St Flour Set For Explosive EWC Finale!
Returning to action following a two-month summer break, the FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship heads to St Flour in France for the seventh and final round of the season. With the French fanatical about their enduro, the Grand Prix AMV of France is set to bring the 2013 EWC season to an exciting and dramatic close in St Flour on September 6-8.
With three world titles already awarded, the Grand Prix AMV of France eagerly awaits the outcome of the hotly contest Enduro 2, Enduro Junior and Women’s Cup categories.
Unsurprisingly, it is the Moto Club du Haut Cantal that has been designated by the FIM and the French Motorcycling Federation (FFM) to organize the seventh round of the 2013 EWC series. For this assignment, the big question posed by experts is as follows: “Can the Moto Club du Haut Cantal do better than in 2009? » To this Stéphane FAGHEON, President of a club that needs no introduction, answers in the columns of French magazine Moto Verte:” Our goal is to do as well or better than in 2009. And we are actively working for over a year and a half for it … ” Remarks confirmed by Gio SALA (FIM Race Inspector):” The 2013 race is much more difficult than in 2009. It looks like a real enduro race with very technical sections were everyone will suffer – including the champions!”
With a more difficult and technical track than four years ago, there’s something to test the stars of the EWC and excite all the masses of enduro enthusiasts whether they are French, Spanish or Italian. For 2013 the paddock will be at the foot of St Pierre Cathedral, in the main square of St Flour. Regarding the special tests, the president of MCHC says: “We have sought the proximity to the city center. The Enduro test is in the same place than in 2009, just 5 minutes from downtown, but it will be much longer.
“For their part, the Xtreme Test and Cross Test will be located on the outskirts of the city. The public can go by foot or even by shuttle bus that we will organize with one of our sponsors. The Xtreme test will take place in the ruins of an old farmhouse and should be worth a visit while the Cross Test will be in a large field with various passages between the trees.”
In addition, the KTM Super Test will be held on Friday night, as it was four years ago, near the exit of the A75 from 19.00. And of course, the legendary “côte des écoliers” will be part of one of the many technical sections of the liaison…
St Flour is located in the region of Auvergne and department of Cantal. This charming town of about 7000 inhabitants is situated on a large volcanic place of Cantal, Planz, at 900 meters of altitude. St Flour is situated 74 kilometers east of Aurillac and 100 kilometers south of Clermont-Ferrand. It is also located on the axis of the A75 highway from Paris to Béziers.
— Can SALVINI be crowned on Saturday?
In the Enduro 1 class, after the fourth title of Antoine MEO (FRA – KTM) was confirmed at the Grand Prix of Greece last June, it only remains to define the Vice-Champion. Spectators will delight in a tense battle between Juha SALMINEN (FIN – HVA) and teammate Matti SEISTOLA (FIN – HVA) for this symbolic role. Only two points separate the two Finns in the provisional standings and there’s no doubt that they both have their sights set on claiming that runner-up result. We will also have to count on the official KTM of Meo, who without pressure should ensure the show he did last year in Brignoles. Three riders can expect to make a final two spots in the E1 top five. Indeed, Eero REMES (SF – TM), Cristobal GUERRERO (ESP – KTM) and Jeremy JOLY (F – Honda) are very close and they will watch the slightest mistake of one or the other.
As the only major championship yet to be decided, the Enduro 2 category awaits it’s new champion of 2013. Indeed, despite a 33-point lead over his nearest rival Pierre-Alexandre RENET (F – Husaberg), the leader Alex SALVINI (I – HM Honda) is not yet safe from a bad luck… but the Italian can settle for a 9th place result on Saturday to be crowned champion on day one. The runner-up is also yet to be determined. And it’s likely that this position will be fought out until the very end. RENET is only seven points clear of Ivan CERVANTES (ESP – KTM) and 11 of Johnny AUBERT (FRA – KTM). The Husaberg racer will attempt to contain the various attacks of the KTM duo while attempting to delay the crowning of SALVINI. Behind this quartet, we will also count on the return of David KNIGHT (GB – Honda) who is finally recovered from his bad wrist injury and could become a deciding factor in the race for the Vice-Champion. Finally, Victor GUERRERO (ESP – KTM), Oriol MENA (E – Husaberg) and Lorenzo SANTOLINO (E – HVA) should provide a great show for the last runner-up in the Top 5.
Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRA – KTM) was crowned the Enduro 3 World Champion in June in Kastoria (Greece) so the race for second place remains very open between Joakim LJUNGGREN (S – Husaberg) and Aigar LEOK (EST – TM).
The Estonian has however the advantage leading into St Flour and holds a 10-point lead over the Swede. But LJUNGGREN won’t want to let Leok beat him, as a final third place would be a disappointing end to his season. LEOK and LJUNGGREN will also have to keep an eye on Luis CORREIA (P – Beta), Manuel MONNI (I – KTM), Deny PHILIPPAERTS (I – Beta), the comeback of Rodrig THAIN (F – Gas Gas) and of course Mathias BELLINO (F – Husaberg) who will focus, on his land, to win his first Senior race.
— Will PHILLIPS Win In Enduro Junior?
In the Enduro Junior class, the title seems to be headed the direction of the Australian Matthew PHILLIPS (AUS – HVA). Now 29 points ahead of his rival Giacomo REDONDI (I – KTM), the official HVA has all the cards to be crowned champion on Saturday evening. But will the “Minotaur”, as nicknamed by his manager Fabrizio AZZALIN, withstand the pressure? Hoping he won’t is Redondi who has a very small chance of title. Based on the results of the last Grand Prix, the two young prodigies must also contend with the former crossman Loïc LARRIEU (F – Husaberg), Mario ROMAN (E – Husaberg) and Danny MCCANNEY (GB – Gas Gas). Moving into EJ for the GP of France, 2013 FIM Youth Cup 125cc World Champion Jamie MCCANNEY (GB – Husaberg) is eager to show what he can do against his peers as he prepares for his assault on the class next season. In FIM Youth Cup 125cc, with the absence of the World Champion, the way seems open for Albin ELOWSON (S – Husaberg), Benjamin HERRERA (CL – TM) and Dawid CIUCCI (I – KTM) to contend for victory.
Finally, in the Women’s class, despite only being six points ahead of Jessica GARDINER (AUS – Sherco), one wonders who will stop Laïa SANZ (E – Honda) in her quest for a second world title. Behind her, GARDINER will have to withstand the attacks of Jane DANIELS (GB – Husaberg) to maintain her position as runner-up. For their part, the French Juliette BERREZ (Yam), Geraldine FOURNEL (Husaberg), Audrey ROSSAT (KTM) and Samantha TICHET (KTM) will want to shine in front of their audience while Jemma WILSON (AUS – Honda) will try to continue her improvement on the International level.
The caravan of the EWC therefore lays its bags for the last time of the year in one enduro’s Meccas in St Flour, France. All the many enduro fans expected will witness a thrilling final in the Junior and E2 categories and the second crowning of global motorcycle sports Queen, Laïa SANZ. See you on Friday, September 6th at 19:00 in the heart of St Flour for a grand finale!
