: “The first day was really good for me. I decided just to take things easy on the Super Test and then eased my way into the first day’s competition. The motocross test was perfect for me so I pushed really hard and I finished 10 seconds ahead of the other riders. I knew then that I could do well. I pushed hard but I stayed within my limits and although it was close at the end of the day it was great to win. I didn’t have any problems or crashes on day one. After the disappointing results in Finland and Slovakia it was good to have a podium result again. Day two was really hard. I didn’t have a great opening lap but after that I got stronger. I had a good fight with Samuli Aro on the last lap and managed to finish on the podium again in third.”
Ivan Cervantes of the KTM Enduro Factory Team came away from the two E3 World Championship rounds in Mexico's Valle de Bravo with an excellent 2-1 result to further boost his title chances with just four races to go. The team's Spanish rider finished second behind Frenchman Sebastian Guillaume on Saturday, continually picking up his performance on the difficult track as the day progressed. Riders tacked the challenges of hard terrain on top of altitudes of up to 2200 meters in the mountainous lakeside resort just two hours from Mexico City. Cervantes went one better in Sunday's race, recovering from a crash in the second test, where he lost about 30 seconds to take the victory on the day. He now has a 22-point lead in the standings with four races still in hand. Cervantes KTM team-mate Samuli Aro was just off the podium in fourth place for both races and is currently in fourth place in the standings. Aro however was the winner of the KTM Super Test on Friday night which was held on the shores of the lake at Valle de Bravo. The Super Test drew large crowds to watch the world's best Enduro riders in action and is a new feature of the championship that is proving to be a crowd winner and a value added attraction for the sport. Fabio Farioli, team boss of the KTM Enduro Factory Team reported that the well run event was much tougher than riders had first expected, with the high altitude affecting both bikes and riders.
Johnny Aubert of the KTM Enduro Factory Racing Team was apparently as at home on the grassy slopes of Valle de Bravo in Mexico this weekend as on any other world championship Enduro circuit, coasting to two more E2 victories in Round 11 and 12. The French rider thus maintains his perfect score card and record of excellent, unbeatable performance throughout the season. "Johnny rode an easy race and was very relaxed," commented team boss Fabio Farioli after the two rounds just two hours drive from Mexico City. Riders had to contend with altitudes over 2000 meters, conditions that made the bikes slower and offered challenges in personal endurance and toughness. Aubert, who is riding in his first season for the KTM factory team has been the outstanding E2 rider over all terrains offered in the world championships and was clearly not phased by the new venue and particular challenges of the high altitude race, which according to Farioli was organised and a worthy venue for the world championship. It was not such a happy weekend for the team's second rider, Italian Alessandro Belometti who finished the weekend with a fifth place on Saturday and a seventh on Sunday. Aubert now has a 75 point lead over second placed Bartosz Obluki of Poland with 100 points still up for grabs in the final four rounds of the season. Albergoni third in E1 Round 12 in Mexico Simone Albergoni rescued a third place podium for the KTM Enduro Factory Racing Team on Sunday in Round 12 of the E1 World Championship on the new territory of Valle de Bravo, Mexico. The Italian KTM rider improved on his fifth place in Saturday's Round 11. Team mate Eero Remes finished sixth in both races while KTM supported rider, Thomas Oldrati of Italy was fourth and fifth in the two races. Albergoni is currently third in the championship standings with a 19-point deficit on second placed Meo and still four races in hand. Team boss Fabio Farioli reported that the event was worthy of the world championships and was tougher than riders had expected. The resort, two hours by car from Mexico City and in mountains up to 2200 meters above sea level presented conditions quite different from the usual. "Both days were hard and very tough races but a good standard," Farioli said. "Bikes were slower because of the altitude and the track was difficult." Rain, which usually falls each afternoon held off on both days until after the race, he said. FRENCH TRIPLET UNDER MEXICAN SUN - Day 1 Regarded as the main motorsport event of the year in Latin America, the GRAND PRIX MAXXIS OF MEXICO started this Saturday in the mountains surrounding Valle de Bravo, at two hours of road in the South-west of Mexico City. Whereas the stars of MAXXIS FIM WEC expected a dusty and arid Mexican terrain as seen on cinema, they discovered a cool area with green landscapes, where the days are punctuated by the inevitable downpours of the afternoon. To spare the many South American riders, the track appeared relatively easy for the regular boarders of the championship. This first Mexican round, counting for the sixth go of the season, began on the banks of Valle de Bravo’s Lake with the KTM Super Test. The inhabitants of this pretty town of 57,000 hearts attended for the first time the spectacle of World Enduro Championship. The winner of this Friday traditional evening prologue is Samuli ARO (SF-KTM), two hundredths faster than his compatriot Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW). Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM) takes the third place of the KTM Super Test. At the beginning of Saturday, riders and mechanics must compose with certain mechanical constraints typical from the Mexican test. With a quality of gasoline different from Europe, and an altitude oscillating between 1800 and 2200 meters, the performances of the motorbikes were clearly reduced. In ENDURO 1, Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) takes a ten seconds penalty in the morning while not managing to start his engine. Irritated, he makes some mistakes in the first special tests and must be satisfied with the second final place. A gift offered to Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA). After having animated both last Grand Prix, the French wins his first victory on the WEC. Antoine MEO: “Finally… I’m running after this victory for a moment, that’s good. I benefited from the errors of Mika this morning. It was not so easy because I have been sick for three days. Yesterday I spent the day at bed in my hotel. I am happy for Husqvarna, it is the first victory for my motorbike. It is an encouraging result, especially to win in front of Mika, who is the best rider of the moment. ” The third place of Enduro 1 returns to Julien GAUTHIER (FRA-HM). In spite of ten seconds of penalty taken at the beginning, the French fought with Mika Ahola throughout the day. A first podium in Grand Prix rewards his rise on the world scene. The month of rest since the Grand Prix of Slovakia was salutary for the team BMW. In ENDURO 2, Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) uses for the first time a new frame and new suspensions settings on his 450 cc. Leading in the morning, he gave away finally to the attacks of Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) and takes a beautiful second place, at only 33 seconds of the French. If Aubert by winning a new success is still unconquered, he imposes himself less comfortably than usually. The level is thus tightened at the top of the category, and Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM) goes up finally on the podium of E2, by taking the third place. The first Mexicain rider of this event is without surprise Homero DIAZ (MEX-KTM), seventh. In ENDURO 3, in the virgin meadows of the interminable Cross Test during the morning, the French riders nearly at home made a harvest of seconds. They also managed to resist the return of their adversaries in drying tests. Whereas he is slowly recovering from his KO of the Grand Prix of Finland, Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) took the race for him in first of the four laps. In spite of the metronomic adversity of his rival Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS), and then of an Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) more awaked in second part of day, Guillaume remains the fastest rider of the day in the overall and signs a second victory this season. Sebastien GUILLAUME: “ I knew that we could dig huge gaps in the Cross Test, and from the start I was feeling confident in this test. After my first lap in it, where I win 10 or 12 seconds, I really had a perfect day. At the beginning of the third lap I started to feel the tiredness. It was a hard day because of its length. I could not take it easy but at the same time I had not to fall. The hotness was also hard. I was expected the thunderstorm, but it did not come. I hope we’ll have rain tomorrow to cool us.” Ivan Cervantes like the whole of the riders had difficulties to approach the Mexican ground, apparently flat but actually strewn with small bumps shaking front train while braking and turning. His furia enabled him to steal the second place to Christophe Nambotin in end-of-day. Among Juniors, Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) respects his contract by seeking a new success. A result in the Top 5 during the second round of the GRAND PRIX MAXXIS OF MEXICO on Sunday would make of him the new world champion.
A ROUND FOR CHALLENGERS Because the rain spared MAXXIS FIM WEC, the second act of the GRAND PRIX IRS OF SLOVAKIA powered by CASINO BONVER became easier than the epic round of the day before. However, the survivors met again a very fatty ground, where some portions of the tests looked like battlefields. Helped by Giovanni Sala, the FIM Course Inspector, the Enduro Club Puchov cleverly reacted by deviating during the night the critical sectors. In ENDURO 1, with conditions turning from slippery the morning to drying the afternoon, Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) found better than him... Until mid-day. Thereafter the leader of the championship signed an impressive come back to point with 1 second in advance on Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) before the last extreme test. As in Finland one week before the tension was palpable between the two men and and as in Finland Mika Ahola beats the French for 3 seconds. After having dominated first half of race, Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM) could not resist to the speed of Ahola and Méo. The KTM factory rider is even beaten by his team mate Thomas OLDRATI (ITA-KTM) for only 14 hundredths in the last test. Albergoni is third, Oldrati fourth. Whereas the ENDURO 2 could appear less tasty with resounding successes of Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM), this Grand Prix of Slovakia Saturday like Sunday proved that the French is not unbeatable. Like the day before, Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) ran all the day after a victory. The ground drying noticeably at mid-day, the E2 leader could put forward the power of his 450 cc to win. But Oblucki second by 22 seconds can pride himself on being the only rider who stand up to Aubert this season. Third of the category, Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) offered a first podium in the mud to BMW. Johnny AUBERT : “I did a prudent first lap, without taking too much risks. The track was drying and I could use the power of my bike in the big up-hills. I just made a mistake in the last cross test but it was a very good day. I knew that Oblucki would be fast, he has won the Six Days here so I paid attention to his results. Now, I don’t want to low my rhythm in the championship, I would like to win all the rounds. But for sure I will not take to muck risk for that.” Category ENDURO 3 also gave us some surprises for this second Slovak day. By signing a second consecutive success, Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) comes back in the chase for title, and rain could become his best ally for the end of season. The other surprise of the day came from astonishing Marcus KEHR (GER-KTM). The German made good match with Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) a long moment and then became less fast on the dry to finish fourth. Aro as the day before was constant on this trapper terrain. Second, he precedes of 6.45 seconds Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA), in renewal of form and feelings during the second round. On the other hand this Slovak test will be to forget for the leader of the championship Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM), handicapped in the mud by his big 4 strokes and only fifth. After the domination of Joly the day before, Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) decided to take again his destiny in hand by attacking frankly from the first tests, and by avoiding to fall, the key of success on the Slovak track. The Spaniard once more wins the JUNIOR category, with an important advance of 1 minute 13 seconds over Mirko GRITTI (ITA-BETA). To complete the prize list of the GRAND PRIX IRS OF SLOVAKIA powered by CASINO BONVER, note that the BMW MOTORRAD XTREM TEST AWARD has been won won by Mika AHOLA (SF-HM), while Jonathan MANZI (ITA-HVA) ends first of the YOUTH CUP 125 powered by HUSQVARNA.
The MAXXIS FIM WEC left the area of Puchov under pouring rain during 2006 ISDE, making the race epic. The same weather conditions welcomed the first day of the GRAND PRIX IRS OF SLOVAKIA powered by CASINO BONVER. To ride on the course already being an adventure, the finishers of the first round of this fifth event of the season did a true exploit. However all had started well for the stars of the WEC in the KTM Super Test. The Friday evening meeting joined together 4000 people on the bank of Vàh river to attend a festival of the enduro, where the 83 riders engaged clashed 1 with 1 in a parallel test. The winner of the KTM Super Test is Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM), in front of Thomas OLDRATI (ITA-KTM) and Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA). In the starting area of this Saturday, under the downpours, riders took care to protect from the rain their goggles and the levers of their motorbikes. As a specialist of muddy races, Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM) put forward his experience in these conditions and he was logically leading after first timed portions in ENDURO 1. But from a special test to another, the Dantean weather reserved many bounces. Albergoni loses seconds and retrogresses finally in the third place, beaten for 8 hundredths by impetuous Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA). The other French animator of the category, Fabien PLANET (FRA-KTM) went up and down in the standings to end fourth, in front of his compatriot Julien GAUTHIER (FRA-HM). While imposing himself with 25 seconds in advance, Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) proves that he is as fast on Finnish sand than in Slovak mud. In ENDURO 2, first category to open the Slovak track, the race was played as much in connection than into special tests in the first hours. The leaders understood that while riding faster on the trail, they would be presented in first at the entrance of the tests and would benefit from a virgin ground offering more grip and traction. This strategy pays for Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) in the slippery special tests of the morning, where he took the lead of the race. He left it to Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) only in the ultimate extreme test, where he did a mistake while crossing a log. The victory is for the French, 10 seconds faster than Oblucki. The rest of the category is at one minute, with Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) third and Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) fourth. In Puchov, with many withdrawals, spectators met as many riders in the paddock than into special tests. If the race was particularly hard for the convicts of the ENDURO 3, Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) took a lot of pleasure throughout the day. Someone would say that it is a weather for froggies, but Nambotin really mastered the class, with a 67 seconds advance. Christophe NAMBOTIN : “From the start we knew that it would be a tough race. I am very satisfied I could be fast on the first moments hours. My wife stayed at home in France, because I will be dad in a few days. I win here, so it’s extra. That’s for them that I fought today. It was hard to keep concentrated in all the tests. I nearly lost my day in the penultimate test, my handlebar was damaged but finally I’m happy.” Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) takes the second place. The third step of the podium was the occasion of an unexpected duel between Stefan SVITKO (SVK-KTM) and Marcus KEHR (GER-KTM) to the advantage of the Slovak on his homeland. Note that Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) must be satisfied with the fifth place, in front of Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) in the grip of some problems of concentration since his fall in Finland one week before. In the JUNIOR class, the hero of the day is Jérémy JOLY (FRA-HM), who signs a second impressive success this year with 40 seconds over Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB). The stars of MAXXIS FIM WEC already pray for the rain to spare Sunday for the second round of the GRAND PRIX IRS OF SLOVAKIA powered by CASINO BONVER. David Knight's split from BMW, Gavin Houson's dislocated shoulder & Aston Bird's work commitments all meant that MPS Husqvarna's Si Wakely was the sole British representative. He was 10th at one point but finished 17th. TM's Phil McLaughlin finished 5th. He was running in 4th but dropped a place on the final extreme test. Gordon Clarke was running 11th E3 until got stuck badly in Cross Test on 2nd lap, It took 6 marshals and 20mins to free him. By the time he got back to the paddock he just went over his 15minutes late time so had to retire. Aubert sails to another double victory to preserve his perfect scorecard in E2 Johnny Aubert of the KTM Enduro Factory Team conquered difficult conditions in Rounds 9 & 10 of the E2 Enduro World Championships to take two victories and further extend his commanding lead in the season's standings. Aubert has won every race so far this season and with a 62 point lead in the championships, looks untouchable for the title. Tough opening day The race weekend at Puchov, Slovakia delivered a tough opening day on Saturday with the competitors' toughest opponent being the torrential rain that turned the 65 km track into a cold and slippery obstacle course for round nine of the current World Championship. Extreme racing But conditions failed to foil this year's outstanding front runner in E2. Aubert was challenged by Bartosz Oblucki who led the race throughout the day on a terrain similar to his own country, neighboring Poland, but Aubert slipped past him in final stages. "Johnny very fast today but Oblucki was leading right up until the last special when he caught him and went on to win the race. It was a day that suited the French riders," KTM's team boss Fabio Farioli said. "Today the extreme test was almost impossible and there were many crashes right throughout the day." he commented after Saturday's battle with the elements came to a conclusion. A perfect day for Aubert The rain stopped before Sunday's race and organizers made modifications to the tests after conditions on Saturday made it practically impossible to ride. With an easier day ahead of his Aubert went out an put in another race that Farioli described as "perfect". Italian Alessandro Belometti returned to the track after injuring his hand last weekend in Finland and finished in a good eighth place and was thirteenth on Sunday. KTM's Aro twice on the E3 podium in Slovakia Samuli Aro of the KTM Enduro Factory Team put in a good weekend in very tough conditions to twice finish second on the E3 podium in the ninth and tenth round of the current world Championship in Puchov, central Slovakia. The event kicked off on Friday with the Super Test, run in front of 4000 people on the banks of the Vah river and the glory went to KTM Enduro Factory's E3 championship leader Cervantes. But when overnight and continual rain on Saturday turned the 65 km track into a mud bath. While Aro of Finland crossed the line in second his factory team-mate and championship leader Ivan Cervantes, with his 4-stroke KTM machine needed all the help he could in conditions that that according to team boss Fabio Farioli were near impossible to ride. Difficult day "Saturday was a very difficult day with the mud and the rain. The extreme test was nearly impossible. The track is very difficult and many of the riders are complaining so there will be some changes overnight," he said. "Ivan (Cervantes) was fifth but he was the top four-stroke rider today. The two-strokes are much lighter and easier to rider in the mud and rain." Modified tests The rain stopped in time for Sunday's race but much of the track was still mud soaked, although it did dry out during the course of the race. Organisers had modified several of the tests that proved almost impossible on Saturday, however while Aro again came home second, Cervantes was again the first 4-stroke bike in on another tough racing day repeating his result of the opening day. The Spanish factory rider still has a 17-point lead going into the next rounds that take place in Mexico in July. . Albergoni and Oldrati on the podium in difficult E1 GP in Slovakia KTM Enduro Factory Racing E1 rider Simone Albergoni and KTM-supported rider Thomas Oldrati, both if Italy overcame a difficult weekend's racing in Rounds 9 & 10 of the World Championship to be on the podium for the Austrian manufacturer. Albergoni was third in Saturday's race and Oldrati was third in on Sunday in an eventful weekend where the weather played a major role in the outcome of the event. . Difficult race weekend The two races kicked off the second half of the Enduro World Championship season in Puchov, Slovakia, a hilly, forested area that has an established tradition of Enduro racing on a 65 km track to be covered 3.5 times on each of the race days. The teams knew in advance that it would be a difficult race weekend, especially if it rained and at least on Saturday that was the case. Super Test The weekend started with the Super Test on Friday evening, the extra test in front of a crowd that makes the sport more accessible to the public and gives rider the opportunity to show off their skills. Some 4000 motor sport fans gathered on the banks of the Vah River to watch the riders go through their paces with Ivan Cervantes of KTM's E3 team taking the glory and Oldrati in second place. But Saturday proved very tough with continual rain that turned many hills on the course into extremely difficult slippery slopes. Hard day's ride At the end of a tough first day the E1 KTM Enduro Factory team was on the podium with Albergoni in third place but like most riders, Eero Remes, in his rookie year with the factory team and Oldrati, who is racing his first year in the senior division, both had their share of difficulties. Oldrati finished a creditable sixth and the young Finn in eighth place on a day that factory team boss Fabio Farioli summarised as follows: "Everybody made mistakes today so the winner was the one who made the least mistakes." Better weather on Sunday The rain held off for Sunday's race and the track dried out as the day progressed. Organisers also made some amendments to the tests, making both the Enduro and the Extreme test easier than it had been on Saturday. Albergoni had been leading for most of the way but eventually had to settle for fourth place, while Oldrati finished in third place. The World Championship competition now reconvenes in July for the next round in Mexico.
