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Indoor World Enduro Championship - Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona - 31st January 2010

Robert Crawford Competes at Barcelona Indoor Enduro Report/ Photo: Robert Lynn

The final round of the World Indoor Enduro championship staged at the Palau Sant Jordi stadium, Barcelona marked one of personal improvement for former trials ace Robert Crawford. Having missed the previous round in Vigo, Spain due to personal commitments the KTM rider was hopeful of a strong showing in Barcelona to finish out the season. With only four riders making a direct transfer through each qualification heat to the main event finals it would be a testing seven-lap dash for Crawford. Gating mid pack, Robert quickly put himself within shot of a transfer spot but in a sport were positions change in an instant, Crawford hopes quickly vanished after a costly fall in the rock section which left him missing the cut off for the main event finals. He would now line up for the evening's Day and Night races.

Obviously frustrated with failing to make the main show, Robert was happy with his riding, which had improved greatly over round two in Genoa, Italy. Entering the evening races his new game plan was to not rush his riding in an effort to reduce any costly mistakes. The tactic began to pay dividends as Crawford rounded out the opening lap in 4th before reaching as high as 3rd by mid-distance. With a top three result looking possible, his luck ran out when he got caught up again in the unforgiving rocks ending up 5th by the chequered flag. With the Night race being exactly that, the stadium lights were turned off and the riders set off for a 4-lap dash in total darkness. With his headlight not working properly Robert wisely played it safe and took his Norman Watt Motorcycles KTM home to 8th.

“I've thoroughly enjoyed getting involved with these indoor races. Although I haven't been properly prepared leading into this series, my riding has improved greatly as the series wore on. Tonight I felt that even with the world-class competition here, it's possible for me to make the main event. I was more comfortable in the evening races, my lap times reduced considerably and with more practice during the off-season I hope to return next year and be a better contender for the Main Finals. Thanks are also due to those that have been helping me out: Norman Watt Motorcycles, Sign Lines, Shoei Helmets, No Fear and Paul McGuire”

Robert's next extreme event will be the Tough One at Nantmawr Quarry, Oswestry, Wales on February 20th.