St Flour (Department of Cantal) ;
– 74 kms East of Aurillac ;
– Friday 6 September : KTM Super Test : 19h00 ;
– Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September : Start : 9h00 et Arrival: 16h00 ;
– Organizer : Moto Club Haut Cantal;
– Track : 50kms – 4 laps ;
Previously in Greece for round six…… Meo and Nambotin Crowned World Champions – Phillips on the podium
E1 Results Rds. 11-12 in Kastoria
1, Antoine Meo, France, KTM, (1 – 1)
2, Cristobal Guerrero, Spain, KTM, (2 – 2)
3, Maurizio Micheluz, Italy, Suzuki, (7 – 3)
4, Matti Seistola, Finland, Husqvarna, (4 – 4)
5, Jeremy Tarroux, France, Sherco, (5 – 5)
E1 Standings after Round 12
1, Antoine Meo, 231 (2013 World Champion)
2, Juha Salminen, 169
3, Matti Seistola, 167
4, Eero Remes, 143
5, Cristobal Guerrero, 124
E2 Results
1, Alex Salvini, Italy, HM-Honda, (2 – 1)
2, Pierre-Alexandre Renet, France, Husaberg, (1 – 2)
3, Ivan Cervantes, Spain, KTM, (8 – 3)
4, Johnny Aubert, France, KTM, (3 – 4)
5, Victor Guerrero, Spain, KTM, (5 – 5)
E2 Standings after Round 12
1, Alex Salvini, 223
2, Pierre-Alexandre Renet, 190
3, Ivan Cervantes, 183
4, Johnny Aubert, 179
5, Victor Guerrero, 121
E3 Results
1, Christophe Nambotin, France, KTM, (1 – 1)
2, Mathias Bellino, France, Husaberg, (3 – 2)
3, Aigar Leok, Estonia, TM, (5 – 3)
4, Luis Correia, Portugal, Beta, (9 – 4)
5, Deny Philippaerts, Italy, Beta, (6 – 5)
E3 Standings after Round 12
1, Christophe Nambotin, 230
2, Aigar Leok, 171
3, Joakim Ljunggren, 161
4, Luis Correia, 143
5, Mathias Bellino, 113
EJ Results
1, Loic Larrieu, France, Husaberg, (3 – 1)
2, Giacomo Redondi, Italy, KTM, (2 – 2)
3, Matthew Philips, Australia, Husqvarna, (1 – 3)
4, Danny McCanney, Great Britain, Gas-Gas, (6 – 4)
5, Nicolo Mori, Italy, Beta, (7 – 5)
EJ Standings after Round 12
1, Matthew Philips, 215
2, Giacomo Redondi, 186
3, Daniel McCanney, 151
4, Mario Roman-Cerrano, 149
5, Loic Larrieu, 132
Youth Cup
1, Albin Elowson, Sweden, Husaberg, (2 – 1)
2, Davide Soreca, Italy, Yamaha, (6 – 2)
3, Benjamin Herrera, Chile, TM, (4 – 3)
Youth Cup Standings after Round 12
1, Jamie McCanney, 214
2, Albin Elowson, 181
3, Benjamin Herrera, 160
4, Dawid Ciucci, 127
5, Jesper Borjesson, 115
The Maxxis Enduro World Championship GP Maxxis of Greece ends in joy, as KTM’s Antoine MEO and Christophe NAMBOTIN are crowned world champions in Kastoria. With both riders claiming victory on day two in their respective classes, MEO secured the Enduro 1 World Championship while NAMBOTIN claimed the Enduro 3 World Championship. Moving one step closer to winning his first world title, Italy’s Alex SALVINI (Honda) won the Enduro 2 class while France’s Loic LARRIEU (Husaberg) recorded his debut EWC win with victory in the Enduro Junior category.
Despite needing to place 14th or better to secure the E3 title, France’s Christophe NAMBOTIN quickly took control of the race lead at the end of the first lap. Setting the fastest time in nine of the day’s 12 special tests the Frenchman rode into the Parc Ferme at the end of the day as victor and world champion. “It’s incredible to win the championship again,” told NAMBOTIN. “I knew that I didn’t need to win the race in order to secure the title but I was so comfortable in my riding that I wanted to take the title with a victory. I’m so happy to be a world champion.” While NAMBOTIN secured the race win the battle for the runner-up position was fought out between France’s Mathias BELLINO (Husaberg) and Estonia’s Aigar LEOK (TM). Overcoming a big crash on the final cross test, BELLINO held on to take second. Unable to capitalise on his rival’s mistake, LEOK completed the top three. Placing just two seconds behind LEOK, Portugal’s Luis CORREIA (Beta) was fourth with Italy’s Deny PHILLIPAERTS (Beta) rounding out the top five.
In the Enduro 1 class the day belonged to France’s Antoine MEO. Topping all but one of the day’s special tests, MEO claimed his 11th win of the season. Placing over one-minute clear of his nearest rival, the KTM rider clinched his fourth consecutive enduro world championship. “Aside from one small mistake it was a perfect day for me,” told MEO. “It feels great to win the title. It’s been a great season. I worked hard all year for this moment – I’m so happy right now.” In the fight for the runner-up result Spain’s Cristobal GUERRERO (KTM) edged out Italy’s Maurizio MICHELUZ (Suzuki) to take the position. Returning to the podium for the first time since the GP of Italy in 2008, MICHELUZ placed third. Losing out on the fight for a podium result, Finland’s Matti SEISTOLA (Husqvarna) finished just one second behind Micheluz to end his day in fourth. Sherco’s Jeremy TARROUX (F) rounded out the top five.