Husqvarna’s Enduro 1 class rider Antoine Meo and Enduro 2 class competitor Bartosz Oblucki both had much to celebrate following the fifth round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship, the GP of Slovakia staged in Puchov, as both riders claimed runner-up results in their respective classes. With Meo again making life difficult for defending E1 world champion Mika Ahola, Oblucki came closer than any other rider this season to beating E2 class leader Johnny Aubert on day one. Also joining the pair with a podium result was Seb Guillaume who claimed third in E3 on day two. Although pleased to have claimed his second consecutive double runner-up result in Slovakia it was a bittersweet weekend for Meo, who came agonisingly close to beating current E1 championship leader Mika Ahola on both days. Although finishing 25 seconds behind the Finn on day one, Meo lost close to two minutes on the second extreme test when he got stuck on one of the ridiculously slippery log sections. Fighting back and winning the three final special tests were it not for his mistake he would have claimed a sizeable winning margin. On day two Meo was determined to claim victory but at the end of another hard day placed second, just three seconds behind Ahola. Antoine currently sits second in the E1 championship standings behind Mika Ahola, and ahead of Italian Simone Albergoni. The second CH Racing Husqvarna team rider to come close to winning in Slovakia was WR250 mounted Bartosz Oblucki. Knowing that he would be able to perform well in the slippery conditions, on day one Bartosz attacked from the start of the day and topped both the first timed motocross and enduro tests. Maintaining his speed throughout the day he arrived at the final extreme test with victory within his sights. Frustratingly, several mistakes on the final special test resulted in Oblucki finishing second, just 10 seconds behind Aubert. Although a great result in itself, Bart’ was disappointed he didn’t win. Showing that his day one result wasn’t a one-off Oblucki again pushed Aubert hard during day two and finished a close second to the E2 championship leader. Bartosz holds the runner-up position in the Enduro 2 world championship standings. Still feeling the effects of his heavy crash during the final day’s competition at the GP of Finland, Seb Guillaume was unable to perform at his best during the opening day’s competition in Slovakia. In conditions where the Frenchman normally excels Seb could only manage a sixth place result. However on day two Seb bounced back and returned to the podium with a well-deserved third place finish. Seb is now fourth in the Enduro 3 world championship standings, just six points behind defending class champion Samuli Aro. For Husqvarna’s Matti Seistola and Marc Bourgeois the GP of Slovakia proved to be a disappointing event. With Seistola forced to retire on day one the Finn placed 19th in E2 on day two. Bourgeois was forced to retire on day one with a broken bone in his left hand. Antoine Meo – Enduro 1: “I lost almost two minutes on one of the extreme tests on day one. At the end of the day Mika finished 25 seconds ahead of me. That was really disappointing. I pushed really hard after I made the mistake and rode really well, but it wasn’t quite enough. I was pleased with the way I rode but not pleased that I didn’t win. I made a lot of mistakes on day two and lost by just three seconds. I really wanted to win, but it didn’t happen. My riding is good, my speed is good, all I need to do now is remove the small mistakes. The good thing is that I am second in the championship.” Bartosz Oblucki – Enduro 2: “It’s been a great weekend, second on both days are results that I’m really pleased with. I am a little disappointed that I didn’t win on day one. I really felt that I could have won, and should have won. From the start of the day I believed that I could win, but I lost about 20 seconds on each extreme test. I made a lot of big mistakes and crashes. I lost the win by 10 seconds so I felt like I gave away the win. On day two second was where I feel I should have finished. Aubert was really fast in two of the tests and took quite a lot of time from me. But I won three or four tests so I’m pleased about that.” Seb Guillaume – Enduro 3: “It’s been a really difficult event for me. On day one I wasn’t really in the race. My body was fine but my head was not. I think that the crash I had on day two in Finland took a little more out of me that I realised and I just wasn’t able to get myself going on day one. There seemed to be a delay between my mind and body. Day two was better. I started quite well but then made quite a lot of small mistakes, which cost me a lot of time. Third on day two is good, but I am disappointed about day one.”
Joakim Ljunggren in E2 and Oriol Mena in EJ were the top Husaberg
factory riders in a weather troubled weekend of Enduro World Championship
racing in central Slovakia this weekend. Husaberg podiums Tough Saturday Mena battles unfamiliar conditions Sunshine on Sunday Easy ride for Mena on Sunday Husaberg did not have a representative in the E3 class for Rounds 9 and 10. Bjoerne Carlsson, the team’s factory rider cracked ribs last weekend in Finland and although he was in Slovakia, he found it too painful to ride and was unable to start in the two races.
Electraction TM UK rider Phillip McLaughlin endured mixed fortunes at the fifth round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship, the GP of Slovakia staged in Puchov. With bad luck curtailing his performances at the recent GP of Finland where a day one ninth place result was followed by a DNF on day two after he drained his motor of oil after smashing into a rock on day two, in Slovakia luck again wasn’t on his side. A highly creditable fifth in the Enduro Junior class on day one Philip battled his way through the rain and mud to match his best result of the season so far. With just 13 EJ class riders managing to finish the day, McLaughlin got stronger as the day progressed, placing fourth in class on two of the final four tests. Although unable to keep pace with the class leader Jeremy Joly, Philip finished just 33 seconds behind fourth placed rider Adrien Metge. Looking to improve on his day one result, and hoping to claim his first podium result of the season, Philip recorded the second fastest Enduro Junior class time on the opening motocross test, almost matching the winning time of championship leader Oriol Mena. Despite several mistakes on the extreme test Philip remained second in class at the end of the opening lap, but disappointingly soon found himself out of the event. Shortly after starting the enduro test on lap two a fractured carburetor slide put an end to his day. Electraction TM supported factory TM rider Rodrig Thain rode well on both days, claiming seventh on day one and fifth on day two. Although a little further down the finishing order than he’d hoped on day one Rodrig, who’s not a fan of wet conditions, upped his game on day two and finished 50 seconds from the podium. Electraction TM UK’s Enduro 3 class rider Gordon Clarke found himself in trouble mid-way through the opening lap when he strayed off the motocross track and into the nearby undergrowth. Needing six spectators to help him bring his bike back onto the motocross test, Gordon lost over 20 minutes and withdrew at the end of the lap. Despite starting on day two an injured left wrist proved too painful and he again withdrew from the event. Phillip McLaughlin: “I can’t explain how disappointed I am about not finishing the second day. After battling my way through the first day and finishing fifth I really wanted to get my first podium finish of the season. Day one was horrible. It was just a case of surviving most of the time. It was almost impossible not to make mistakes. I did have some good test times but it was so hard trying to keep the pace of the guys at the top of the class. But day two started perfectly with second on the opening motocross test. I made a few mistakes on the extreme test, but I was still second. Just as I started the enduro test I realised that something wasn’t right with my bike. Then about 100 yards into the test the bike stopped. A piece of the carburetor slide broke away and went into the engine, which is really annoying. At least I know my speed is good, so hopefully the next few events in the UK will go well.”
Finlandia Photos: Robert Lynn Day 1 - Mika Ahola wins E1 from Antoine Meo. MPS Husqvarna rider Aston Bird was 15th. In E2, Johnny Aubert was 1st from Juha Salminen. Simon Wakely started the day well but DNF'd. Ivan Cervantes was the best E3 & Samuli Aro was the runner up. David Knight had a disaster early & retired. Oriol Mena won the Juniors from Benoit Fortunato. Gavin Houson dislocated his shoulder. Day 2 - Mika Ahola repeated E1 win from Antoine Meo. Aston Bird improved to 12th. In E2, Johnny Aubert was 1st from Juha Salminen. Simon Wakely was 14th. Ivan Cervantes was again the best E3 & Christophe Nambotin was the runner up. TM's Gordon Clarke was 8th. Phil McLaughlin was in the top half before a rock cracked his casing. Oriol Mena won the Juniors from Jeremy Joly
Mika Ahole Helmetcam Enduro Test Extreme Test
KTM's Ivan Cervantes was once again the dominant racer in the E3 class of Round 4 of the World Championship in Finland's Riihimaki at the weekend, leaving the venue with a double victory and 50 more championship points. The Spanish rider from the KTM Enduro Factory Team has won every race of the season so far, except one in Sardinia, Italy, where he placed third. He has a commanding 34-point lead in the standings with half the season still in hand. Factory teammate Samuli Aro also enjoyed riding for his home crowd, picking up two podium places - second on Saturday and third on Sunday to place him fourth in the standings so far in what is a close contest for second place. Three riders are within three points of each other, battling it out for second and third in the standings. "Cervantes was pushing even more today and maybe Aro was a bit tired from yesterday," said KTM team boss Fabio Farioli. "This was a good result for us and Ivan is well ahead in the standings."
Riders now travel to Puchov in Slovakia for the next round of the world championship next weekend KTM's Johnny Aubert coasts to another double E2 victory in Finland Johnny Aubert of the KTM Enduro Factory Team was again in a class of his own in Round 4 of the E2 World Championships in Riihimaki, Finland to pick up 50 more championship points and retain his perfect scorecard for the eight races held so far. Already on Saturday Aubert gave a display that was hard to contest, winning in front of Juha Salminen of Finland and Bartoz Oblucki of Poland after a race where team boss Fabio Farioli said he was "incredibly fast and very relaxed". Aubert was particularly at home in the sand of the Finnish course, an advantage that he put to good use in the corners and jumps on the long cross test. "Johnny was relaxed and very fast as usual and he is really in a class of his own so there's not really any competition for him," said KTM team boss Fabio Farioli at the close of Sunday's competition. Aubert now has a dominating 56-point lead in the standings. Injury for Belometti in Friday's Super Test Aubert's teammate Alessandro Belometti was not so fortunate. He crashed in the Friday night super test, the new event that attracts a large crowd of spectators and makes Enduro sport much more accessible to the public. Belometti sustained a deep cut in his finger and the race doctors did not allow him to start on Saturday. Farioli said he was hopeful that the Italian would be fit enough to rejoin the world championship in the next round in Slovakia next weekend. He said he expected the KTM riders to do well in the next rounds in Slovakia but was hoping for no rain. "It is a grassy surface so if it rains it will be slippery," he said.
Eero Remes of the KTM Enduro Factory Team, clearly at home on the familiar terrain of his homeland Finland, claimed two third places in Round Four of the E1 World Championship in Riihimaki, just 69 km from the capital Helsinki. Teammate Simone Albergoni of Italy was fourth on Saturday and fifth on Sunday to pick up enough championship points to retain his second place in the standings behind the dominant Finn, Mika Ahola. Remes started the weekend well at home in Finland scoring a third place on Saturday. He was engaged in a battle with fellow countryman Mika Ahola for the first part of the race and while he was faster in the cross tests lost time in the extreme tests. "Eero was very fast today but then he had two crashes in the second half of the race and lost quite a bit of time," team boss Fabio Farioli reported. After Sunday's race, Farioli said it had been a great contest between his two factory riders and Thomas Oldrati, the KTM-supported rider. While admitting that the championship leader Mika Ahola was "too fast", Farioli said: "Remes was very fast this weekend but he had too many crashes. Albergoni on the other hand was not really 100 percent and Oldrati was also very fast. All in all we have to be satisfied with this result." Riders now travel to Puchov in Slovakia for the next two rounds of the current world championships
Despite an eight-week break between the third and fourth rounds of the ’09 World Enduro Championship CH Racing Husqvarna team riders Antoine Meo, Bartosz Oblucki and Seb Guillaume delivered continued WEC success for Husqvarna at the GP of Finland. With all three riders having spent the last two months training hard ahead of the Finnish event Meo and Oblucki finished on the podium on both days in the E1 and E2 classes respectively while Guillaume came close to topping the E3 class on day one before crashing heavily on day two. Team rider Matti Seistola also performed well on day one at his home round of the championship despite a recent knee injury and claimed fourth in E2, his best ever WEC result. Continuing to keep up the pressure on current Enduro 1 championship leader Mika Ahola TE250 mounted Antoine Meo came painstakingly close to E1 class victory on day one. Finishing less than one-second behind Ahola and in second position Meo could easily have finished comfortably ahead were it not for a costly mistake on the opening day’s first timed special test. Crashing and losing 20 seconds Meo spent the entire day catching back up to his E1 class rival. Frustratingly for Meo he wasn’t quite able to claim victory but proved that he certainly had the speed to challenge Ahola. Determined to win on day two having come painstakingly close on day one, Meo again placed second to Ahola following a big crash on the penultimate special test. Looking more than capable of victory Antoine had to accept the runner-up position, but as he did on day one showed that it won’t be long before he takes the top step of the podium.
Despite a recent knee injury Matti Seistola delivered further strong results in the E2 class on day one with a fine fourth place. His best WEC result to date, Matti rode well throughout the day. Frustratingly, day two ended early for Matti as damage to his bike following a crash resulted in him losing five minutes before a fall in the last enduro test saw him withdraw from the event.
Finding the Finnish terrain difficult Enduro Junior class rider Jonathan Manzi finished just outside the top 10 in 11th on day one before improving to ninth on day two aboard his WR125. Antoine Meo – Enduro 1: “The first day certainly didn’t start how I hoped it would as I crashed on the Super Test on Friday night, so I was behind before the first full day had started. Then I crashed on the very first enduro test and lost another 20 seconds. I had only one option after that – I had to push as hard as I could. Although the day started badly I was really pleased with the way I rode and the way I was able to catch back up with the riders at the front of the class. I was less than one second behind the winner at the end of the day. “I really wanted to win the second day, especially after coming so close on day one. I was riding well all day, but then I damaged my rear brake in the final motocross test. I also had a really big crash and was that. I was really close to Mika Ahola all day until I crashed, so I am pretty happy with second again.” Bartosz Oblucki – Enduro 2: “Although I finished on the podium and didn’t have any big problems I wasn’t really happy with my riding on day one. I was pushing hard but I just didn’t have a good feeling on the special tests. I must have been riding ok because after two laps I was third and about 30 seconds ahead of fourth. I decided to keep my position and go for third. “On day two I was able to push from the start of the day. I was able to get into a good rhythm and although the special tests were getting really rough I was able to hold third again. It got close towards the end of the race but I went all out on the final extreme test and won the test, which kept me in third. Getting two podiums is great. I’m really looking forward to the GP of Slovakia now.” Seb Guillaume – Enduro 3: “I made quite a lot of small mistakes on the first day, but it’s hard not to with the rocky terrain in Finland. Generally I was pleased with my riding although a little disappointed that there was just four seconds separating the top three riders and I finished third. I don’t remember too much of the second day. I crashed really badly on the last motocross test and hit my head hard. I lost a lot of time and dropped down the results. It’s disappointing because the first day went well.”
Rookie World Enduro Championship rider Aston Bird has delivered the MPS Racing Husqvarna team’s best results at the GP of Finland placing 15th and 12th in the Enduro 1 class. Despite finding the Finnish event extremely tough Aston battled hard to claim his best ever WEC result on day two, finishing 12th and just one position behind factory backed Husqvarna rider Marc Bourgeois. Scoring world championship points on both days for the first time this season, Aston’s event started extremely well as he finished just four seconds behind eventual class winner Mika Ahola on Friday night’s Super test. Then going on to battle his way through the opening day’s competition and on to an eventual 15th place E1 class result, Aston set his sights on trying to claim his first top 10 result of the season. Despite finding the slippery enduro test tough Aston completed the opening lap without too many mishaps and continued to ride well throughout the day. Performing best on the enduro test on the final lap where he placed 11th in class Aston eventually finished 12th – his highest WEC result to date. Enduro 2 class team rider Si Wakely endured a tough GP of Finland and saw his event get off to a frustrating start. Soon after starting the Super Test on Friday night Si ran into trouble as his bike’s battery connection disconnected, which resulted in him losing a considerable amount of time. Then crashing mid way through the first day’s competition Si opted to retire from day one in order to prepare himself for day two. Despite some good special test times during the second and third laps on day two a slow start prevented Si from finishing any higher than 14th. Enduro Junior class rider Gavin Houson found himself in the wars on day one as a crash on the event’s first timed special test on Saturday left him with a dislocated shoulder. Gavin took no further part in the event. The team now head to Slovakia for the fifth round of the ’09 WEC series. Aston Bird: “The GP of Finland was definitely the hardest race I have ever done. The special tests were so unpredictable in places with all the rocks - it was so hard to get into any kind of a rhythm. I was just trying not to make too many mistakes and then pushing hard where I could. The second day was probably even harder after the overnight rain. The tests were so slippery in places. Again I just tried not too make too many mistakes, which wasn’t easy. It’s definitely been an eye opener competing in Finland, I’m really pleased with the way everything went.”
Electraction TM UK rider Phillip McLaughlin (left) narrowly missed out on equalling his best ever World Enduro Championship result at the GP of Finland, staged in Riihimaki, but frustratingly found himself sidelined from the second day’s competition after damaging his bike. Comfortably inside the top six of the Enduro Junior class during the second day’s competition, Philip, who placed fifth in class on the second day of the GP of Italy, was forced to stop with just two special tests remaining after smashing his bike against one of the many rocks that littered the course. Breaking one of the bolts that hold the oil filter cover on, Philip’s bike lost nearly all of its oil, forcing him to retire. Despite feeling the effects of a heavy cold the opening day’s competition ended with Philip placing inside the top 10 with a ninth place result. Unable to attack the challenging Finnish special tests during the third and final lap due to feeling far from 100 per cent, Philip still managed to place less than three minutes behind class winner Oriol Mena. Philip is currently 10th in the Enduro Junior world championship point standings.
Phillip McLaughlin: “Not finishing the second day is really disappointing because things were going well and I was headed for a top six finish. I just had two more tests to complete before I was finished but I hit a rock really hard, which pushed the sump guard into the oil filter cover. That broke the bolt, which caused all of the oil to come out. I realised early enough to stop the bike before the engine stopped but there was no way I could continue. I was feeling much better than I was on day one. “The first day was tough because I was full of a heavy cold. At the end of the day I was completely exhausted, so to finish ninth was pretty good.” THEY DID IT AGAIN WEC release June is generally rainy in Finland. This second day of the GRAND PRIX BIKE MAGAZINE OF FINLAND in Riihimäki was a confirmation, with a drizzle which did not leave the survivors of the first day of race. On this terrain mixing sand and soil, the riders’ concentration was severely tested, the conditions of adherence changing in each corner of the special tests. Despite a bad weather, the competition was even more beautiful, in particular in the small-engine class of ENDURO 1. Revanchist after a second place synonymous of defeat the day before, Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) felt a point of tiredness from his adversary and promised Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) to beat him on his homeland. Fighting one against the other, the two men quickly made the difference on the rest of the category. Méo with the maximum attack ends up cracking in the penultimate special test where he falls and losts 30 seconds, offering at the same time a comfortable victory to Ahola, with a 40 seconds advance. More at ease on the Finnish ground than in the more technical tests of MAXXIS FIM WEC, Eero REMES (SF-KTM) signs a new third place, ahead of the Italian connection with Thomas OLDRATI (ITA-KTM) and Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM). In ENDURO 2, Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) still goes it alone. Eighth round and eighth success for the boss of the category, who tells us his race from the inside: “It was rainy last night and today in the first lap. It was enough to make a little wet layer on the ground. The time controls under woods were harder than the special tests. And it was difficult for me to keep concentrated. When I manage from the beginning to build a little gap, I’d prefer to go on attacking but the strategy is rather to avoid mistakes. It’s a very hard exercise of concentration.” On his way, Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) also dominates the second part of the category, deprived of Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) injured to the shoulder. Second at 1 minute 19 seconds of Aubert, Salminen is the best representative of the Team BMW Speedbrain, he precedes Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) who exploits to the maximum the potential of his 250 CC 2 strokes and from now aims the final podium of the World Championship. Valtteri SALONEN (SF-HSB) 4th as Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) 5th surely could have expected better result on this kind of familiar terrain. There were not any direct confrontations in ENDURO 3. After the first lap, the positions at the top of the category were frank and established. On a surface marked by the passage of the motorbikes, Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) easily detached himself from his rivals. He mastered the end of the racing by keeping an eye on the return of Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS), also amateur of used special tests. Second, he finishes at 9 seconds of the Spaniard without being worried by Samuli ARO (SF-KTM), third 39 seconds behind him. While brawling for the third place, Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) severely fell in the penultimate special test, a high-speed Cross Test. He lost one minute thirty, ended 7th and had to finish groggy with a bloodied face. This mistake benefits to Fabio MOSSINI (ITA-HM), happy 4th of E3. If David KNIGHT (GB-BMW) always in lack of confidence with his motorbike preferred not to start, Bjorne CARLSSON (SWE-HSB) seemed to have found the good set-up of his machine. But the Swedish colossus fell and hit a tree at full speed in the Cross Test. Injured to the ribs, he gave up. In spite of the ambitions of Jérémy JOLY (FRA-HM) and Benoit FORTUNATO (FRA-YAM) in the morning special tests, Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) showed his superiority in the JUNIORS category once again. Mirko GRITTI (ITA-BETA) 3rd is intercalated between the two French, Joly 2nd and Fortunato 4th. AHOLA, AUBERT AND CERVANTES WIN THE FIRST FINNISH ROUND The GRAND PRIX BIKE MAGAZINE OF FINLAND is traditionally and incontestably one of the fastest races of the season. During the first day of competition run this Saturday, 99 starters discovered the easy special tests of Riihimäki, favouring riding ability and generosity with gas throttle. In the KTM SUPER TEST of Friday evening, a parallel timed portion, the world best riders made the show for a public focused on the ambassadors of Finnish enduro. However it is a Swedish neighbour who imposes himself. With his second victory in the exercise, Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) positions himself like a specialist of the prologue. He precedes Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) and Fabio MOSSINI (ITA-HM). On the other hand the KTM Super Test was fatal to the ambitions of unlucky Alessandro BELOMETTI (ITA-KTM), victim of a cut to the hand and out for the rest of the race. At the beginning of the day, the rain came to refresh the course without deteriorating the conditions, the sandy ground quickly absorbing moisture. In ENDURO 1, Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) knew a hard beginning of race, after a mediocre prologue, he makes a mistake in the Enduro Test and loses 20 seconds. Always voluntary, impressive in the Cross Test, he reduces this delay and goes up finally at the top of the category, to dispute the victory with the hero of this Finnish meeting Mika AHOLA (SF-HM). The last Extreme Test decides between the two men, and in spite of the best time, the French must incline himself in front of the E1 leader, victorious for 83 hundredths. Mika AHOLA: “I couldn’t believe that Antoine was so fast in the last Extreme Test. He has beaten me in all the Cross Tests. It was tight and I was becoming tired. I was confident I could win the day but finally Antoine was surprising, and I ended up with 0.8 seconds. This Grand Prix is a special event for me, my Moto Club organizes it, so I really wanted to win.” In E1, the beginning of day was summarized to a chase between Eero REMES (SF-KTM) and Ahola. However faster in the Cross Tests, Remes systematically concedes time in the crossings of the Extreme Test. A handicap which retrogresses him in the third place of E1, in front of Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM) fourth. In ENDURO 2, Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) started with an advantage gleaned during the Super Test which he quickly lost by making a series of falls in the first of the three laps of race. Only 6th, he lets go important points to the overall standings to Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW). On each race with the factory BMW, the national champion looks faster. And if we cannot say that the soft terrain of Riihimäki is typically Finnish, Salminen takes down a beautiful second place of the category. The gap with the leader of the championship is not tightened therefore, Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) discovers Finland and still asserts himself with a comfortable advance of 1 minute 26 seconds. His experience of riding in sand was useful in the corners and the jumps of the long Cross Test. Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) third followed by Matti SEISTOLA (SF-HVA) complete the classification of E2. Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) wounded to the shoulder cannot finish the day. In ENDURO 3, in spite of the presence of locals Aro and Tarkkala, French riders put rhythm into competition. Particularly at ease on this fast ground, Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) managed to resist the constant pressure of his compatriot and adversary Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA). The second part of race is less in their advantage. While Guillaume falls in Enduro Test, the chain of Nambotin came out. Guillaume 3rd and Nambotin 4th yield their places to reigning champion Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) 2nd, and to the master of E3 this year Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM). The two team-mates decided between themselves in the ultimate test, to the advantage of the Spaniard for 44 hundredths. Note that David KNIGHT (GB-BMW), always in lack of confidence with his motorbike, decided to give up. Among JUNIORS the day is marked by the DNF of Jérémy JOLY (FRA-HM), victim of the breakage of his engine. Thus the way was free for the owner of the category Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB). But it was not counting on Benoît FORTUNATO (FRA-YAM) with his light and aggressive riding. The French offered a nice opposition, even if at the end the Spaniard wins thanks to a decisive last Cross Test. The two men will meet again on Sunday for the second round of the GRAND PRIX BIKE MAGAZINE OF FINLAND, the fourth test of 2009 MAXXIS FIM WEC.
Oreol Mena, the Husaberg Factory Team’s entry in the EJ category of the Enduro World Championship continued to shine at Rounds 7 and 8 of the World Championship snatching two more victories in the sandy and rocky terrain in Finland. Mena is now is just three points shy of a perfect score card having won all but one race so far this season, in which he was second. The young Spaniard again emerged the front runner in Saturday’s race and at the half way mark of the season has established himself as the title favourite. Although Mena said he did not much like the stony, sand and bumpy terrain a nd even though by his own admission he did not register a good result in Friday’s Super Test, he was still happy with his victory on the opening day. Taking the opportunity to once again climb to the top of the podium, the young Spaniard got the confidence boost and adrenalin rush he needed to go out and repeat the performance on Sunday. The result was another perfect weekend for the Husaberg factory rider. E2 In the E2 Class, Sweden’s Joakim Ljunggren started his weekend with a flourish by winning the now popular Super Test on Friday to gain a start advantage on Saturday. “I had a very good feeing on Friday and it was great to win because it was my birthday, but somehow I didn’t feel so good on Saturday. I had a sore throat and I made some mistakes and had a crash in the first part of the race. It got better as the day went on and I could push more. The tests are really fast and this is not like any typical Swedish course,” Ljunggren said Good Sunday result for Salonen Meanwhile Ljunggren’s teammate Valtteri Salonen overcame the disappointment of a DNF on Saturday to come home in fourth place ahead of Ljunggren on Sunday to give his points tally in the season’s standings the boost it needed. “I had some clutch problems on Saturday and couldn’t finish so it was very good to go out and have a better day today,” Salonen said after Sunday’s race. “The track wore out a lot as the weekend went on and the ground was quite soft,” he said. “It was nice to have so many of my friends and supporters here this weekend and now I am looking forward to the races next week in Slovakia. It’s pretty similar to here and it’s going to be nice.” Ljunggren was also positive after Sunday’s race saying: “Today was better for me than yesterday. I didn’t make any big mistakes and I didn’t lose too many points. I dropped down to fourth place but it’s really tight for the minor places.” While KTM’s Johnny Aubert has a solid grip on the first place in E2 only five points separate the next three riders. E3 In E3 Husaberg factory rider Bjorne Carlsson also had a mixed weekend with an eighth place finish on Saturday and DNF on Sunday. But the Swedish rider still remained upbeat and positive for the next rounds. “This was a difficult weekend. I was struggling with myself yesterday and I just couldn’t seem to find my rhythm or my speed,” Bjorne said. “Then today I had a big crash in the second special. I hit a tree pretty hard and I couldn’t get my breath for a few moments. I think I may have broken a rib.” Bjorne will have the injury checked out but was reasonably confident he will still be able to ride in the next races next weekend in Slovakia.
IGLESIAS - The rain is definitely the surprise guest of this beginning of season on MAXXIS FIM WORLD ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP. During the first day of the GRAND PRIX SURFLEX OF ITALY competed this Saturday in Iglesias, the stars of world enduro had to wipe some scattered showers. Before it becomes slippery, the Sardinian ground however did not miss piquancy, mixing hard ground and stone through mountainous postcard landscapes. But with relatively tight pointing times on the two long portions of liaison, which put rhythm into the 3 laps of race, the best enduro riders of the planet did not have time to visit this fantastic area. As in Portugal and in Spain, riders started the weekend by the now on “traditional” KTM SUPER TEST on Friday evening. They clashed per series of two in a stressing following race, on a typified motocross terrain. One of the specialists of the indoor races, Italian Fabio MOSSINI (ITA-HM) wins this prologue. He is the fastest man of the evening in front of Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) and Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM). On Saturday, the small engines of the ENDURO 1 were the fastest of this first round. And in spite of some mistakes in the first Enduro Test, Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) made of this sector his playground. Over the fifty total minutes of stopwatches, he wins with a solid advance of 45 seconds. The second place of E1 returns to the most Italian of the Frenchmen, Husqvarna factory rider Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA). The 2008 best rookie manages to dominate Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM), always sensitive to the pressure when he runs his national Grand Prix. In ENDURO 2, of course the victory is for Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM), but the Frenchman signs certainly his most difficult success since the beginning of season. The reigning champion imposes himself comfortably with a huge gap 1 minute 9 seconds, but he kept an eye on the times of the other categories and noted that he conceded seconds in the Enduro Test. This famous “linea” is precisely the timed portion where Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) found an encouraging second place, by showing surprising qualities of self-control. The other good news is the third place of Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW), who offers to BMW a first world podium this season, 1.13 second behind Oblucki. Juha Salminen : "Today it was pretty tight in E2. We made some progress during the break, and I also improved my riding. I still make too many mistakes, but I’m happy.” In ENDURO 3, the bad series continue for David KNIGHT (GB-BMW). The rider from Isle of Man K.O. in the Enduro Test prefers to give up. In special tests sometimes dry sometimes slippery, Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) showed himself as the finest pilot. After a beginning of season in ambush behind Cervantes, the Husqvarna factory rider signs a victory with 5.99 seconds of margin over his first adversary. Sebastien Guillaume: “I make a very good operation for the championship. I made my race without taking care about times. The team announced it to me at the end of the second lap. They said that I was leading by 10 seconds. From this moment, I put myself a little pressure and I did not ride very well in the last two special tests. It is sure I’ll keep this strategy tomorrow. Today it was necessary to ride clean to find adherence on the back wheel. I know how to do and that paid. With such a long Enduro Test, about 11 minutes, we cannot attack all the time, the physical would not follow. It is a vicious special test. ” The French riders particularly appreciated the Sardinian conditions just like Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) who steals the second place of E3 from Ivan Cervantes in the last lap for 4.77 seconds. Among Juniors, his compatriot Jérémy JOLY (FRA-HM) wins. The HM HONDA rider managed to dominate Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) whereas we thought the leader of the championship was unbeatable this season.