Securing victory by the narrowest of margins, Alex SALVINI beat France’s Pela RENET (Husaberg) by three tenths of a second to take the Enduro 2 class win. With the duo locked in a fierce battle for the duration of the day it was the Honda rider’s time in the final extreme test that ultimately secured him the win. “I fought all day long with Renet for the victory,” remarked SALVINI. “Entering the final test there was nothing to separate us. Thankfully I just managed to do enough to win – that was one of the best races of the year.” Despite his best efforts, RENET was unable to secure a double E2 victory at the GP of Greece and had to settle for second position. Completing the top three Spain’s Ivan CERVANTES (KTM) took third. KTM’s Johnny AUBERT (F) ended his day in fourth with Spain’s Victor GUERRERO (KTM) completing the top five.
In the Enduro Junior class a new winner emerged as France’s Loic LARRIEU (Husaberg) fended off Italy’s Giacomo REDONDI (KTM) to take the win. With REDONDI finishing second, Australia’s Matt PHILLIPS (Husqvarna) placed just four tenths of a second behind the Italian to complete the top three. Manxman Danny MCCANNEY (Gas Gas) was fourth with Italy’s Nicolo MORI (Beta) ending his day in fifth. In the Enduro Youth Cup Sweden’s Albin ELOWSON (Husaberg) took his first win of the season. Benefiting from the retirement of day one winner Jamie MCCANNEY (GB-Husaberg) the young Swede held off Italy’s Davide SORECA (YAMAHA) for victory. Chile’s Benjamin HERRERA (TM) rounded out the top three.
The Maxxis Enduro World Championship concludes with the final round of the season in St Flour France on September 7/8.
— KTM Report
KTM’s Antoine Meo and Christophe Nambotin continued their almost uninterrupted run of success in the E1 and E3 World Championships in Kastoria Greece at the weekend to seal both 2013 world titles with two rounds of the competition still in hand.
KTM can also add two additional titles to their already impressive honors list as the Manufacturers Award for both E1 and E2 also go to the Austrian offroad specialist.
The two French factory riders have both had an almost unblemished record in the twelfth round of the competition (from a total of 14) and at the GP of Greece performed no differently. Both picked up double wins in Kastoria to reclaim their world titles won for the KTM factory team in 2012. They can now return to France for the final two rounds in September and enjoy the accolades that will come their way from the enthusiastic French fans.
The weekend started strongly for the KTM riders on Saturday although Meo had to fight his way back into contention to recover a 12-second deficit after an uncharacteristic crash in Friday night’s KTM Super Test. But after a string of strong rides in the first half of the day he had reached his ascendency and was in overall lead by the second Enduro Test. From then on it was business as usual. “Winning the first test really helped me to catch up and once I got into the lead I just tried to maintain it. Thankfully it all turned out good in the end,” Meo remarked after Saturday’s test. He was also well supported in E1 this weekend with Spanish teammate Cristobal Guerrero picking up a pair of well deserved podium seconds.
Meanwhile in E3, Nambotin charged through all of Saturday’s tests in blistering form with the exception of an eighth place in the second Extreme test. He didn’t even lose his overall lead. On Sunday, he finished third in the opening cross test but retook the lead after the second test and never looked back from that point in time.
The E2 team of Johnny Aubert and Ivan Cervantes both had their moments of brilliance and disappointments in Kastoria. Cervantes had a substantial crash in the second Enduro Test on Saturday and fought hard to make up the deficit to finish overall fifth. Aubert also had a problem in the third cross test but was still rewarded at the end of the day with a podium third. On Sunday Cervantes rallied to take the podium third, while Aubert finished fourth after a solid ride.
Riders and teams were confronted with searing heat, especially on Saturday negotiating their way across the challenging cross and Enduro tests in the mountains around Kastoria. The extreme test was on the shores of the lake at Kastoria.