IGLESIAS - In Sardinia, WEC’s mechanics were severely tested. Solicited in the long portions of rally, or mistreated in the stones which strew the course, the motorbikes suffered during this second day of the GRAND PRIX SURFLEX OF ITALY. Among the many DNF of the day, let us quote those of David KNIGHT (GB-BMW), victim of clutch problems, and the beginner Taddy BLAZUSIAK (POL-KTM) whose clutch cover was damaged. The notion of enduro prevailed over this third meeting of the season, the stars of MAXXIS FIM WEC had at the same time to spare their machines and to resist physically on the track, in particular in the interminable Enduro Test, a special test of 7.5 kms traced on a mountain lane. The best rider in this timed portion is incontestably the winner of category ENDURO 1, the Finn Mika AHOLA (SF-HM). Invincible in this test, his excellent times also enable him to be affirmed like the fastest man of the weekend in the overall. In the great tradition of the Italian enduro riders, Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM) is not awkward either in Enduro Test. The Italian offers a beautiful reaction this second day and takes down the best Italian result of the event by taking the 2nd place, 25 seconds behind Ahola. One moment in second position, then finally third, Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) have represented throughout the day a threat for the Italian, whom he succeeds for 12 seconds. For the anecdote, the day of Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM) started with a serious fall in the training test, to show that the leader of the ENDURO 2 is quite human. But for the rest of the day, the KTM factory rider did not leave the shade of a hope to his adversaries. In spite of some mishaps with his tank cap, he easily wins a 6th consecutive victory, and keeps the only unbeaten rider on 2009 MAXXIS FIM WEC. The first opponents of Aubert are at 1 minute 25 seconds behind. Held in the same second all over the day, the former Junior world champions Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) and Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) were decided between in the last hour of race. The Swede second benefits from the problems of the Spanish, obstructed by a latecomer rider and retrogressed in the 6th final place. This mishap also profits to Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW), third of a tight E2. In ENDURO 3, after first of the three laps of race, Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) had made the break on his adversaries. When the ground keeps dry, as this second day, the Spaniard rides a tone above the category, in particular in the Cross Test. Cervantes is faster than Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) for 16 seconds. The gaps in the big-engine class are large, and Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) third profited from the unfitness of Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) in the last lap of race to precede him by 25 seconds. Ivan CERVANTES: “ I’m very happy because I took the lead of this day since this morning, preceding Sébastien Guillaume who is really fast here. He’ll be a main rival for me this season, he proved it yesterday. Today we did the same times in the Enduro Test but I was faster in the Cross. I’m happy because it was a hard race, that I leave as a leader with 18 points of advance. It’s positive and I wait for next event in Finland.” Oriol MENA (ESP-YAM) and Jérémy JOLY (FRA-HM) made a remake of the day before in the JUNIOR class. However leader all the day, Joly has to incline himself in front of the incredible time of his Spanish rival in last Enduro Test. While inflicting 21 seconds to him in one test, he steals at the same time the victory. Mirko GRITTI (ITA-BETA) takes the third place of the category of less than 23 years. TM rider Phil McLaughlin (above) was 5th.
Ivan Cervantes, clearly in his element back in the big bike category went out on Sunday in Sardinia to snatch the top podium slot after having to settle for third place in Saturday's race for a great Round 5 & 6 of the E3 category. The Spanish KTM Enduro Factory Team rider has an 18-point lead over his nearest rival Frenchman Sebastien Guillaume. Saturday's third place was the only occasion when he has not topped the podium so far this season and came following a race day where some rain made the rocky ground slippery in the rugged mountain terrain of the Italian island. Speaking after Saturday's race, KTM team boss Fabio Farioli said Ivan had been very close to the two leaders but then lost some time in the final test and had to settle for third. Sunday was a different story with the Spaniard returning to his old form and taking the race." "Ivan was incredibly fast today," Farioli said after Sunday's race. Aro back in impressive action Cervantes factory teammate Samuli Aro also had a good weekend. The Finn had made a somewhat cautious approach to the racing season taking care of a knee injury but was back to his old form on the tough terrain in Sardinia. He was just off the podium on Saturday in fourth place attracting the following comment from team boss Farioli: "Samuli led in the first lap but then he got stuck on a steep ascent. Without this he could have finished in the top three. The rain made it very slippery and the MX test was quite tight, so it was not so good for the big bikes," Farioli added. Farioli happy with team's results in Sardinia The weather gods then shined on the championship on Sunday and Aro joined Cervantes on the podium in third place. He is now just three points shy of third place in the standings behind Cervantes and French riders Sebastien Guillaume and Christophe Nambotin. Farioli expressed satisfaction with all of his riders in all three categories at the close of the Sardinia racing weekend. On Saturday, after Round Five he had had called on them for some more concentration and speed for Sunday's battle. Like other KTM Enduro Factory team members, Cervantes will now compete in his national championships and other events to stay on top of his game while the world championships series breaks until June. The world championship next returns to Finland after a break of some years, giving Aro the opportunity to go out and thrill his home crowds. E3 Results Round Five Saturday 1. Sebastien Guillaume, France, Husqvarna 2. Christophe Nambotin, France, Gas-Gas 3. Ivan Cervantes, Spain, KTM 4. Samuli Aro, Finland, KTM 5. Fabio Mossini, Italy, Honda Other KTM 6. Marcus Kehr, Germany, KTM E3 Results Round Six Sunday 1. Ivan Cervantes, Spain, KTM 2. Sebastien Guillaume, France, Husqvarna 3. Samuli Aro, Finland, KTM 4. Christophe Nambotin, France, Gas-Gas 5. Fabio Mossini, Italy, Honda Other KTM 6. Marcus Kehr, Germany, KTM Standings after Round Six 1. Ivan Cervantes, Spain, KTM, 145 2. Sebastien Guillaume, France, Husqvarna, 127 3. Christophe Nambotin, France, Gas-Gas, 120 4. Samuli Aro, Finland, KTM, 116 5. Marcus Kehr, Germany, KTM, 90
KTM factory rider Johnny Aubert continued to dominate the Enduro 2 World Championships sweeping both top podiums in Rounds Five and Six at the weekend on the Italian island of Sardinia. Aubert, new to the KTM Enduro Factory team this season but also the current title holder now has an unblemished record in the six races held so far and a perfect score card of 150 world championship points. Team boss Fabio Farioli was already encouraged after Aubert's victory on Saturday after some rain had made parts of the track slippery saying: "Johnny was fast but is still capable of going faster". The French rider then went out on Sunday and made his team boss happy with an even better performance. While Aubert had another dream weekend, his teammate Alessandro Belometti was not so fortunate, scoring a sixth on Saturday and a seventh on Sunday. KTM extreme Enduro specialist factory rider Taddy Blazusiak of Poland was also in Sardinia at the weekend to hone his racing skills. Taddy, who is not a regular starter in the world championship series picked up an impressive eighth place on Saturday but had to retire in the second test on Sunday. E2 Results: Round Five Saturday 1. Johnny Aubert, France, KTM 2. Bartosz Oblucki, Poland, Husqvarna 3. Juha Salminen, Finland, BMW 4. Cristobal Guerrero, Spain, Yamaha 5. Joakim Ljunggren, Sweden, Husaberg Other KTM 6. Alessandro Belometti, Italy, KTM 8. Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM E2 Results: Round Six Sunday 1. Johnny Aubert, France, KTM 2. Joakim Ljunggren, Sweden, Husaberg 3. Juha Salminen, Finland, BMW 4. Valtteri Salonen, Finland, Husaberg 5. Cristobal Guerrero, Spain, Yamaha Other KTM 7. Alessandro Belometti, Italy, KTM DNF Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM Standings 1. Johnny Aubert, France, KTM 150 points 2. Joakim Ljunggren, Sweden, Husaberg, 108 3. Cristobal Guerrero, Spain, Yamaha, 106 4. Bartosz Oblucki, Poland, Husqvarna, 104 5. Alessandro Belometti, Italy, KTM, 100
KTM E1 Enduro Factory rider Italian Simone Albergoni revelled in his home race atmosphere in Sardinia, Italy at the weekend to pick up a third place on Saturday and then upped the stakes scoring second on Sunday's podium. Albergoni added another 42 points to his tally in the standings consolidating his position behind the leader Mika Ahola of Finland. Ahola has a 14-point advantage but Albergoni showed it was possible to beat the Finn in Round Four in Spain and is staying in hot pursuit. "Albergoni was very fast on Sunday but Ahola was even faster," team boss Fabio Farioli said after Sunday's race. Albergoni who Farioli said lacked a little speed in Saturday's difficult and very physically draining race then regained his good rhythm on Sunday. The young factory team rookie, Eero Remes of Finland was eleventh on Saturday and moved up to seventh on Sunday. In a recent interview with KTM's online magazine Brennraum, Fabio said that Remes, who has a rather small build, was at something of a disadvantage in the competition because of his size. This proved to be the case on Saturday when showers made conditions slippery and he got stuck on one of the rocky ascents. "Remes was very fast in the MX but he had a bad crash in the extreme Enduro got stuck going uphill," Farioli commented after Saturday's race. "The weather stayed fine for us today and the factory team did better overall," said Farioli wrapping up the team's weekend. Also very present with the front runners this weekend was KTM supported rider Thomas Oldrati who was fifth on Saturday and fourth on Sunday. Oldrati, who was so successful in last year's junior ranks has made a giant step forward this season by scoring solid results in the world championship category, Farioli says. He is a good example of how KTM also invests in the next generation of top riders. Riders now have a break until the next two rounds in Finland (June 13-14) but will keep in shape with training and taking part in various national championship events and other races. This time the KTM Super Test, a prologue held on Friday night was held in a baseball stadium close to the paddock facility. Riders compete one on one and the new format is proving popular with the fans as it makes the sport very accessible to the public. E1 Results: Round Five Saturday 1. Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda 2. Antoine Meo, France, Husqvarna 3. Simone Albergoni, Italy, KTM 4. Marc Germain, France, Yamaha 5. Thomas Oldrati, Italy, KTM Other KTM 11. Eero Remes, Finland, KTM E1 Results: Round Six Sunday 1. Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda 2. Simone Albergoni, Italy, KTM 3. Antoine Meo, France, Husqvarna 4. Thomas Oldrati, Italy, KTM 5. Marc Germain, France, Yamaha Other KTM 7. Eero Remes, Finland, KTM Standings 1. Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda, 147 2. Simone Albergoni, Italy, KTM, 133 3. Antoine Meo, France, Husqvarna, 120 4. Thomas Oldrati, Italy, KTM, 104 5. Fabien Planet, France, KTM 86 Other KTM 6. Eero Remes, Finland, KTM
Christophe Nambotin (GAS GAS EC300) has achieved the second position in the 3rd race of the World Enduro Championship after an interesting fight with Iván Cervantes for the second position. Sebastien Guillaume obtained the first position, being placed in front of the maximum favorites of the Championship. The GAS GAS Team has intensely lived the third race on the World Enduro Championship disputed in Iglesias, Italy. The GAS GAS rider, Christophe Nambotin has faced with his more direct rival in the fight for the Championship (E3 category), the Spanish Iván Cervantes (KTM). Jordi Figueras, Nambotin’s team-mate at GAS GAS finished in tenth position. Nambotin quickly began the competition being placed first, position that would keep during the two following special ones. In the second lap, an intense rain of 20 minutes has affected the land turning the stones into slippery obstacles. Then the exciting fight with Cervantes has begun. Guillaume (Husqvarna) was placed in first position in the second lap since the enduro special stage until the end of the race. Behind, “Nambo” and Cervantes interchanged positions constantly, arriving to be placed Nambotin second with 12 seconds of advantage on Cervantes in the third cross. The rider of KTM trimmed seconds with the GAS GAS rider to be placed second with 7 seconds over Nambotin before the last special. But the emotion has lasted until the last section, where “Nambo” has marked excellent chrono that allowed him finalizing the race in second position. It has been an intense fight between the best riders of the world, where GAS GAS has finished dominating KTM. “It has been a good day although I’m a little disappointed because I have not gain the victory. It’s a very good result but I have improvements in the enduro’s zone to be able to secure the victory tomorrow” assured “Nambo” when finishing the race. The GAS GAS rider is placed third in the general classification, behind Guillaume and Cervantes present leader of the Championship. “It’s very important to have trimmed points with Cervantes in the general classification. Mentally we are very strong and we hope to win tomorrow” explained Carles Ferrer, GAS GAS Race Manager. In the E2 category, Nicholas Deparrois finished in 12th position, “I hope that tomorrow will not rain and that the field wont be as complicated as today” Deparrois explained. E3 Classification: 1st Guillame (Husqvarna) 57min07’01’’, 2nd NAMBOTIN (GAS GAS) a 5’99’’, 3rd Cervantes (KTM) a 4’77’’.
The Husaberg Factory Racing Team were in good form in Sardinia to contest the E2, E3 and EJ categories at the weekend with Joakim Ljunggren on the E2 podium and Oriol Mena continuing his domination of the EJ category Joakim set the stage on Saturday finishing in a creditable fifth place after a tough day’s racing. “It was a very hard physical race,” he said on Saturday. “But I am feeling strong. I lost some time in the first Enduro test but I was going better as the race went on. I made no mistakes, the bike is going great and tomorrow I will try to give some more gas and make a podium.” That prediction came true on Sunday when the Swede came home in second place and elevated himself to second pace on the standings behind the dominant rider in the class, Johnny Aubert of France. Rain stayed away and riders did not have to deal with the slippery conditions they experienced on Saturday. When the going gets tough, Ljunggren likes it Ljunggren, who prefers a technical challenge, likes it best when the going is tough so conditions on Sunday were made to measure. “The track was rougher but there was more grip,” he said of Sunday’s ride. “I was feeling very strong, I made no mistakes and the bike was perfect. I had very good times in the MX test and I made a very good time in the Enduro test in the last lap.” Salonen regaining form Ljunggren’s Husaberg teammate Valtteri Salonen also laid some ghosts to rest and got down to the kind of racing for which he is well known on Sunday, narrowly missing the podium in fourth place. After a slow start to the season it was just the result to boost the Finn’s confidence. “Now I am happy to be back and my right level of racing,” he said. “It was a good day for me, I found a good rhythm and I had no crashes. Now I can look forward to racing in front of my home crowd in the next rounds in June.” The World Championship Rounds Seven and Eight are being run close to Salonen’s home town in Finland. Solid weekend for Bjorne Carlsson in E3 In the big bike category Bjorne Carlsson rounded off the weekend with a ninth and seventh place and was happy to be racing without pain from a recent knee injury. “It was a good day for me,” Bjorne said after Sunday’s race. “I can still feel that my knee has been injured but it didn’t bother me during the race. I am fit again but I need the race practice to get back in form. The bike feels great and now I’ll go back to Sweden and do a lot of training an also compete in two rounds of the Swedish championships before then next races in Finland.” Two more podiums for Mena Meanwhile in the EJ class, Husaberg’s junior star Oriol Mena continued his run of success with a second podium place on Saturday and yet another victory on Sunday, his fifth from six rounds. The young Spaniard pledged after his second place on Saturday that he would be going for the victory on Sunday and he did not disappoint. After Saturday’s race he said it had been a tough day. “I had many crashes but I still managed to make the podium. And I am still ahead in the points so that is important. It was very stony and it was difficult when it rained.” The rain stayed away on Sunday and Mena delivered what he had promised. “Now I am in a good position for the championships he said, adding that he will now return to Spain and compete in the Spanish National Championships and some other races to stay in form for the next round in Finland. Mena is 20 points clear of his nearest rival in the standings and has quickly established himself as the one to beat in thi s year’s junior division.