— Husqvarna Report
Podium delight for Phillips at EWC GP of Greece
Husqvarna Enduro Team by Monster Energy CH Racing’s Matt Phillips extended his Enduro Junior championship lead at the penultimate round of the Enduro World Championship in Kastoria, Greece with a double podium visit.
However, it was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the team as Enduro 1 class contenders Juha Salminen and Matti Seistola (both on TE250R) struggled to gel with the dry, dusty and hard packed terrain. Securing his best result of the season, Lorenzo Santolino placed fourth in the Enduro 2 category.
Continuing to lead the way in the Enduro Junior class, Matt Phillips on his TE310R enjoyed a race win on day one to further cement his position as the championship leader. Starting in the best possible way Phillips set the fastest time in the first three special tests. But with his rivals in close contention the young Australian was forced to work hard for the win. Entering the final test of the day separated from the second place rider by less than one-second, Phillips delivered the goods to secure a slender two-second margin of victory.
Hopeful of a repeat performance on day two, Phillips made a few mistakes early on and dropped back. Regrouping in the latter half of the day, the Husqvarna TE310R rider fought hard to finish in third position but was only four tenths of a second short of claiming the runner-up result. With his pair of podium results Phillips heads to the final round of the season in France with a healthy 29-point lead in the championship standings.
Despite battling through the discomfort of a broken right toe, Matti Seistola on his TE250R delivered a solid performance in the Enduro 1 class to place fourth both days. Slow to start day one, Seistola began to improve as the day progressed. Topping the final extreme test, the Finn ended fourth overall.
Knowing he had the speed to fight for the podium Seistola began day two in a determined fashion. Engaged in a fierce battle for the runner-up result, the Husqvarna TE250R rider fought hard. Missing out on a top three finish by just one second, the Finn placed fourth.
For Juha Salminen the GP of Greece was one of frustration. Hopeful of challenging for victory like he had done one week earlier in Romania, the Finn failed to gel with the dry and dusty terrain. Ending day one in sixth position, Salminen slipped back to seventh on day two.
Competing in the highly competitive Enduro 2 category, Lorenzo Santolino achieved his best finish of the season on day one with a fourth place position. Consistently improving with each round of the series, Santolino on his TE310R spent the majority of day one racing for a podium result. He finished in fourth place, but just nine seconds shy of third. On day two the Spaniard battled hard for another top five position only to miss out by less than half a second.
The Enduro World Championship continues with the GP of France on September 7-8.
Juha Salminen (Enduro 1 – TE250R): “It’s been a difficult weekend. I just couldn’t get comfortable and my results suffered. I lacked confidence in the terrain and then had a big crash on the extreme test. I need to review this race and decide what to improve on for the final round of the season in France.”
Matti Seistola (Enduro 1 – TE 250): “It’s frustrating to race injured like this. I know I could deliver a better result if I was healthy – Greece was all about damage limitation. By finishing fourth overall both days I was able to protect my third position in the championship. With one round left it’s still possible to take second. With two months to recover I want to finish off the season strong in France.”
Matt Phillips (Enduro Junior – TE 310): “It’s been another important weekend for the championship. Winning day one was great and to finish in a strong position on day two was very satisfying. I really enjoyed the battle for the win on day one – it was close all day. Entering the final test there was only one second separating three riders so I knew I had to deliver a perfect test. On day two I struggled with dehydration midway through the day. Racing in the hot weather was difficult but I dug deep and worked my way back into contention. It was disappointing to miss out on second position by three tenths of a second but I was pleased with my riding in the latter part of the day. Overall it’s been a solid weekend and I feel we’re in the best possible position to secure the title in France.”
Lorenzo Santolino (Enduro 2 – TE 310): “Each weekend I feel stronger and stronger. I was so happy to achieve my best result of the season on day one but also to have been in contention for a podium result. On day two I was riding good but had a crash in the cross test and that cost me a lot of time. I’m happy with how this race has gone and I’m looking forward to the final round of the season in France.”Renet Victorious On Day One In Greece – Phillips wins amazing duel with Redondi
KTM’s Antoine MEO and Christophe NAMBOTIN moved one step closer to securing their respective world titles with victory on day one at the Maxxis Enduro World Championship GP Maxxis of Greece in Kastoria.
Husaberg’s Pela RENET returned to the top step of the podium in the Enduro 2 category while Husqvarna’s Matt PHILLIPS took the win in the Enduro Junior class.
With temperatures soaring above 35 degrees, the competitors of the EWC faced an extremely hot and tiring day of racing. Battling their way around the cross and enduro test located high in the mountains above the picturesque lakeside town of Kastoria they then returned to the lakeshore for the extreme test.
Edging ever closer to the successful defence of his Enduro 3 world championship, France’s Christophe NAMBOTIN (KTM) was the clear winner on day one. Aside from a small mistake on the third extreme test, the KTM rider enjoyed a comfortable victory.
“It was a good day but it was also a tough one,” remarked NAMBOTIN. “The weather was very hot and tiring but I’m pleased to have won. Hopefully I can have another good day like this tomorrow and win the championship.”
Proving fast and confident in the dry and dusty terrain, France’s Fabien PLANET (Sherco) delivered his debut podium in E3. Hampered by a crash on the first cross test, France’s Mathias BELLINO (Husaberg) fought hard to recover from his mistake and ended his day third overall. Placing ten seconds behind his teammate, Sweden’s Joakim LJUNGGREN (Husaberg) was fourth with Estonia’s Aigar LEOK (TM) in fifth.
Despite getting his GP Maxxis of Greece off to the worst possible start with a crash on the Friday SuperTest, France’s Antoine MEO (KTM) still claimed the Enduro 1 class win.
“I was unfortunate to crash in the SuperTest and I had to fight hard to win,” told MEO. “Winning the first test really helped me to catch up and once I got into the lead I just tried to maintain it. Thankfully it all turned out good in the end.”
Holding the runner-up position until the second lap, France’s Nicolas DEPARROIS (Yamaha) dropped out of contention with a mechanical issue. His misfortune was Spain’s Cristobal GUERRERO’s gain and the KTM rider secured second place.
Claiming his debut senior podium, France’s Jeremy JOLY (Honda) completed the top three. Still struggling with a broken toe, Finland’s Matti SEISTOLA (Husqvarna) delivered a gritted performance to finish fourth while France’s Jeremy TARROUX (Sherco) rounded out the top five.
Finally returning to the top step of the podium since his day one win at the season opener in Chile, France’s Pela RENET (Husaberg) claimed the E2 win. Battling hard with Italy’s Alex SALVINI (Honda), RENET placed just over two seconds clear of his rival to take the victory.
“I’m so happy to have finally won again,” remarked RENET. “It was a really close battle with Alex but I managed to give it my best. Today the win was mine.”
Hindered by a crash midway through the day, SALVINI placed as runner-up to RENET. Unable to consistently match the pace of the leading duo, France’s Johnny AUBERT (KTM) ended his day in third. Securing his best ever result in E2, Spain’s Lorenzo SANTOLINO (Husqvarna) placed just nine seconds behind AUBERT to take fourth. Spain’s Victor GUERRERO (KTM) rounded out the top five.
In the Enduro Junior class the battle for the win went right to the final special test with Australia’s Matt PHILLIPS (Husqvarna) emerging victorious.
With nothing to separate the top three riders, PHILLIPS set the fastest time in the final test to win day one. Italy’s Giacomo REDONDI (KTM) finished as runner-up to PHILLIPS with France’s Loic LARRIEU (Husaberg) completing the top three. Spain’s Mario ROMAN (Husaberg) placed just one-second behind Larrieu to take fourth while Sweden’s Robert KVARNSTROM (Beta) rounded out the top five.
In the Enduro Youth Cup class, newly crowned champion Jamie MCCANNEY (Husaberg) claimed the victory on day one. Sweden’s Albin ELOWSON (Husaberg) finished as runner-up to the Manxman with Italy’s Dawid CIUCCI (KTM) completing the top three. Chile’s Benjamin HERRERA (TM) and France’s Jeremy MIRIOR (Yamaha) rounded out the top five.