Round three of the World Enduro Championship was set on the Italian island of Sardinia. Tom left the UK with mixed feelings about the race but was quietly confident he could do well. After his bad luck in rounds one and two and again at round two of the GBXC, Tom had been practising hard and playing with the suspension settings on the bike. After walking the tests on the Thursday and Friday, Tom felt happy that the weekend could be a good one, the Enduro test was challenging but would suit the Husaberg 570. Tom had set himself up with a good start on the Friday night by finishing the KTM Super Special 7th in his class. Saturday the real adventure started, the cross test was fast, and suited the French riders, but Tom held his own and moved between positions 8th and 9th. Going into the last test Tom was sitting in 8th position with Marko Tarkkala (BMW) in 7th just ahead by 13 seconds, Tom unfortunately wasn't able to catch Tarkkala, so finished the day one a comfortable 8th just ahead of factory team mate Bjorne Carlsson in 9th. Tom was determined to improve on his result of the previous day, but didn't turn out that way. Tom entered into the first test of the day, the Cross test, soon Tom discovered that all wasn't well, the rear tyre had separated from the rim, lucky he was able to get the tyre back on, but had cost him 5 minutes. Tom continued, hoping to gain a good result even with the set back. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, with the tyre parting from the rim, it had caused the rim lock to break therefore the tyre just spun on the rim, Tom finished the lap but then retired. Tom commented "the weekend was positive for me, I now feel I have the right settings on my suspension and think that this is a good move forward, I'm pleased with my day one results but a little disheartened with day two's results. Hopefully this is the end of the bad luck, thanks again to all my sponsors for the continued support." Photo courtesy of Jonty Edmunds. Results day one 1. Sebastien Gillaume (Husqvarna) 57.07.01, 2. Christophe Nambotin (Gas-Gas) 57.13.00, 3. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 57.17.77, 4. Samuli Aro (KTM) 57.54.20, 5. Fabio Mossini (HM-Honda) 58.05.95, 8. Tom Sagar (Husaberg) 59.41.58 Results day two 1. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1.05.11.29, 2. Sebastien Guillaume (Husqvarna) 1.05.27.70, 3. Samuli Aro (KTM) 1.06.12.40, 4. Christophe Nambotin (Gas-Gas) 1.06.37.86, 5. Fabio Mossini (HM Honda) 1.06.53.25
Electraction TM UK rider Phillip McLaughlin has claimed his best ever World Enduro Championship result with a hard fought fifth place in the Enduro Junior class on day two of the GP of Italy held in Iglesias, Sardinia. Claiming world championship points at the opening two rounds of the ’09 WEC series, in Sardinia Philip was confident of a good performance and although the opening day didn’t go as planned on day two he claimed the highest class result of any British rider. Frustratingly for McLaughlin day one ended prematurely as a wire worked its way lose from his bike’s battery, which left him stranded in the enduro test. Headed towards a top 10 result at the time, having removed his tool bag at the start of the first timed enduro test Philip was fortunate that another rider stopped to assist him. Having lost more than the allotted 15 minutes by the end of the lap Philip was forced to withdraw and prepare himself for day two. Philip quickly put his day one misfortune behind him and completed a promising opening lap. With his performances on the enduro tests at both the Portuguese and Spanish rounds of the championship having prevented him from claiming better results, in Sardinia it was on the enduro tests were he performed at his best. With riders in all classes struggling to master the long and demanding test Philip not only managed to complete each of the second day’s three enduro tests without major mistakes but put in three amazingly consistent times, which ensured he remained at the sharp end of the Enduro Junior results. Ending the day fifth Philip was extremely pleased with what is so far his highest ever WEC result. Electraction backed factory TM rider Rodrig Thain endured a tough GP of Italy as the Frenchman was forced out of the first day’s competition due to an ignition problem. On day two Rodrig struggled to match the pace of the Enduro 2 class leaders due largely to not knowing the enduro test as well as his rivals having not ridden them on day one. Despite his best efforts he placed 10th. Phillip McLaughlin: “The first day didn’t go well as a wire came off my bike’s battery in the enduro test and it took me 25 minutes to get it fixed and complete the test. By the time I had got back to the paddock I was over my 15-minute time allowance so I was out, which was really disappointing. Day two went really well though. I had a good opening motocross test and then just built on that throughout the day. The enduro test was good for me for once and I was able to put in some pretty good times there. The day was hard and the rocks made it really tricky in place. I’m well pleased to have finished fifth, which is my best result so far in the WEC. There’s a good break now so hopefully I’ll be able to find a bit more speed ready for the GP of Finland.” Rodrig Thain: “I had a problem with my bike’s ignition on day one, which meant that I wasn’t able to complete the first lap. That made it really difficult for me on day two because I didn’t know the enduro and extreme test well. On each lap on the second day I was losing 40 seconds to the fastest riders. It’s really disappointing.”
For the third consecutive World Enduro Championship race the CH Racing Husqvarna team have enjoyed podium success as Antoine Meo, Bartosz Oblucki and Seb Guillaume all finished inside the top three of their respective classes, this time at the GP of Italy staged in Iglesias, Sardinia. With Antoine Meo (left) and Bartosz Oblucki finishing the opening day’s competition with well deserved runner-up results in the E1 and E2 classes respectively, Seb Guillaume went one better and stood on top of the Enduro 3 class podium following a solid day’s racing. On day two both Meo and Guillaume returned to the podium. In the Enduro 1 class Antoine Meo again showed that despite his relative lack of enduro experience he can be counted on to deliver podium results no matter the conditions or weather. Determined to put in a strong performance at the team’s home round of the ’09 WEC series, Antoine placed as a deserved runner-up on day one and in third on day two. Recording special test class wins on the motocross, enduro and extreme tests on day one Meo wasn’t quite able to match the pace of eventual E1 class winner Mika Ahola but comfortably placed ahead of third placed Simone Albergoni. On day two Antoine’s quest for the top spot resulted in him pushing too hard on occasions and he made two costly errors, which saw him drop to third. Despite being slightly frustrated at having not claimed victory on either day Antoine’s was nevertheless pleased with his two podium results.
The CH Racing Husqvarna team’s best result at the GP of Italy came from Frenchman Seb Guillaume who topped the Enduro 3 class by six seconds on day one. Enjoying the slippery motocross test and the long enduro test Seb was chased hard by countryman Christophe Nambotin but remained in control of the class to claim victory. Although only winning three of the day’s timed special tests, Seb’s consistency ensured he claimed his best result of the season so far. Despite his best efforts on day two Seb was unable to match the pace of Spaniard Ivan Cervantes. Making no major mistakes Seb claimed the runner-up spot to complete a superb weekend for both himself and the CH Racing Husqvarna team.
Bartosz Oblucki – Enduro 2: “The first day was great. I didn’t have a good Super Test on Friday and on Saturday morning I didn’t feel so good, but after that things started to come together. I was able to catch up the time I lost quite quickly, which meant that I moved up to second. Putting Husqvarna on the podium and being up there with Aubert and Salminen was great. I broke the rear brake pedal on the first test on day two, which cost me some time. I also didn’t feel so good physically. It took a little time to get my speed back. I almost managed to finish on the podium again but I was two or three seconds too slow.” Seb Guillaume – Enduro 3: “It’s been a really difficult race, but a real enduro. I’ve enjoyed it a lot. The first day was a great day for me. I wasn’t worrying about my times in the special tests, I was just riding my own race and focusing on not making any mistakes. I didn’t know I was leading going into the final test. To win was great because it was a really hard day. Day two was also hard, especially because of the rain in the mountains. I rode well in the enduro test on each lap, as well as on the extreme test, but Ivan Cervantes was very fast in the motocross test. Finishing first and then second is great.”
MPS Racing Husqvarna rider Si Wakely has secured more World Enduro Championship points, this time at the demanding GP of Italy, staged in Iglesias, Sardinia. Travelling to the south of the island along with the rest of the MPS Racing Husqvarna team, Si claimed his best result of the championship so far with a strong 10th place finish in the competitive Enduro 2 class. Every bit as demanding as the opening two rounds of the '09 WEC series the Sardinian event featured and tight and twisty motocross test, a short, and naturally technical extreme test, and one of the longest enduro tests used in the WEC in many years. Together, along with two long time controls, they ensured that all riders were made to work extremely hard during the event. Navigating his around the Friday night Super test without problems Si made an impressive start to the first day's competition as he adopted a more aggressive riding style than at the opening two rounds of the series. Finishing ahead of several factory backed riders along the way Si ensured he didn't make any costly mistakes during the second and third laps and ended the day with a solid seventh in class on the final motocross test. Finishing 10th Si was extremely pleased with the MPS Racing Team's first top 10 result of '09. Day two saw numerous riders having problems, as the unforgiving terrain took no prisoners. Recording the ninth quickest E2 class time on the opening enduro test Si's day took a turn for the worse when his chain came off on the extreme test, costing him valuable time. Pushing hard during the rest of the day Si managed to place 15th and scored more world championship points.
In the Enduro Junior class Gavin Houson battled hard to score points on day one with a 16th place finish. On day two the 125cc two-stroke mounted rider ensured he finished what was an extremely hard day and placed 26th. Si Wakely: "It's been a tough, tough two days. I felt really good after the first day but the second day really took it out of me, and a lot of other riders too. I really tried to ride more aggressively on the first day. It was hard not to make mistakes because the enduro and extreme tests were so rocky but I was really pleased to finish 10 and ahead of some of the factory backed riders. I could feel myself getting tired towards the end of the tests on day two, mainly because you just had to work so hard everywhere - there was no let up. I fell on the first extreme test when my front wheel washed out. Then my chain came off on the second lap. That cost me at least 30 seconds so it was disappointing not to be able to get two top 10 results."
IGUALADA (SPAIN) - With more than 6000 spectators, the KTM SUPER TEST inaugurated the first day of GRAND PRIX AMV OF SPAIN, second of the eight meetings of 2009 MAXXIS FIM WEC. Organized on the Extreme Test’s track, this prologue imposes itself as a new appointment of the WEC. The stars of World Enduro Championship approach this night exercise with an increasing interest, the Husqvarna factory riders having mounted additional lights on their helmets in order to improve the visibility. The fastest man of the evening is the spectacular French Fabien PLANET (FRA-KTM). He precedes the Extreme specialists of E1 Xavi GALINDO (ESP-KTM) and Mika AHOLA (SF-HM).
Five days only after a fast and tiring Portuguese opening, the WEC riders discovered in Igualada a new type of terrain, with a race format more traditional. The 3 laps of 70 kilometres led the riders through the Catalan mountain, where they competed a demanding Enduro Test, sometimes technical, sometimes rolling. The rain modified the profile of the race at mid-day. Confident after his double Portuguese win, Mika AHOLA (SF-KTM) in ENDURO 1 found again the ground on which he trained during the winter. But he ran up against a voluntary Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) and a Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM) very at ease in these conditions. Finally, the Finn imposes himself in the adversity with 8.43 seconds in advance on the Italian. Third, Meo wasted time in the trap of the Extreme Test. He shortly beats Thomas OLDRATI (ITA-KTM) and Fabien PLANET (FRA-KTM). In ENDURO 2, by making a mistake in the KTM Super Test, Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) started the day with a certain delay that he did not manage to fill, he finishes ninth. Still deprived of a direct adversary, Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM top) did not lower his rhythm. In order to anticipate the rain, the French attacked the first special tests of the morning. His final advance of 37 seconds enables him to win the category with a certain margin. In spite of very a good start of race, Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM) met some difficulties with the weather change, he is sixth. This ground more slippery at mid-day benefited Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM) second and Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) third. Cristobal GUERRERO: “At the beginning of the race I did not have such a good feeling, I did not find a good rhythm but I’m surprised, finally my result is good. Johnny is very fast in each test, I must train a lot to catch him. But I’m confident, I try to focus on my job, race after race, and I must go on like this.”
In spite of a changing weather, Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) affirms himself like the boss of the JUNIOR category, with an advance of 4.60 seconds. He resisted to the attacks of adversaries more pressing than one week before. With technical conditions, the French Jérémy JOLY (FRA-HM) takes the second place, preceding Lorenzo SANTOLINO (ESP-KTM) and Victor GUERRERO (ESP-YAM). Note that in preparation of the possible appearance of a female category next season, the Frenchwoman Ludivine PUY (FRA-GAS) courageously pitted herself strength against the monsters of E3. If she finishes in bottom of the standings, her determination forced the admiration of the actors of the MAXXIS FIM WEC.
After the rain, good weather… Or almost. The stars of MAXXIS FIM WEC attacked the second day of GRAND PRIX AMV OF SPAIN under rainy and sticky conditions, drying at the end of race. The assistance team had a lot of work to clean the bikes, loading sometimes more than 20 kilos of mud. This changing weather offered a new hierarchy of categories, the winners of the day being Simone Albergoni, Johnny Aubert, Ivan Cervantes and Oriol Mena. In ENDURO 1, the good operation of the weekend is for Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM). More constant than his adversaries in the Extreme and Enduro Test, the prince of Italian enduro wins a first success in 2009, with 17.43 seconds over the class leader Mika AHOLA (SF-HM). Those who did not know yet the talent of Eero REMES (SF-KTM) in enduro discovered it during this second day of competition. Whereas the special tests became more and more slippery, the “new Juha” took the lead. Remes simply wasted time in a very expensive Extreme Test, he is finally fourth. It is Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) who goes up on the third walk of the podium, his times improving with a drier ground in end-of-day. A few years ago, riding in mud was one Ivan CERVANTES’ (ESP-KTM) weaknesses. But today on his homeland the Spaniard showed that he does not have anything to envy to anybody. In the adversity, Cervantes took a new victory for 28 seconds. Badly started in the first special tests of the morning, Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) used his experience and his qualities of finisher to end at second place of E3, preceding Christophe NAMBOTIN (ESP-GAS) for only 0.75 second. The reigning champion keeps at the same time in touch with the Spaniard to the general. Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) and Marcus KEHR (GER-KTM) follow. David KNIGHT (GB-BMW) puts his BMW on a new disappointing 6th place. Ivan CERVANTES : "With all the rainfalls, the tests were very muddy. After the first ones, I was surprised I could fight with Guillaume and Nambotin, who are specialists of the sticky terrains. Aro was also among the best. Since the second lap, everything was better, it was drying and I did some very good times in the Enduro test. I could take a good advance to insure the victory. I’m really happy, yesterday I won with a small gap, and I could not imagine today it would be for me." Whatever the type of terrain, Oriol MENA (ESP-YAM) impresses. For his fourth season in the JUNIOR category, the Spaniard signs a fourth consecutive success. Behind him, with large gaps, are positioned Benoit FORTUNATO (FRA-YAM) and Victor GUERRERO (ESP-YAM). Lorenzo SANTOLINO (ESP-KTM) had to give up. To this prize list of the day it is necessary to add the victory of Johnny Aubert in the BMW MOTORRAD XTREME TEST AWARD, and the success of Jonathan MANZI (ITA-HVA) in the FIM YOUTH CUP 125. Brits in Spain Report by Dot Jones
Saturday dawned cloudy with rain in the air as the riders gathered at the start in the town centre. The course was two full laps and one half lap to include the enduro and extreme tests. First obstacles were on the Extreme test which had been changed and the very large logs at the end taped off for safety reasons. Then it was off across country to ride the enduro test untimed before tackling a very fast and steep trial area up and down the hillsides. No problems for these world class riders who had time at the check before they set off back to cross town to the moto cross test. Laid out in a ploughed feild with no jumps or table tops and with the ground damp the times were fast. As the riders came back up into the hills and through the timed enduro test the rain was falling steadily and times began to increase.
Once again it was Ahola, Aubert and Cervantes who won the classes while in E3 Knighter finished in 6th place and Tom in 11th. In E1 Greg finished in 12th place and in the Junior class Ashley Wood was 17th and Phil 18th just 18seconds adrift with Gav Houson in 29th. A hard day in the cold and rain with more forecast for tomorrow it could be another interesting day.
The rain in Spain fell all night long and the Jury made some changes to the results. They scrubbed the times on lap 3 Extreme test for the Juniors after so many had been baulked on the rocks by fallen riders. This meant that Phil McLaughlin moved up to 8th in class but riders in the other classes who had been seen going through the tapes at the rocks were penalised three minutes. Greg Evans was one of the unlucky riders who tried to pass a fallen rider and broke the tapes and even though he fell just after and lost time he was still given the penalty. The extreme test was changed for day two to try and avoid this problem
so that riders could bypass the rocks by a longer route but it was still a
difficult ride in the pouring rain right at the start. Off up into the
mountains where the tough check had been diverted onto the road as the
hillside could have got blocked. Ashley Wood crashed on his GasGas in the
first enduro test and hurt his shoulder and was forced to pull out while
all the others got through with a struggle. Down into town to the cross
test which was a quagmire of clay and the early riders suffered in the
heavy rain. Then when the rain ceased and the sun tried to break through
the course began to dry out which made it very sticky. Aubert was quickest
in E2,but young Remmes was fastest in E1 beating both Ahola and Albergoni
while Knight was some fifteen seconds slower. Cervantes was in top form in E3 but on the final cross test Aro was quicker and knighter was also much quicker on this second lap. But in E1 Remmes and Albergoni both beat Ahola on a test that was much drier in the improving weather. Phil McLaughlin riding the 450 had two good cross tests but fell on the on the last enduro test and broke his clutch lever but managed to complete the test and the final extreme at the finish to post and excellent result in 7th place. Toilet roll racing obviously works! MPS team rider Gav Houson on the two stoke Husky finished in a great 14th place and it was the two juniors who were flying the flag for team GB. So after a very hard day the class winners were Albergoni who knocked Ahola into second place in E1,Aubert followed by Ljunggren on the Husaberg and Thain on the TM in E2 with Cervantes on home ground leading the defending Champion Samuli Aro and Nambotin in E3. Mena won the Junior Class and all though it was not a good day for team GB Knighter was 6th and Si Wakely finished in 13th place.
Despite wet weather and hard and slippery conditions, the Husaberg factory team completed a good weekend on the Enduro World Championship circuit in Rounds Three and Four at Spain’s Igualada, some 60 km west of Barcelona. The team’s collective efforts were praised by team boss Thomas Gustavsson who was particularly pleased to see Joakim Ljunggren on the E2 podium on Sunday. The Swedish rider, who says he likes it when the going gets tough, made fourth place in Saturday’s third round then came out and vaulted to second on Sunday’s podium for a total of 40 more championship points and fifth on the standings after the first four rounds. Ljunggren, a tough rider for tough conditions Ljunggren was already optimistic on Saturday, saying after the race that he did not mind that the weather had closed in and conditions promised to be wet and slippery on Sunday. “I was quite laid back in the morning because there was not so much rain but it was a bit tougher in the afternoon,” he said of Round Three. “It was okay for me because I am used to riding in the rain in Sweden. I like it when it is very tough. I had one crash in the cross test but the extreme was very good for me. Many guys were struggling but I could make a good result.” When it came to Sunday, Ljunggren got his wish. The rain continued to fall over Saturday night apparently creating the conditions just the way he likes it. “The special test was very hard today because it was raining all night,” he said at the close of Sunday’s competition. It was really wet and slippery today but I didn’t make any mistakes and the bike was perfect!” In other action E2 action from the Husaberg team, Finn Valtteri Salonen experienced some technical problems that prevented him from finishing on Saturday but bounced back on Sunday to finish tenth. Mixed fortunes for Carlsson Meanwhile Husaberg’s E3 factory rider Björne Carlsson also had mixed luck at the weekend. Still nursing a knee injury from last weekend’s two rounds in Portugal, Björne took the cautious approach on Saturday and despite some problems in the extreme test in the rain, he still managed to finish ninth and salvage some championship points. But when the weather deteriorated on Sunday, Björne, still nervous about putting his foot down hard because of the knee injury, was unable to complete the day’s ride. He now heads home to Sweden and expects to be fully fit for the next round in Sardinia from April 17-19. Husaberg supported rider Tom Sagar of Britain was eleventh on Saturday in the E3 but also failed to finish on Sunday. Mena shines in EJ The real bright spot for the Husaberg boys this weekend was the clean sweep by Enduro Junior Oriol Mena of Spain who now has 100 championship points for four victories in the four rounds of competition. Clearly elated with his perfect score in front of his home crowd, the young Spaniard, who finished with a clear margin from his nearest rival, admitted he was pleased with his season so far. “It’s a very good position for me. I am happy,” he said. With the way Mena is performing, it is clear that Husaberg is taking the long-term perspective and is already on top of the game with the next generation of winning Enduro riders. Mena plans to keep his hand in by competing in his national championship next weekend then plans to take a few days off before the next two rounds in Sardinia.
Fresh from their successes at the opening round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship the CH Racing Husqvarna team travelled to Igualada, close to Barcelona, this past weekend for the GP of Spain where team riders Antoine Meo, Bartosz Oblucki, and Seb Guillaume all continued their good form and once again finished on the podium. With conditions unexpectedly wet during the second round of the WEC series the event proved to be a demanding one for all competitors. With the exception of Bartosz Oblucki who frustratingly derailed his chain early on day two, all CH Racing Husqvarna team riders finished the event without problems. Frenchman Antoine Meo delivered the team’s best result finishing on the podium on both days in the Enduro 1 class. Agonisingly close to claiming his first WEC victory of the new season on day one Antoine claimed an eventual third place. Winning the opening extreme test before going on to perform well throughout the day, in trying to claim victory the former GP motocross racer made one or two costly mistakes. Nevertheless Meo finished just 23 seconds behind eventual winner Mika Ahola. Day two saw Antoine claim third once again. With Italian rider Simone Albergoni topping the class Antoine placed just 14 seconds behind defending E1 world champion Mika Ahola having again made costly mistakes, including a big crash on the enduro test. Were it not for his mistakes Antoine would certainly have finished higher but third on both days were extremely encouraging performances. Competing alongside Meo in the E1 class aboard Husqvarna’s TE250 was Marc Bourgeois. Placing 10th on day one the young Frenchman improved to eight in class on Sunday following a determined day’s riding. Matching Meo’s day one result of third in class Bartosz Oblucki was another CH Racing Husqvarna rider who enjoyed the GP of Spain. Confident of a good result after his strong performances at the opening round of the championship in Portugal, Bartosz performed well throughout the opening day’s competition. In contention for a podium result right from the start of the day Bartosz eventually paced just 14 seconds behind runner-up Cristobal Guerrero. Frustratingly for Oblucki day two didn’t go as planned. With heavy overnight rain making each of the event’s special tests incredibly slippery, the Pole hoped that he would be able to improve his result. During the enduro test on lap one Bartosz derailed his chain, which put an end to a second podium result. Riding well throughout the day Oblucki placed eighth. WEC newcomer, CH Racing Husqvarna team rider Matti Seistola, enjoyed a successful GP of Spain claiming a well deserved seventh in the E2 class on day one before placing 12th in class on day two. For the CH Racing Husqvarna team’s Enduro 3 class rider Seb Guillaume the GP of Spain started in the worst possible way as a fall during Friday night’s Super test resulted in the Frenchman injuring his wrist. Also dropping some 20 seconds behind his E3 class rivals before the start of the first day’s competition, Guillaume was forced to fight his way back into contention for a podium result. Steadily improving his speed and winning three of the day’s special tests Seb managed to position himself close to the top of the class and amazingly came close to winning the day. After close to 40 minutes of special tests Seb finished just two-and-a-half seconds behind winner Ivan Cervantes. Day two wasn’t to be Seb’s day. Hoping for a second top three result he was unable to get up to speed as quickly as the three riders that finished ahead of him. Ninth in class at the end of the opening lap and suffering with his injured wrist Seb’s hard work saw him place fourth at the end of the day.
Bartosz Oblucki – Enduro 2: “It was great to be on the podium again on day one. I had a good day and didn’t make any major mistakes so everything went well. I felt good and having finished on the podium in Portugal it was good to be inside the top three again in different conditions. I knew that day two would be difficult because of the rain, but I also knew it was a good chance to improve my result from day one. The first extreme test went well but then my chain came off on the enduro test and I lost two minutes. There was no way I could finish on the podium after that, which was disappointing.” Seb Guillaume – Enduro 3: “Considering the way the event started for me I am pleased with the way it finished with a second and fourth result. I crashed on the Friday night Super test, in the stones, and I injured my wrist. I lost 20 seconds to the fastest riders in the E3 class. It was difficult during the start of day one because of my wrist. Things got better and better as the day progressed and finally I managed to place second, which was great after a tough day. I had to take a lot of painkillers but I got through the day with a good result. Day two was hard for me. My wrist was painful and I felt tired in the morning. My first extreme test wasn’t great but slowly I managed to work my way forward. I was ninth on the first lap so although I’m disappointed that I didn’t get on the podium like I did on day one I’m pleased I was able to improve my result.”
Electraction TM UK rider Phillip McLaughlin and Electraction TM supported TM factory rider Rodrig Thain have both enjoyed success at the second round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship, the GP of Spain staged in Igualada close to Barcelona. McLaughlin claimed two top 10 finishes in the Enduro Junior class while Frenchman Thain placed sixth in Enduro 2 on day one before finishing on the podium in third on day two. Despite the wet and challenging conditions in Spain the 450cc four-stroke mounted duo finished the event without problems having enjoyed yet another tough WEC event. For McLaughlin the second round of the ’09 WEC series started with a cautious performance on Friday night’s Super test. Finishing 10th in class Phillip then rode consistently throughout the opening day’s competition to claim ninth having seen his best performances come on the short, man-made extreme test. Day two saw a change in the weather as heavy overnight rain ensured that the already tough enduro and motocross tests became incredibly difficult, especially for four-stroke riders. Undeterred, Phillip battle on and with several top Enduro Junior class riders struggling to master the slippery conditions he spent much of the second day sixth in class. Placing second on the opening extreme test and continuing to perform well on the motocross test McLaughlin ended the day seventh in class, ensuring two top 10 results. McLaughlin currently sits eighth in the Enduro Junior world championship points standings.
Phillip McLaughlin: “The event went better than I expected. Everything went well really, but I was losing out on the enduro test. It’s the first time that I’ve really ridden true enduro tests like we had, so I just need to learn more. I’m starting to get my head around the extreme tests now, which helped me because I was second in class on the first extreme test on day two. I’m not too far off the pace on the motocross tests either now, so I just need to practice my enduro test riding. If I can improve there, and remain consistent on the other tests, then I know I can start regularly finishing top six. Despite the rain I’ve enjoyed the event. I’m looking forward to see what the race in Sardinia brings now.”
MPS Racing Husqvarna rider Si Wakely has once again finished as the highest placed non-factory backed competitor in the competitive Enduro 2 class at the World Enduro Championship, this time on day two of the GP of Spain. Placing 13th in class at the end of the second day's competition Si once again finished ahead of numerous experienced E2 class riders in what was only his second world championship race out of the Enduro Junior category. Frustratingly for Si his participation in the opening day's competition was cut short when a slow speed fall in the rock section of the Extreme test resulted in a punctured ignition cover, which forced him to retire. In complete contrast to the dry and dusty opening round of the '09 WEC
series held in Portugal the GP of Spain saw little in the way of dry
weather until the closing stages of day two. For the MPS Racing Husqvarna team's other two riders the GP of Spain delivered mixed fortunes. For Enduro 1 class rider Aston Bird a mechanical problem on day one forced him out of the event while Enduro Junior class competitor Gavin Houson scored his first world championship points of the season with a spirited 14th in class on day two. With numerous EJ class riders struggling with the wet and demanding conditions Houson simply got on with things and thoroughly deserved his top 15 result.
The first round of the 2009 WEC is being held in Portugal at PenafieI set in the hills just east of Porto and every hillside has villages and there seems a lack of traditional going on which to run a proper enduro. The weather is fantastic with blue skies and warm sunshine-just what the spectators would wish for but for the British contingent in means taking on lots of fliuds and coping with very hard, dry and dusty going. The new idea of a Super Special on Friday night was greeted with mixed feelings as riders lines up in pairs to race against each other and the clock. Held on the local sports field it was in walking distance of the start and floodlit but served only as a PR excersise for KTM and some early evening entertainment for the locals. All the brits performed well even though they were a liitle nervous coming to the start line! David Knight riding in Europe again after his two year absence was cheered as he and Aro were the last two racers. We all got to bed late! Not much time on the checks on each of the four laps.
The MX test up on a hillside was a dust bowl and very sandy and times under six minutes were good. In E1 defending Champion Ahola was flying as was Greg Evans on his KTM which had been hastily prepared following the theft of his race bike. In E2 Johnny Aubert was the man to beat on the KTM and Juha Salminen on the BMW did not seem to have the speed on the long straights but was very good on the technical extrene test. Si Wakeley was down on power due to some technical stuff with the fuel injection while newcomer Aston Bird retired on the first MXtest when a wire in the ignition system broke. In the much awaited battle in E3 it was bearded Cervantes who was flying, he was out to prove that last year was behind him and the new team on the block would not beat him. Once again Knighter was the man to watch but to me he seemed to be looking for more speed, smooth but agressive he just could not match Cervantes on the on the longer tests but beat him on the extreme where he used all his trials skills to overcome the logs, rocks and tyres. Tom started slowly but soon got the big Husaberg fired up and on the technical stuff he was a joy to watch. But he confessed that the tests were not to his liking-in fact the cross test seemed to be a ploughed waste tip with lots of rubbish and wire to get tangled in the wheels! The Juniors found the day long and hot and they were all tired at the finish as time had been tight. Phil Mclaughlin retired when he had fuel problems, Gavin Houson had radiator hose issues while Ashley Wood rode very well on the Gas Gas. At the end of the day is was a win for Ahola, Aubert and Cervantes, David could only manage six in class-not the result he would have hoped for-Greg was 12th,Si 14th,Tom 8th, Ashley 14th.
Hot and sunny again and perfect riding weather as the riders collected their machines from the parc ferme at the exhibition centre. The test were much the same as they began the first of four laps, the Mx was sand and even though the track had been watered overnight it was still very dusty as a stiff breeze was blowing. In fact the lads had been up at 5am to take down the awnings and easy ups for fear they would get damaged. Once again Jim was the Fallower for Tom Sagar who made a big mistake in giving him a big bag of Haribo sweets- he did not know that Jim is addicted to e numbers! Steady times on all the tests lap after hot lap and even the extreme test close to the start now had a path through the rocks and some alterations had been made to the up hill climb that had caught out a few tired riders yesterday. Aston Bird was disapointed that his Husky would still not fire up properly and had to sit this one out- not the start he had wanted. Si WakeIy was fired up and going well even though his machine was still down on power,until the third lap when his engine cut out on the enduro test and he was forced to retire. Knighters luck also ran out on the enduro test when his leg got caught in a rut and went under the back wheel and his knee was twisted and he had to pull out. Meanwhile in the juniors Gavin Houson and Ashley Wood were riding consistantly and Phil MacgaughIin made sure he did not run out of fuel and even had a toilet roll fitted to the TM-is this a new Irish secret weapon? Tom Sagar was riding more aggressively on the long tests and his times were consistant as he ate more jellies but he suffered from a broken wire to the fuel pump on the third lap and had to push back to the start. Up in E1 Greg Evans was riding well just to spite those theives and inspite of falling in the last enduro test he finished 13th in class. In EJ Philip finished 7th, Ashley 18th and a very tired Gav 25th. Once again it would be Ahola, Aubert and Cervantes on the top step of the podium.
This weekend saw the start of the Maxxis World Enduro Championship, first round GP Polisport of Portugal. With the sun beaming down Tom was in high sprits, ready to start the new season on the Husaberg FE 570. The WEC took a new format this weekend, with a KTM super special test on the Friday evening around a stadium with , tom managed to finish a very well placed 4th overall in E3, giving him handful of confidence ready to compete on Saturday. Saturday brought mixed fortunes for Tom, with the Enduro test and the Cross test being so dusty and taking a motorcross style test, Tom managed to keep consistent times. Tom excelled in the Extreme test finishing 2nd and 3rd in his class throughout the day, with a 4th overall in test 11. With all three test times, Tom finished 9th overall in a highly contented E3 class. Day two, Tom suffered technical problems and was unable to finish, up until this Tom was lying in 8th position. Tom commented " It was a hard event physically, the race didn't suit me 100% as it was a little to much motor cross, motor cross isn't my strong point, it suited a lot of other riders over me. The Extreme test really suited me and I was gaining time on that test. The bike works well, obviously I am disappointed that I was unable to finish on Sunday, but that has been resolved now and I am looking forward to Spain next weekend"
MPS Racing Husqvarna's Si Wakely has scored his first World Enduro Championship points of the season with a 14th place result in the Enduro 2 class on day one of the GP of Portugal, staged in Penafiel. Moving into the senior ranks of the WEC for the first time after several years in the Enduro Junior class, Si placed as the second highest non-factory supported rider in the E2 category after putting in a consistent and largely mistake free day's riding. With defending Enduro 2 world champion Johnny Aubert setting an unmatchable pace at the top of the class Si battled hard to end the day just 30 seconds behind factory Husaberg rider Valtteri Salonen. With each of the event's extreme, motocross and enduro special tests extremely dry and dusty Si saw his best performances come on the tight and technical extreme test. Although like most riders Si found the conditions challenging he was pleased to have scored world championship points first time out in the E2 class. Disappointingly, Si's participation in the second day's competition was cut short as a mechanical problem forced him to withdraw from the event with just one lap remaining. Although not scoring any world championship points Gavin Houson battled his way to the finish of both days at the GP of Portugal finishing in 24th on Saturday following an eventful day and then in 25th on day two. Losing time on the going on day one when he split a radiator hose, Gavin managed to fix the problem and thoroughly enjoyed the season opener. Competing in a round of the World Enduro Championship for the first time ever Aston Bird disappointingly failed to finish either day of what was a seriously tough WEC competition. Finishing with the 12th fastest Enduro 1 class time on Friday night's Super test Aston completed three special tests on day one before withdrawing from the event.
Here we are, 2009 MAXXIS FIM WEC is launched! The stars of the enduro began their international season and the first day of the GRAND PRIX POLISPORT OF PORTUGAL by the first prologue of WEC’s history, the KTM SUPER TEST. Competed Friday evening in the heart of Penafiel, in front of 3.000 spectators, this special test in parallel mixing trunks crossing and stones managed to seduce the whole of the WEC observers, even the more sceptical. The world best enduro riders, riding neck and neck, offered an exceptional and never-seen show. These duels were the occasion to attend some battles of anthology, like the duel Aubert-Salminen which turned to the advantage of the French. Counting for the first day of race, the KTM SUPER TEST saw the victory of the Swede Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) in front of the Spaniards Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) and Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM). The race started again Saturday morning with a tough program, a 50 kilometres lap buckled 4 times. In ENDURO 1, after a “warm-up lap” Mika AHOLA (SF-HM) took the head, being regular in the Extreme Test, precisely the special test where his adversaries made some mistakes. He imposes himself by more than one minute. On a dry terrain, where the lines quickly became ruts, courageous Antoine MEO (FRA-HVA) signed the second place in front of Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM). After having dominated the beginning of race, in the first virgin special tests, Marc GERMAIN (FRA-YAM) lost his advance in the trunks of the Extreme Test, he is fourth. Author of a good start, Eero REMES (SF-KTM) loses all his capital while falling in the Enduro Test, where he lets one minute. In ENDURO 2, Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) beginnings on his new BMW appeared tricky. The Finnish champion, victim of an injury to the foot, could not make better than the fifth place of the category. On the opposite, everything is going well for the outgoing champion Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM). The new KTM factory rider seems to be very quickly accustomed to his new machine, he wins the day with 1 minute 24 seconds in advance over his first adversary. Johnny AUBERT: “I could not dream of a better beginning of championship. I attacked a lot on the first lap, I finished it with a 30 seconds advance. After I tried to manage, and to take a few seconds. Here it is an exhausting race, but I feel very good on my bike. With the team we did a lot of work during the winter and for the moment that’s paying. ” Joined together for their first confrontation in 2009, Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM), Alessandro BELOMETTI (ITA-KTM) and Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA) were decided between in the last timed portions of the day. Most regular of them, Belometti takes the second place of E2 in front of Oblucki in renewal of confidence. Thain stays at the bottom of podium. For his come back to the big class, Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) showed himself particularly at ease with the KTM. At the same time technical and aggressive, el Torito dominated comfortably the ENDURO 3, he wins with a 28 seconds advance over his team-mate Samuli ARO (SF-KTM). Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) manages to finish at the top of a very tight group made up also of Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) fourth and Fabio MOSSINI (ITA-HM) fifth. Following the example of Salminen in E2, David KNIGHT (GB-BMW) seems to meet some difficulties with his new BMW, he finishes in an unusual sixth place of E3. Like the classification of the day, the Junior category is announced exciting in 2009. Already singled out at the end of last season, Sebastien BOZZO (FRA-HVA) ends third. But there was nothing to do against the boosted Spanish Juniors. 6 seconds faster, Lorenzo SANTOLINO (ESP-KTM) is second. The favourite of the championship Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB) signs his first victory in 2009 after an impressive last lap. Tomorrow Sunday, sun and dust should welcome once again the GRAND PRIX POLISPORT OF PORTUGAL, opening of 2009 MAXXIS FIM WEC 2009.
After a first exhausting day, the second round of the GRAND PRIX POLISPORT OF PORTUGAL did not offer respite to the stars of MAXXIS FIM WEC. With 4 laps each day, this Portuguese opening was marked by an impressive number of special tests, with not less than 12 timed sectors. Decisive during the first day, the Extreme Test appeared as hazardous as the day before, but the Enduro Test was also the theatre of many surprises. Nevertheless, the fastest riders were the same on both days. Mika Ahola, Johnny Aubert, Ivan Cervantes and Oriol Mena double their wins, and settle down at the top of their categories. In ENDURO 1, after a first day marked by the hegemony of Mika AHOLA (FIN-HM), the adversaries of the Finn decided to react. The Italians Thomas OLDRATI (ITA-KTM) and Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-KTM) surprised in the first morning tests. The rutted terrains succeed to the two boys, and Albergoni takes the 2nd place while Oldrati finishes in an encouraging third place, his first podium in the Seniors. Still in lack of experience of the WEC, the third KTM rider Eero REMES (SF-KTM) ends fourth of this tight category. On the other hand, there was nearly nothing to do against reigning champion Mika Ahola. However hustled by the Italians in the first times, the HM Honda factory rider testifies to a great confidence in this beginning of season. After an observation lap, he dominated the following tests and finishes the day leading by 35 seconds. Mika Ahola: “The race was even harder than yesterday, the special tests were bumpy, with so much dust and deep sand. Simone was very fast this morning but from second lap I started to make better and better times. Last lap I really made the difference. The track was becoming more difficult each lap, and I’m faster in these conditions.” Definitely unlucky in Portugal, French Marc GERMAIN (FRA-YAM) gave up in the Enduro Test, victim of ignition problems. In ENDURO 2, after his disappointing 5th place on Saturday, the reaction of the ogre Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW) was expected. In spite of a first good lap, in the rhythm of Top 3 of the category, the Finn made a mistake in the Extreme Test. Hurt, Salminen was not able to make better than a 6th final place. The disillusion of the BMW rider contrasts with the incredible serenity which reigns around Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM). The imperturbable world champion signs a second victory, with 1 minute 29 seconds, and positions firmly at the top of the championship. The second place of Enduro 2 returns to Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP-YAM). Handicapped by problems of brake on Saturday, the Spaniard announces himself like a serious candidate for the podiums. He precedes fast Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM) and Alessandro BELOMETTI (ITA-KTM). In the big class of ENDURO 3, this second day is marked by the DNF of David KNIGHT (GB-BMW). After he twisted his knee in the Enduro Test, the colossus from Isle of Man came back limping to the paddock at mid-day. It is obviously a new underachievement for the BMW team in this beginning of championship. On his way, his former sparring partner at KTM seems completely lighted up. Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) is flying over E3, with 44 seconds in advance on his first adversary. Behind the Spaniard, the positions are tightened, even if Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GAS) second managed to maintain throughout the day a gap on Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) third and Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) fourth. The 2008 champion was slowed down by a latecomer rider in the special tests. On the side of the JUNIORS, the “grinta” of the Spanish pilots made the difference. Oriol MENA (ESP-HSB), large winner of the weekend is announced already like the best candidate for the title. The second place offered a beautiful brawl between Lorenzo SANTOLINO (ESP-KTM) and Jérémy JOLY (FRA-HM). The French gradually increased his rhythm during the day to overtake the Spaniard at the end of the race. In spite of the bad luck of Victor GUERRERO (ESP-YAM), forced to give-up on mechanical problem, the young Spanish guard is the animator of the Junior category. We will find it again on March 28th and 29th for the GRAND PRIX AMV OF SPAIN, second part of the Iberian tour in Igualada. Disastrous weekend for Knight at ’09 WEC opener David Knight’s hopes of claiming a third Enduro 3 world championship title were dealt a massive blow this past weekend as the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team rider scored just one sixth place result at the opening round of the ’09 WEC season, the GP of Portugal staged in Penafiel. Returning to the WEC following two highly successful years competing in the US GNCC series, Knight was simply unable to perform at his best on either the event’s enduro or motocross tests with his only special test wins coming on the extreme test. Producing the second quickest Enduro 3 class time during the WEC’s first ever Friday night Super test, Knight’s troubles started early on day one as he struggled to 11th in class on the opening enduro test. Unable to identify exactly what the problem was, Knight, like his team mates Juha Salminen and Marko Tarkkala, was unable to attack the soft, dusty special tests. The harder David tried the more mistakes he made. Eventually finishing sixth in class having topped all of the day’s four extreme tests David made several modifications to his bike ahead of the second day’s competition. Eighth in class on the opening two special tests on day two David’s day quickly went from bad to worse as on lap two he caught his foot under his bike’s rear wheel, twisting his knee. Shortly afterwards David withdrew from the event. Despite fears that he may have seriously damaged his knee David is confident that he will be fit for round two of the WEC in Spain this coming weekend. David Knight: “There’s not a lot for me to say really, other than I’m obviously hugely disappointed. There’s no hiding from the fact that as a team we struggled this weekend. We knew that we hadn’t done any real testing in soft, powdery conditions like we had here in Portugal but we were confident of some good results. Especially as things were really encouraging during the first Spanish championship race one week ago. I simply didn’t have a good feeling with the bike, and on the motocross and enduro tests there was no way I could push hard – I didn’t feel at all comfortable on the bike. Things went ok on the extreme test but that was it. We made some changes to the bike at the end of day one, but day two didn’t really start any better. Then I got cross rutted on the enduro test on lap two, got my foot caught under the bike and twisted my knee. I thought I’d done some serious damage but I think it’ll be ok. We’ll try and get the bike’s working better for next weekend but with only a few days before the second world championship race there’s not much we can really change.”
Rounds one and two of the Enduro E1 World championships series began with flair for KTM factory rider Ivan Cervantes when he took a double victory and a maximum of 50 championship points in Portugal at the weekend to launch his 2009 title bid. Cervantes, returning to the big bike category this season as already satisfied after taking the top spot on Saturday saying: "I had three small crashes and lost some time but apart from that it was a perfect day and I feel very positive going into the season." Then on Sunday the Spaniard went out and picked up the double. KTM factory teammate and reigning E3 world champion Samuli Aro can also be satisfied with his weekend with a second place on Saturday and a fourth on Sunday after getting into difficulties and sacrificing about 25 seconds. "It was a very tough weekend but also a very positive one," KTM team boss Fabio Farioli said on Sunday. It has been two long hard days and the riders are very tired." Organisers on Sunday slightly altered the Extreme test making it somewhat easier than it had been on Saturday. KTM's Offroad racing director Pit Beirer was also very satisfied. "It was an awesome weekend. It was great to see how well the team worked together and how our riders went out and were so strong." The team planned to travel immediately to Spain to prepare for the next two rounds next weekend in Igualada about 60 km west of Barcelona.
Portugal proved to be fertile ground for brand new KTM factory rider Johnny Aubert of France. It was a perfect way for the reigning E2 world champion to celebrate his first race weekend with his new team in Penafiel near Porto. Already on Saturday Aubert said he was happy with his result, with his new KTM machine and with the team and the preparation they had made for the start of the season. "It was a very good day for me. I was first in the special test. I got out in front and stayed there for the rest of the time." Teammate Alessandro Belometti was second on Saturday and followed it up with another positive fourth place on Sunday for 40 championship points and second place in the standings behind Aubert. KTM Offroad Director Pit Beirer was in Portugal to see the orange racing team launch their bid for 2009 titles and said it was "awesome to see the way we dominated the E2 and E3 classes." Factory team boss Fabio Farioli also expressed his satisfaction for his team's efforts in the first two rounds of the competition. The Maxxis World Championship also celebrated a new feature this weekend with a special test on Friday night in Penafiel with a one-on-one rider competition in front of a crowd of some 3000 enthusiasts held in a stadium type atmosphere. Overall times counted towards Saturday's race and the attractive scene setter was a great success with the fans. This feature will be integrated into a number of GPs this season.
The E1 class of the Enduro World Championships got underway in Penafiel, Portugal this weekend with KTM factory team newcomer Simone Albergoni scoring two podium places in the first two rounds of the competition. Albergoni, who was third last season behind KTM's Ivan Cervantes in E1, picked up two podiums, bettering his third place on Saturday with a second on Sunday. The Italian actually had second place also within his grasp on Saturday. He was lying second behind Finland's Mika Ahola right up to the final test then crashed and slipped back to third. Albergoni, 27, is also acting as mentor to his younger teammate Eero Remes who also picked up valuable championship points over the weekend. Remes, of Finland was lying tenth on Saturday when he crashed on the logs, lost time and had to settle for eleventh, a result he improved on greatly on Sunday finishing just off the podium at fourth place. Also on the podium on Sunday in third place was KTM supported rider Thomas Oldrati of Italy, rounding off a great weekend's racing for the Orange machines "Made in Austria". Team boss Fabio Farioli and KTM's Offroad Director Pit Beirer were both very satisfied with the opening world championship weekend. "It was awesome," said Beirer. "Overall our riders were so strong, they made few mistakes and they gave the others very little room. It was also good to see how this close knit team under Fabio's leadership works so efficiently and effectively. That's very good for the team morale." The next two rounds of the competition are in Spain next week. The KTM planned to immediately travel to the neighbouring country to prepare for the second race weekend on the Iberian Peninsular.
Phillip McLaughlin’s participation in the opening round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship, the GP of Portugal staged in Penafiel close to Porto, proved to be an eventful affair as the Enduro Junior class rider disappointingly failed to finish day one after running out of fuel before then claiming a deserved seventh in class on day two, despite two costly falls on the event’s final extreme test. Hopeful of being able to carry the good form he showed at both the opening round of the British Enduro Championship and the GB XC series into the WEC opener Phillip mixed good special test performances with some not so good tests during the first half of the opening day but was then sidelined after running out of fuel. With the fuel cap of his 450c TM getting cross threaded petrol leaked past the filler cap’s rubber seal, which resulted in Phillip’s day being cut short mid-way around the dusty enduro special test. With no other option Phillip was forced to simply prepare himself for day two. Thankfully, day two proved to be a much more successful, but also extremely tough. With numerous riders in all classes withdrawing from the event for one reason or another Phillip, with the exception of the opening extreme test, placed within the top 10 of the EJ class on all of the day’s special tests. Keeping pace with southern European riders that littered the top of the Enduro Junior class results, Phillip came close to undoing a good day’s work when he crashed twice on the final extreme test of the event. Hoping to move into sixth position Phillip lost around 20 seconds but still managed to place seventh. Phillip and the Electraction TM UK team now move onto Spain for the second round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship, which takes place this coming weekend near Barcelona. Phillip McLaughlin: “Day two was really tough. I had a slow start and as I’d only ridden half a day on Saturday I couldn’t remember the test that well. But I came on well during the middle of the day. I came close to messing up a good day on the last extreme test as I tried too hard and crashed twice. I only needed to be a few seconds faster to move up a place or two, but ended up on the ground instead. It was disappointing not finishing day one because of running out of fuel, but I’ve ridden well and in these dry conditions my pace has been good. I didn’t expect to be as fast as I was so I’m looking forward to the Spanish round now.”
The opening round of the ’09 World Enduro Championship will long be remembered as a race that delivered more than its fair share of mixed results, but for the CH Racing Husqvarna team the GP of Portugal, staged in Penafiel, ended positively as team riders Antoine Meo, Bartosz Oblucki and Seb Guillaume all enjoyed podium results. An extremely dry, dusty and demanding race the ’09 season opener also saw Husqvarna claim their first E1 class podium with their new 250cc four-stroke bike. The results secured by Meo, Oblucki and Guillaume at the end of the opening day’s competition were without question the highlight of the weekend for the CH Racing Husqvarna team. Following several months of focused testing and training all three riders showed that they have what is needed to challenge for top results this season. For Meo and Oblucki the results were particularly pleasing as the GP of Portugal saw both riders respectively compete internationally in the Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 classes for the first time. With defending Enduro 1 world champion Mika Ahola setting the pace in the E1 class Antoine Meo made a solid start to his championship campaign finishing in second position to the Finn on day one. Topping one of the day’s special tests, the final extreme test, Antoine rode consistently and kept himself out of trouble, which allowed him to take advantage of a late race fall by Italian Simone Albergoni. Despite continued good riding day two didn’t go quite as well for Antoine as he placed fifth. Less than five seconds away from the fourth placed rider and a further 10 seconds adrift of third placed Thomas Oldrati, Antoine’s only real mistake was during the opening extreme test, which come the end of the day proved decisive in preventing him from claiming a second podium result. With the opening round of the ’08 WEC season ending in injury for Bartosz Oblucki the Pole’s third place result at the end of the opening day’s competition at the GP of Portugal was arguably the team’s most pleasing result. Switching to the Enduro 2 class for the first time ever, Oblucki quickly overcame a disappointing Friday night Super test performance to battle for a podium position. Topping the extreme test time sheets late in the day, Bartosz managed to do just enough to finish ahead of Frenchman Rodrig Thain and make a welcomed return to the WEC podium. Day two started well for Oblucki with a second podium finish well within his reach. But as the day moved past the mid-way point, and competition for a podium place started to hot up, he made a hand full of small errors, which dropped him to seventh in class. As one of several riders with a very real chance of claiming the ’09 Enduro 3 world title Frenchman Seb Guillaume got his championship campaign off to a strong start by finishing on the podium on both days. Third and just 14 seconds behind runner-up Samuli Aro on day one, Seb found the opening WEC race of the year tough, yet made few major mistakes during the first day. Making less mistakes but feeling tired on day two Seb managed to finish ahead of defending Enduro 3 world champion Samuli Aro to claim his second podium result and begin the ’09 world championship in impressive form.
“Sadly, the second day didn’t go quite as well as the first. Again I made a mistake on the first extreme test and lost some time so I had to work hard to come back. It was a very tough day with all the dust, but I am pleased to have finished fifth. Two strong results is exactly how I wanted to start the championship.” Bartosz Oblucki – Enduro 2: “To finish on the podium in the E2 class at my first world championship race on the 250cc two-stroke is great. After two years of disappointing results and injuries I am really pleased. I wasn’t so fast early in the day but then I made a few changes to the bike, which changed everything. My confidence improved and I was able to be really fast. “Things were going really well on day two up until half way through the day. I was in third or fourth, and fighting with several riders, and when I started to push so that I could be three or four seconds faster in each special test I started making mistakes.” Seb Guillaume – Enduro 3: “It’s been a difficult GP for me, but I am really pleased that I managed to finish on the podium on both days. I made a lot of mistakes on the extreme test but I seemed to be quite ok on the others. The competition is really strong in the E3 class so any mistakes are really hard to overcome. “I felt really tired at the start of the second day, which made for a long hard race. The first lap was really difficult for me but after that I didn’t find things too bad. The changes made to the extreme test suited me and I managed to make some fast times in all of the tests. To finish on the podium on both days is good.”
The Husaberg factory team launched a strong attack for the opening two rounds of the 2009 Enduro World championship in Portugal at the weekend even though the team had its share of mixed luck. Star performer was the new member of the Enduro junior team, 21-year old Spanish rider Oriol Mena who excelled with two top podium places and a maximum of 50 championship points. The tough course suited the young Spaniard who professes to like “the tougher the better”. Speaking after savoring his first victory on Saturday, Mena said: “I am very happy. The bike is incredible and so is the team. They did a very good job all this week. I did make some mistakes and I will try to do better tomorrow.” And that is exactly what he achieved.
Improvement on Sunday Sunday’s race went much smoother for Ljunggren but he was a little disappointed that the organisers opted to make the extreme test a little easier on Sunday. “I liked it,” he said. “It was my favourite part of the course.” Ljunggren’s E2 Husaberg teammate Valtteri Salonen of Finland finished twelfth on Saturday and also improved up to ninth place on Sunday. Bad luck for Björne But while riders mostly agreed that the prologue on Friday night had been fun especially racing before a large crown of enthusiasts, it proved to be the downfall of Husaberg’s E3 contender Björne Carlsson. He got into difficulty in the extreme test and injured his knee. “I slipped on a log and put my foot down hard and I had the whole weight of my leg and the bike on my knee. It is very painful and swollen. I am very disappointed because we have been training and working hard to get ready for the season and the bike is great,” he said on Saturday. Carlsson had started in Saturday’s race but the pain was too severe and he had to withdraw. Team boss Thomas Gustavsson said he was satisfied with the effort of the Husaberg lineup in the first two rounds. He also reported on Sunday that Carlsson’s knee was much improved on Sunday. “It is less swollen and I am quite confident that he will be able to race next weekend in Spain,” he said.
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Meo
enjoys double E1 class victory at GP of France
Antoine Meo
– Enduro 1: “It’s been a fantastic event for me and everyone in the
Husqvarna team. I never imagined that I would have so much support from
the spectators - it was incredible. Everywhere around the special test and
course they were cheering me on. It was amazing. I made a lot of mistakes
on the first day and crashed three times but I still managed to win, which
was great. Then again on day two I crashed twice on the enduro test. That
made it really close between Marc Germain and myself. I felt really good
so I was able to push hard right the way until the end of the race, and I
won again. It’s been amazing to win in front of so many of my
supporters.”
Husaberg
Positive end to ’09 WEC series for McLaughlin 
KTM's
Cervantes 2009 E3 World Champion with one race in hand
CH
Racing Husqvarna Factory Enduro Team 2009
While for many the opening day’s competition in Greece proved to be
extremely challenging due to the many hours of competition and blistering
heat Meo made the dry and dusty conditions look relatively simple as he
clocked up special test win after special test win. Having posted the
fastest time of any rider during the Friday night Super Test Antoine went
on to record the fastest E1 class time on the opening seven tests on day
one. Come the end of the day Meo had failed to win just one test and
placed over one-minute ahead of Finn Mika Ahola.
Mika
to fight back a little more, but I guess he is thinking about the
championship a little now. Anyway, I pushed hard and again, from the start
of the day, I was faster than him. I was the fastest overall rider on both
days, which is great for everyone within the team. I feel really, really
confident with my bike now. Competing in the first indoor Endurocross race
in the States a few weeks ago really opened my eyes. I saw just how fast
it was possible to go. Since then I have been working hard on all aspects
of my racing.”
ORIOL MENA BECOMES THE NEW JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION
- Day 2
Husaberg
celebrates new EJ World Champion Oriol Mena
Double E1 class victory for Meo at GP of Mexico
Cervantes
takes 2-1 result in E3 in Mexico
Aubert
scores two more victories in E2
WHAT A SHOW! 
Continued
WEC success for Husqvarna at GP of Slovakia
Podium
for Ljunggren 
Electraction TM UK
KTM's Cervantes continues to dominate E3 class after GP
of Finland 
Already on
Saturday, the KTM factory teammates Cervantes and Aro fought it out for
the final glory in race one of this round of the championships, which was
finally decided in the Spaniard's favour during the last test of the day
on the sandy, stony and bumpy circuit in southern Finland. Ivan took the
test by just 44 hundredths of a second.
KTM's
Remes takes two minor places at home E1 races
Five
podiums for Husqvarna at WEC GP of Finland
Looking
like he would claim two podium results at the third round of the ’09 WEC
series in Sardinia only to finish second and fifth in the competitive E2
class, in Finland Bartosz Oblucki (right) claimed his first double podium
finish of the season aboard his WR250. Despite not feeling as if he was
riding as well as he could Bartosz maintained third place throughout the
opening day and comfortably claimed the final podium spot. On day two
Oblucki again placed third behind Johnny Aubert and Juha Salminen. Come
the end of the second day Bart’ was just 20 seconds behind second placed
Salminen.
In
the hunt for Enduro 3 class victory throughout the opening day’s
competition Seb Guillaume missed out on the top step of the podium by less
than four seconds. With defending E3 world champion Samuli Aro less than
half a second ahead at the end of the day, were it not for a hand full of
small mistakes Seb would likely have claimed his second class win of the
series, but finished third. Day two ended far from well for Seb as a heavy
crash on the day’s penultimate special test saw him drop to seventh in
class. Despite hitting his head hard Seb managed to finish the day and
continues to hold the runner-up position in the Enduro 3 world
championship standings.
Double
WEC points score for Bird at GP of Finland
Electraction
TM UK results service
Electraction
supported Factory TM rider Rodrig Thain (right) endured a tough GP of
Finland placing in seventh in the Enduro 2 class on both days. Despite a
far from perfect performance on the Friday night Super Test Rodrig battled
hard during the opening lap on day one but found the Finnish special tests
not to be to his liking. Despite his best efforts seventh was as good as
he could manage on day one. On day two Rodrig was again unable to match
the pace of the E2 class leaders and claimed seventh. Rodrig holds fifth
in the E2 point standings.
2
more wins for Mena
SUPERSONIC
MIKA AHOLA IN SARDINIA
Two
top E3 results for KTM's Cervantes in Sardinia
Aubert
continues his dream run in E2 in Sardinia
Two
E1 podiums for KTM's Albergoni in Sardinia
Fourth
consecutive pódium for Nambotin
Husaberg
celebrates a strong weekend
A
little bit of luck for Sagar
McLaughlin
claims best ever WEC result at GP of Italy
Husqvarna
enjoy E1, E2 and E3 class success at GP of Italy
With
competition every bit as fierce at the top of the Enduro 2 class in
Sardinia as it was at the opening two rounds of the ’09 WEC series
Bartosz Oblucki (right) found himself sandwiched between Johnny Aubert and
Juha Salminen at the end of the opening day’s competition as he finished
in an impressive second position. Although a little slow to get going in
the morning Bartosz quickly climbed up the results on day one and with
winning performances on the first enduro test and the last extreme test
placed just over one-second ahead of Salminen to claim the runner-up
position. On day two Bartosz again started steadily, due largely to a
broken rear brake pedal on the opening motocross test, but soon found
himself in a five way battle for the runner-up spot. Come the end of the
day Bartosz placed fifth having missed the podium by just two seconds.
Antoine
Meo – Enduro 1: “It’s been a really good event for me. Day one was
especially good finishing second. I wasn’t able to match Mika Ahola’s
speed but I was certainly trying. I didn’t make any mistakes and felt I
rode really well. I really wanted to try and get closer to him on day two
and I pushed a little bit too hard. I crashed on the enduro test and lost
10 seconds, and then tried too hard to make up for that mistake and
crashed on the next extreme test. It’s been a real enduro race – tough
but enjoyable.”
Wakely
in the points again, this time at WEC GP of Italy
Through
the day, the hierarchy of the ENDURO 3 moved, and the rain came to offer
another face to the competition. Dominator on dryness the morning,
national hero Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM) was disturbed on second part of the
day by the French Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA-GASright), always fast under the
water, then Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA), who started the day with a
delay and a wrist injury from the prologue. Profiting from the vivacity
and lightness of their 2 strokes machines, the two French returned on the
Spaniard. Cervantes confirmed his victory in the last special test, with
2.39 seconds in advance on Guillaume and 3.48 on Nambotin. Reigning
champion Samuli ARO (SF-KTM) lost the fourth place against Alessandro
BOTTURI (ITA-KTM). The best BMW rider of the category is David KNIGHT
(GB-BMW), 6th.
TRIPLE
WIN FOR KTM ON SECOND DAY OF THE GRAND PRIX AMV OF SPAIN
2
minutes, it is the incredible record gap that Johnny AUBERT (FRA-KTM)
inflicted to his adversaries in category ENDURO 2. The French takes for
the fourth following time the 25 points of victory and if we compare his
times to the other categories, his hegemony makes of him the best rider of
MAXXIS FIM WEC in this beginning of season. Behind Aubert, the ENDURO 2 is
still exciting. Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) likes the technical and
physical races, he is logically second of the category. Injured to the
lower-abdomen, Rodrig THAIN (FRA-TM) courageously fought to get the third
place in front of Alessandro BELOMETTI (ITA-KTM). After 3 disappointing
rounds, Juha SALMINEN (SF-BMW right) reach the top 5 of E2, he is fifth.
Another weekend, another country as the WEC moves across the Iberian
peninsular to Igualada just west of Barcelona. A large industrial town set
amongst agricultural land and surrounded by hills topped by wind turbines.
The main paddock is right in the town on one side of a dual carriageway
with the Extreme test just a few yards away. Lots of work has been carried
out by team mechanics since last weekend and many hours of testing has
taken place. Now it is time for those riders who are at the top of the
class championships to build on their success and try to establish a
strong lead. However for many riders this weekend will be a show of
strength of character and determination.
The
British lads camped in the B paddock just on the edge of town are in great
spirits and enjoyed a splendid BBQ provided by Bob and Wendy Room and
cooked by two speciality chefs! After all the hours of work on the bikes
and walking the tests they were glad to get through the technical and tuck
the machines into the parc ferme. The weather was still hot and sunny,
though the early morning frost is not welcome nor the cold breeze in the
evenings. So at 7pm on Friday night the Super Special took place using the
Extreme test right in the town centre in front of huge crowds. The Juniors
started first and rode in the last of the daylight and one or two crashed
through the tapes into the crowd. As darkness fell some riders had fitted
lights to their helmets in an attempt to see the obstacles, but to no
avail! The Brits were in fine form and all got through without mishap but
when the times were posted it was Tom Sagar on the big Husaberg who was
the star of the night. Riding smoothly and confidently he was the fastest
in E3 leading Nambotin and Cervantes trailing behind and even Knighter
could not match the youngsters time.
The
Extreme test became a bit of a lottery as riders fell on the rocks and
slippery logs right at the end. Knighter attacked the rocks, Cervantes
fell, Juha rode cleanly, Tom Sagar had to foot as did Si Wakely while
Ashley Wood got through neatly. Greg Evans overtook a slower rider who was
struggling on the rocks and then he fell off big style but Philip
McLaughlin on the TM had to wait when two riders who fell were still in
the way when he arrived at the rocks. So Sala worked out a by pass for the
last lap but there could be some protests. Si Wakely was so unlucky as he
cleared the rocks but found a rider blocking his way through the logs and
his front wheel slipped off and he holed the crankcase cover and ruined
his day. Team mate Aston Bird was settling down and riding steady but the
engine on his Husky nipped up and his day was also ruined.
WEC
Igualada, Spain, Sunday, Day two.
Tom Sagar caught two slower
riders just near the end of the test and he could not get past as they
slid around the corners. Si Wakely dropped the Husky on one of the corners
which cost him some time but on the second lap after the course had dried
out he was flying and beat Salminen and was just a little slower than
Knighter. Out on the hills Toms Huasaberg stopped and that was the end of
his day along with Greg Evans who had hurt his wrist when he fell on the
extreme test.
Podium
finish for Husaberg in Spain
Continued
podium success for Husqvarna at GP of Spain
Antoine
Meo – Enduro 1: “Of course I’m pleased that I finished on the podium
on both days, but like always I’m trying to win. I was really close to
winning on day one but I made a stupid mistake in the extreme test. Also
on day two I was close to Mika Ahola and fighting for the second position
and I made some mistakes. My speed has been good in all of the tests but I
need to remove the mistakes from my riding if I am to have a good chance
of winning. I’m happy with my speed. It wasn’t as hard a race as
Portugal, but it was tough because of the mud. I was too aggressive in the
morning of both days. But I am pleased with finishing third on both days.”
Impressive results
for McLaughlin and Thain at WEC GP of Spain
TM
Factory rider Rodrig Thain also enjoyed a successful GP of Spain. Visiting
the podium on day two of the GP of Portugal the former motocross and
supercross racer again placed top three in Spain, with third on day two.
On day one Rodrig was headed for a top three result but a crash on the
event’s third extreme test saw him finish sixth. With two rounds of the
’09 WEC series now completed Rodrig sits second in the Enduro 2 world
championship standings level on points with Spain’s Cristobal Guerrero.
Wakely
and Houson battle through GP of Spain
With
rain falling on and off during day one heavy overnight rain on Saturday
night ensured a seriously wet second day's competition. Despite the
challenging conditions Si battled through the muddy opening lap and ended
the day scoring world championship points for the second time in as many
races. Si now sits 16th in the Enduro 2 world championship standings.
WEC
Portugal day two, Sunday Report by Dot Jones
Sagar's
mixed start
FIRST DAY OF THE GRAND PRIX POLISPORT OF PORTUGAL
WEC release
A HARD SECOND DAY FOR THE BMW BOYS
Double
victory in E3 for Ivan Cervantes in opening Enduro GP 
Perfect
weekend for KTM's Johnny Aubert in opening rounds of E2 World
Championships
Positive start for KTM's E1 riders first 2009 race
weekend in Portugal 
Tough
weekend for McLaughlin at GP of Portugal
Strong start to ’09 WEC season for CH Racing
Husqvarna
Antoine Meo – Enduro 1: “I’m pleased with my first world
championship race in the Enduro 1 class. Finishing second on day one was
great, especially after I crashed on the extreme test and lost a lot of
time. I hard to work hard all day to reclaim the time I lost, so to finish
on the podium was very positive. It was also Husqvarna’s first world
championship podium with the bike.
Positive
start for Husaberg 
Ljunggren fastest on
Friday’s prologue Swedish rider Joakim Ljunggren started the weekend
with a successful performance on Friday night, when the world championship
series launched a new feature, a special test in a stadium atmosphere
where riders competed on a one-on-one basis in front of a large crowd.
Rider’s times counted for Saturday’s race. Ljunggren was fastest
overall and although he had the edge for Saturday had his share of bad
luck in that race. “I didn’t feel that good in the morning,” he said
later. “I wasn’t that good in the motocross test but I worked really
hard and was very good in the extreme, which I liked a lot. Then I was
feeling great. I was going fast and standing up on the pegs then I went
through a puddle of water and hit a stone. The chain came off and got
stuck in the sprockets. I lost about 30 seconds getting the bike going
again.” He finished seventh on the day and managed to improve two places
on Sunday.